GRISDALES - Key Persons
Say hello to Alison, our Lettings Client Services Manager, who has been an essential part of our team since 2014. Although she graduated from University with a BA in Education Studies, Alison decided to follow a different path.
With over 20 years of experience in various customer service roles, including retail, banking, and recruitment, Alison found her calling in the estate agency industry. She excels in her role, providing exceptional service and support to our clients. In fact, she completed the Level 3 Course in Residential Letting and Property Management in November 2019, demonstrating her commitment to delivering a personalised and professional experience.
Being a lifelong resident of Cumbria, Alison has an impressive knowledge of the area, allowing her to offer valuable advice and insights. When she's not assisting our clients, you can find her exploring the beautiful fells, hitting the gym, or enjoying quality time with friends and family.
Meet Beverly! She joined our team in 2019 as an Executive Assistant and has since taken on the role of Business Administrator, providing remote support. With a diverse career spanning Financial Services, Civil Service, and Local Authority in her home County of Northamptonshire, Beverly brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Grisdales.
Although she recently moved to the area, Beverly is already falling in love with Cumbria and all that it has to offer. When she's not busy supporting our team, you can find her tending to her allotment, discovering the hidden gems of the area, or cherishing precious moments with her beautiful granddaughter.
Meet Carolann, the friendly face and Sales Negotiator at our Cockermouth branch. She's our office's very own "matchmaker," dedicated to finding and connecting potential buyers with their dream homes. From conducting property viewings to managing and negotiating offers, Carolann oversees every step of the sales process. She goes above and beyond during the final stages to ensure a smooth completion, offering unwavering support and guidance to our clients.
Before joining our team in 2022, Carolann gained experience in various customer-oriented roles, including working with children. Her knack for multitasking, honed during her time in these roles, proves invaluable in the fast-paced world of property sales.
When Carolann isn't busy at the office, she can be found camping in the great outdoors with her family. Equipped with their trusty rooftop tent, Carolann, her partner, and their children embark on thrilling adventures across the country. When they're not exploring, Carolann cherishes quality time at home with her loved ones, enjoying meals out, and making lasting memories with friends.
Job Titles:
- Client Account Administrator
Meet Charlotte O'Rourke, our Client Accounts Administrator at Grisdales. In her role, Charlotte oversees the seamless day-to-day operations of the Client Accounts department, handling a range of administrative and accounting tasks. This includes processing and reconciling bank accounts, monitoring rent payments, managing transactions with landlords, and addressing queries from both landlords and tenants. Charlotte's professional journey is shaped by a diverse background in education, property management, and travel. Originally from Lancashire, she has lived across the landscapes of Australia and New Zealand over the past two decades. Now settled in Cockermouth with her partner and son, Charlotte's interests extend far beyond the realms of accounting. In her free time, you'll find her honing her archery skills, following football, exploring new destinations, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
(Chris:) Thank you for your time today Rachel. Boys and girls, Peter or the Property Academy don't even know this video is taking place, and they certainly haven't paid me or given me any consideration for it. Other affiliate schemes are available, such as The Guild or Relocation Agent Network or The Federation of Independent Agents, and my recommendation is that you do check all of those out, but also seriously consider the Property Academy. I know an awful lot of agents who rave about it and I thought as I've got a lot of time for Peter and what he does for our industry, and I know you have as well Rachel, so it's just our way of paying back some of that debt to what he has done for the industry. I think it's exceptional so thank you for your time today.
Christopher Watkin is a renowned property journalist who guides, supports, mentors, consults, counsels, and partners with hundreds of UK Letting & Estate Agents in their quest to grow their lettings and estate agencies businesses. He invited our MD Rachel Ritson to his studio in Grantham for a series of video interviews all about the property industry. This is the first in our video series:
Meet Daria, our experienced Lettings Negotiator who recently joined the team. Her role is vital in connecting tenants and landlords as she oversees the entire rental process, from marketing properties and searching for tenants to conducting viewings, negotiating agreements, and guiding tenants through the application process.
Originally from Russia, Daria has embarked on an exciting journey across Europe, residing in Germany, Spain, and now England. With 25 years of experience, including a decade in the letting agency industry, her extensive background adds immense value to our team.
