Meet The Team

Simon Collins – Hip Hi/DEA
Company Principal
Simon has for 20 years had heavy involvement in all property sectors, and started his own company Palmerstons in 2002. He started lettings under his own company formed in 1998, Homefront Property Management. His primary background was aerospace recruitment to which many of the ISO and ASA practices and standards form the framework to Palmerstons. Palmerstons as a company was formed off the premis of ‘can do’  and ‘do what it takes’ rather than some of the differing attitudes within the estate agency industry. He has lobbied professional bodies for good change to the industry and has engaged with polititions for legislation and practice accountability to have greater prominance for the publics assurance. His ethics are very simple being that although he is penultimately responsible for all operations within the company, he is still a negotiator underneath, that being at the fore for our clients is where it is at, and always has an open door work policy. Outside of work Simon is a semi pro musician,  researches industrial archeaology and travels.

Matthew Yates
Branch Manager

 Matt has been with Palmerstons now for seven years having previously worked for other local estate agents. If you were to ask Matt what keeps him here, he would say that the company operates as a big family – we look after each other – and that is reflected wholeheartedly in how he treats his clients. Matt has furthered his career into becomming a qualified Domestic Energy assessor to produce Energy Performance Certificates, enabling a one stop shop for progressing property smoothly onto the market. His local knowledge is unparrelleled having been brought up in Clanfield, and now working in his current capacity in the industry. He is definately the right chap to speak to if you are contemplating selling your home, or just want some unbiased input to a query. He is also responsible for sales and marketing for residential sales division. He is always very happy to talk. Outside of the office Matt is a devoted husband and father to his children, as well as following football, world travel and motor sports.

Melanie Johnson
Lettings Manager

Melanie comes from a background of pure lettings and property management, and again, being a portfolio landlord in her own right knows more than most concerning good practice. Melanie looks after management matters, legal matters, and local authority liaison. Her specialist knowledge of lettings practice and performance ensures a solid foundation for the lettings and property management divisions of Palmerstons to grow professionally and dynamically. Mel also is responsible for scheduling landlord payments and landlord set ups with the deposit protection scheme. Furthermore she works in close contact with our contracting team sorting issues such as gas safety certification, maintenance schedules, negotiating and reviewing contractors rates to ensure lowest cost to landlords in this respect.  Outside of work Melanie is very family orientated to her husband and two sons as well as participating in sporting activities and fencing!

Mark Swains
Property Consultant

Mark has now been with Palmerstions Lettings division for four years and has developed into a landlord in his own right hence landlords can be assured that advice and input given is from first hand experience and not just text book rhetoric. No text book or training courses can simulate every given situation and potential pot hole when letting property, though as mentioned, it is true to say Mark has the knowledge to head off most of them. He always has time for people and if you have any query concerning property management..he is definately the chap to speak to. He is also responsible for rental disbursement to landlords and lettings marketing strategies and prefers a personal approach to landlords and tenants alike and is very hands on.  Outside of work Mark is a world class darts player and enjoys football and motor sports.