A KEEN horse rider has taken up the reins of a new job at one of the region’s most popular estate agents.
J W Wood Estate Agent in Durham have strengthened the Professional Survey and Valuation team with the appointment of a highly experienced chartered surveyor and valuer to help fulfil the needs of their client base.
Barry Sexton FRICS has over 30 years’ knowledge in the field of property survey and valuation. Qualifying as a chartered surveyor in 1976, he has worked on thousands of properties within the region building up an extensive knowledge base.
Barry, of Oakenshaw, Crook, said: “When the opportunity came up to work at J W Woods I jumped at the chance. “I used to work for the Lloyds banking group, managing the North of England, with responsibility for ten surveyors. “I have known J W Woods for many years and have always been attracted by their professionalism and excellent reputation. This new role will give me a chance to maintain my professional career but also support my new love of horses.”
Barry has been appointed as an associate surveyor with responsibility for survey and valuation work, allowing J W Wood to use his extensive knowledge when needed. This will allow him to develop his interest in all things equestrian. Barry said: “Just over a year ago I joined the Bishops Riding Club in West Durham and I have never looked back. “I find horse riding so relaxing; it is so completely different to my normal busy daily life. When I am out with my horse I can go for miles. In the summer I ride about four times a week. “But now, thanks to my new role, it will be possible to have more time with my horse during the day and I will be able to train more.”
Barry is currently training with his horse Piri, a grade C semi-retired show jumper and an Irish Cob Trotter who measures 17 hands. He is aiming to compete in his first all-day event where he will take part in dressage, show jumping and cross country. “I am quite comfortable at doing jumps,” said Barry. “I have fallen a few times but I have always got back on and kept going. “I was lucky enough to go to the Olympics in the summer and actually walked the course, which was incredible and really spurred me on.”
J W Wood has a total of five FRICS and MRICS qualified chartered surveyors including commercial and residential valuers together with a Chartered Building Surveyor. All surveyors have extensive experience and invaluable local knowledge built up over many years working in the North East. Surveyors are able to undertake independent surveys and valuations of commercial and residential properties for purchase and sales, bank lending and mortgages, inheritance and taxation. In addition they have expertise in energy performance certificates and professional building surveying works to ensure they can fulfil the needs of most property owners.
Director of professional services Jeff Seed said: “We are privileged to have Barry on our team. I have known him for many years and have myself sought advice from him on occasions when valuations may have proven difficult. “It is fantastic to have the support of his extensive knowledge. He will be a real asset to the service that we offer our clients in maintaining our position in the North East. “Covering all areas from Middlesbrough to Alnwick and the coast to Hexham, Barry will be available to help. “We gain the vast experience of Barry on to our existing team and he gets to pursue his passion for horse riding; it is a perfect arrangement and we are delighted to have him in the saddle.”
For further information on survey and valuation services call 0191-383 0369 or email survey@jww.co.uk. For further information on horse riding log on to www.bishopsridingclub.co.uk.