For the past four years, Daria has called England her home, sharing it with her partner, children, and step-children. Together, they cherish the picturesque landscapes of Cumbria, exploring its rural and coastal walks. Daria's love for travel extends beyond her immediate surroundings, and she is impressively fluent in five languages. She also channels her creativity into crafting exquisite gemstone bracelets, which she sells on Etsy.
Job Titles:
- Land and New Homes Manager
With a keen focus on West Cumbria, she specialises in identifying and bringing exciting land and new homes opportunities to the region. Destiny collaborates with a diverse range of professionals, including landowners, housebuilders, architects, and planners, to help our partners unlock the full potential of their investments and achieve maximum profitability. Her extensive market intelligence allows her to stay ahead of the game, and she always looks forward to connecting with like-minded individuals throughout Cumbria and beyond.
Say hello to Emily, our Property Coordinator at Grisdales. As an integral member of our property management team, she shoulders the crucial responsibility of overseeing the maintenance of a portion of our property portfolio. Collaborating closely with our extensive network of contractors and the rest of the property management team, Emily ensures our homes consistently meet the highest standards and that our landlords and tenants are satisfied. With three years of expertise in estate agency, Emily brings a diverse set of skills to her role. Before Grisdales, she made her mark at Gleeson Homes, specialising in the exciting world of new build sales, and also gained valuable experience at United Utilities. Beyond the confines of the office, Emily's life is a whirlwind of energy - from her passion for running to keeping up with her spirited 2-year-old lab dog. As a die-hard Liverpool football fan and proud season ticket holder, she loves nothing more than catching the Reds in action.
Introducing Helen, a valued member of Team Grisdales since 2015. She initially joined as a Sales Negotiator at our Workington Office, marking a significant career change after serving as a Police Officer with Cumbria Constabulary. Helen's dedication and hard work led her to progress into the role of Senior Sales Negotiator and she currently holds the position of Sales Client Services Manager. Her passion for both people and property shines through as she consistently strives to deliver the best possible customer service experience.
When Helen isn't busy helping clients, she enjoys the comforts of home in Seaton. There, she lives with her husband Andy, her son and daughter, her stepson, and their delightful Cocker Spaniel named Molly.
We welcomed Jackie to our Property Management Team in 2022. As our Property Inspector, she takes care of regular property visits to make sure our rental properties are in tip-top condition and our tenants are happy and settled in their homes.
Before joining our team, Jackie had a background in Social Care Management. She's a proud mother to a wonderful daughter and adores her two granddaughters. And let's not forget her adorable companions, Coco and Marshall, her two French Bulldogs.
When Jackie isn't busy ensuring our properties are in tip-top shape, she generously volunteers for dog rescue charities. In her free time, you'll often find her travelling or engrossed in a thrilling crime fiction book.
Job Titles:
- Property Marketing Manager
Meet Judith, our longest-serving team member who has been with Grisdales since we opened our doors in 1997.
With decades of experience in sales and lettings, Judith brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She takes great pride in delivering first-class customer care, combining professionalism with a personable approach. By engaging in meaningful conversations, Judith strives to understand your unique needs and collaborates closely with you to develop the best strategy for selling or letting your home within your desired timeframe. With integrity, expertise, and efficiency, Judith ensures a seamless experience for her clients.
Meet Karen, our dedicated Compliance Officer who works closely with the Property Management Team. Since joining us in 2021, she has been entrusted with ensuring the safety and compliance of our properties. From organising routine gas and electrical safety checks to staying up-to-date with the latest lettings legislation, Karen is our go-to expert in all things compliance.
With an impressive background spanning Trading Standards, the Fire Service, and Children's Services, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.
Beyond the office, Karen enjoys the company of her three grown-up daughters and her adorable Yorkie companion named Trampas, who never fails to impress with his clever tricks. When she's not tending to her responsibilities, you'll likely find Karen in her garden, indulging in her green thumb while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. She also has a love for tropical destinations and is an avid scuba diver, seeking out thrilling underwater encounters with the magnificent marine life.
