Meet the Team

Chris Sawyer

Director

Born in Brighton, Chris began his career in 1988 at a small local independent agent. From there he moved on to a large chain of estate agents where he quickly progressed to senior management level.

In 1996 Chris co-launched Tingleys Estate Agents which became one of the city’s most respected independent companies and in 2009, following his acquisition of the business, Sawyer & Co was launched.

During 2016 Chris was the President of the Brighton & Hove Estate Agents Association (BHEAA) a role in which he was able to show his commitment to improving and maintaining the highest standards possible within the profession. The role enabled him to continue his longstanding support of numerous local charities and organisations, helping them to raise vital funds and awareness of their work. Chris is also a member of the National Advisory Council of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents.

An avid Brighton & Hove Albion supporter, Chris lives in Brighton and is married with 2 daughters.

Adam Farrell Dip Surv Pract, FNAEA, MARLA

Director

Adam grew up in Hove and has enjoyed a career in property sales and lettings since the late 1990’s. Developing a well-rounded experience in both independent and corporate estate agency, Adam has progressed from Negotiator to Branch Manager and is now a Company Director.

Having passed the highest level exams, Adam holds a Fellow grade of membership at the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). He has also achieved a Diploma in Surveying Practice at the College of Estate Management and is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) after passing their Technical Award exams.

Adam joined the Portslade office at the beginning of 2006 when the company was known as Tingleys Estate Agents. In 2014 he helped launch the Sawyer & Co Brighton office and with his hands on approach to management he continues to build on the company’s success.

Adam is married with three children and now lives in Steyning, whilst also being addicted to hang gliding!

Simon Lemcke

Sales Director

Simon is Brighton born and bred and has lived in Hove for the last 25 years. He started as an Estate Agent at the tender age of 16 for Fox & Sons and quickly worked his way up the ranks to become the youngest Area Director looking after 8 offices. In 2002 he started his own estate agents in Hove which was one of the most successful in the city. Simon has now joined forces with Chris Sawyer in what is proving to be a tremendous partnership. When he`s not at work, Simon enjoys most sports and is a keen Liverpool fan. His passion for music is unsurpassed and has now been to over 900 concerts throughout the world.

Kirsten Taylor

Mortgage Services Director

Kirsten was born in Brighton and went to school in the local area. With over 12 years of experience in the property industry, Kirsten has gained a wealth of knowledge across various sectors of the business. Her passion and dedication led her to further her expertise, ultimately qualifying as a mortgage advisor, where she now excels in helping clients navigate the complexities of property finance. When she’s not at work, Kirsten enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her husband and their dog, Chester.

Rosemary Clifford

Property Manager - Lettings

Rosie has over 20 years’ experience in the lettings business starting out as Lettings Secretary, then Negotiator and then in Property Management.  She lives in Crawley, West Sussex and enjoys property refurbishment and getting out and about in the beautiful countryside.

Chloe Pell

Negotiator

Originally moving to Brighton for University ten years ago to study Media, Chloe now lives just around the corner from our Hove Office. She enjoys all this city has to offer; from quirky bars and delectable dining, to lengthy bike rides along the coast, and up to Devil’s Dyke. Other hobbies include horse riding, which she enjoys when returning to her family home in Canterbury.

Raoul Debaucheron

Viewing Guide

Originally from Belgium, Raoul grew up in the Congo. After his studies in Brussels he moved to the UK in 1985. Raoul worked in London hotels and for over 30 years he travelled the world as a cabin crew member for British Airways.

Obsessed with Homes under the Hammer, Phil and Doer Uppers, a job at Sawyer & Co seemed like the natural progression for Raoul. When not eating in town Raoul is in the Channel or at the King Alfred. Raoul believes that listening is the secret of great customer service.

