Meet the Team

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Alex Powrie

Sales Consultant

Alex started out in property as a lettings consultant in Brighton & Hove, before joining the Oakley sales team in June 2019 having always wanted to follow in his parents footsteps of property sales. Alex excels in customer care and enjoys building relationships with purchasers and sellers, being fluent in Italian & speaking some French is often beneficial!

When Alex isn’t working you can find him on a Golf course somewhere around Sussex or in Brighton Marina fishing.

Alison Snell

Accounts

Alison is the head accountant within our Management Department and is responsible for the day to day accounting in respect of all the properties that we manage.

She joined the company in 2008 and has over 30 years’ experience in accounting, most of which was gained within the legal sector. She also has experience in residential estate agency and residential and commercial conveyancing. Alison has various accounting qualifications and is also a part qualified licensed conveyancer.

Alistair Lennox

Lettings Accounts Manager

Alistair is part of our lettings team, and has great experience having worked previously with two other local agencies.

Alistair is well organised in his approach, making sure our landlords are paid in a timely manner, our tenants are paying their rent on time, and is in control of all financial elements of our lettings department.

Alistair, originally from the Guildford area, moved to Brighton after completing his history degree at University, and likes to relax with a good book, and also follows both Surrey and England Cricket teams.

Amber Makey

New Homes Consultant

Amber has successfully worked her way through property apprenticeships, having worked in the industry since leaving school. With a background in both sales and property management, there are not many scenarios Amber hasn’t encountered!

Amber specialises in new homes and shared ownership, her experience, enthusiasm and impeccable attention to detail makes her an integral part of the Oakley new homes team.

Having lived in Sussex her entire life, Amber also has a fantastic local knowledge.

In her spare time, she enjoys eating out at local restaurants and spending time with friends.

Amy Howourth

Assistant Lettings Manager

Amy has great lettings experience gained both from working with us, and previously as a Lettings Manager in her home town in the Midlands. Amy is more than used to dealing with Tenants and Landlords, ensuring that properties are let quickly and landlords and tenants are kept informed. She is extremely organised making sure that our applicant data base is kept up to date, and enjoys building relationships with our clients.

Outside of work she likes to spend quality time with her friends and family and enjoys a good old pub quiz.

Andrew Hovey

Director

Andrew has worked in the Brighton & Hove residential property industry since 1997. During his career he has gained wide ranging experience, having worked with small independent single branch companies, as well as managing a multi-branch corporate setup covering most of Sussex. He was the President of the Brighton & Hove Estate Agents Association during 2019 and remains an active member of their council, helping to maintain industry standards as well as raising money for local charities.

Andrew lives in Brighton with his wife and son, and enjoys running, playing golf and going to the gym.

Andrew Russell

Sales Manager

Andy joined the Oakley residential team in 2021, having worked in the Brighton & Hove housing market for over 20 years he’s bringing immense knowledge, insight &  experience to the team. He loves the unique character of Brighton & Hove and thrives on giving a top class, professional & friendly service to both buyers & sellers; which has resulted in many repeat clients.

Andrew is married with two children and enjoys stand up paddleboarding, photography, running and attending live music. 

Baiba Smeltere MSc

Commercial Property Manager

Baiba has worked in property management for over 10 years and has gained experience in major property management companies as well as boutique family owned firms. Baiba has a Master’s degree in Estate and Property Management, is an associate member of RICS, and is a member of the Institute of Residential Property Management. In her present role, Baiba is responsible for the day to day management of Oakley’s commercial portfolio.

Outside of work, Baiba is a keen baker and gardener and can often be found baking in her kitchen using her homegrown fruit and vegetables.

Caroline Dobson

Property Management Accountant

Caroline joined Oakley Commercial in May 2016 after working within the banking industry for 19 years. She is a key member of the management team and deals with all property management accounts for the company. Caroline has a keen eye for detail and has invaluable knowledge around confidentiality and data protection.

In her spare time, she is a member of her local hockey club and thoroughly enjoys the training, match days and social side to it.

