SPENCERS OF THE NEW FOREST - Key Persons
Abigail joined the Ringwood branch as Administrator in May 2021. After a year of admin, Abigail has moved into her new role as Sales Negotiator which has been a great transition having previously worked in a customer-based role for five years, meaning Abigail is able to provide personable and professional service to our Ringwood clients/customers, including invaluable knowledge of the local area, having lived locally her whole life. Abigail loves hiking, horse riding and painting in her spare time, bringing a touch of creativity and equine knowledge to the office.
Alan established his first estate agency office in Burley in 2006, following several extremely successful years working in the property market in the New Forest area, joining forces with business partner Rob Batten in 2010 to found Spencers New Forest. Alan is well known in the local area and highly regarded for his professional, responsive and helpful approach. Alan can often be seen walking his beagle, Cookie, on the Forest. Otherwise his interests include playing golf and tennis, dining and wining.
Andrew Grice and his family moved to Christchurch Bay in 2014 to be closer to the water and enjoy a coastal lifestyle.
Andrew's estate agency career started in London back in 2001. Following a move to the country, he spent approximately 15 years working for two of the country's top agencies advising clients on the sale of town and country property in Wiltshire and Hampshire and premium coastal properties in Dorset, before joining Spencers New Forest to run the Lymington office in 2018.
Since then, Andrew has overseen the Lymington office's increasing growth in market share including a developing representation of properties along the coast. He is highly regarded by both colleagues and clients for his calm and professional approach, while family time is spent surfing, dog walking on Barton cliff top and beach, and enjoying live music.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Is Director of the London Office
Bob is director of The London Office, based in St James's Place, London. He has worked in the residential country property market for over 25 years building up an extensive knowledge of the market, including villages, schools, commute times and local pubs. Bob and his team work closely alongside Douglas & Gordon's London offices helping Londoners find country homes and bolt-holes.
Chris joined Spencers in August of 2022 and began his agency career in Lymington in 2012. Since then, he has worked in Oxford and London and is very passionate about providing the highest standards for his clients. In his spare time, you will find him rowing on the Solent, cycling in The New Forest, and enjoying coastal walks with his family.
Christie is our newest member to the Ringwood branch, only joining in October 2022. Previously, Christie studied Musical Theatre in London, where she lived for four years, before returning to her hometown. She has settled into her role as Administrator, bringing enthusiasm, organisation, and a creative flair to the team. Having grown up in Ashley Heath, she also has a great local knowledge of the area and in her spare time enjoys walking her adorable dog Harley along the Castleman Trailway.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- New Forest Director, Sales
Dan heads up both the Brockenhurst and Burley offices following a highly successful career as a Sales Director in London's leading estate agents upon completing a degree in Real Estate Management. Having spent his childhood holidays in the forest, the pull was too great so he moved to the area with his family in 2021 and now enjoys walking, cycling, kayaking, boats, and all forms of sport here.
Esther has worked for Spencers since 2013. She is responsible for all aspects of the administration of clients' financial accounts, a role requiring a keen eye for detail. Her weekends are spent supporting her sons' youth football team and walking in the Forest with her family and Jack Russell terrier.
George Jones has lived in the New Forest area his whole life. He began his career in 2013 with a country estate agency in Lyndhurst, followed by two years' working for an independent agency in New Milton on the New Forest coast. On joining Spencers he quickly became a key member of the Ringwood office. George has a dynamic, diligent and enthusiastic approach, and enjoys working with people and problem-solving. He comments: "No sale or purchase is the same, as every client, property and situation is different." George enjoys his coastal life: "I like the variety of properties on the coast and their different aspects. No two days are alike and the scenery always changes!" Out of office you may find George paddle boarding or enjoying a walk from Highcliffe Castle down to Avon Beach for something to eat at the Noisy Lobster.
