Meet the Team

Ian has a wealth of knowledge in the property market having been involved in Estate Agency nearly all his working life. He started his career with a large corporate company working in their Hockley, Rayleigh, Shoeburyness, Canvey Island and Benfleet offices until he decided to set up his own business in 1999 with his long-time friend, Colin Donovan. Ian believes customer service and communication is the absolute key to successful Estate Agency and he possesses a real understanding of clients' needs and does his utmost to exceed their expectations. Our goal is to achieve the best price in a timescale that suits the vendor and taking all the stress away!! Ian is a licenced member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) which means he is a qualified and trained agent who can give you professional up-to-date advice and guidance and adheres to a voluntary Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by the NAEA. 

Lloyd lives locally and has been working in the Benfleet area now for over 15 years, so is a familiar face in the local property market. He knows Benfleet like the back of his hand and is well connected with the local conveyancers and other property professionals.

Lloyd prides himself on his professional, honest, and hardworking approach. Lloyd tries to ensure he fully understands the requirements of his clients and is always prepared to make an extra effort to ensure those requirements are met.

Lloyd is a licensed member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) which means he is a qualified and trained agent who can give you professional, up-to-date advice and guidance and adheres to a voluntary Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by the NAEA.

Please contact Lloyd if you have any questions or need any assistance regarding your property needs.

Mark joined Williams and Donovan in 2019 from a large multi-media advertising company where he managed the Property and Motors sales team. Mark also enjoyed a long and successful 36-year career in the financial industry where he specialised in sales and client relationship management for some of the largest institutions in the City. Having been a client of Williams and Donovan many times since 1999, he has always recognised and appreciated the company’s culture of integrity, honesty, and delivering an excellent customer service. He was delighted when presented with the opportunity to become part of the team and has enjoyed what he continues to describe as ‘the best job I have ever had’. His passion and love of the business is apparent to all who deal with him.

Following an 18-year career within banking, originally with Midland Bank, Kay then spent the next 15 years working in education.

While her children were young, she spent 12 years helping to run the PTA and as a school Governor at Montgomerie School which included 3 years as Chair of Governors.

Kay has a long history of working with charities at many levels, locally and nationally, and is heavily involved helping run Southend United's young supporters club - the Junior Blues, as part of the Shrimpers Trust.  She and her husband, Kevin, are season card holders at Roots Hall.

With a keen eye for detail, Kay has been with us since we opened in Benfleet and is enjoying the challenges of helping Williams and Donovan maintain “excellence in Estate Agency” in Benfleet.

Phil has been working with Williams & Donovan since 2010 and been in the industry for over 20 years. Phil is qualified as a Domestic Energy Assessor which allows him to carry out energy surveys and provide Energy Performance Certificates (E.P.C.) on all our properties, should you wish. He also creates all the floor plans for our property details which, as an in-house service, allows Williams & Donovan to get your property on the market more quickly.

Daniella's earliest memories of the real estate industry is being in her parents’ busy commercial property agents in Leigh-on-sea from the young age of eight, folding letters, stuffing envelopes and photocopying property details. Their office was a vibrant hive of activity, and she loved being part of it. As an adult she joined a large corporate agency as a Junior Negotiator in their Benfleet office, where she trained and acquired her basic knowledge. She later moved to a small independent Agency in Benfleet where she joined her husband as a very successful team offering the best in customer service and contact ability the industry had ever seen at that point. They then took the next step of opening their own Agency and made their mark on the Benfleet area for over five years helping over 300 families move in and out of the SS7 postcode, priding themselves on their level of repeat business and word of mouth referrals, that came from satisfied clients.

Dani joined Williams and Donovan in March 2015 bringing her extensive knowledge of the industry to the business. Efficient, affable, a dogged determination, and real empathy and love for this industry, Daniella is an invaluable asset to Williams and Donovan, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have her in the company. Daniella says: "The buying and selling of real estate is in my blood. I've grown up on it and love being part of this experienced sales and letting team”.

Colin opened Williams and Donovan in Hockley in 1999 with his school friend Ian Williams after a career in the city and working for a large independent Estate Agent and then Countrywide Property. He is one of the most experienced valuers in Hockley, Rochford and Ashingdon and is delighted with the reputation the company has built over the last 23 years. Colin is a licensed member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) which means he is a qualified and trained agent who can give you professional, up-to-date advice and guidance and adheres to a voluntary Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by the NAEA. Colin has lived in Hockley for the last two decades with his wife, Debbie and two boys, Ben, and Jack. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his family and enjoys competing in 10k and half marathons. Colin has recently discovered the joys, and frustrations, of golf.