Carolyn Clarke

Lewes Sales Manager

Carolyn has a wealth of experience having previously managed offices for a well-known corporate agent. Carolyn loves period property but also has a real passion for new homes and contemporary architecture. Living in the area all of her life, Carolyn's local knowledge is second to none and with experience over a cross section of property, the advice she offers to clients around valuations and home staging is absolutely invaluable. You only have to look at our Google reviews to see how clients love her attention to detail and enthusiasm for the industry.

Carolyn truly does love property and in her spare time, enjoys staying in various places from the Ultimate contemporary concrete property abroad, to a thatched english country cottage - everything from the weird to the wonderful!

Charley Hill

Commercial Administrator & Coordinator

Charley has worked in the property industry for nearly a decade now, in numerous roles in Lettings, Agency, Compliance, and in Property Management, across both residential and commercial estate agency.

Having been a residential tenant in Brighton and Hove, and until recently also owning property as a Landlord, Charley has personal experience to add to extensive knowledge of the residential buying, selling and letting process, and is now enjoying learning more about the commercial agency side of things.

Outside of work, Charley is a (reluctant) gym-goer, which helps keep her fitness levels up in order to run around after her toddler!

Charlotte McMahon

Property Manager

Bio. 

Cherie Paternoster

Sales Consultant

Cherie has extensive experience having worked in the public sector in the UK & abroad. She has always had a keen interest in property & even on holiday has been known to explore the local property market.

Cherie has worked with Oakley for a number of years, running show homes and working with new homes clients both on site and from the office. Cherie now looks after the Lewes office on a Saturday, managing all aspects of the business from sales, to lettings and new homes.

Cherie’s interest are health & wellbeing, and she enjoys exploring the Sussex countryside and coastal areas.

Chris Oakley MRICS

Executive Chairman

Having founded Oakley Commercial in 1993, Chris has guided the company to grow into what is now one of the largest commercial and residential property consultancies in the Sussex area.

He started his property career in 1983 upon leaving sixth form when he joined a Lewes based multi-disciplinary firm of Chartered Surveyors. Chris obtained a broad cross section of experience but was attracted to commercial property and development, which is where he has focused his career. Studying by day release Chris qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1990. Chris is Brighton born and bred, although now lives in Lewes.

Whilst responsible for overseeing the growth of the company and new business opportunities, he is still passionate about doing deals and personally handles many transactions for both old and new clients.

Coco Gaglione

Property Manager

Coco started in the Property Industry in 2018 as a letting agent and office manager in London. She is well experienced in managing large property portfolios – specialising in residential property. Her process driven outlook, keen eye for detail, and negotiation skills allow her to maintain a positive relationship with tenants, landlords and contractors, ensuring that any property needs are met promptly and reliably.

Outside of work Coco loves exercising, traveling, as well as enjoying music and food venues. 

David Beaken

Director

David is an equity director and, working out of the Lewes office, heads up our New Homes Division, to the north of the conurbation of Brighton & Hove, in East Sussex. Born and bred in Sussex, David has great knowledge of the local market having worked on a variety of property types including sea front mansions, country homes and brand new developments. David started his career as a junior with a well established independent agency 20 years ago. David joined Oakley in 2013 and was rewarded for his hard work and commitment when he became a director in 2016. David loves traditional period property but now spends the majority of his time working on New Homes and has recently advised upon a 105 unit mixed use scheme of flats and houses at Southdowns Park in Lewes, where he has delivered a full marketing solution for River Oaks Homes. He has developed a strong track record for working collaboratively for regional developers on multiple sites, such as Gold Developments and Green Rock.

David is heavily involved in the local property community and one of his proudest moments was being President of The Brighton & Hove Estate Agents Association in 2020. The BHEAA is an association set up to primarily raise money for charity and to help raise standards in the industry. The personal approach is extremely important to David who has built a sound reputation over many years in the industry as a knowledgeable and ethical property professional.

