I spent the early years of my life growing up in Hurst Green and attending Limpsfield C of E Infants School, later moving to Reigate, as my father’s work was based there and we only had one car. After finishing school I went to university and read for a degree in geology and during my first job I studied part time for a Masters degree in a related discipline.

This however was not the career path for me and encouraged by friends and family I made the move to residential property sales in 2005. The rest is history, as they say!

My mission has always been to change people’s perceptions of estate agents, something that I try and do little by little every day. You can only be judged by your actions and in my opinion, there will always be a place for integrity and professionalism in any business sector. I consider myself very lucky, because I genuinely love my job, though it is not without its challenges!

Professionally, and along with Jason my business partner who shares my values, my aim is ensure that Payne & Co. continues to serve the local community for another 85 years with solid advice that property sellers and landlords can rely on. This stable foundation has given us the ability to deliver results in all markets I am proud to say.

My work has enabled me to return to the Oxted area, living just over the border in Kent with my wife and two stepchildren. We are a close family, and all enjoy a long weekend walk in the countryside around where we live. And if the route allows, a pint and pub lunch at the ‘finish line’.

Other interests of mine include playing league squash and going to stand-up comedy.

Oxted really has been ‘my life’, having spent most of my school years at Oxted County School, as it was known then.

I left education on the 14^th June 1995 and started at Payne & Co. on the 15^th! Of course there was no internet or email back then, so I was literally given a list of buyers and a list of sellers and told to get on with it.

In essence, over those 22 years or so, not a lot has changed, we now just have a lot more tools to help us connect with people.

I’d like to think that the local knowledge and experience I have gained over the years is of great value to those we provide a service to and is in part responsible for the success and longevity of Payne & Co. Along with all the hard work that I have put in, of course!

It only seems like yesterday when I was starting out in my career in estate agency, and now with my own young family I often wonder where have the years gone…But I must admit I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working my way up to Managing Director from the lowest rung of the ladder, and I am very proud of having done so.

Outside of work, I’m often to be found providing a taxi service to my two boys, both keen footballers. Many a cold Sunday morning has been spent on a touchline cheering them along.

When I get some time to myself, there is nothing better than a round of golf at Tandridge Golf Club to clear the mind after a busy week at work.

My professional aim? To continue to enjoy my job through hard work and to improve and learn every day.

My personal aim? To get that handicap down of course!