Meet Kerry, our Business Administrator who joined Grisdales in late 2021. In her role, Kerry provides invaluable support to our Sales and Lettings Teams across both offices. With over 20 years of experience in administration and finance, gained during her time at Copeland Borough Council's Beacon Museum, Kerry brings a wealth of expertise to our team.
Living in Whitehaven, Kerry cherishes quality time with her loved ones, whether it's over a cup of coffee, lending a hand in their allotment, or enjoying the company of her two adorable godsons. When she's not busy at work or spending time with friends and family, Kerry enjoys coastal walks and visiting the cinema. She also has a deep passion for history, often exploring historical museums and indulging in captivating historical fiction books.
Job Titles:
- Property Marketing Manager
Laura's main role is to help our clients achieve their property goals by ensuring a profitable and smooth sale. She's the go-to person for valuable advice on how to market your home effectively and get the best price. From developing a personalised marketing strategy to arranging stunning photos and brochures, Laura will make sure your property stands out and attracts potential buyers. While our Client Services Team handles viewings and offers, Laura keeps a close eye on your property's marketing progress to ensure things are moving forward. She also provides professional property valuations for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
Before joining us, Laura had a career background in banking and dental nursing. Her Level 3 ILM certification in Management and her natural people skills make her a superstar when it comes to connecting with others. Plus, with around 30 different homes under her belt since she was 20, she knows a thing or two about the property market!
Originally from the South of England, Laura has called Workington home for quite some time. But she's always up for visiting her family and friends down south. When she's not hard at work, you'll find Laura having a blast running around Whinlatter Forest with her two grandsons, embracing her inner child. She's also a social butterfly who loves dining out, cooking, and going on exciting adventures. Whether it's a quick city break or a sun-soaked getaway, Laura has a passion for exploring new places.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Manager
Lauren joined Grisdales back in 2017 as Executive Assistant and right-hand person to our Managing Director, Rachel.
Before landing at Grisdales, Lauren had experience working in retail and providing admin support to the NHS. But she felt the itch for more knowledge and went back to college to study Business Management. That's when she found her way to our Whitehaven Office. In 2021, she decided to level up her skills even more by diving into a Marketing Executive Apprenticeship.
Now, Lauren's got a wide range of tasks on her plate. She takes care of our social media, keeps our marketing materials up to date and when the team needs a helping hand with administrative stuff, Lauren's got it covered.
When she's not busy in the office she's busy at home! With a husband, two lively kiddos, and their adorable Cockapoo named Nellie, she's got her hands full. Finding time to relax can be a challenge, but when she does, Lauren loves diving into a good book, catching up with friends, and even treating herself to a music concert now and then.
Currently, Lesley holds the position of Lead Generation Manager, overseeing the areas of Whitehaven, Workington, and their surroundings. Her role involves identifying potential leads and opportunities to support the growth of our business.
With a background in customer service and sales, Lesley has honed her skills over the years. Prior to joining Grisdales, she spent five years as a Client Services Advisor, eventually transitioning into a Client Accountant role.
Outside of work, Lesley enjoys spending time with her family. She lives in Whitehaven with her husband Andrew and their daughter Ella Amelia-Lilly. On weekends, they are joined by Lesley's stepdaughter, Emma Louise. In her free time, Lesley's passion for cars takes centre stage and she can often be found attending the latest car shows.
Meet Lesley, a valued member of the Grisdales team since 2017. She started as a Weekend Receptionist after taking a short break following the birth of her daughter. Since then, Lesley's dedication and hard work have led her to progress within the company.
Job Titles:
- Property Marketing Manager
Say hello to Nicola, Property Marketing Manager at Grisdales. Nicola's journey began as a weekend receptionist in 2018, and she quickly progressed to the role of Lettings Negotiator. In 2023, Nicola returned to Grisdales as Property Marketing Manager. With a dynamic background spanning various roles within the company and having lived in West Cumbria all her life, Nicola understands the local property landscape inside and out. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, Nicola's expertise can guide you towards making informed decisions that align with your property goals.