Bob Beaken

Sales Progressor / Senior Negotiator

Bob was born and raised in Brighton. His early career developed in the FMCG world working for Blue Chip organisations. Before commencing his long and successful career in the sports industry. Having worked for Adidas, Nike and O’Neill his career spanned 25 years rising to the position of Managing Director. In 2003 a career change beckoned and Bob took on an estate agency franchise setting up Bairstow Eves’s first office in Brighton. Following the sale of that business he spent the next few years in property development alongside creating a property search agency for London buyers wishing to move this great City. With wealth of sales, marketing and business development experience he joined Sawyer and Co from Brighton and Hove Albion (AITC) during 2014. Bob’s interests are football, racquet-ball, surfing and snowboarding. He lives in Hove with his 14 year old daughter.

Jess Fowler

Property Mangaer/ Lettings Coordinator

After spending multiple years working in property, Jess decided to leave the role to embark on an adventure across Southeast Asia. Travelling through Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam Jess indulged in the diverse foods and cultures each country had to offer. Now back in the city of Brighton where Jess grew up, she enjoys countryside running, leisurely strolls along the seafront and Brighton’s vibrant summer festivals.

Cassie Montagnani

Property Manager

Cassie joined Sawyer & Co as a Property Manager in 2022. Having grown up in Brighton she knows the area extensively and has worked in the property industry for several years for both corporate and independent agencies. Away from work Cassie enjoys spending time with her partner and two young children, playing tennis and seeing friends.

Joe Newman

Residential Lettings Manager

Joe has over 20 years’ experience working in Property Management in Brighton & Hove and leads our Property Management team as well as looks after his own portfolio of landlords. His proven lettings experience is coupled with a leadership style which fits perfectly with the Sawyer & Co. approach to business. Joe has a keen interest in property and architecture in general, his firm commitment to delivering outstanding customer service means he excels in his role. Outside of work Joe enjoys spending time with his family, music, literature and art.

Kieran Carter

Senior Negotiator and Valuer

Emma Marcantonio MARLA

Accounts Manager

A true Brightonian, Emma joined the Sawyer & Co Lettings Department in February 2016 as a Property Manager where she quickly become a valuable member of the team. Since then her tenacity and focus has seen her become ARLA qualified and take on a new challenge as our Accounts Manager.

As someone who loves to keep fit, Emma used to be an avid kickboxer, having started training in 2013 with SAMA and rapidly progressing through the different coloured belt gradings. A health fanatic, she now prefers spending her free time in the gym finding it motivational, energising and empowering, its no wonder she’s such an industrious worker!

Having lived in Brighton her whole life, Emma hopes to travel the world one day, but until then she brings her love of properties and extensive local knowledge to her role within our company.

Matthew Higgins

Land & Development Manager Bio

After studying Sociology at Bath University, where he also ran a successful club promotions company, Matt returned to his hometown of Brighton. Having been introduced to the world of property at an early age it’s no surprise that Matt has risen swiftly through the ranks to become one of our Senior Negotiators and our Land and New Homes Specialist.

A committed Seagulls supporter, when he’s not supporting the Albion Matt is now a family man who enjoys walking the dog on the seafront and practising his culinary skills.

Tracey Lewis

Property Manager - Lettings

Tracey has been working in the Brighton & Hove Property Management industry for 31 years, and during this time she has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience about most aspects of property management and the buildings within the City.  She passed her ARLA exam in 1998 and strives to give the best customer service possible for both Landlords and Tenants.

Whenever she is walking around in Brighton & Hove or her home town of Lewes, she always takes a good look at the buildings and surroundings as she takes a keen interest in the beauty and workmanship of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings; there are many quirky gargoyles hidden in amongst some of the structures which can sometimes be a little amusing (especially churches!!).

Laura Marcantonio

Lettings Account Manager

With a robust background as a qualified Electrician and Contracts Manager in the Electrical industry for over 14 years, Laura joined Sawyer & Co in 2020, initially in an Accounts supporting role. Since then, she’s stepped into the role of Lettings Accounts Manager, where she combines her expertise in finance and property management to deliver exceptional service.

