Meet the Team

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Alec Brownjohn BA (Hons)

Marketing Manager

Alec has been working in marketing for 6 years, having graduated from Bournemouth University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Media Practice.

During his career he has developed his marketing and design skills in both B2C and B2B industries.  With experience in graphic design, motion graphics, video editing and digital marketing including paid media and SEO, Alec has a wide range of skills that cover the full marketing mix.

 When Alec isn’t at work or renovating his new home, he can usually be found on a football pitch playing for one of his 6-a-side or 11-a-side teams.

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.

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

Senior Lettings Consultant

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

Sales Manager

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 relaxing by a lake with a fishing rod.

Andrew Russell

Senior Sales Consultant

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. He is married with two children and enjoys stand up paddle boarding, photography and attending live music in his spare time.

Anna Ingram

Property Manager

Anna has worked in Property Management since 2014. For four years prior to that, she worked as a Housing Officer for a well- known Housing Association; housing vulnerable adults across Sussex. In her present role, Anna manages a variety of leasehold and ‘share of freehold’ properties which include mixed use buildings, and large residential blocks of flats, both converted and purpose built. Anna is a helpful and caring person by nature, she prides herself on providing a high level of customer service and attention to detail. Anna grew up in London/ Essex, and plays an active role in the Arts in her spare time. She fell in love with Brighton when she came here for University in 2008 and has lived in the city ever since.

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.

Brandon White

Commercial Agent

Brandon first joined the commercial property sector in 2014 having worked at two previous agencies in Sussex. Throughout Brandon’s experience he has provided professional advice to clients with a diverse range of commercial premises across all sectors; both on a leasehold and freehold basis. After joining Oakley in September 2020, Brandon has been praised for his friendly approach, and his work ethic.

Having grown up in Brighton, Brandon is a keen football fan and holds a season ticket at Brighton & Hove Albion whilst also volunteering at his local non-league football club Worthing FC. Brandon is also an avid Mountain biker & tennis player and is always on the hunt for a new sport to partake in.

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!

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.

Dave Petrie

Lewes Lettings Manager

Dave has worked in the Property Sector for over 19 years and brings with him a wealth of experience. Having worked in Sussex for the majority of his career, he has excellent knowledge of the local markets and developing property trends. Dave has managed branches for Corporate and Independent agencies covering both Lettings and Estate Agency. Customer service is at the heart of everything that Dave stands for and he strives to provide an unrivalled level of service to tenants, Landlords and Investors alike. With the face of estate agency ever changing, Dave is a keen innovator, so much so, that he previously won a Gold Award for 'Best Innovation' at the prestigious Estate Agency of the Year Awards.

 In his spare time Dave enjoys spending time with his family and is a keen football fan, supporting a well know Championship team. 

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.

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.

Dominic Ryan CHIM

Graduate Surveyor

Dom has been working in the property industry for over 10 years and having graduated from the University College of Estate Management in 2021 with a degree in Real Estate Management, is now working towards completing his APC to become a Chartered Surveyor.

Having joined Oakley in 2022, he comes with a wide variety of experience and is now working within the Valuation and Development team.

When Dom isn’t at work, he can be found on the water either wakeboarding or kitesurfing.

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.

Grace Trathan

Lewes Office Administrator

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 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.

Hayley Woollard

Property Management Administrator

Hayley first worked in property during her Business Administration Apprenticeship with a Social Housing organisation in 2014. Since then, she has impressed Property Managers with her ‘can-do’ attitude, initiative, and customer-focused approach. As the Property Administrator with Oakley, Hayley is a key point of contact to leaseholders and contractors alike and helps to ensure that maintenance issues are resolved swiftly.

Hayley grew up in Hertfordshire but moved and settled into Brighton life in 2017. In her spare time, she is a keen video gamer and loves the social aspect of it, attending conventions and expos with friends as much as possible.

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.

Jack Williams

Letting's Administrator

Jack’ is our new Letting’s administrator who joined with us in April 2021, Brighton born and bred and still living in the local area.

Through his career Jack has been providing excellent customer service across various industries and prides himself on his attention to detail and striving to do right by the client and customer. Starting his career in retail and moving into banking, legal services, and property services.

Within the property sector, Jack specialises in the residential/lettings move in process, making sure our properties are legally compliant and ready for tenants to settle into, whilst also helping the senior letting’s negotiator with viewings support.  

 In his spare time Jack likes to keep active mountain biking and has taken up the unique hobby of fractal burning.

James Cunningham MNAEA

Senior New Homes Sales Consultant

James joined the residential sales team at Oakley in 2015 and came from a previous agency role within the Brighton area.

Growing up in Brighton, he brings great local knowledge and enthusiasm for property. This led him to study and qualify for his NAEA property mark qualification. James has a calm and collected approach when dealing with clients on a day to day with negotiation and sales progression. 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.

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.

