Barratt West Scotland appoints first woman director

Estelle Sykes brings with her over 22 years’ property experience and intends to “outperform competitors in every aspect of the home buying journey”.

Estelle said, “This is it for me. It’s what I have always wanted to do. My career in property started with Barratt Homes West Scotland over two decades ago as a sales administrator and when I left the company briefly 12 years ago, I told my then boss that I would be back one day as sales director and here I am.”

Now responsible for 48 full and part-time staff, Estelle originally from Polmont, admits that her rise to success has not been an easy one, and claims that she learnt a great deal about hard work very early on.

The married mother of one left school aged 16 in 1988 to take on a £30 a week sales assistant role with high street clothing chain, Topshop. After spending the reminder of her teens working three different jobs including a sales advisor in a bridal boutique, a telesales advisor, and managing a busy hotel restaurant, Estelle finally took her first step into the property world in her early 20s – and she has never looked back since.

In October 1994, Estelle was offered the job as a sales co-ordinator with Barratt Homes West Scotland, where she was responsible for chasing missives from legal representatives to help conclude sales. After 10 years in the role, she was offered a position with a competitor, where she marketed homes ranging from £0.5million – £3million.

Following several promotions there, Estelle made her move back to Barratt Homes in Edinburgh 2013 where she worked as sales operations manager until now.

“The fact that I have worked my way up over a long period of time means that I bring a broad brush of property experience to the role as sales director. I have built strong relationships with land owners, agents, investors, suppliers and financial advisors over the years and I do have a sound understanding of what it takes to make the client experience a great one,” added Estelle.

A self-confessed workaholic, Estelle is mother to her 15 month-old daughter, whom she spends any spare moment she gets within their South Lanarkshire home. Amongst her other interests, she enjoys cycling with her builder husband David.

Welcoming Estelle to the role, managing director of Barratt Homes West Scotland said, “I’ve known Estelle for a very long time and have watched her carve a name for herself right across the industry. I’m very pleased to have her on board and look forward to growing the business with Estelle at the sales helm.”