Islington Team
Our team have built a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective sectors. Read below to understand a bit more about what drives them and please connect with them.
I became partners with Geoff Hotblack in 1981; our ‘divorce’ in 1986 was friendly and I bought his half back in 1998 when he retired to his guns, cars and the country. I have worked in Islington on and off since 1976 and sold my first house in Theberton Street for £26,000! Remarkably HD is the oldest agent left in Islington now; many having been swallowed up by the larger and flashier types. Being the company insomniac, I am usually in the office at 7.30am. Pleasures outside include, going to the gym, watching lots of sport and enjoying the achievements of my 4 grown up children and 2 grandchildren.
I have spent the majority of my life living in various parts of Islington. I started at the firm in 1990 as a trainee under the tutorage of Geoffrey Hotblack and I rose to partnership in 1998. I opened the Highbury office in 2006 and ran that before handing it over to Alasdair. I now look after new business, working with developers and contractors which I am finding pleasantly challenging. To unwind, I get out my bike and go cycling. I organise the Hotblack bike rides which are a great way for us all to get to know each other out of the office and keep fit too!
Originally from Manchester, I came to London in 1985 and cut my teeth on the London market on Upper Street in Islington. I joined Hotblack Desiato in 1987 and became a Director in the early 1990’s. I headed up the sales team in Camden Town for the past twenty-something years and have gone full circle as I have now moved to the Islington office and back to the area I first started at all those years ago. Even after all these years I still get a buzz from the business, whether gaining an instruction, the cut and thrust of negotiation or successfully concluding a sale. I am married to Marion and have 2 sons. I am a keen golfer and lifelong supporter of Manchester City – a true test of character for anyone, though it has become a little easier in recent years!
I have lived in North London all my life, and am the youngest of 4 siblings. Having previously worked in the Camden Branch, I took a break and moved into the busy and wonderful world that is Islington. I took some time out to explore my passion for baking, which I have loved since I was a child. During my time away, I enrolled in a patisserie school and I qualified as a pastry chef. I can either be found at home covered in flour, shouting at people on the ‘Great British Bake Off’ and playing netball in the park.
Hi I’m James, I recently joined Hotblack Desiato in March 2020 as the new lettings negotiator after spending 8 years working Sales & Lettings in Muswell Hill. Its been an exciting change and new challenge for me (its also great being down the road from The Arsenal!) The best part of the job is getting out and meeting new people from all walks of life so please don’t be shy to get in touch!
I recently joined Hotblack Desiato in August 2020. I graduated from the University of York in the summer of 2019 having studied Economics and Finance. Following my degree, I decided to take some time out to travel. I spent around 9 months out of the UK before the Coronavirus put a stop to this. Since my return, I was fortunate to land on my feet at Hotblack as a letting’s negotiator. Since I’ve started, I have enjoyed every bit of it. From meeting new people on viewings to those admin days, it has been a great start. An amazing group of people to work with and I look forward to what is ahead.
Hi, I’m Shell. I’ve been with Hotblack Desiato since 2003, I used to deal with all the rent renewals but I now work in accounts. I have a young daughter so I work from home 2 days a week, it saves me the commute and I manage to get my work done. However, I really like the buzz of working in the Islington office on my ‘office’ days. Outside of work I am a keen runner and enjoy spending time with my family.
Hi there, I joined Hotblack Desiato’s property management team in 2014 and I received a warm and friendly welcome from everybody. Originally from up north I have lived in London for over 20 years. I enjoy being a property manager – it keeps me on my toes as no day is the same. I am a ‘people person’ and I naturally go above and beyond to meet the needs and requirements of clients and tenants. In my spare time I enjoy chilling and spending time with my family near Birmingham, they do great fish and chips up there! I also enjoy travelling, reading, cooking and studying historic pictures. Don’t laugh but I also collect old dictionaries – I love words.
Hi I’m Alison, Originally from Wolverhampton, I have been in London for 10 years now. Before joining the Islington team I had worked in the gaming industry as a receptionist. I certainly enjoyed working with the people whether they were experiencing highs or lows. Eventually the late night work pattern got a little much for me and I was ready for a change! So when I was offered the opportunity of a new career and challenge I jumped at the chance! I am enjoying my role here more and more everyday, working in a great environment with great people, and also learning the business more. In my spare time I like to hit the gym or spend time with my family back in Wolverhampton. I also love spending time here in London having been here for some time now.
I have lived in North London all my life but have recently moved to Islington. I started my sales career working in Stoke Newington and decided it was time to work closer to central London. I spend my free time with family and friends, anything from a quiet drink to a quick day trip to the coast. The most satisfying part of my job is assisting buyers with their search process and purchase of a dream home. Staying involved in the journey from start to finish, seeing them through to completion and then the best bit - handing them the keys on the big day!
Hiten was incredibly helpful and supportive as I went through a challenging sales process. He was proactive and willing to do whatever was necessary to get everything over the line. Would highly recommend.
Luke Porter
Fantastic Estate Agent. Had positive experiences in all our dealings with the team and Alasdair is a particularly lovely guy!
Jake Scott
Gino was extremely helpful and responsive. It was great how he really listened to what we needed and was able to advise us on how to close on a rental in a short timespan.
Sanjana Govil
I worked with Hiten on the sale of my house and he did a great job in helping the transaction go through. He developed a good rapport with the eventual buyers and was always very informative and quick to respond to any queries (from either side). Would de
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Daryl Leigh
We worked with Gino.
He was really professional and kind for us even though we were unusal to contract the property since it was our first house to live in London.
He replies all the email as soon as he can.
Eunjung Park
My partner and I bought a house with Hotblack Desiato acting as the selling agent. Very professional, nice and honest agents with deep knowledge of the local areas they work in. Very responsive to all our queries from first visit up to closing of the tran
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Damien Pasini
I worked with Gino who went above and beyond to help me find my flat. He was so helpful and responsive and made the process so much more enjoyable. He found me a flat in the exact neighborhood and description I provided. He walked me through every step of
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Blair Gilbert
Bought a house that was on with Hotblack recently. The agent, Mark was a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of agents I've dealt with. Super honest and transparent, always available to give impartial advice on the process and best way to move forward.
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Mikhail Grechishkin
Gino was personable and kept me informed throughout the tenancy arrangement process. The vetting service was slow and less competent than I would expect - but Gino kept me up to date on progress. This was reassuring as I had recently experienced a stressf
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Marie Field