Meet the team
Barnt Green
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Geri Galla
Branch ManagerHi, I am the Manager at Arden Estates in Barnt Green. As well as managing the excellent team here, my role involves appraising properties, carrying out honest and realistic valuations that reflect the ever-changing market, and conducting viewings. Most importantly, I take great care to understand buyers' needs so that I can match their search criteria to our clients' properties. Introducing potential purchasers to homes that I'm confident will be attractive to them assists in achieving the agreement of swift deals and the optimum sales price for our clients, and also helps sales to progress as smoothly and quickly as possible.
I live in Barnt Green and have been selling houses in the village and surrounding areas for more than 9 years. I am, therefore, intimately acquainted with the local market, and that has led to Arden's unrivalled success in selling some of the biggest and best houses locally. As a result, we are very proud to have been recognised by Rightmove as Number 1 Agent in the area for Sales Agreed.
Tel : 0121 447 8300
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Hannah Boyce-Mears
Assistant Branch ManagerI am the Assistant Branch Manager for the company as a whole, based at the Barnt Green branch. I started a part time role within estate agency while I was studying for my BSc Degree in Television Technology at Birmingham University. I enjoyed the part time role so much, that after I finished uni, I went back to the agent full time and studied to become a Domestic Energy Assessor.
Moving on to Arden Estates has allowed me to progress even further by concentrating also on Sales and Marketing within the company. I thoroughly enjoy my position here and am looking forward to growing further with the Barnt Green office. I like to think of our services as 'the lighthouse in the storm'!
In my spare time, I can often be found at weddings, as I have been playing the violin since I was 7 years old, so I regularly take bookings to perform my art during wedding ceremonies, which I love. I also enjoy time with my boyfriend, friends, and family.
Tel : 0121 447 8300
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Lesley Barnfield
Sales ProgressorHaving worked in the banking industry for over 16 years, I then decided to take on a new challenge and become an estate agent and have continued to do so for more than 20 years and I’ve never looked back! I have a passion for both property and exceeding customer expectations. Nothing gives me more job satisfaction than seeing a sale through from when the initial offer is made right up until completion of the sale and the clients collect their keys to their new homes. It is such a great feeling to how we make peoples dreams happen.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling around our lovely English countryside.Tel : 0121 447 8300
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Robyn Fellows
Sales NegotiatorI joined Arden Estates in August 2017 as a Sales Negotiator within the Barnt Green branch. After previously working in the hospitality industry as a Restaurant Manager, I felt it was time for a change and had always wanted to become an estate agent. I have always had a passion for property and their potential as well as customer service to help people find their dream home is the perfect job for me.
I already have a wealth of knowledge of the surrounding area and I am now developing my career and gaining experience in valuing property.
In my free time, I enjoy renovating houses with my boyfriend and socializing with our friends along with taking care of my 5 horses.Tel : 0121 447 8300
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Jonathan Hems
Mortgage & Protection Adviser for HL Financial Consultants LtdI have been with HL Consulting from the beginning, advising clients with mortgage and protection policies.
In my former life, I was a tournament golf professional and Head Assistant at the exclusive Little Aston Golf Club. After becoming disillusioned with the sport, I got into the financial services after a meeting with Matthew Quigley, whom I’d known since our early teens.I now have several years’ experience as an Adviser and have helped over a thousand clients, many who return time and time again for our expert advice. The biggest joy for me within this job is helping first time buyers and families secure a new home. Seeing those families grow and prosper is something very special and arranging a mortgage for a client is a lot more personal than just finding a good rate!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and son. I also enjoy playing football for Sporting Galacticos.
Tel : 0121 447 8300
Bromsgrove
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Jonathan Whitehead
Managing DirectorYet to become either a professional golfer or squash player and having studied Art & 3D Design at college, I decided to follow my father’s footsteps into the print industry. After spending ten insightful years in the lithographic and digital print world, I could see the landscape was changing and the industry was dying, so I turned to the financial sector.
Having had some experience with mortgages from buying and selling houses, I began to investigate a career as a mortgage advisor. Within a year I had passed the exams and by 2006, I had set up my own company. It was successful and I had ten people working for me when the credit crunch hit. Suddenly, no one could get a mortgage and, as half of our customers were either self-employed or had impaired credit, we had to diversify to stay alive.
That’s when the idea for Arden Estates was born.
I had never worked in the property sector but my own experience of buying and selling had taught me that the industry desperately needed an estate agent who was customer-focused, rather than monetarily and an estate agent that could provide stellar service from the first meeting to the handing over of the keys. James Cope shared my vision and we proved to be a great team, as within four years we had opened four offices, all who were number one in their area.