Outside of work, Laura loves spending quality time with her family, embarking on long walks in the countryside with her dog, and keeping active with regular gym visits.

Ceri Jackson

Property Inspector

Ceri has lived in Brighton for 20 years and loves the diversity and culture of the city. She originally studied Menswear Design but has now worked in property for 5 years.

In her spare time Ceri is a keen walker and enjoys going for hikes with her dog in the beautiful surrounding countryside of The Downs and Sussex villages and of course enjoys the wonderful seafront, making time to pop into restaurants along the way. Ceri has travelled extensively in the USA and the second city in her life is San Francisco which she says is almost as good as Brighton.

As a nod to her Celtic background, Ceri is an avid supporter of Wales and Ireland Rugby teams.

Jayne Laverick

Operations and Marketing

Jayne moved to Brighton in 2015 and has loved the vibrant lifestyle here ever since. She enjoys anything creative and so, particularly likes producing our high-quality property brochures, writing descriptions and assisting in the creation of our property and lifestyle magazine; Life.

Jayne studied an undergraduate degree at Northumbria University in English Literature and History, so it’s safe to say there’s a bit of book worm hiding there.

After making that big move South, Jayne took on a Master degree at Kingston University in Publishing whilst working full time managing Brighton’s oldest pub – so the girls no stranger to hard work.

Spoilt for choice here in Brighton and Hove, during her free time you’ll find Jayne frequenting the many local eateries, bars and cafes with friends or taking that long journey home to visit family.

Pamela Edinburgh

Block Accounts and Portfolio Coordinator

Pamela’s journey in life began in North London where she was born and raised. She has a flair for performing arts and was a top vocalist in Spain for several years Upon her return to the UK in 2009, Pamela stepped into a brand new role within block accounts administration for a property management company based in Bedfordshire. This is where her passion for the property management industry developed in to over ten years’ worth of experience in various roles within the block accounts department. Pamela is dedicated to providing first class service to her clients and support of her colleagues in all avenues of her career. Pamela continues to sing in various venues across Sussex at weekends. She also loves to spend valuable time with her husband, family, special friends and little cat called Bear.

Mia Boothby

Senior Lettings Negotiator

Being new to the property industry, Mia is beginning on the job training as Lettings Coordinator. Mia has grown up in Shoreham-By-Sea, however loves to indulge in the quirky and busy city of Brighton and Hove. She thrives in the summertime and loves the beach, paddle boarding, festivals and local bars and restaurants. She is passionate about fitness and exercise, as well as being a contemporary dancer through her school and college years. Despite choosing not to go to university after leaving college, Mia is eager to learn about the industry and is motivated to work her way up.

Danica Novakovic

Lettings Coordinator

James Gunn

Valuations Manager

Having begun my estate agency journey in 1999, I have worked through all the key areas of both the Sales and Lettings side of the estate agency industry, providing me with unprecedented local knowledge, to support you moving forwards. From an early point in my career, my aim was always to become a valuer, as this was where I felt could best share my passion for both property and people and in turn, look to build strong working relationships with both sellers and buyers across the city.

I am from the Brighton & Hove area, so I have both enjoyed living and working in this wonderful City of ours. Raising a family of four children within the local community and participating in local sports and recreational pastimes, I am always happy to give any advice or recommendations to anyone who is also looking to share the very best that the Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas has to offer. I look forward to supporting you as best I can soon.

Lizzy Van Orden

Lettings Property Manager

I have worked in property management for over 8 years and I love the diversity of the role, as no two days are the same! I grew up in Hove (actually) and have lived in Poets Corner for the past 18 years, it is a wonderful place to live, and has a lovely community feel. So much so, I bought my first little flat there. May is my favourite month of the year because Brighton is bustling with Fringe events and Open Art Houses — I secretly love to have a nosey at the decor!