Heather joined Spencers in July 2020 and immediately became an enthusiastic and committed member of the Spencers team. She is always keen to help her clients and colleagues alike and having a background in hospitality, always brings a high level of customer service to her work. Heather has a passion for fitness (having previously been a qualified Personal Trainer) and spends most evenings in the gym. In her free time, Heather loves travelling, exploring the forest with her dog Gracie and dining in local restaurants.
Ian Donegan began his estate agency career in 2012 with an international corporate agency. For the last eight years he has specialised in coastal property, initially working along the Bournemouth and Poole coast and latterly running an independent agency in Christchurch, before launching Spencers' Christchurch Bay office. Ian regularly attracts praise from appreciative clients for his dedication. Ian comments that he enjoys the interaction with people that his role provides and derives huge satisfaction from helping people move on to the next chapter in their lives. Ian has lived locally for the past eight years and says: "We are lucky to live so close to the sea. I wouldn't change it! It is a great area to explore, from the New Forest to sandy beaches." In his free time you may find him with his young family at Christchurch Quay or Southbourne beach.
Jill has a great deal of experience selling properties in the New Forest, having first worked in the area in 1990 after her initial training in Bournemouth. She was very pleased to join Spencers in 2016 and has really enjoyed the challenge of working in such a busy, successful office. Over the years Jill has gained wide working knowledge of all aspects of estate agency and has a strong commitment to providing the best service. Jill currently lives in nearby Christchurch and works in the Ringwood branch.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Burley
- Negotiator
Jodie is an invaluable member of the Burley office, providing support to all members of the team as well as carrying out numerous roles to the highest standard. Her calm, friendly yet professional approach ensures the smooth running of an estate agency. If you want something done, be sure to ask Jodie! Previously Jodie's career was in the equine industry working for Fox Pitt Eventing. Having grown up in the New Forest, she has great local knowledge and in her spare time enjoys all country pursuits, keeping fit and everything equestrian.
Katy joined Spencers in April 2022 and has over 10 years' worth of experience within property management. Katy enjoys the variation property management entails, with no day ever being the same and loves to help and support our clients. She has had an association with the Christchurch and New Forest area for over the last 30 years and is currently living in Christchurch, within walking distance to the beach! At the weekends she likes going on coastal walks and meeting up with friends for dinner and a cheeky G&T.
Kerry has worked for Spencers since 2015, working for the Lettings office for six years and has now transferred her skills across to the administration role in the Lymington Sales office. Her enthusiasm for her job and attention to detail in supporting the team ensures both vendors and buyers receive a high standard of service. Kerry's passion is her two chihuahuas and she also loves to fish.
Kristina West, Associate, is a British Horse Society coach (level 4) and holds the highest qualification in Management with the British Horse Society. She has been involved in the property industry locally for many years, interspersed with equestrian work. Having lived mostly in the New Forest, she has great local knowledge and contacts.
Lauren has been with Spencers since 2017 first joining the superb Lettings team where her friendly and helpful approach to all aspects of lettings was invaluable. In January 2022 she transferred her skills onto supporting the Brockenhurst sales team in all administration duties and continues to be an asset within the company. Out of office Lauren enjoys socialising as well as walking her beautiful Doberman along the sea wall at the weekends.
Job Titles:
- Part Time Sales Assistant
Lesley is an integral part of the estate agents Brockenhurst team having worked for the office for over 13 years - offering excellent consistency and continuity. Lesley therefore knows many of our returning clients, providing great insight and customer service. During the week she also works within a large employment and HR advisory company, and in her spare time she enjoys socialising and the arrival of her first grandson.
Mark is a highly experienced estate agent with 30 years of experience in the industry, covering all sectors of the market. For 10 years, Mark successfully ran the Fells Gulliver, estate agents Ringwood office, before opening Spencers of Ringwood in October 2010. Mark now runs our estate agents, Ringwood. He has, over the years, built an excellent rapport and reputation with many local homeowners and an honest no-nonsense approach to home buying and selling. Mark prides himself on his photography and ensures the best possible details/brochures are created for all our properties. Mark lives in Wimborne and grew up locally, he spends his spare time walking his Labrador and is an ex-league Hockey player, having played for the New Forest Hockey Club for 15 years.