Over the last ten years, we have raised the bar for estate agents and set the standard of service for our industry.
We now have six branches of Arden Estates and our chartered financial service, HL Consulting, completes around 150 mortgages every month. While our Lettings department recently won gold at the British Property Awards 2018-2019 and manage over four hundred properties.
I can’t take all the credit for our success, as every member of our team is exceptional, and we wouldn’t be where we are now without each one of them. Ever eager to improve our exemplary service, Sarah and Maria from our Bromsgrove branch, have set up House of Arden, a facility to stage and dress houses to help improve the saleability of the property. Their hard work has produced some amazing results for our customers, and they continue to go from strength to strength.
In my spare time, refusing to give up on my dream, I squeeze as much squash and the odd round of golf around spending time with my young daughter Ariel, and my family.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Sarah Massey
Branch ManagerI am the Branch Manager within the Bromsgrove branch. I had previously been working as a Sales Area Manager within the education/employment sector and had been itching for a change and new challenge.
After originally joining the team as a Sales Negotiator, my role has further progressed and as well as seeing sales through, I also help to manage the team here in Bromsgrove. I enjoy working with people enormously and have a real passion for property, so felt Estate Agency would be the perfect career change for me.
Joining the Arden Estates team was certainly the right move for me and I still progress within the role with every new day.
When I'm not at work I love to spend time with my husband and two children, taking time for family holidays and special days out.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Maria Stokes
Marketing ManagerI am the Marketing Manager for the Arden Estates Group. With previous experience in copywriting and working as a Property Advertising Executive within a local newspaper, my role is an exciting challenge which incorporates my existing skills set and knowledge of the industry.
After gaining my Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I have always been interested in the Communications side of Marketing, and my position here at Arden allows me to progress further forward within that sector.
In addition, I've also become involved with helping to run Arden's sister company House of Arden Home Staging and Interiors, a forward-thinking home staging service which benefits many of our vendors selling what would be empty properties. I particularly enjoy this role, which is mainly carried out outside of Arden Estate working hours, as it allows me to enjoy my passion for interiors whilst being paid!
In my free time, I enjoy socialising with friends and family, cooking and entertaining, as well as travel and interior decoration and design.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Milly Coxhead
Senior Lettings ManagerI have always had a keen interest in the design of property, which was what initially led me to the estate agency industry. I began my career in Property as an apprentice in the sales department and having achieved a diploma in the Sale of Residential Property, I decided to develop my skills further and learn a new role in Lettings.
I currently oversee and manage the rental department to ensure that everything is running efficiently. My day-to-day role also includes; property valuing, marketing and the preparation of each tenancy. I thrive on building up relationships with each client to ensure that their individual needs are met.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Charlotte Horton
Sales NegotiatorI am a Sales Negotiator & Coordinator within the Bromsgrove team. After previously working in financial services, I knew it was time for a change and had always wondered about becoming an estate agent. I decided to follow my heart and joined Arden Estates' successful team in January 2016. My change in career was fuelled by my passion for property and interior design, along with wanting to further develop my already existing skill set, within a workplace I’m excited to be a part of.
Not only does my current role as a negotiator allow me the satisfaction of achieving the best price for my client’s home and helping them find their dream home, but the addition of my coordinator role came from gaining much gratification in ensuring all of the pre-sale procedures and documents are in order to enable a speedy transition from our applicant’s offering on a property to a SSTC status.
When I’m not at work I love to spend time with my friends and loved ones, as well as trying to squeeze in as many city breaks into each year as possible.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Jackie Kamara
Sales NegotiatorI am a Sales Negotiator within the Bromsgrove branch. After working predominantly in local sales for newspapers and magazines, I decided it was time for a bit of a change. After getting to know Arden Estates through my previous job, I jumped at the chance to take on a new role with a forward-thinking company.
What I enjoy most about being a Sales Negotiator is the variety, every day is different. I love property and dealing with people, so it really is the perfect job for me. Having recently spent three years working on my own personal home renovations, including a loft conversion, which we did ourselves - I love to see the potential any property can offer.
I have many interests outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and little grandson, eating in and out, socialising with friends, dancing and growing our own veggies on our local allotment.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Christine Raybould
Sales NegotiatorI am a Sales Negotiator at Arden Estates Bromsgrove. After previously working within the Education sector as a Teaching Assistant, I gave up my career in 2013, to become a mum to my third child. After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus to be a full-time mum and take care of a busy and hectic household, I knew it was time to have some ‘me’ time back and return to work.
