Meet our team of dedicated commercial property and asset advisory professionals.

Ryan Barker

DipSurv MRICS

Director - Commercial Property

Ryan is a Chartered Surveyor and Director of the commercial property team.

Having joined Walker Singleton in 1996 and qualified in 2003, he acts for a range of clients predominantly throughout the West Yorkshire region. He deals with a wide variety of property assets in the industrial, commercial, and retail sectors.

Ryan manages commercial agency, valuation, landlord and tenant matters, and acquisition and disposal work. He also runs the Halifax and Huddersfield commercial property teams within the company and is a longstanding committee member and former Chairman of the Industrial Agents Society for the North West of England.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing golf and walking in the country.

Joined Walker Singleton in November 1996.

Allan Chapman

DipSurv MRICS RICS

Director – Asset Advisory

Alongside his role as Director, Allan leads the personal insolvency team, acting for trustees and lenders, and delivers property and personal asset advice. Allan has over 30 years of experience, which allows him to provide true professional advice, leading to strong links being built with commercial property clients. In addition, he became a Member of the RICs in 1998 and has carried out property and chattel auctions since 1995.

Outside of work, Allan loves hiking, spending time with family, football, rugby, and live concerts.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 1989.

Paul Diakiw

DipSurv MRICS FNARA

Director – Commercial Property

Paul heads up the commercial property departments across our Leeds and Bradford offices and amongst general agency and valuation work. He specialises in ecclesiastical property. As a Registered Property Receiver, he focuses time on property receivership and distressed property matters, advising banks, building societies and lenders, and property insolvency practitioners. He also regularly acts as a single joint expert in property valuation disputes.

Paul's free time is mostly spent with his family or playing and watching sports (while supporting his home team, Bradford City). He's also passionate about cars.

Joined Walker Singleton in August 1991.

Howard Eastwood

Director – Asset Advisory

Howard brings with him more than 35 years of expertise and experience providing valuation and disposal outcomes within the corporate recovery and restructuring sector. What's more, he's taken engagements in most major industries and commercial sectors, applying a commercial approach to maximise clients' results. On top of this, he acts as an auctioneer for live land and property auctions.

When not at work, Howard endeavours to keep his golf game intact.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 1979.

Daniel Hey

BSc (Hons)

Director - Asset Advisory

Dan heads up the Asset Advisory team at Walker Singleton. Working closely with insolvency practitioners, accountants, banks and asset-based lenders throughout the UK, he has a wealth of experience in most sectors of UK industry and commerce.

Specialising in corporate recovery Dan provides his clients with a range of services from initial site inspections and valuation to asset disposal, whether by auction or negotiated sale.

Dan joined Walker Singleton in 2003 straight from university, where he completed his BSc in Estate Management. He is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Association of Business Recovery Professionals.

Dan loves to travel with his wife in his spare time, usually trekking and hiking. He has visited Patagonia, Switzerland and Japan in recent years. Travel comes a close second to his tractor-driving obsession and he is always available for contracting when time allows!

Joined Walker Singleton in 2003.

Oliver Holdsworth

MSc MRICS

Director – Commercial Property Management

Oliver manages a number of commercial property sites including office, industrial, and retail premises. He draws on his experience, including previous roles at an investment fund, a major international surveying firm, local government, and the NHS. In addition to performing tasks like property management, he's developed business cases and property appraisals in accordance with HM Treasury ‘Green Book' requirements and has worked in France carrying out valuation reports for international clients. Oliver is also a Member of RICS and holds a master's degree in surveying.

Outside of work, Oliver plays the piano and the saxophone. He has also served in local politics as a Town Councillor and Chair of the Planning Committee.

Joined Walker Singleton in November 2021.

Adam Powell

Director – Walker Singleton Group

Adam oversees the residential management team which is responsible for ensuring the successful letting, compliance and daily management of more than 850 properties across the West Yorkshire region. Starting as a trainee he has fulfilled several roles within the business developing his skillset along the way, and now has over 20 years of experience in the sector.

