Kent-based property consultants firm Caxtons has promoted two highly experienced and dedicated staff to associate director level.
John Sinclair, who joined Caxtons in 2016, is made associate director of estate and block management, while Debbie Preston, who started as a director’s PA 21 years ago, is now associate director of HR and IT.
John’s success at Caxtons is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He studied to gain a first-class degree in Building Surveying at the same time as standing in for his head of department.
When he joined Caxtons as a property manager in 2016 with a background in social housing, John had already achieved distinctions in Level 3 and 4 Housing Management from the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Promoted to senior property manager in 2019, John took over the work of the head of estate and block management during the head’s absence while also studying for his degree from the University College of Estate Management, Reading.
In 2022, John was promoted to head of estate and block management, focussing on enhancing Caxtons’ service to customers and fostering positive client relationships while delivering service efficiencies.
Now in his new leadership role, John looks forward to driving further innovation in property management, continuing to enhance customer satisfaction and promoting sustainable practices.
Promoted alongside John, Debbie, who joined Caxtons in 2003, says: “My main philosophy throughout my career at Caxtons is that my door is always open and that staff can talk to me about absolutely anything and they do. There isn’t a topic or subject that I haven’t covered in my 21 years at Caxtons.”
“I make a point of interacting with all staff and at inductions laugh with new colleagues. I am not the HR in a glass house, with glasses on the end of my nose kind of person.”
Debbie spent just a year as a PA when she first joined Caxtons before being invited to train in HR and going on to start the HR department.
Debbie has overseen the creation of a staff handbook, new HR packages for holidays and staff paperwork, the introduction of online training programmes, a review of staff benefits and a new Employee Assistance Programme.
Last year, Debbie was appointed head of IT and started reorganising the company’s IT system and records, streamlining costs and making sure it is as efficient as possible.
Caxtons’ FD Graham Mitchell said: “We are delighted to announce the promotion of Debbie Preston and John Sinclair, which are well deserved, and on behalf of myself and the whole Board, we congratulate them and wish them every success in their new positions.”