However, I also knew I wanted a new challenge! I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and have a passion for property, so felt this could be the perfect career move for me – I have not looked back since. My role at Arden Estates provides me with challenges I love to solve, vendors and clients which I have built a great rapport with and I get such a buzz when a sale is tied up and my client has either sold their property successfully or bought the property of their dreams.
When I’m not working at the office, I still love my other job as mum to my three boys and spend all my spare time with my husband, the kids and our zoo of rescue animals. When I get the chance, I also like to get to the gym or out on my bike.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Chloe Saunders
Lettings NegotiatorI am a Lettings Negotiator within the Bromsgrove team. I have always wanted to work in property and after previously working within the financial side of an insurance company, I decided it was time to follow my heart and start my career within Arden Estates.
What I enjoy most about my role here at Arden is working amongst a motivated team to help each client find the property that best meets their needs. I love meeting new people each day and building relationships with landlords and tenants.
Outside of work I love to spend time with my friends and family and having holidays in new places.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Kate Sears
Finance ManagerI am the Finance Manager for the Arden Estate Agent group.
I have been working within the sales side of Estate Agency since 2013, having previously worked for an agency situated in Bournville.
Within Arden, I have now taken over management of the Lettings book-keeping and my day to day role is receipting rents, paying landlords and contractors, and chasing late rent payers, although luckily this doesn't happen very often!
I really enjoy my role as Finance Manager within the Arden Lettings team - I love the new challenge and I love meeting new people and being part of the process of them finding their ideal home.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and love to slog it out as regularly as I can at my local gym.
Tel : 01527 872 479
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Laura Williams
Mortgage & Protection Adviser for HL Financial Consultants LtdI work with the HL Consulting Team as a Mortgage & Protection Advisor. Having worked in the finance sector since 2004, I enjoy being able to find our homebuyers the most suitable mortgage and protection deals on offer through my extensive knowledge and having a number of years' experience within the industry.
I thoroughly enjoy working with people and getting to know my clients well, but my favorite part of this job is being able to get buyers who never thought they’d take their first step onto the property ladder their first mortgage agreed. It gives me real satisfaction to see my clients receive the keys to the dream home they never thought was possible.
Away from work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, especially my son and adorable niece, either at home or on holiday abroad with them.
Tel : 01527 872 479
Lydney
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Sharon Whitehead
DirectorI have lived in Gloucestershire all of my life, and have extensive knowledge of Gloucestershire, and in particular the Forest of Dean and its surrounding areas.
From when I left college in 1982, I have always been involved in sales and specialised in customer care and attention to detail. I have always known that one day I would be involved in the Estate Agency world.
Within Arden Estates I am a Director and Branch Manager of the Lydney Branch, working with my husband Chris, who is also a Director and his field is Mortgages, Equity Release, Protection, etc.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, cooking, gardening & exercising.
Tel : 01594 368202
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Chris Whitehead
DirectorI lived in Worcestershire most of my life and moved to Lydney in 2001. For a number of years, I worked in the printing industry where I was involved in running a multi-million-pound turnover plc. In 2005, I decided to do something totally different and studied to become a Financial Adviser where I specialise in Equity Release and Mortgages.
I am married to Sharon (also in the Lydney Office) and between us, we have four great kids. In my spare time, I like to spend time with family & friends, walk my dog Ellie, I also like to read and cook.
Tel : 01594 368202
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Lucinda Guest
Branch Sales ManagerI have lived in the Forest of Dean all of my life as well as working in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, and have extensive knowledge of the local area.
After finishing my A-Levels in 2010 I had a year out from education working at Chepstow and Lydney Leisure Centre as a Lifeguard, Swim Teacher and Receptionist. I then finished off by travelling the east coast of Australia for 6 weeks where I had the most amazing time.
Upon my return I started studying at the University of Southampton and then went on to work at NatWest Bank. I have always known that I would like to work with people but never felt happy until I found myself my job working as an Estate Agent. I have been in the business since 2013 and become part of the team at Arden in May 2016, which I thoroughly enjoy!
In my spare time, I find myself at the gym, out on the farm and socialising with my friends and family.
Tel : 01594 368202
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Lucy Powell
Branch Lettings ManagerI have lived in the Forest of Dean for all of my life as well as working in Gloucestershire and Wales, so I have a broad understanding of the area. When I finished my A-Levels in 2010, I decided to take a position in administration where I occasionally worked in Sales, designing and selling portable buildings. As much as I enjoyed this, I always felt that I wanted to do more, so I started working within the mortgage industry before I became involved with Arden Estate Agents in 2013, which I absolutely love!
