Meet the team
at the leading West London Estate Agency
Our customers tell us they are our greatest assets. So here's an opportunity to find out about a few of the people who shape our business and make us so successful at selling and letting property.
Richard Palfreeman - Managing Director
Experience
Richard began his career as a junior negotiator "an unspecified number of decades ago". He opened Northfields in 1988 and has grown it to five offices during its first twenty years. He has a strong attachment to the west London area, has been appointed President of the Ealing Chamber of Commerce and a Trustee of The Log Cabin.
Proudest moment
His team at Northfields winning three prestigious awards at The Times / Sunday Times Estate Agency of The Year awards 2010.
Little known fact
Richard is a competitive runner, participating in marathons all over Europe. His two teenage sons also enjoy running, and can now be seen overtaking their dad!
Ann Leaver - Director
Experience
Having spent over 20 years working for solicitors, relocation companies and estate agents, Ann has in-depth knowledge of the property market.
Proudest moment
Surviving a four-day Tibetan trek at high altitude in blizzard conditions.
Little known fact
Ann’s name is firmly on the map as her grandfather developed and built Leaver Gardens in Greenford in the early 1930s!
Dee Beth - Finance Director
Experience
A qualified accountant with over 30 years’ experience, Dee has successfully steered Northfields through the lows of recessions and highs of housing market booms since 1995. Having recently become a landlord herself, Dee understands the importance of accurate, efficient accounting systems to ensure clients’ and suppliers’ finances are handled correctly.
Proudest moment
The birth of her first grandchild Josie
Little known fact
Dee never has (and never will) approve a stationery request for Post-It notes!
Silvia Eldawi - Lettings Director
Experience
Silvia came to Northfields after working for a corporate because she "liked the intimacy of an independent". Loved by our landlords for her frankness (she will always tell it like it is), she pioneered the expansion of our admin department and was the first agent to demystify lettings legislation by publishing information packs. Silvia was made a Director in 2007.
Proudest moment
Collecting the overall winner's trophy along with 4 other awards at The Times / Sunday Times Letting Agency of the Year Awards 2010.
Little known fact
Silvia was featured in the Evening Standard's Diary of an Estate Agent.
Nick Devonport - Sales & Marketing Director
Experience
For over two decades Nick has been operating at a senior level in both small and large estate agency businesses across the UK. Nick is a pioneer of cutting edge marketing initiatives and champions world class customer service throughout every level of the business.
Proudest moment
The birth of his first daughter, Amy.
Little known fact
Nick spent 4 years at Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Sharon Shankster - Northfield Avenue Lettings Manager
Experience
A Pitshanger resident since 1970, Sharon knows Ealing like the back of her hand. She has been an estate agent since 1996 and joined Northfields in 2005. Sharon inspires great loyalty from her team and her warm, nurturing personality quickly makes both landlords and tenants feel comfortable and at ease.
Proudest moment
Her daughter getting a 1st class Honours in Geography at Kings College.
Little known fact
Sharon hosts overseas students studying locally.
Helen Kennedy - Head of Recruitment
Experience
Helen began estate agency life in 2002 as a Saturday Negotiator, rising steadily through the Northfields ranks to head up Recruitment. Her astuteness and outgoing nature make her the perfect person for sussing out the local talent: she has successfully recruited several junior negotiators who are now senior managers and directors!
Proudest moment
Appearing in the BBC drama "Pride and Prejudice" practicing her favourite pastime: dancing.
Little known fact
Helen can also be found teaching ballet and gym to local young children at Twisters.
Cathy Byrne - Pitshanger Sales Manager
Experience
Cathy has worked in the industry for 19 years and is the Branch Manager of our Pitshanger Branch. She has gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of the industry and has performed at the highest of levels. Her meticulous attention to detail has helped the most complicated of sales proceed with minimal stress. She is a great ambassador for Northfields and will do everything possible to help your move proceed smoothly.
Proudest moment
The birth of her two daughters
Little known fact
Cathy is a regular fundraiser for The Shooting Star Hospice.
Rachel Young - Ealing Broadway Lettings Manager
Experience
Rachel has over 6 years experience in estate agency in Ealing. As a result of her commitment and enthusiasm she was promoted in 2011 to Lettings Manager.
Proudest moment
Winning Lettings Negotiator of The Year 2010.
Little known fact
Rachel recently did a sky dive for charity and raised £5,000!
Oliver Thomas - Shepherds Bush Senior Sales Negotiator
Experience
Oliver began working in estate agency in 2007 near his hometown of Harrogate in North Yorkshire before moving to London in 2009.
Proudest moment
Being awarded the Sales Negotiator of the year in 2009 and again in 2010.
Little known fact
Oliver made headline news in The Sun newspaper in 2005 for being fined £80 when a tomato dropped out of his sandwich!