James joined us in 2004 having worked for both independent and corporate companies since 1998. He is a popular face amongst the community having grown up and lived in Hockley all his life. He lives with his wife and two boys.

James has been a vital part of our success in becoming the Market Leader and in 2016 he became one of our Directors. He is an exceptional agent and knows the local area and its property market better than anyone. He carries out market appraisals as well as being heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the branch.

Paul has worked as an Estate Agent for nearly 40 years (as of 2023). He is one of the most experienced and respected agents in the area having worked in several roles within the industry. After joining us in 2009 Paul quickly became an integral part of our management team, and now heads up Hockley’s After Sales Specialist division. Paul ensures our clients are always receiving the exceptional service we promise to deliver. He will go that extra mile to try to ensure that even the most difficult sales go through to completion.

With over 20 years’ experience in the estate agency industry and joined Williams &
Donovan in 2014. Denise has developed a wealth of experience across both sales and lettings.
She began her career in the sales department, focusing on sales progression and
customer care, ensuring a smooth process for clients. After transitioning to the lettings
side, she is now in her third year, handling tenant referencing and
moving tenants into their homes with care and professionalism.
Before joining the estate agency world, Denise worked as a secretary in private mental
health, where she gained invaluable organizational and communication skills.
Originally from the Devon coast, Denise relocated to Essex to raise her family. Outside
of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and family, cherishing every
moment together.

Having previously worked for a total of 23 years within the banking industry in London, Janice joined us in March 2004. After growing up just outside of London, Janice moved to Hockley and then to Rayleigh where she lives with her husband. Her position within Williams & Donovan is to undertake the secretarial and administrative duties and she is an integral member of our team. Always cheerful. Always happy to help.

Following on from a career at a city stockbrokers Deb then had her two children. She  then worked for financial advisors and conveyancers. before joining us in August 2012. Having lived in Hockley all her life, she knows Hockley very well and loves the village. Deb is one of our secretaries and administrators, working in the background to help ensure your property details and online advertising always look their best.

Claire has been with us since 2017 and helps to arrange and conduct our accompanied viewings as well as provide our vendors with regular feedback. Claire has lived in Hockley for 32 years and is a friendly face around town. She knows the area incredibly well and is always on hand to listen and give advice when needed.

Alan brings over 40 years of management experience, including 25 years as a Production Manager, before transitioning into the property industry. He joined Williams & Donovan in 2014 as an Inspection Officer and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Alan ensures that properties are maintained to the highest standards. His wealth of experience and dedication to providing outstanding service make him a highly valued member of the team.
Outside of work, Alan enjoys spending time with his family, playing bowls and snooker, and watching football.

Darren has been in the industry since 2012. He has a natural ability to build instant relationships and really takes the time to understand the needs of each individual he meets. His eye for detail and creative nature, together with his expertise in photography, makes him passionate about all aspects of marketing. He prides himself on his ability to reach a wide audience and to secure the very best buyer for your home.

With over 15 years of experience in customer service, administration, and sales,
Kayleigh has built a strong foundation in client relations and business operations. She
spent four years as a Work Experience Coordinator before transitioning into the estate
agency industry, where she excelled, leading to her promotion to Lettings Manager.
She brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a customer focused approach to property management.
Alongside her professional career, Kayleigh has a background in volunteering in
counselling, where she provided support and guidance to individuals in need. This
experience has further strengthened her ability to communicate effectively, show
empathy, and build strong relationships—skills that she carries into her role in estate
agency.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, their two children,
and their beloved Cockerpoo.

Anita joined Williams and Donovan as an experienced sales negotiator with over 20 years of knowledge in the industry. She has previously managed estate agency offices in Southend and South Benfleet and knows our patch well from living locally. She enjoys meeting people and helping them sell their houses and finds the end-to-end journey of seeing the process through to completion very rewarding. Anita has two beautiful children and four cheeky cats. Anita loves to bake cakes and cook with popular favourites including shepherd's pie and casseroles. Her hobbies include a spot of gardening and being outside in nature. We are lucky to have found Anita and she is an integral member of our Benfleet team.

With experience in a previous estate agency, Aaron continues to further his
career in the property industry. He joined Williams & Donovan in 2022, becoming an
integral part of their lettings and property management department. In his role, he
focuses on providing exceptional customer service and handling tenant claims, always
striving to ensure a smooth and positive experience for clients.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with friends and working on his
Warhammer collection, showcasing his passion for creativity and strategy.