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading and shopping.
Tel : 01594 368202
Redditch
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James Cope
Managing DirectorMy Passion for property began many years ago when I became a landlord of a popular local pub in Astwood Bank. This happened just after I completed my professional football playing career for Shrewsbury Town. I then went on to be active in the property market by successfully selling houses and worked for a large corporate estate agent in Redditch for nearly a decade in which I swiftly progressed through the ranks.
Then in 2010, in association with a friend, Arden Estates was formed. Together, our wealth of experience helped build this successful company.
So, when I'm not working (which is a rarity!) I still take great joy from my other passion - playing football and nowadays spending valuable time with my two sons and family.
Tel : 01527 540 654
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Tina Randhawa
Partner & Office ManagerAfter graduating in Accountancy, I completed my CeMAP and began my career in financial services. I then went on to become one of the first employees of Arden and have witnessed, and been part of, its growth right from its infancy to its current successful position. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and subsequently the satisfaction of seeing the company grow and helping it flourish.
I have a rather versatile position at the company! Alongside my main role, which is to process mortgages, I manage the daily operations of Arden.
To wind down from a strenuous day's work, I enjoy keeping fit and spending time with friends and family. Although I must say, my real passion is following my favourite team, Liverpool FC, and I thoroughly enjoy travelling to Anfield to support them live!
Tel : 01527 540 654
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Amy Woolaston
Sales CoordinatorI started my career in a corporate Estate Agent many years ago on the sales progression side, but fancied a career change so I joined the prison service as a prison officer (big difference - I know).
After taking early retirement, I revisited the housing world where I am now thriving with my Arden family. I am passionate about my position at Arden Estates. I love to think that I am helping people find their dream homes and taking away some of the stress of selling for people.
In my spare time, I enjoy seeing family and friends and taking long country walks with my dog. I am a very sociable bubbly person and I believe this shows in my everyday life.
Tel : 01527 540 654
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Olivia Richards
Sales NegotiatorI started my career in Estate Agency during 2010 working in Lettings, in Solihull, and have since moved to explore Sales after joining Arden in 2014.
What I love most about my role here at Arden, is forming new relationships with vendors from instruction right through to finalising an offer with applicants. Each vendor is different and guiding them through the process is very rewarding!
In my spare time outside of work, I enjoy being with friends and family, eating out and experiencing new things.
Tel : 01527 540 654
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Bev Nibbs
Sales NegotiatorI Love my role as a Sales Negotiator. My previous experience is mainly in Sales and Marketing working for some big brands plus I have also run my own small business, all my experience has been within the service industry. Working for Arden’s ticks the boxes for me as we share the same values in delivering exceptional customer service. The role is so varied and therefore remains exciting, I get to meet new people and build relationships quickly which is perfect for me. Finding that dream home for someone and supporting our vendors through the marketing and sales process is so rewarding
Life is varied outside work too. I love to spend time with my family including my adorable grandchildren. My husband and I support Bromsgrove Rugby Club and sponsor one of the 1st team players. We also enjoy going out with friends, drinking eating and generally having fun.
I like to be active and exercise regularly to keep myself fit, I’ve recently discovered I love boxing and train twice a week for fitness only – you won’t be seeing me in the ring anytime soon!
Tel : 01527 540 654
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Nick Marsden
Mortgage & Protection Adviser for HL Financial Consultants LtdI have worked in financial services since 2004 where I began in Recruitment as a head-hunter in London. I moved into specialising in Mortgage & Protection services upon my return to the hometown of Bromsgrove. My role here is to research the market ensuring that my clients get the best deal available to them in terms of their mortgage and protection needs and helping through their financial journey helping them to achieve their financial aspirations.
I take pride in receiving recommendations from my clients as it tells me I have done a good job. My aim is to transition my clients from house hunter to homeowner with the least stress possible and to see them in their dream homes gives me enormous satisfaction. My strengths are being able to listen to what my client actually want, understand it and to produce a tailored solution to their needs.
Away from work I coach Rugby at Bromsgrove Rugby Club and enjoy a game of golf when I can. I enjoy visiting different city breaks with my wife where I can relax and enjoy the different cultures and cuisine, and the local tipple.
Tel : 01527 540 654
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Alex Williams
Mortgage & Protection Adviser for HL Financial Consultants LtdI have worked in real estate & financial services since 2000. I have spent a number of years arranging mortgages for one of the UK’s leading banks and joined HL Consulting due to their reputation of arranging mortgages on a more personal level for their clients. I enjoy meeting new people and achieving their objectives in arranging mortgages and protection that meets their own personal needs and circumstances.
