Meet the Staff
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Edward G.Astin FRICS
DirectorEdward Astin, Managing Director, has been in the property business since leaving University back in 1974 and moved to Whitby as a Chartered Surveyor to join G. A. Suffield & Co in 1980. Astin's was founded in 1992, expanding successfully year by year, diversifying into all aspects of residential and commercial sales, lettings, management, valuation and surveying.
With a passion for the town in which he lives, works and plays and with a supportive family and dedicated staff behind him, he remains full of optimism for the future. Despite the recent economic troubles, which he is confident the area will, as in the past, weather successfully. Astin's involvement in the regeneration will continue as demand for the limited amount of property with which Whitby is endowed will return strongly and sooner than many think. -
Tim Richardson FNAEA
Residential Sales ManagerTim Richardson originally qualified on the Agricultural side before joining Astin's in 1999 where his local knowledge and outstanding people skills has seen him work his way up within the firm to now head the Residential Sales team. Born into a prominent local farming family, he has lived within the area for most of his life and is well known and respected throughout the community, particularly by those with a sporting bias!
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Rosalie Newlyn BA(HONS)
Residential DevelopmentsRosie Newlyn, an Honours Graduate, has been with the Company since June 2003 after an initial spell with Duggleby's Auctioneers. Brought in specifically to support Edward Astin as his Personal Assistant, she has grown into this role taking responsibility for many major New Development projects and specialising in Commercial Valuation and Management consultancy. She continues in that role, now developing a further independent client base as well as taking responsibility for internal administration and human resources. Rosie recently completed her Diploma in Surveying through the College of Estate Management and is now working for her APC to become a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor.
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Carolyn Rhea MARLA
Lettings ManagerCarolyn Rhea was 'headhunted' by Astin's back in 2000 in order to tap into her vast knowledge of Estate Management. She has been central to the success of our highly regarded Residential Lettings and Management Department operating as Manager and being a fully qualified Member of ARLA. Her department is continually expanding thanks to the excellent professional service we are able to offer Landlords and Tenants alike.
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Nick Henderson MNAEA
Residential SalesNick 'Swifty' Henderson has been with Astin's since 2006 and is making a terrific impact through an extraordinary enthusiasm for all things 'property'. First coming into the office as a 15 year old work experience trainee, he joined the team full time as the office junior upon leaving Whitby Community College. He has quickly worked his way up through the ranks gaining experience in all aspects of Estate Agency whilst working through his exams to gain full NAEA qualification and being nominated for 'Young Estate Agent of the Year' in 2007. His role in Residential Sales and Management is complemented by his invaluable, in-depth IT skills which are crucial to the Company's cutting edge web-based activities.
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Jan McAskell
Residential SalesJan McAskell our highly motivated Customer Advisor has been with Astin's now since 2004. As our 'first port of call' in Reception and on the telephone, where first impressions count, clients can always be sure of a friendly welcome and efficient approach. Jan's infectious personality is a much valued asset which, combined with a personal interest and attention to detail, is supported with excellent local knowledge, all of which inspires confidence just where it is needed.
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Liz Astin
Financial DirectorElizabeth Astin, Financial Director, has been central to the growth of the leisure side of the business through Whitby Holiday Cottages in particular. Born and educated locally, she spent several years abroad after leaving College before settling back in Whitby. Her flexibility in operating in all areas of this multi-discipline practice has added a wide breadth of experience to the sales and administration of the various Company interests.
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Charlotte Whitehead
Customer AdvisorCharlotte Whitehead is Astin's newest member of staff, having joined our Residential Sales team as a Customer Advisor back in August 2009. Her friendly and youthful approach bring a welcome freshness to our team and these qualities complement Jan's extensive sales experience. Brought up and educated in Whitby, Charlotte has a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the town and its people, an essential quality for anyone promoting the area on a day to day basis. After initially training and working as a florist in York and Leeds, Charlotte took some time out to 'nanny' in Turkey before returning home to Whitby. The customer service skills she gained in the florist industry are now been finely honed at Astin's as she thrives in the challenge this important 'front line' position presents.
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Maggie Nicholson
SecretaryIn 1998 Maggie Nicholson came to work for Edward Astin as his Secretary, tempted back from a spell as a legal administrator, having previously worked with him in the 1980's. Her busy remit covers all general property matters and administration where her knowledge and experience is second to none. Apart from the day-to-day work, Maggie is our resident 'Agony Aunt' with something interesting happening every day to call upon her multi faceted skills! Whilst technology has moved forward in leaps and bounds, with Astin's being at the 'cutting edge' of all innovations and much more of the work now being computer based, Maggie has cruised seamlessly into the 21st Century!