Adam provides daily advice to landlords on the ever-changing legislation within the sector, guidance on investment strategies, and gives clients updates on their portfolio's performance.

Outside of the office, you will often find him exploring the countryside (with a particular love for the Lake District) with his wife and family Cocker Spaniel – Sami. He also considers himself a "dedicated" hobby cyclist and you'll often find him grimacing up one of Calderdale's local cols or cheering on the Tour de France on an Alpine Mountain.

Ben Waites

AssocRICS MNAEA

Director – Walker Singleton Group

Ben heads up the residential side of the Walker Singleton group including both WS Residential and Charnock Bates. He has over 28 years of experience within the residential property market which he uses to help our clients realise the maximum value from their house sales, developments and property portfolios. He became a Director in 2015 and since then he has focused on continuing to promote Walker Singleton's residential property expertise.

Excellent customer service has always been of huge importance to him, and this has guided him in creating a residential team with a wealth of knowledge, rarely seen within the estate agency industry.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing the occasional round of golf, gardening, and family days out with his wife, two girls and their cockapoo, Belle.

Kathryn Clark

BA (Hons), ACA

Group Financial Controller – Walker Singleton Group

Kathryn helps to pave the way for the success of the Walker Singleton group by providing financial statements, budgets and forecasts to the Directors, as well as managing the accounts team.

She is also company secretary across the group including our commercial, assets, property management and residential estate agency businesses. She is the main conduit between the group's banks, HMRC, pension fund and external accountants.

Before joining Walker Singleton, Kathryn worked in an accountancy practice and as a corporate bank manager. She holds a degree in Accounts and Finance from Leeds Beckett University and is ACA and JIEB qualified.

When she's not at work, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to travel and experience different cultures. She also enjoys painting and a spot of DIY.

Joined Walker Singleton in October 2018.

Mark Hanson

BSc FRICS

Consultant – Commercial Property

Mark qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1982, having first obtained experience in a regional practice during holidays from 1975. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Urban Land Economics from Sheffield City Polytechnic and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1994.

Mark set up Hanson Chartered Surveyors in 1989 having benefitted from early responsibility with a large commercial regional practice over 8 years. He has worked in the Yorkshire market throughout his professional life and has wide experience locally, regionally and nationally, but with the majority of time being spent in the West Yorkshire conurbation, advising public and private clients on their commercial and industrial property needs from property management, valuation, disposal, acquisition and rent review/lease renewals mainly. In 2018, Hanson Chartered Surveyors merged with Walker Singleton.

Mark is a Governor Emeritus of Greenhead College, as well as a Trustee of various other bodies including The Loyal Georgeans, the precursor to The Halifax Building Society together with Queens Sports Club in Halifax where he has been a lifelong playing member of squash and tennis. Mark has a strong interest in the performing arts, particularly live music of all types where he has been known to participate.

Joined Walker Singleton in June 2018.

Simon Brearley

MRICS

Valuation Surveyor – Residential Surveys

As part of our residential surveys team, Simon performs a wide variety of professional valuation services for private clients and lenders. Throughout, he relies on his extensive experience in the local and regional property market where he's worked for three decades – in both the public and private sectors.

In his spare time, Simon acts as chair of the Calder Valley Community Land Trust and plays in the Halifax Concert Band.

Joined Walker Singleton in August 2016.

Sam Clark

BSc (Hons) ASA

Senior Valuer and Stock Analyst – Asset Advisory

Sam has a diverse range of responsibilities, like providing valuation advice to insolvency practitioners, asset-based lenders, and private clients. He also performs stock valuations for a variety of commercial property clients and helps them with a business sale service. His experience and expert knowledge come from 25 years within the industry, alongside his ASA qualification.

Outside of work, Sam has a keen interest in Yorkshire and England cricket, helping out with the local junior cricket team.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 2017.