David Marsh

Senior Commercial Agent

David joined the Oakley Commercial Agency team based at our Head Office in March 2024, having previously held the position of Senior Negotiator in an established West Sussex based commercial agency for a number of years. He is experienced in a wide range of commercial agency including industrial, retail and investment properties.

Outside of work David lives in Ashington with his wife and their two young sons. On the rare occasion he has a spare moment, he enjoys various country pursuits including clay pigeon and rifle shooting. 

Dimple Lathia BA (Hons)

Residential Sales Administrator

Dimple moved to Brighton in 2015 where she obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. She worked in the world of education for several years before taking the jump into the property industry. She has multiple years of admin experience which she now utilises in her role as an administrator at Oakely.

Dimple's passion is baking and when she's not at work you will often find her in the kitchen baking cakes, brownies and cookies.

Emily Davies

Sales & Lettings Consultant

Emily has a wealth of experience as an estate agent within the Shoreham property market.

She is friendly, professional and helps clients on a daily basis to negotiate their way through a move, making it as stress free as possible.

Outside of work, she lives locally and is a mum of three which keeps her pretty busy, however, she does have a passion for exotic animals and martial arts.

Fleur Walsh MSc Marketing & Consumer Psychology

Marketing Coordinator

Fleur joined Oakley Property to further enhance the company’s marketing initiatives and bring fresh, creative energy to the team. With four years of experience in marketing and a Master’s degree in Marketing and Consumer Psychology from the University of Sussex, she has a strong foundation in understanding consumer behaviour and creating impactful campaigns. Fleur is dedicated to delivering innovative strategies that resonate with Oakley’s diverse clientele, supporting the company’s continued growth and reputation for excellence.

Outside of work, Fleur is a devoted Formula 1 fan, rarely missing a race or qualifying session. When she’s not following the action on the track, she enjoys hiking, camping, and foraging in the South Downs.

Gemma Wilcox

Lettings Consultant

Gemma has been working in the property industry for over 15 years, predominately in Residential Lettings and Property Management. Having worked in Shoreham for 10 years she has excellent working relationships with local landlords, tenants and contractors teamed with excellent local knowledge. 

Gemma has a friendly and approachable personality, works efficiently and is keen to provide excellent customer service.

Outside of work Gemma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cycling and new adventures.

Grace Trathan

Property Consultant

Grace lives locally and knows Lewes like the back of her hand. Having worked for both corporate and independent companies within the local property industry, she has an excellent understanding of all aspects of the business.

Grace looks after the front of house side of the office, ensuring everything runs smoothly and she is likely to be the first person you encounter when contacting the Lewes team. Her experience, combined with her local knowledge, makes her the perfect person to welcome you and direct your enquiries.

In her spare time, Grace enjoys meeting with friends, trying new restaurants and of course, going on holiday!  

Hannah Noonan

Property Manager

Hannah joined the Lettings team at our Head Office as Property Manager in January 2024. She has been in Property Management for 5 years, and offers great experience in managing New Builds and New Developments in Sussex.

In her spare time Hannah enjoys socialising with friends and family, and you can find her front and centre at any big rugby events, especially if it involves the Ireland rugby team!

Hannah Wells

Sales Consultant

Hannah joined the Oakley sales team in 2022 following a period working in the lettings side of the industry.

Her time working in the Brighton & Hove lettings market has helped Hannah excel in customer service and absorb a very useful knowledge of the City’s layout and amenities.

Outside of work Hannah loves to travel, as well as making the most of the many great music and food venues available in Brighton & Hove.

Helen Oakley

Director

Helen has many years experience of working in the service industry and lives locally in Lewes. Helen is responsible for the day to day smooth running of the Lewes office and takes an active role in our new homes launches and marketing, ensuring that projects are running smoothly and that both developer clients are new homes purchasers are always receiving our high standard of service.

Jacob Twiselton

New Homes Sales Consultant

Jacob began his property career in 2018 and has recently joined our New Homes team. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and his previous experience across Brighton & Hove has allowed him to gain a great understanding of the city and its amenities. Jacob prides himself on his customer care and building relationships with purchasers and sellers!

