Our People

James Carver MNAEA ARLA

Director

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

Worked fully in the business since 2009 following a degree in property, agency and marketing.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The variety of clients I meet and making long lasting connections.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

I am a keen runner and have done multiple marathons and ultra marathons.

Henry Carver MNAEA

Director

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

A long time as I used to do admin tasks during school holidays.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Getting creative with marketing strategies and exceeding clients expectations.

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I can walk on my hands!

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Go to the gym (at 6.00am) 🙂

Chris Farlow BSc MRICS

Director

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started working in the commercial property world fresh out of university in 2012. I enjoyed a year with a regional auctioneer in Newcastle and joined Carvers early 2013. I have been fortunate enough to climb the ranks starting out as an accompanied viewer within the residential offices and quickly progressing to a graduate position in the Commercial team. I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 2016 and now head up our Commercial Team from our Head Office in Darlington.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Every day is different and I enjoy the variety of the workload. We act for a wide variety of client’s from a single Landlord with a single shop to a large institutional fund with a multi-million pound portfolio.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

I play a lot of golf outside of work and joined Rockliffe Hall in 2022. I am not sure that it has been good for my golfing career but the eggs benedict are superb.

Gordon Carver MRICS FNAEA

Director

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started working in the industry in 1985, then joining Nick Carver to form Nick & Gordon Carver Residential in 1991.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Seeing all of the fantastic staff reviews from our clients

Favourite thing to do outside of work

I enjoy all outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, & gardening

Michael Harvey BSc FRICS

Director

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started work as a Surveyor in August 1974 with Basildon Development Corporation, Essex. I was admitted a Professional Associate of the RICS in November 1975 and a Fellow in November 1990.

I have been with Cavers since 2009.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Building Pathology, making a thorough inspection of a building and discovering its hidden faults.

Interaction with a wide range of customers.

Repeat instructions from clients whom I have known and worked with for over 40 years.

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I am a musician and have provided music for church services for the past 58 years. I also play in a variety of bands. the most recent gig was for the Prime Ministers Garden Party.

David Tinkler MNAEA

Associate Director, Branch Manager & Valuer

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started working in the industry when I started working at Carvers over 25 years ago.

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

Developing and progressing relationships with sellers and buyers together with achieving the best possible sale price for our sellers.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Spend time with family

David Buckle MNAEA

Associate Director, Branch Manager & Valuer

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started working for Carvers in 1992 which is when I started working in the industry.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Visiting interesting properties, meeting clients and seeing how happy homeowners are when they buy their dream home.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Play tennis and travel

Sonia Walton MNAEA

Associate Director & Senior Valuer

Location: Darlington

Years within the industry: 30 Years

Years within the company: 11 Years

Interesting information:

I’ve been valuing property in Darlington for over 30 years, the last 11 with Carver Residential.   When not achieving goals at work I love boxing, cooking and walking my dogs.

Karen Atkinson

Sales Negotiator

How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been in the industry since 1997, joining Carvers in 2023.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love building up a rapport and getting to know clients. I love finding potential buyers their new home, getting emotionally involved, from start to finish!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I love to spend time with my grandchildren, enjoy holidays and travelling abroad. My main hobby is cycling.

Maisie Beckwith

Lettings Negotiator

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started working in the property industry in November 2023, joining Carvers at the same time.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is getting to speak to different people every day and helping them find their new homes.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Outside of work, I love going on holiday and attending concerts.

Paula Bowman

Accompanied Viewer

Helen Brooke

Sales Negotiator

When did you start working in the property industry? And when did you start with Carvers?

I started working in the property industry in October 2018 and started with Carvers in July 2024.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

No two days are ever the same. I get to meet a wide range of clients, from first time buyers full of excitement and nerves, to families looking for their forever home. Being part of those major life moments is incredible rewarding.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy getting outdoors, whether it’s a walk or exploring new places.

Bev Brown

Sales Progressor

Peter Chambers

Sales Negotiator

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

Entered estate agency from school in May 1979 and joined Carvers having been away from the industry, in Sep 2022.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Helping people realise their objectives with property and overcoming obstacles along the way.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Exploring new places with family and friends.

Nicole Costello

Trainee Property Manager

When did you start working in the property industry? And when did you start with Carvers?

I started in the Proerty Industry in 2020 as a Property Consultant for a buying agent for military personnel. I had a short spell working in sales for a luxury new build developer before joining Carvers in July 2025 as Sales Progressor.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the positivity and enthusiasm the whole team have.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I spend most of my time with my little boy doing all things little boys love to do which doesn’t leave much time for things I enjoy doing, when I do find I have free time I always go to the gym.

Lynsey Fanning

Marketing Manager

When did you start working in the property industry? And when did you start with Carvers?

October 2025, although I have spent my whole career in marketing, this is my first experience of working in the property industry. I’ve spent my entire career working with some fantastic brands, and Carvers is right up there with the best. It’s been an exciting new chapter (and I’m loving every minute of it).

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people, and the buzz! There’s something special about working somewhere that genuinely lives and breathes its values. Carvers isn’t just talk; it’s action. That kind of culture is rare, and it makes every day energising.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love travelling. If there’s sunshine and good vibes, I’m there, especially in the Caribbean. I love the laid-back lifestyle, the warmth of the people, and of course, a little bit of adventure along the way.

Hannah Gaddass

Trainee Property Manager

When did you start working in the property industry? And when did you start with Carvers?

I started my career in the property industry, with Carvers in September 2025.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy making a positive impact in peoples lives and ensuring their homes are safe, well looked after and maintained.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy a good TV series, films, concerts, and going for walks – though only when the sun is out!