Job Titles:
- Head of Business Support
- Support Each Member
Introducing Nina, who joined Grisdales back in 2008. What started as a part-time role covering the accounting function has evolved into a full-time position where Nina manages various areas of responsibility. She's our go-to person for all things finance, HR and payroll, IT and systems administration, as well as overseeing our company infrastructure.
Nina's career journey has taken her through a diverse range of experiences. From working in the Civil Service to being part of a small privately owned business and even contributing to her own family business, she has always had a strong accounting background. Along the way, she has also embraced opportunities to showcase her adaptability and versatility, taking on additional tasks that complement her skill set.
Outside of the office, Nina thrives on adventures. Whether it's tackling a new house project, engaging in thrilling outdoor activities, or embarking on a journey of learning and growth, she's always seeking new experiences.
Job Titles:
- Agent
- Boss
- Captain
- Managing Director
- Member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents
Say hello to Rachel, the driving force behind Grisdales! She's the captain of our ship, steering the company in the right direction and making sure we're always on course. Responsible for the strategy and direction of the company, day-to-day work involves ensuring our people, systems and brand are working cohesively and aligned with our culture and company values of passion, honesty, expertise, consideration and potential. Her main priority is to ensure the whole team is engaged and enjoying their work… a happy team means happy customers.
Rachel's journey with Grisdales started over 20 years ago, and as the business grew, so did her responsibilities. By the end of 2014, she was running the business, and in 2016, she officially became the owner of the company. But before joining Grisdales, Rachel had her own business, providing accounting and management information services to local companies. And way back, she worked for the international company Dupont.
As a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, Rachel is always staying up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge. She's also a lifelong learner, having completed programs like the Women in Cumbria Taking The Lead initiative and a Level 4 qualification in Business Management. She's even part of the prestigious Leadership Summit program by The Property Academy.
When Rachel isn't busy leading the charge at Grisdales, she's surrounded by her big, loving family. With three children, three stepchildren, and several grandkids, family get-togethers are her favourite. And to stay fit and unwind, she hits the trails for a run or a leisurely walk in the fells. Of course, she always finds time to kick back and relax with her husband Neil.
(Rachel): I think I'm naturally quite a cautious person, so you know I can go to Peter whether I'm thinking about doing this or thinking about that, and he straight away will broaden my horizons and make me think ten times bigger than I initially would… Which is so thought provoking and it might be then you drill it down a little bit and obviously you need the detail behind it, but to to open up those additional thoughts is just so healthy.
Rachel and Chris discuss property industry qualifications, in light of the impending Regulations of Property Agents legislation looming on the horizon.
Rachel joined Grisdales over 20 years ago and as the business grew so did her responsibilities. Over the years her day to day became heavily estate agency orientated and by the end of 2014 Rachel was solely managing the business, before becoming full owner of the company in 2016.
Rachel is a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents and continues to develop her knowledge and skills with a number of qualifications in Business Management. Having carried out the Women in Cumbria Taking The Lead programme, alongside a Level 4 qualification in Business Management, Rachel loves learning and has been a member of The Property Academy since 2013, this included being part of the highly esteemed Leadership Summit programme - Leadership Summit
Rachel Ritson is the captain of the ship! She makes sure the company is heading in the right direction, at the right speed and adjusting the coordinates as and when necessary. Responsible for the strategy and direction of the company, day to day work involves ensuring our people, systems and brand are working cohesively and aligned with our culture and company values of passion, honesty, expertise, consideration and potential.
Meet Rebekah, our friendly and knowledgeable New Homes Sales Advisor. With her expertise, she helps clients find their perfect new build homes at our sales developments.
Rebekah brings a diverse sales background to her role. From selling vehicles and 4x4s at a local dealership to helping clients find their dream homes in sunny Fuerteventura, she has a passion for connecting people with the right properties.
Outside of work, Rebekah cherishes time with her husband and two young children in their home in Carlisle. Whether they're exploring the beautiful lakes in their caravan or soaking up the sun on a tropical beach, family adventures bring her immense joy. She's also an avid runner and enjoys relaxing moments with her friends.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Chartered Surveyor
After leading the company for many years, Tim retired from day-to-day operations in 2014, passing the torch to Rachel Ritson. However, he continues to offer his expertise and passion to the business.