Our Team

Collectively we have over 85 years experience in the property and finance industry and it is for this reason that we believe you should look no further for your professional support in the property industry.

Freya

Managing Director

Freya Bates is our Managing Director and has overseen the expansion of our business from Giraffe Lets to Giraffe Residential. As a management graduate, Freya brings over 20 years of management and finance experience to her role. As well as the general oversight, Freya also oversees the handling of all our clients money. She is thoroughly committed to the principle of treating our clients fairly and paying people promptly. 

 

Steven

Founder

In 2009 Steven founded Giraffe Lets Ltd and helped lead the business until July 2023 managing over 200 properties. Over the following 10 years Steven then went on to establish the other companies within Giraffe HQ including Giraffe Financial LLP in 2014 Giraffe Private Finance Ltd in 2019 Giraffe Residences Ltd in 2019. Steven has been in property and financial services for over 20 years and is frequently asked to speak at events across the UK on financial planning, property and business strategy. In 2021 Steven founded Zebra Wealth Management Ltd, a separate business, which provides clients with holistic financial advice with a specific focus on wealth accumulation and tax efficiency. Steven is passionate about financial education for all!

 

 

Babs

Business Development Director 

Our Business Development Director Babs Peters joined the business in a consultancy capacity in 2011 before her position became permanent in 2012.  Babs is a Landlord herself and has a wealth of experience in the property industry helping her to understand our clients needs and dealing with our client relationships. Prior to working at Giraffe HQ Babs spent several years in the money management and collection business which gives her a unique insight into how best to approach each tenancy and how to solve problems when they arise. 

 

Victoria

Head of New Business

Victoria Murray joined the business in 2014 as an Apprentice and has quickly established herself as an important member of our team, now in the role of Head of New Business assisting our clients with Property Sourcing, Tenant Finding and Sales Process.  Victoria is professional, pro active and efficient with IT and emails which helps ensure that any lead or enquiry is followed up quickly.  In December 2022 Victoria was promoted to Head of New Business in recognition of Victoria's fantastic work during her time in the business.  Victoria is ARLA L3 qualified and is also studying towards ARLA L4.

 

Christine

Head of Lettings & Management

Christine Newton joined our team in 2019 as a Senior Lettings Officer with over 25 years experience in the business, bringing her in-depth knowledge and expertise to Giraffe HQ. Christine is efficient and hardworking in her approach to ensure both Landlords and Tenants are provided with the best quality service.  In December 2022 Christine was promoted to Head of Lettings & Management following the significant growth of the business which has necessitated creating a specific lettings and management team. This also means that Christine now works alongside Freya to ensure that clients are treated fairly and paid promptly. Christine also oversees sending our Landlords their end of year statements which make the process of submitting your Tax return a little easier! Christine is ARLA L3 qualified.

 

Edith

Lettings Apprentice

Edith Mcintosh joined our team in 2022 and has quickly become a valued member. She works alongside Christine to help to facilitate the Lettings process, ensuring checks are completed on properties, maintenance issues are dealt with in a timely manner and dealing with the day-to-day enquiries. She is hardworking and has great attention to detail which means she is able to ensure the highest quality of service for our clients. 

Rachel

Sales and Lettings Negotiator

Rachel has joined our team at the start of 2024 as our Sales and Lettings Negotiator. Rachel has come from a background of hospitality and customer service so has lots of experience of helping clients. Rachel will be on the front line of our service, registering clients, checking in and checking out tenants and ensuring that all our properties are up to standard.

Helen

Social Media & Communications

Helen Magee joined our team in 2023 to help manage our online presence. She has a passion for administration and communications and has enjoyed using more of her creative side since starting with us. She'd love if you could get involved on our socials - so why not take a moment to 'Like' and 'Follow' us there. You can find all the links at the bottom of this page.