When not in the office, Jacob enjoys a variety of sports, particularly football, as well as spending time with friends & family, and travelling.

James Cunningham MNAEA

New Homes Sales Manager

James has been part of Oakley team since 2015 after joining from previous agency roles. During his career James has developed a wide range of skills in agency and is now our New Homes Sales Manager in the Brighton & Hove City area. He is also a member of the NAEA and the local BHEAA.

James is able to advise clients from one property to the 100’s and take them through the often difficult and ever evolving complex steps through to completion. He now specialises in new development and is involved right from the start through dealing with providing the correct advice and marketing knowledge for each property and scheme. Growing up in Brighton he has expert local knowledge and a real passion for the city, he also currently resides in the city. When not working James enjoys football and plays badminton in the local Sussex leagues.

James Epps

Director

James is the director of new homes & land and oversees the Brighton & Hove city and Shoreham offices. Born in Brighton & Hove, his enthusiasm for property and his hometown have seen him working in residential & commercial agency since 1994. James has been an integral part of the Oakley expansion since joining in 2004, with his welcoming, professional and efficient manner which is echoed by his team. James's passion for maintaining & improving standards within the industry lead to him becoming the 2013 President of the Brighton & Hove Estate Agent Association.

James enjoys playing and watching sport, travelling and spending time with his niece & nephew.

James Hamblyn

Head of Commercial Agency

James has been in the Sussex property market for approximately 15 years, and joined the Oakley Commercial Agency in September 2023. He previously held a senior position at Sussex based commercial surveying practice.

James has a wide range of knowledge and experience across all commercial property sectors, including residential development, however he has specialised in acquisitions of all forms of property for clients across all markets, with clients varying from local investors to large property funds.

Outside of work James is a keen rugby fan and fitness enthusiast. He lives in Haywards Heath and is kept busy by his 3-year-old son.

James Porter

Head of Accounts Department

James has worked in the property sector since 2009 and has recently been promoted to Head of Accounts Department. His time in this sector has been centred around freehold block management, working on residential, commercial and mixed-use portfolios for freeholders.

James has a wealth of experience in all aspects of property accounting, incorporating the preparation & reporting of year-end service charge accounts, client accounting, financial reporting, project management and compliance.

In addition to and along-side his career in the property management industry he has carried out and overseen a number of property conversions and has an on-going interest in property investment as a landlord.

Jason Ferguson

Senior Sales Consultant

Jason started his career in estate agency in 2003 for a well-established agency in Brighton & Hove. Now a Shoreham local with 20 years of Estate Agency experience, Jason has lived and worked in Shoreham since 2006 and has built a trusted reputation locally with many returning clients who appreciate his honest, straightforward and professional advice.  He became a member of national association estate agents in 2008 after completing his Level 3 Award in the Sale of Residential Property. A jovial family man, Jason is an active member of the local community with his children attending local schools.  He is a keen volunteer at his eldest sons Scout group and since he has joined us, we have had calls from Jason’s former clients looking for Jason specifically to sell their home, and that recommendation comes higher than any award.

Julie Hooper

Lewes Property Manager

Julie joined the lettings department in Lewes as Property Manager in August 2019. Having previously worked at agencies in Crawley, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, Julie has excellent Sussex knowledge.

With her years of experience in Property Management, there is not much she hasn’t seen or encountered and her hands on approach means she can often diagnose and resolve issues swiftly and seamlessly.

Julie builds excellent working relationships with tenants, landlords and contractors, which enables her to achieve the results that all parties want in the quickest, most efficient, and economic way.

Outside of work, Julie likes to travel, watch sport, live music and enjoy the local Sussex countryside. Coming from the Isle of Wight, her first love is the sea and she tries to spend as much time on the coast as she can.

Kathryn Groves

Receptionist

Kat has worked in various reception roles since 2019, before joining Oakley Property in the summer of 2023. She is a recent graduate from the University of Brighton, where she studied Animation for three years.

In her spare time, you'll find her spending time with friends on the weekends, and curled up with a sketchbook in the evenings.