Denise has been with Williams and Donovan for many years. With her bubbly nature, enthusiastic approach, and general efficiency and reliability Denise brings both energy and fun to the office. Diligent, and loved by clients and staff alike, Denise is an asset and much appreciated addition to the Benfleet team.

With seven years of experience in customer service and fraud arbitration, Michelle
has developed strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail. She went on to
run her own auction company, managing all aspects of the business, including
accounts and customer service, which gave her a deep understanding of client needs
and business operations.
Michelle joined Williams and Donovan in 2022, eager to
expand her knowledge and expertise in the industry. As a landlord herself, she brings a
unique perspective, combining professionalism with genuine care and compassion for
both landlords and tenants.
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and children,
socialising, and embracing life to the fullest.

Paul joined Williams and Donovan after a successful career working for a large double-glazing company. Fortunately for us, Paul wanted to fulfil a growing desire to become an Estate Agent and his respectful, composed, and professional demeanour matched the company’s culture. He very quickly established himself as an asset to our company. Paul’s is diligent, polite, and extremely competent. He has a very calm nature, and nothing is too much for him. We are proud to have Paul as part of the Hockley Sales team.

Lloyd joined Williams and Donovan after a successful tenure at a prominent City-based financial firm. Lloyd always had an aspiration for a career in Estate Agency, so, eagerly embraced the opportunity to join the team … and we had no hesitation in employing him. His vibrant and positive demeanour aligns seamlessly with our company values. A Hockley native, Lloyd possesses a knowledge of the area, reinforcing his suitability for our agency. Since joining, Lloyd has swiftly become an invaluable team member, embodying punctuality, politeness, competence, and exemplary manners. His swift integration into the Hockley Sales team is a testament to his adaptability and professional acumen. We are thrilled to have Lloyd contribute to our team and foresee a promising future for him within our company.

We would like to welcome our newest recruit to the Williams and Donovan sales team. Alexander joined our team in May 2024 as a residential property sales apprentice.

Alexander has lived in Benfleet his whole life and he has a very good understanding of the local area, schools and local life and will always be happy to help with any questions you may have.

Having previously worked in the hospitality industry for 3 years, Alexander developed excellent customer service and communication skills, and works hard to make people journeys as seam free as possible.

He has always had an interest in property and feels that his apprenticeship in estate agency is a challenge he’s looking forward to completing.

We are delighted to welcome Stephanie into our Benfleet sales team. Having worked locally for another reputable estate agent for over 25 years, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our office. Her diligent hard working approach, accompanied with excellent customer care skills, go hand in hand with her role as our after sales specialist. Please feel free to contact Stephanie, she will be happy to assist you.

Anna has been a mortgage broker for 6 years now. Her background after leaving, school was in banking, so she feels she can relate well with customers who are just starting out and wanting to know what to do to get to the best options for buying their first home, or other more experienced buyers to help them buy their dream home.

“I help guide clients by helping them getting their banking, savings and credit files in good order to make them acceptable for mortgage lending. I love meeting new people and listening to their needs and then going to the mortgage market to find the right deal for them.”

I’m from East Ham and a West Ham, fan for my sins, and still go to a few matches. I have an 11-year-old son, we love going on new adventures together, although he’s getting to the age where he would rather be on his computer or with friends now, but I still manage to convince him to spend some time with me. I’ve started dragging him along to my gym with me, where we like doing weights, cardio, boxing and swimming.

Please contact me if I can be of any assistance, or if you have any questions you would like to discuss. sales@wdbenfleet.com

Kerry currently lives locally in Rochford and joined our Lettings and Property Management team from a prestigious London-based firm, bringing with her a wealth of experience. After a successful earlier career as a primary school teacher, Kerry transitioned into Lettings several years ago and worked as a Property Manager. Whether its organising contractors for repairs or maintenance, handling landlord and tenant relations, or dealing with the more complex compliance checks, Kerry has the expertise and organisational skills to ensure everything is done efficiently. With excellent IT skills and a keen eye for detail, she ensures smooth operations and high-quality service. Balancing her busy work life, in her spare time Kerry enjoys playing the flute and saxophone, reading, and long-distance running … although not all at the same time. She also loves spending time with her beloved cockapoo. We are privileged to have Kerry as part of the Williams and Donovan family.