Hilary Harper

Sales Negotiator

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I’ve been in the industry since 1997 and with Carver Residential since 2012

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the variety of my job. Every day is different.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Out of work I enjoy travelling mainly to visit my children who live in Mexico City & Atlanta.

Sebastian Hawes Kerr

Marketing Associate

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers? 

I have been with Carvers/in the industry since 2021

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the fact that every day is different and that my role allows me to be creative with how we market our clients houses

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Cooking – I am constantly learning about and trying new cuisines.

Les Hutchinson

Accompanied Viewer

Sean Jackson

Accompanied Viewer

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I started working for Carver Residential and the industry in 2018

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy meeting different people from different backgrounds and listening to their back stories as to why they are looking to purchase a particular type of property. If I can match them to that property it’s very rewarding.

Random unknown fact

When I was around 10/12 years old I auditioned for a part in a movie starring David Niven. I made it to the final 10 candidates and we appeared on the front page of a national newspaper. Unfortunately I didn’t make it any further and thus ended my acting career. ( In a later career learning lines did prove useful however when giving evidence in Crown Court!).

Outside of work

I enjoy walking either with or without my dog Jessie.

Jo Lane

Head of Client Accounts

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I have been in the industry since September 2018 and with Carvers since Nov 2021

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Handing over keys to buyers! Also getting to know our clients throughout their sale/purchase process

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I’ve been to a Buckingham Palace tea-party and Abseiled down the side of Darlington Memorial Hospital for charity.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Play Euphonium in local brass band & Girl Guide leader (way of keeping in touch with youth) – keen sewist and enjoy patchwork.

Chris Lofthouse

Branch Manager & Valuer

Chris Lofthouse has worked in the property industry for over 10 years and has covered North Yorkshire, County Durham and Teesside, and has personally dealt with many types of property. From one-bedroom apartments all the way up to prestigious homes worth in excess of £1m.

Regardless of size or value, he acts with a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm with every home he visits. Chris gets a huge amount of satisfaction helping clients on their moving journey.

Away from selling homes, Chris is a fan of Middlesbrough Football Club and has presented a local football TV and radio show, having also appeared on BBC Tees and Digital Television a number of times. Cars are also a huge passion of his, so don’t be afraid to show him your garage! He also loves music, history, and writing short stories, but above all, he loves spending time with his family.

Lauren McMeekin

Trainee Sales Negotiator

When did you start working in the property industry?

Property was a complete new career path for me I have only worked in the estate agency world 8 months and I am really enjoying it.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy most about my job is the atmosphere and the people there is never a dull moment!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending quality time with my friends and family.

Julie Nichol MNAEA

Sales Negotiator

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I’ve worked for Carvers since 2018. Not immediately before joining Carvers but had previously worked as a Premises & Facilities Manager for a nationwide Recruitment Company setting up their offices all around the country.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The variety, no two days are the same and also the team I work with.

Either – Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I once had dinner with Tina Turner.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Outside of work I have a picture framing business. Framing beautiful pictures & peoples treasures is my way to relax.

Michelle Pratt

Office Manager

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I have been in industry since 1988 – work experience from school (Woodham Academy) then into Dollery Waller (now JW Woods) age 16. I started at Carvers July 2004 !

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Best thing about my job – The People .

Favourite thing to do outside of work

I love walking in The Lakes . My happy place . I got married there this summer 01/07/23.

Ailsa Robinson MNAEA

Sales Negotiator & Valuer

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

Worked at Carvers since October 2021 when I started working in the industry.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I most enjoy the variety of the job. Speaking to so many different people every day, from all walks of life. I get to visit some amazing properties (and some not so glamorous ones) all over the North East. The job is split between office based and out and about, which means I never have chance to get bored.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Favourite thing outside of work is an early morning run to start the day positively and then family time exploring somewhere we’ve never been before or going out somewhere for yummy food!

Stephanie Shepherd

Onboarding Specialist

Billy Steele

Residential Valuer

Gary Stephenson

Residential Valuer Darlington

Sue Stephenson

Senior Sales Negotiator

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I began selling new build properties in 1993, before moving into estate agency in the early 2000s. I joined Carvers in 2024.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people! I love helping customers – negotiating the best price for our selling clients or guiding a first-time buyer purchasing their very first home, I love it all.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

I love travelling, watching sport, eating out and spending quality time with my family – especially my husband, Gary, who also works for Carvers.

Alice Stockdale

Sales Negotiator

Peter Thompson

Lettings Manager & Valuer

Helen Thornton

Secretary

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers?

I have worked in the industry since 1998, with Carvers since 2008.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I currently provide admin support to both the Commercial and Building Surveying departments.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

Outside of work I enjoy reading, gardening, trying to keep fit and spending time with family.

Emma Waites

Office Manager

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers? 
Since 21^st October 2017 (industry) Since 27^th April (carvers)
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The feeling when you find someone their dream home.
Favourite thing to do outside of work-
Go for walks, anywhere nice a good old walk

Emma Wright

Operations Manager

Since when have you worked in the industry? And with Carvers? 

I have been with Carvers since 2010 having a year experience at another agent prior.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My job varies so much from day to day – I enjoy working with my colleagues to ensure we are providing the best service possible to all of our clients.

Favourite thing to do outside of work

I have 2 children so enjoy taking them to visit new places, going on bike rides, camping! Plus I also enjoy getting jobs done around the house!

Brian Stewart

RICS Registered Valuer

When did you start working in the property industry? And when did you start with Carvers?

I started working within the property industry during 1999 and joined Carvers in November 2024.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The meeting of new clients and the range and scale of property to be considered, as part of the commercial and residential process.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy running, snooker and socialising with friends.