Matt brings a wealth of experience in the estate agency industry, having successfully covered a broad range of the property market for over a decade. Priding himself on an enthusiastic, proactive approach, Matt puts a real effort into ensuring each customer receives an attentive service. Matt is always focused on achieving the most successful outcome possible for his clients and being on hand every step of the way throughout their move. Living locally with his wife and young children, Matt enjoys spending as much quality family time as possible, while he likes to travel and is a keen football fan. Even when away from the office Matt is rarely too far away from the New Forest!
Maya has worked within the property industry since 2021 and joined the Spencers Coastal department in May 2023. She is now an invaluable member of the Highcliffe team with her organisation, attention to detail and customer service skills. In Maya's spare time, she can be found with her husband and their two young children bike riding along the beach or playing in a local park.
Mel has over 20 years' industry experience working in differing markets for both independent and corporate companies (including Savills). Her key strengths include developing strong client relationships - a skill which sees many returning clients. Her free time revolves around her interests in architecture and interior design, as well as her family, cocker spaniel and running her Airbnb accommodation.
Naomi has worked for Spencers since 2014 and her friendly and professional approach is a huge asset to the office. At weekends she will usually be found at the gym or listening to country music.
Neville has over 10 years New Forest property experience and brings to his role an enthusiastic approach and in-depth knowledge of the local market. As a keen sailor with both national and European titles, out of office he is usually found sailing on the Solent (and beyond) and is currently teaching his young son to sail.
Born and bred in the local area and having returned home from a stint in Australia, Paula brings close to 20 years of experience in estate agency, sales and customer service. A warm and friendly personality, positive attitude and a straight-talking style, has won her the respect and trust of her clients. In her spare time, you can find her taking long walks on the beach or in the forest with her two golden retrievers. She also enjoys horse riding, golf and playing cricket.
Penny has 10 years' property experience, including working for Spencers since March 2014, starting in the Brockenhurst office. She is known for being very proactive with great people skills. Out of office she loves hiking, biking and spending time with family.
Pippa has worked alongside Rob since he first established his Brockenhurst office in 2005. She is very highly regarded, having developed a fantastic reputation as a strong negotiator representing clients' best interests. In her leisure time Pippa can be found working on her old house (a labour of love), sailing and walking Sprog her dog.
Rob Batten - Founder, Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Director
- Founder
- Managing Director
Rob is a director of Spencers New Forest and manages the Lymington office. He took over Fells Gulliver's Brockenhurst office in 2005, following over 20 years' experience of the property market both in London and the Home Counties including working as a consultant for leading national property portal Rightmove. In 2010 he and Alan joined forces to found Spencers New Forest.
Job Titles:
- Negotiator, Land & Development
Born and bred in the New Forest, Rosie's local knowledge is exemplary. Having attended local schools throughout her education, Rosie proceeded to undertake an event management qualification which helped with her time spent at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show. Proving herself to be an extremely efficient and effective member of staff, Rosie joined the estate agents Ringwood team in November 2018. In her free time, Rosie can be found competing at horse shows nationally, rearing her forest foal and exploring the local area with her dog.
Susie has lived in Lymington for 18 years and joined Spencers in 2011. Prior to joining Spencers her experience was mainly in property management as well as agency experience in Chelsea and Kensington giving her a good understanding of the London property market. She loves the sea just as much as the countryside and loves spending time at the horse races.
Terri has worked for Spencers since 2014. She enjoys working for the Lymington team and turns her hand to any task to support the office, bringing to her work a life time's experience in customer service and admin. Out of office Terri enjoys travel, yoga and eating in local restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Lettings Director
Tracy is manager of Spencers New Forest lettings office in Lymington, which is the only dedicated lettings office in the New Forest area. Tracy has lived and worked in the New Forest for more than 20 years. She describes herself as a people person, and returned to the lettings business to run Spencers New Forest's lettings office.