I love traveling and spent a number of years playing semi-professional Rugby in Australia. Since then I have got married and have two children who I love spending time with at the end of the working week.
Tel : 01527 540 654
Rubery
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Romily Adams
Branch ManagerI am the Branch Manager here at Arden Estates in Rubery and I have worked in estate agency for almost nine years now and have loved every minute of it.
I previously worked for a local agent in my hometown of Bromsgrove, before moving to Arden Estates Rubery. What I love most about working in this industry is the personal side of things, dealing with a family’s biggest asset is what I can only call an honour. People entrusting me and my team to get their home through with as little stress as possible. I take my job very seriously which involves taking a lot of calls after work hours, this helps to give my clients peace of mind.
In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends and on the odd occasion a cheeky glass of wine on completion days.
Tel : 0121 453 4349
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Sharon Hingley
Senior Sales NegotiatorI joined Arden Estates as Sales Negotiator in 2014.
I have been in the sales industry since the early 1990's. In addition, I also have experience in interior design and have always had an interest in property.
After previously working abroad selling properties, I am now focusing my career on residential sales within the estate agency industry closer to home.
I enjoy reading, socialising with friends and family and having holidays in the sun.
Tel : 0121 453 4349
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Claire Juggins
Progressions ManagerMy career in real estate dates back to 1990, and I have worked for a number of top Agents/Commercial Agents since. This varied experience, most recently as a Sales & Lettings Manager for a large Commercial Company, has provided me with a huge depth of knowledge and contacts thus enabling me to help with either a commercial or residential requirement.
Outside of Arden, I am a qualified Mindfulness Practitioner of Children aged between 7–11 years and can often be found with my head in a book or spending time socialising with my family and friends.
Tel : 0121 453 4349
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Ben Rooney
Mortgage & Protection Adviser for HL Financial Consultants LtdI started in the industry back in 1999, and have worked for a number of top companies over the years, including St James' Place and Countrywide. In addition, I spent four years in London working with the top brokerage in Mayfair. This vast experience in mortgages has provided me with a huge depth of knowledge to enable me to help clients get the right mortgage and insurance protection for their individual needs.
I take pride in caring for each one of my clients and their personal circumstances, and I enjoy making a client’s ideas and future plans come to life by closely fitting their needs to the right product.
Outside of work, I have a fondness of times gone by and I enjoy collecting cameras - one being over a hundred years old - and photography using good old fashioned film and methods. I am also the proud owner of a classic Mini and am currently learning to Lindy, a form of 1920's/1930's dance. These interests alongside more current technology and socialising all form part of my personal life.
Tel :
Worcester
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Rachael Muir
Branch ManagerI have worked as an estate agent in Worcestershire for over a decade now. I love so many aspects of my job, but I particularly enjoy finding people their dream home and helping vendors to get the best price ready for their next step.
For me, being an estate agent isn’t just about buying and selling, it’s about getting the right outcome with as little unnecessary stress as possible for our clients.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and am an aspiring gin connoisseur!
Tel : 01905 958290
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Katy Freeman
Assistant ManagerI was brought up and have lived in Worcester my whole life, so I have extensive knowledge of Worcester and the surrounding areas.
After working in the airline industry I decided I wanted a more permanent base. I have always loved property and interior design so thought this would be a perfect transition to start my property career.I have been in the industry now since 2012, having started off as a Trainee Negotiator, I managed to work my way up to Assistant Manager learning a variety of roles within both the sales and lettings department and managed to achieve a level 3 qualification in Residential Lettings and Property Management.
I love my role as Assistant Branch Manager at Arden Estates as it's a fast, forward thinking leading agent.
In my spare time I enjoy seeing friends, baking, taking long walks and travelling.
Tel : 01527 872479
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Dominque Thompson
Sales & Valuations ManagerI joined Arden Estates in 2019, with 15 years of knowledge and experience in the Worcestershire market. My passion for property, dedication to clients, along with my professionalism have been the foundations for my success. I love what I do. I feel that communication and honesty are vital in securing the best outcome for my clients. I offer advice on how to maximise the value, whilst providing support and guidance when getting your property ready to market. Arden Estates in Worcester has a fresh approach to the property industry and is a fantastic office, complete with a great team.
In my spare time I enjoy heading to the coast with my family, cooking for my friends and spending as much time as I can with my daughter.
Tel : 07496 390 337
HL Financial Consultants Ltd is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Ltd and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Arden Estate Agents is a separate legal entity, and not a company or service owned by, or associated to, Quilter Financial Planning.