Jenny Hillier Dolan

Property Management Accountant

Jenny joined Oakley in September 2020, previously she gained 10 years property experience as an accounts assistant for a local letting agent. Jenny started her accounting career in investment banking where she gained her initial experience. Here at Oakley, she deals with all service charges accounts. In her spare time, when she isn't supporting her two sponsored skateboarding daughters, she regularly likes to run 10k, and go for early morning sea swims during the low tides.

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.

Karen Piatt

Property Manager

Having been with us for 3 years now Karen has proved to be a valuable part of the team and has now been promoted to the role of property manager. She is now in charge of half of our ever growing rental portfolio and works alongside our newly appointed 2nd property manager Jessica. Anything property maintenance, or tenancy related during the time that a tenant lives in one of our managed properties, they are here to help.

Kirsty Marshall

Senior Property Manager

Kirsty has worked in Property Management for over fifteen years and has been an Associate of the Institute of Residential Property Management since 2009. In her present role, Kirsty oversees the Residential Department for Oakley Professional Management and manages a variety of leasehold and share of freehold properties from converted buildings to large residential blocks of flats.  Kirsty is an experienced negotiator and a great communicator with a keen understanding of how to get the best for her customers. Kirsty grew up in Cumbria but she fell in love with Brighton when she first visited some twenty years ago and has lived here ever since.

Lauren Dobson

Commercial Property Administrator

Lauren first joined the property industry in 2019, having previously worked in two estate agencies in the local East Sussex area.

On a day-to-day basis, Lauren deals with all enquiries, general marketing & compliance in our commercial department. Her eagerness to help all clients during their property journey, makes her a huge asset to the team.

In Lauren’s spare time, she enjoys taking her dog for walks and spending time with her friends and family.

Leigh Doherty

Commercial Agent

Leigh joined the Commercial Agency team in June 2015 having been involved in the local property markets for the last 21 years.

Leigh has gained experience across all sectors including commercial sales and lettings together with recent residential sales experience, giving him a wide range of expertise. During this time he has successfully acted for numerous private and corporate clients. Leigh was born in Shoreham, lives to the East of Brighton and has worked in commercial agency in the centre of Brighton for over 16 years. He is a keen sportsman and an avid Spurs fan. Leigh is friendly, enthusiastic and able to assist in any aspect of Commercial Property.

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.

Mayesha Jalil

Office Coordinator

Mayesha joined our Brighton Head Office in 2021 as company receptionist, and administrator to all departments. From previous experience in retail, Mayesha has exceptional customer service skills. She is very enthusiastic and works with each department at Oakley dealing with all aspects of the property industry. When away from the office, Mayesha enjoys spending time with family, close friends and retail therapy.

Murray Kerr

Brighton Lettings Manager

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

Branch Manager

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.

Nicola Heasman

Lettings Accountant

Nicola is the newest member of our lettings team and has built up great experience having worked previously as a Lettings Account for a well-known Lewes Agency.

Nicola is well organised in her approach, making sure our landlords are paid in a timely manner, our tenants are paying their rent on time, and the tenants deposits are protected and returned when they leave. Nicola has been raised in the Brighton area and her spare time is spent being around her family & friends.

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.

Samuel Williams

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 a Golf course, in the gym or walking Dusty the dog.

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 Branch Manager of Shoreham, 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

Show Home Representative

Sara is one of the newest members of the Oakley Shoreham 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.

Shane Greenaway

Property Manager

Shane has been working in Property Management for 6 years and is currently working towards his ARLA accreditation.

When Shane isn’t at work, he can usually be found at his local football club where he is currently the first team manager. 

Simon Cox

Senior Sales Consultant

Simon has worked in both residential and commercial property throughout Sussex since 1997 gaining valuable knowledge and experience of the property market.

Upon leaving school, Simon undertook an apprenticeship and gained his City and Guilds in Carpentry and Joinery working with James Longley in Crawley for 11 years. Simon then moved into the residential property market in 1997 starting his career in Haywards Heath where he progressed to a managerial position in Burgess Hill. Simon transferred to Brighton & Hove in 2002 working in the residential & commercial sectors, which lead to him joining the experienced team at Oakley in 2009. Simon is now Sales Manager for the Brighton & Hove office. Simon lives in Hove and enjoys the gym, cycling and running on the South Downs.

Stephanie Rewell MARLA

Senior Lettings Consultant

Stephanie has an extensive insight into the property industry with knowledge of both the sales and rental market. While carrying out the day to day running of a lettings department, Stephanie has worked her way through the ARLA qualifications in a bid to improve the service and knowledge she can offer to both landlords and tenants.

Steven Harvey

Commercial Director

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

Steven heads up the commercial agency team 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 .

Tara Ghoussoub MEng

New Homes Administrator

Tara moved back to Brighton in 2020 from Sierra Leone where she was working in construction.

She began managing property for holiday lets which sparked her interest in the property industry. Tara has now joined our team as a New Homes Administrator focusing on acquiring knowledge and skills to excel in this field.

In her spare time, Tara enjoys yoga, travelling and spending time with family and friends. 

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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