Cerys Keating

Lettings Negotiator

Born and bred in Brighton, Cerys has always been passionate about the property industry in her hometown. She attended university in Bath and spent time working in Florida but was eager to continue her professional career back home, surrounded by friends and family. Outside of work, she is passionate about dance and fitness, and has studied dance both at college and university. She also enjoys baking at home and travelling the world. Cerys is determined to gain more knowledge about the industry and progress further.

Paul Offley

Compliance Officer

With nearly 40 years’ experience Paul instructs us on the best practices for Data Protection, and reviews the latest Money Laundering Regulations to ensure that we are fully compliant at all times.

Annette Woolman

Viewing Guide

Relatively new to Estate Agency, Annette is passionate about showing the diversity of property in her much-loved home town. With a degree and a Masters in History she likes to point out local landmarks and interesting facts about Brighton and Hove to clients exploring the area. A wide-ranging career path that includes; the antiques Industry, teaching, hospitality and events and more recently travelling the world as cabin crew; she is now focused on working with the community particularly through volunteering with local charities. Whilst varied her career has been entirely people-centred and that is where she feels her strengths lie due to strong empathetic communication skills. A fanatic about sport; Annette plays tennis, golf, swims, skis, and watches sport as much as possible!

Rose Flytzani

Client Completion Manager

Rose recently joined the Financial Services Department, where she supports Kirsten in providing clients with efficient results in completing their mortgage offer. She previously worked in lettings and property management before taking time off to raise her two young sons. In her spare time, she enjoys running, having completed the London Marathon last year, and spending time with her family.

Mike Hall

Viewing Guide

With over 35 years travelling all over the world as cabin crew for British Airways, Mike is no stranger to working which the public which he loves. Originally from Manchester, he has have lived in Brighton and Hove for 28 years considers this city home. Naturally a loyal Manchester United fan, Mike loves football and also follows the Albion; prior to working for Sawyer and Co, he worked in the players tunnel on match days up at the Amex! Mike enjoys skiing, golf and tennis and on his days off he loves eating good food with friends and family and socialising with a good bottle of wine!

Kerry-Anne MARLA

Senior Lettings Specialist

A shortlisted finalist for The Times Best Letting Agent of the Year 2016, Kerry-Anne joined Sawyer & Co in 2011 and has over 25 years’ experience in estate agency.

After spending her early career working for a large corporate company in the Berkshire area, she took time off to travel Australia and Europe. On her return to the UK Kerry-Anne settled in Hove and was instrumental in the success of another independent estate agent in Hove for whom she worked for nine years.

Kerry-Anne’s success at The Times Awards 2016 is due to her great enthusiasm for her job and her impressive pro-active and hard-working approach to everything she does.

Rosie Richards

Operations and Marketing

Meet Rosie, a Brighton native who has established a good working knowledge of marketing and sales practices within retail and is now turning her hand to the property industry. When she’s not in the office, you’ll frequently spot her lacing up her running shoes for a jog along the seafront or getting competitive on the netball or beach volleyball court with her friends.

Kieran James

Valuations Manager

Having spent over 28 years supporting both sellers and buyers within the property industry, Kieran has realised that the industry is as much about the bricks and mortar, of the properties he is selling, as it is the people he supports. Always putting his client’s best interests first is at the heart of everything he does, ensuring the very best communication and support is delivered at all times. In his spare time, Kieran can be found supporting his three sons from the side lines of any number of local football pitches or out walking the family pet, Ruby over the downs with his wife, Clare. Kieran is looking forward to being of service to you soon.

Katie Goodsell AIRPM MARLA

Head of Block Management

Having worked in the property sector since 2014 our Senior Property Manager, Katie, brings a wealth of knowledge to our Block Management team. She is ARLA qualified and has passed the level 3 exams to become an associate of the Institute of Residential Property Management.