Phil Deakin

MRICS

Senior Surveyor – Commercial Property

Phil oversees Walker Singleton's work in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees district. With significant experience and know-how – he's spent 22 years working in the commercial market – Phil has a comprehensive understanding of the market's nuances and challenges. In addition, he has a BSc (Hons) in Commercial Property from Sheffield Hallam University.

When he's not at work, Phil enjoys sports, reading, and learning about the environment.

Joined Walker Singleton in October 2009.

Piers Fisher

MRICS

Chartered Surveyor – Commercial Property

Piers carries out general practice and is a Trainee Valuer while he studies to become a Chartered Surveyor. He's backed by knowledge from his education, including his MSc in Real Estate from the University College of Estate Management.

Outside of work, Piers is a keen cricketer, having played for two decades. He can often be found at his cricket club playing, coaching, or assisting with the ground.

Joined Walker Singleton in November 2018.

Lily Garside

Trainee Surveyor – Commercial Property

Lily plays a key role in the Walker Singleton team, performing property inspections, valuations, and viewings, and liaising with clients. She draws on her previous experience at an estate agency as well as her studies during her BSc (Hons) Real Estate Development and Management degree apprenticeship.

When she's not absorbed in business property, Lily enjoys walking her two dogs and cooking.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 2021.

Andrew Hudson

BA Law Hons

Intermediary Consultant – Commercial Property

Andrew supports our clients across commercial property and asset advisory matters. He works with our LPA Receivers and insolvency teams, project managing the initial investigations of subject properties, assisting with possession work and overseeing contractors and agents.

Andrew brings legal knowledge to Walker Singleton's services being able to identify location and boundary issues, interpret land registry entries and leasehold terms.

In his spare time, Andrew enjoys listening to music and enjoys motorsport.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 2006.

David Jagger

Project Manager – Asset Advisory

David joined the Asset Advisory team in 2019, having owned a successful joinery manufacturing business for the previous 30 years.

Dave brings a wealth of experience to the asset team. His hands-on approach, attention to detail and strong relationship with external contractors provides a great customer experience. He is constantly transforming working facilities into auction showrooms before the property handover.

In his role as Project Manager, Dave is primarily at clients' premises up and down the UK. Coordinating the movements of his site staff and liaising with the Asset Advisory team together with the instructing client, creditors and suppliers, auction buyers and their contractors to ensure the sites run smoothly.

Dave is a keen golfer, his handicap hindered only by his workload! Supporting Manchester United comes second to his wife and three daughters.

Joined Walker Singleton in 2019.

Yasmin Lee

Commercial Property Agent – Commercial Property

Yasmin provides marketing advice to our clients, places properties with suitable tenants or buyers, and manages timescales on deals. Yasmin uses eight years of prior experience working for an estate agency and strong market know-how, negotiation skills, and the ability to understand and respond to client needs.

Outside of work, Yasmin is often literally outside – whether that's exploring the outdoors on a walk or with family. She's also a gym-goer and enjoys eating out.

Joined Walker Singleton in January 2023.

Steve Molloy

FRICS

Consultant – Commercial Property

Steve has over forty years of experience in commercial property. He undertakes secured lending, private valuation and expert witness work for our diverse clients across Yorkshire and Lancashire.

He has significant experience across our property management, agency and receivership departments. This broad experience in dealing with all types of property and assets provides an excellent grounding for valuation work.

In his spare time, Steve keeps fit by walking his dog and running. He's also a real ale and wine enthusiast, as well as a season ticket holder at Leeds United.

Joined Walker Singleton in August 1987.

Fortune Nguwo

Graduate Commercial Surveyor – Commercial Property

Fortune's role is varied – doing everything from performing viewings and carrying out due diligence enquiries to preparing advertisement literature. He also supports measuring and referencing in line with the RICS Code of measuring practice and valuation of properties. Fortune draws on his Property Investment and Finance degree, plus previous experience in fast-paced environments where he's had to swiftly find resolutions.

When he's not at work, Fortune loves watching football, spending time with friends and family, and going to the gym.

Joined Walker Singleton in October 2022.

