Butler Sherborn appoints Helen Whitfield

Helen Whitfield has joined Butler Sherborn, the Cotswolds property specialist, as an associate partner and head of residential agency.

Whitfield previously worked for Savills in South West London in the letting department for four years.

She then moved to the country house department of Savills to cover the Cotswolds and surrounding area selling properties over £2.5m, where she worked for three years while based and living in London.

In 2017 and after seven years in London, Whitfield moved to Strutt and Parker to continue selling properties in the Cotswolds. Starting in their Moreton-in-Marsh office she then moved to Oxford and became head of office.

She will now operate from Butler Sherborn’s Stow-on-the-Wold office, as head of residential agency across the firm.

Whitfield commented: “I have been selling properties across the Cotswolds for the past 10 years. Living near Chipping Norton I know the area well, and am so pleased to be joining Butler Sherborn who have such a great reputation as the leading independent country property agency in the region.”

Elizabeth D’Allemagne, partner of Butler Sherborn, said: “While I move to our Cirencester office to work alongside Sam Butler and Sophie Lane, Helen will continue the success of the residential agency team across the three Butler Sherborn offices in Cirencester, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold.

“With an astute understanding of the Cotswold market, and a focus on exceptional client care, she is a perfect match for the Butler Sherborn ethos, and we are looking forward to her success and future progression within the firm.”

Henry Faun, head of Knight Frank’s Private Office in the Middle East, relocates to London

Henry Faun, head of Knight Frank’s Private Office in the Middle East, has relocated to London.

Faun will continue in his current role as head of the region but will now be based out of Knight Frank’s headquarters, travelling frequently into the Gulf, remaining ideally positioned to serve his clients from the Middle East.

Paddy Dring, head of Knight Frank’s Private Office, said: “Having worked in Dubai for over 10 years, Henry has built-up a significant ‘database’ of ultra-high-net-worth clients, working closely with them and advising them on cross-border property transactions. Henry’s increased presence back in the UK will support them even more effectively.”

Knight Frank will continue to have a private office presence in the Middle East with Paul Sacco, associate partner, based in Dubai and together, Faun and Dring will now be able to support their clients with their real estate portfolios from a truly global perspective.

Faun added: “There has always been substantial interest from wealthy clients from the Middle East to invest in property globally, but we have seen this trend increase considerably over the years into the UK, Europe and the US. Being based in London whilst travelling very frequently into the region will enable me to continue to be their one-point of contact, whether buying, selling, or managing their assets”.

Beresfords’s Shaun Bull transitions into surveying role

Shaun Bull, who has progressed through the ranks at Beresfords over the past 12 years, has now taken a new position as trainee surveyor with the firm.

Bull, until recently an assistant manager with the firm, has opted to explore the world of surveying, and has been offered the opportunity to train as a chartered surveyor with one of Beresfords’ acquired businesses, Cheke & Co.

Celebrating 150 years in business this year, Cheke & Co is one of the most established surveying practices in the South East of England, working for private clients as well as many of the UK’s major lenders.

Following the successful transition, Beresfords is launching a fast-track management programme to upskill managers and leaders who are seeking a career within the property sector.

The programme has been designed for experienced people managers and those in leadership roles who have previously worked within a target-driven sales environment and are looking for a change. As well as receiving expert training, the initiative provides excellent earning potential alongside other benefits such as a company car, a profit share scheme and a relocation allowance.

Bull commented said: “I’ve always had an interest in the surveying side of property, it goes hand in hand with my previous role, so I was delighted when I was offered a trainee position.

“Changing career paths has been really seamless as I had a long-standing relationship with the business. It was reassuring to know the people I would be working for and that the values would remain the same.

“I’d like to say thank you to the directors for providing me with this fantastic opportunity, for their continued support, and how accommodating they have been throughout. I look forward to my future at Cheke & Co and qualifying as a RICS associate chartered surveyor.”

Paul Beresfords, chief executive officer at Beresfords, commented: “I am thrilled we are able to give Shaun the opportunity to further his career ambitions, while remaining an employee under the Beresfords group umbrella. I look forward to seeing him thrive in his new role.

“We pride ourselves on retaining and developing our team members, from apprentices right through to branch assistant managers, which is why we have decided to launch our new and exciting fast-track programme. This will offer individuals the chance to join one of the most progressive property groups in the South East and will provide the development and training to enable them to move into enjoyable and financially rewarding roles.”

Comings & Goings