Kathy Jarrett MIRPM

Senior Property Manager

With over 10 years of experience in the property industry, Kathy joins us as Senior Block Manager. Originally from London, she has spent much of her life living in Sussex and then latterly in Brighton. Having grown up bi-lingual, Kathy has a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages and Media Studies from UEA. She has also achieved Member level of The Property Institute having completed the final exams in 2023. Kathy spent much of her younger years travelling extensively and working overseas and still enjoys travel as much as family life will allow.

Beth Harrison

Assistant property Manager

Beth joins us with seven years’ experience in the property industry; having started within sales and lettings, she turned her hand to property management and now embarks on her most recent position as an assistant block manager.

Sarah Myers

Block Management Coordinator

Born and bred in Brighton, Sarah joins us with extensive knowledge of the local market. Having many years of property experience both in lettings and block management. Sarah spends as much of her free time as possible on renovating her second home in Puglia with her husband.

Sarah Derry

Senior Service Charge Accountant

Sarah originally hails from Leicester but made the move to Brighton nearly three decades ago, bringing a vibrant blend of expertise and local familiarity to our team. Her career began within chartered accountancy where she spent several years honing her skills. Sarah’s professional journey then took her through diverse realms of accounting, from insurance to retail, which broadened her analytical capabilities and industry knowledge.

Seven years ago, after her children left school, Sarah transitioned into property management accounting. She joined a local firm and quickly grew to relish the complexities and learning opportunities within the property sector. Sarah continues to apply her extensive experience and passion for numbers to help streamline our financial operations.

Outside the office, Sarah is an avid gardener and enjoys immersing herself in the cultural scene, frequently attending music and comedy events.

Daisy Ogilvie

Client Services Consultant

Daisy, originally from London, has spent most of her life in Brighton & Hove. New to the property world, she’s eager to dive in and embrace the challenges of this field. With a solid background in customer service and sales, gained through various local roles, she brings valuable experience to the table. Her artistic flair comes from studying interior design and a past career as a makeup artist. A travel enthusiast, Daisy has already trekked through the Amazon jungle and has Costa Rica lined up as her next adventure. She also enjoys quality time with her nephews and brunches with friends.

Kelly Yeardley

Client Services Consultant

With four years of experience in property management and a background in sales, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has called Brighton home for the past 12 years, fully embracing the city’s lively atmosphere and abundance of summer events and festivals. A foodie at heart, she loves exploring Brighton’s top restaurants and bars and cherishes quality time with friends and loved ones. In her free time, Kelly often borrows friends’ dogs for long walks across the South Downs. When she visits her hometown in Suffolk, she enjoys rekindling her passion for horse riding. A keen traveller, she delights in experiencing different cultures, finds joy in upcycling furniture, and has a particular fondness for all things nautical.

Katy Clarkson

Professional Photographer and Marketing

Katy is a fantastic addition to our photography team. A passionate creative, she learned photography as a young teen and pursued her interest academically, graduating from De Montfort University with a bachelors degree in Media Technology. With over 10 years of experience in the field, initially photographing weddings, events, and business content, she now brings her expertise to us as one of our dedicated property photographers. Originally from Leicester, home of the foxes and tigers, Katy is a fan of her home sports teams, she has a strong background in swimming and enjoys the occasional surfing trip to Cornwall.

Irene Todaro

Professional Photographer

A professional photographer for over thirteen years, Irene began her career studying in Italy and since then has worked with a host of internationally renowned photographers. Specialising in real estate and interior design photography, with an extensive portfolio of work spanning across Italy and England, her work is characterised by a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the essence of architectural beauty.

Irene’s expertise has not only been showcased through her photographs but also celebrated in print. She was featured in a local Italian publication, which highlighted an exhibition of her architectural images from her hometown, Tra Passato e Presente. This critically acclaimed exhibition was commemorated with a book, showcasing her ability to capture the unique spirit of local architecture. Irene continues to bring her professional touch to our clients’ homes, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary images.