Jack Spencer

MRICS

Associate Director – Commercial Property

Jack has a varied role, carrying out valuations across property types and locations in the North while managing a portfolio of commercial jobs. He also advises on lease renewals and rent reviews – backed by his MRICS accreditation, MSc in Real Estate, and BA (Hons) in Economics.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys reading, golf, squash, and skiing.

Joined Walker Singleton in July 2017.

JohnJoe Wright

Trainee Surveyor – Property Management

Education and family background propelled Johnjoe into the industry. He draws on previous skills and experiences while currently studying to become a Chartered Surveyor and training with qualified surveyors in valuations and inspections. On top of this, he works with our commercial property agency team in Halifax to market properties in the Calderdale area for freehold and leasehold disposals.

Johnjoe is an avid reader with a passion for design and creativity – he enjoys designing buildings, walks, and reading true crime.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 2022.

Abigail Whiteoak

Trainee Surveyor – Asset Advisory

Abigail joined the asset advisory team in 2023. Abi plays an important role working alongside the personal insolvency team and LPA receivers where she assists in the collation of data for the provision of advice to the trustee, bank and their advisors.

Alongside personal insolvency, Abi assists the corporate recovery team and is involved in the valuation and disposal of assets from plant and machinery, vehicles to personal effects and stock. Abi enjoys being involved in all aspects of the caseload and the meeting and development of clients.

Abi is due to commence her professional qualification, studying for a degree in Real Estate Management via the University College of Estate Management.

When she is not at work, she loves to walk her two dogs and socialise with her friends.

Joined Walker Singleton in 2023.

Jacob Mather

Auction Coordinator - Asset Advisory

Jacob works alongside Dave Jagger and is integral to the auction process. Although only a small facet of his role, Jake takes pride in the preparation and cataloguing of assets before the photography and video stages.

Liaising directly with the buyer and their contractor, Jake ensures a structured and safe release of assets. Managing the safeguarding and/or destruction of confidential electronic or hard copy data, together with Health and Safety legislation are fundamental to Jake's role.

Before joining Walker Singleton, Jacob was in the army. His excellent organisational skills and problem-solving ability provide perfect grounding for his role within the team.

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys time in the outdoors with his family. He loves long dog walks on the coast, fishing and shooting and is also a keen downhill mountain biker.

Joined Walker Singleton in September 2023.

Joel Carroll

Trainee Surveyor - Asset Advisory

Joel joined the asset advisory team in 2023. Joel is generating a thorough grounding from his direct experience in the appraisal and disposal of assets working alongside the asset advisory team.

The variety of his role keeps his work interesting. He is involved in most aspects of the current caseload, from asset scheduling and due diligence to auction marketing and disposal. Like the rest of his team, Joel often finds himself working onsite having concluded recent instructions in Essex, Newcastle and many locations in between.

Joel is due to commence his professional qualification, studying for a degree in Real Estate Management via the University College of Estate Management.

He is an avid golfer. Joel plays every weekend in local competitions and is keen to reach single figures! He also loves football and is a huge Chelsea fan. He likes going to the matches as often as he can.

Joined Walker Singleton in October 2023.

Jonathan Uttley

Property Management Surveyor – Commercial Property

Jonathan joined the property management team in January 2024.

He has over 12 years of experience in the property sector. Before joining Walker Singleton, Jonathan worked within a commercial agency for 8 years. He brings his experience and professional approach to Walker Singleton, building relationships with his customers and tenants.

He is currently undertaking his degree in Real Estate Management and is looking to achieve his Chartered Surveyor status.

In his spare time, Jonathan likes to keep active by running and cycling. He also enjoys sports clay shooting. He likes spending time with his family and enjoying a nice meal out. Jonathan enjoys cooking, preferably with a glass or red in hand.

Joined Walker Singleton in January 2024.

Keith Cannon

BSc MRICS

Property Manager – Property Management

Keith is a Chartered Surveyor with almost 40 years of experience in commercial property, both in valuations and agency-side. He joined Walker Singleton in 2023 to support our diverse property management clients, specialising in professional rent reviews and lease renewal negotiations.

