Durden & Hunt appoints new head of lettings
Durden & Hunt in Colchester has announced the appointment of Richard Baker as its new head of lettings.
Barker brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to joining Durden & Hunt, he served as lettings manager at Oakheart Property, Connells, and Spicerhaart.
“The company’s dynamic approach to property and its commitment to excellence align perfectly with my own values,” said Barker. “I look forward to leading the lettings team and driving further success for the business and our clients.”
James Hunt, director of Durden & Hunt, added: “Richard’s track record in the lettings industry speaks for itself. His experience, leadership, and dedication to providing outstanding service make him the perfect fit for our team. We are confident that under his guidance, our lettings division will continue to thrive and expand.”
Alto Software Group unveils new leadership team
Alto Software Group [ASG], a division of Houseful, has unveiled a new leadership team, with Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, chief operating officer, now stepping up to CEO, Derek O’Carroll joining as executive chair, while Nick Shaw has been appointed chief revenue officer.
ASG, formerly the software division of Houseful, officially became a standalone brand at the start of this year, bringing together Alto, Jupix, Expert Agent, CFP, and Yourkeys under one corporate identity.
While Iannucci-Dawson has been with Alto for several years, forming part of the company that was acquired by Zoopla in 2021, O’Carroll and Shaw are new to the business.
Iannucci-Dawson said: “Estate agents are under more pressure than ever. They don’t need gimmicks — they need software that actually improves their daily operations and helps them sell faster. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.
“Expect a more dynamic, customer-focused Alto. With Derek and Nick on board, we have the leadership in place to sharpen our focus on the fundamentals – saving agents time, making their day-to-day easier, and ensuring Alto is the most valuable tool in their business.”
O’Carroll commented: “With 7,000 agents using Alto, we’re in a unique position to drive meaningful discussions on the issues that affect agents every day — and that’s what we plan to do.”
“We’re fully focused on making estate agents’ lives easier,” added Shaw. “Our team is committed to delivering the tools, integrations, and innovations they need to succeed — now and in the future. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
Eddisons boosts valuations team
Tom Tawn has joined Eddisons’ valuation team in the North West as a director, working out of the firm’s Manchester office, while Tim Richardson has also been appointed as a new valuation director in the Midlands.
Tawn joins Eddisons with over 15 years property industry experience, including more than a decade in Lambert Smith Hampton’s NW valuation division as associate director and then director. He returns to the UK to take up his new Manchester-based role after spending six months as a senior valuer in Western Australia for Cygnet West.
Richardson has joined the firm’s Midlands team with over two decades property industry experience, including 10 years as a director at FHP Property Consultants in Derby and most recently at Doncaster-based Barnsdales’ East Midlands operation.
Phil Deakin, who heads Eddisons’ valuation team, said. “We have an enviable client list and are seeing really strong growth in demand for high quality valuation advice, which spans everything from loan security, company accounts, regulated services, and charities act reports, as a well as RICS Red Book compliant valuation reports for lenders, individuals and businesses.”
He added: “We are really pleased to welcome Tom and Tim as the latest high-calibre colleagues to take up strategic director roles within our team across the North West and the Midlands. Eddisons continues to go from strength to strength as a business and senior appointments like these are key to driving that growth and continually striving to improve our service to clients.”
Comings & Goings