Laura Byman

Senior Accounts Assistant

Since moving to Brighton in 2006, Laura has gained a vast amount of knowledge and has continued to excel in her career in accounting.

Laura joined Oakley with a wealth of knowledge and over 20 years' experience in accounting. She has worked in property management accounting for almost 9 years and is excited to bring this knowledge to the team and help enhance processes and procedures. 

In her free time, Laura enjoys socialising with friends, taking care of her many plants, and exploring all that Brighton has to offer.

Linda Wadey Cert. Ed. MARLA

Senior Property Manager

Linda has a great deal of experience in Property Management, is an accredited member of ARLA and has Degrees in Law and in Teaching. Linda is highly organised and has a keen eye for detail.  Having acted as a Property Manager in Shoreham for many years, Linda has been a key player in building excellent working relationships with landlords, tenants and contractors. Combined with this and her diplomatic and efficient approach, Linda achieves good, quick and effective outcomes with all parties.

Linda speaks Spanish at home and lived in Spain and Chile for many years. In her spare time, Linda enjoys travel, nutrition, music and the countryside.

Louise Wilson

Office Manager/PA to Chris Oakley

Louise began working in the Brighton property market in 2015 and joined the Oakley team in November 2019. She began her career in Fashion Marketing, developing skills in Operations, Creativity and Administration which she combined with her passion for property. Her ability to organise and assist are essential to her role supporting the Oakley offices and acting as PA to Executive Chairman Chris Oakley.

Outside of work Louise is a runner and enjoys listening to podcasts and reading non-fiction.

Lydia Rincon-Brett

Property Consultant

Lydia was born and raised in Mallorca, where fluency in Spanish and the island's rich culture became an integral part of her life. 

The newest member of the team, Lydia, looks after the front of house side of the office, ensuring that properties are listed and advertised in the best possible way and that everything runs as it should! Her attention to detail and personable attitude make her the perfect person to welcome you, direct your enquiries, and assist you with your property search.

Lydia enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, and going on country walks.

Murray Kerr

Associate Lettings Director

Murray is a through and through Brightonian. Born in the Sussex County Hospital, and knows the City and local housing market like the back of his hand.

Murray started his career as a negotiator with a local sales and lettings agent, which quickly taught him what was required to succeed within both sides of the business. Murray spent the best part of 6 years heading up the lettings team for one of Kemp Town’s most popular Estate Agents, where he learned that good ethics and honesty are always the best policies.

Nick Williams

Associate Director

Born and bred in Shoreham by Sea, Nick has great knowledge of the local market and surrounding areas.  Nick started his career 15 years ago as a junior negotiator for an independent estate agency, and has worked hard over the years and sold all types of property from studio apartments to luxury foreshore houses and brand new developments.  He has a personal, friendly and professional approach which is regularly highlighted by his clients and Nick is always aiming to improve standards within our industry. 

When Nick is not in the office, he can found in the gym or spending time with his partner, Sarah.

Rafael Fierro Castro

Sales Consultant

Originally from Chile in South America, Rafael came to England when he was 7 years old. Raised in North London, Rafael started his working career as an Estate Agent in Woodside Park.

Married in 2002, Rafael and his wife moved to Brighton and never looked back! Rafael genuinely loves meeting people and helping them find their ideal home. Nothing is too much trouble for Rafael, he has time for everyone, and being fluent in Spanish we often hear him chatting to clients in his native tongue! If you are looking to find your forever home or next investment Raf is the perfect person to help you!

Robyn Johnston

New Homes Coordinator

Robyn moved to Brighton in 2010 and joined the Oakley team in 2015 after finishing a degree in Psychology.

Since starting at Oakley her passion for new build property has grown and she harnesses her thirst for knowledge and attention to detail to benefit Developers and Purchasers alike. She enjoys working on new build schemes from when the ideas are first conceived as plans on paper, right through to the completion of the final unit.

In her spare time, Robyn likes to devour fiction books and binge-watch Netflix.