Before joining our team, he ran his own commercial agency and managed property portfolios for an investment company and retailing business. He brings this vast knowledge and experience to Walker Singleton – there aren't many challenges he hasn't come across before.

Outside of work, Keith loves sport and plays golf. He enjoys spending time with his two children and grandchildren which is both great fun and a challenge.

Joined Walker Singleton in 2023.

Jo Dent

Auction Coordinator & Office Manager – Asset Advisory

Jo is the auction coordinator and office manager for the asset advisory team in Leeds. She manages the end-to-end auction process from liaising with Walker Singleton’s project managers and site staff to ensuring the back-office systems are running smoothly. Her role includes; auction creation, producing and distributing email campaigns to our vast database, closing the auction and invoicing. Jo is the primary contact for auction buyers. She also supports the team with data analysis, streamlining processes, finances, and marketing.

Before joining Walker Singleton, Jo held numerous business support roles in a diverse range of sectors across customer care, finance, building systems and contracting. She brings this vast experience to her current role. Customer care has been the cornerstone of her previous roles, which helps her confidently support clients and resolve queries, no matter how challenging. In her spare time, Jo loves photography, travel, cooking, eating out and collecting Hot Wheels.

Joined Walker Singleton in May 2024.

Natasha Caroli

Group HR and Compliance Coordinator – Walker Singleton Group

Natasha supports the Walker Singleton group with Human Resources (HR). She helps to manage recruitment, onboarding and training for all our staff at every stage of their employee journey. The Walker Singleton group includes; asset advisory, commercial, property management and our residential businesses; WS Residential and Charnock Bates.

She works with the senior leadership team to stay up-to-date with ever-changing working regulations and ensures our employees' well-being and work-life balance needs are at the core of our culture.

Natasha's experience and excellent time management skills stem from being an Admitted Lawyer in South Africa where she specialised in insurance law and debt recovery. This helped her build her people skills and learn when to be firm and when to be compassionate.

When she's not at work, Natasha enjoys relaxing with a box set. She also relishes the outdoors and is ticking activities off her extremely adventurous bucket list!

Joined Walker Singleton in July 2022.

Helen Warhurst

Administrator – Walker Singleton Group

Helen is one of the longest-serving members of the Walker Singleton team.

She works across multiple departments in Walker Singleton as a residential administrator. She supports our clients, partners and wider team members to ensure that all aspects of residential valuations run smoothly.

Prior to joining the residential valuation department, she supported the asset advisory team.

Joined Walker Singleton in July 1997.

Pam White

Administrator – Walker Singleton Group

Pam originally worked for Daniel & Hirst for 23 years before joining the Walker Singleton team following the acquisition of Daniel & Hirst in 2022, so she has 25 years of service.

She works across multiple departments in Walker Singleton as a commercial administrator. She supports our clients, partners and wider team members to ensure that all aspects of the commercial property agency run smoothly.

Joined Walker Singleton in October 2022.

Lois Hargrave

Accounts Assistant - Walker Singleton Group

Lois joined Walker Singleton initially as a business administrator. It wasn't long before she found a love for accounts. She is currently working towards becoming a qualified accountant.

Lois supports the group financial controller and the wider accounts team. She helps ensure every aspect of the accounts department runs efficiently – all things financial, whether it involves our clients, suppliers or Walker Singleton's staff.

In her spare time, Lois loves spending time with family and friends, travelling and enjoys going to music festivals.

Joined Walker Singleton in July 2021.

Jessica Scholefield

Accounts Assistant – Walker Singleton Group

Jessica joined the accounts department in 2024. She works closely with the group financial controller and the rest of the accounts team. She also assists the Directors with financial information which allows them to make strategic business planning decisions.

Jessica has obtained her AAT accountancy qualification. She has a problem-solving mindset and a strong attention to detail which led her into a career in accounting.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and going for long walks with her husband and their dog, Winston.

Joined Walker Singleton in April 2024.