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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 5 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!

Born in Canonbury in 1971, I had the pleasure of going to Canonbury school. 26 years later my children followed in my footsteps. When my first child went there I was shocked at how small the hall was and how little the climbing frames were. My primary love (after my wife and four children) is skiing and I spent 6 years as a ski instructor in the French Alps and travelling the world. However, a broken back cut that career short. I started in estate agency in 1995, joining Hotblack Desiato in 1998 with partnership following in 2003. I ski as often as having 4 children allows me and I have a passion for architecture/ design and sailing.

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.

Born and raised in Islington, I recently graduated from the Arts university Bournemouth in the summer of 2020 with a degree in Photography. My photographic work revolves around the street, getting to know the ins and outs of a new areas and exploring new streets, it is stimulating for my creative mind and photographic work! Having done 2 weeks work experience with Hotblacks back in 2014 I was familiar with the company and excited to return as a Junior Lettings Negotiator in June of 2020 to the Camden office, I am now based in my local office in Islington, please feel free to free to come in for a chat.

I graduated from Ulster University with a degree in Marketing in summer of 2022. I moved to London from Northern Ireland and started my journey with Hotblack Desiato in the Camden office, and I have recently moved to the Islington office, which is super local. I am a huge running fan, and it has been such a great way to discover London and all the hidden gems it has to offer. I adore Clissold Park for sunny morning walks with a warm coffee in hand.  Please pop by the office for a chat, I would be delighted to help.

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 Rita. I joined the Hotblack in February 2020 working with the Highbury team and later took on the Block portfolio. Growing up in Highbury, managing properties in this area feels like a perfect fit. With years of experience in AST and block management, I’m excited to bring my skills to Hotblack. Currently based in the Islington office, I collaborate with the Islington, Highbury, and Camden teams to ensure our blocks are managed to the highest standard. Outside of work, I am always with family or socializing with friends. I also enjoy traveling, staying active, and indulging in good food!