Rupert Greenlees

Chartered Valuation Surveyor

Rupert is a qualified Chartered Surveyor, RICS registered valuer and member of RPSA with over 15 years as a practicing property professional within the South East Region. He recently joined the Oakley team, bringing extensive residential and commercial property expertise to the role.

Rupert's experience enables him to provide a broad range of residential and commercial valuation services. He conducts valuations in compliance with the 'Red Book' standards for various purposes including: development viability, loan security, pensions and tax. Rupert also provides commercial lease advisory and dispute resolution services, including lease renewal and rent review advice for both Landlords and for Tenants. In addition, Rupert specializes in residential leasehold enfranchisement and has acted frequently as expert witness in this context.

When not at the office, or out inspecting properties, Rupert can often be found at the local tennis clubs displaying a genuine enthusiasm for the game.      

Sahhar Qashoua

New Homes Administrator

Sahhar moved into Brighton in 2019 where she passed her estate agency and property services course at Brighton MET College, she then worked through an admin apprenticeship at an accountancy firm before transitioning to property. She has prior reception and admin experience that has translated into her passion for estate agency at Oakley.

In her free time Sahhar likes to travel globally, watch sports, and write.

Samuel Williams

Senior Sales Consultant

Samuel joined the residential sales team at Oakley in 2021, bringing experience, enthusiasm and insight to the role, having been part of the property industry since 2014. Growing up in Brighton, he is passionate about the industry, starting his career in Woodingdean and progressing to roles in Central Brighton, he’s gained well-rounded knowledge.

In his spare time, you’ll find Samuel on the golf course, in the gym or out walking his dog on the seafront. 

Sara Gavillet

Property Administrator

Sara has a wealth of experience in customer service and sales, having worked in the industry for over 20 years, she commenced her estate agency career in 2016. Sara works closely with Nick, our Shoreham Director, taking care of all those small but significant jobs that are vital for a well organised agent. She particularly enjoys working as part of a busy and successful team, loves the challenge of looking after a variety of different types of customer and derives satisfaction in providing a friendly, reliable service.

Sara enjoys off road cycling and running in her spare time, she says it puts you in a good mood and gets your heart rate racing.

Sara Van Loock

Sales Consultant

Sara is part of the Shoreham Property Hub team and has many years’ experience in the property industry with a strong background in New Homes sales and marketing.

She has a tremendous love of buildings and architecture both old and new, and is equally excited by Georgian brickwork as she is about high-tech modern construction methods. Her family has been in the construction industry for five generations, so she was virtually brought up on a building site. Sara loves working with buyers and finding them their dream home.

Sophie Terry

Office Administrator

Sophie has worked a range of administrative roles since graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in Law. She has extensive experience within conveyancing , having worked for some of the largest firms in Brighton. In her spare time, Sophie enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her friends and family.

Steven Harvey

Commercial Director

Steven has been in the local commercial property market for over 25 years, having been a partner at a Brighton based commercial agency practice until joining Oakley Commercial as a Director in 2013.

Steven is the Director of our Commercial Agency department and has wide ranging knowledge across the commercial sectors with particular expertise in development sites, land sales and the business space sector. Steven can advise on leasehold & freehold acquisitions /disposals, development appraisals, site assembly and land sales. Recent clients have included Shoreham Port Authority, East Sussex County Council, Lewes District Council, St Modwen, Qualifa, Legal and General Investment Management, Cross Stone and various private property companies and private individuals.

He is locally based having been born in Shoreham and is a keen sportsman and musician, and a lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion Supporter .

Tim Crossfield BSc MRICS

Managing Director

Tim qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1992, is a RICS Registered Valuer and has over 30 years’ experience practising in the Sussex property market.

He joined the company in 1998 and now manages the day to day running of the business. He is also the Director in charge of the Valuation, Management and Lease Advisory departments.

Tim specialises in the negotiation of lease renewals and rent reviews, in relation to a wide variety of commercial property and is regularly appointed to act as Independent Expert or Arbitrator, when agreement cannot be reached between the landlord and tenant.

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