Meet The Team

Senior Leadership Team

Proving himself to be a highly established businessman and entrepreneur, Ben began Star Group with a chain of betting shops after a thriving career as an on-course bookmaker. With history and a successful business reputation behind him, Ben grew the Star Group brand further with the betting platform Star Sports before expanding to include Star Property. As a high net worth individual, Ben has overall responsibility for funding our private investment company and is involved at a strategic level for the future planning of Star Property and the wider Star Group.

Ben Keith

Owner

Vashikeh Clarke

Having worked in the property industry since 2010, Vashikeh is highly experienced in handling lettings, block management, development and asset management for both small and larger-scale developments. As a member of the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM), Vashikeh is constantly seeking further personal development opportunities to improve both her own growth and the growth of Star Property.

Vashikeh Clarke

Managing Director

Laura Darling

Working for both independent and corporate agencies, Laura has acquired a wealth of property experience since she first joined the industry in 1999. With a background in national letting and property management, Laura is both ARLA qualified and an IRPM associate, professionally enabling and overseeing the growth of the property management department. She also assists finance in ensuring all arms of the business perform and function seamlessly and efficiently.

Laura Darling

Group Executive

Molly Myers

Molly has worked in the property industry since 2015, after completing an apprenticeship for a high street agent she worked her way up to Senior Property Manager. Molly successfully managed our residential portfolio and property management team before taking a short career break to have a baby. After her maternity leave Molly returned to the Senior Leadership team as Business Operations Executive. Molly supervises the running of the multiple Star services to ensure all are performing to the highest star standard.

Molly Myers

Business Operations Executive

Patrick graduated from City University in 1988 with a degree in Property Valuation and Management and also achieved RICS accreditation in 1991. He spent ten years based in Mayfair with catering and licensed property specialists Davis Coffer Lyons before moving to Sussex in 2000, where he pursued personal property and general business interests. Since joining Star Group in 2020, Patrick has pioneered multiple ventures and continued to help build and streamline the UK and Irish investment portfolios.

Patrick Middleton MRICS

Acquisitions and Development Director

Abi Wallen

Abi graduated with her LLB law degree from the University of Sussex in 2016. She then refined her skills working in an active law firm until she decided it was time for her next challenge at Star Property Group. She joined Star in February 2023 and is responsible for supporting Patrick Middleton and assisting him with the expansion of the Star Portfolio in Ireland.

Abi Wallen

Executive Assistant to Patrick Middleton

FRONT OF HOUSE

Keisha recently joined the Star Property Group after a career in Caribbean catering. Alongside this, Keisha often worked covering Front of House. Seeing her willingness to learn, Star is thrilled that Keisha is now on board doing a course learning Business Administration ready to be fully trained within the property sector.

Keisha Brough

Apprentice Property Administrator
 
Nell Middleton

Nell is responsible for our front of house and assists all our teams in their work. She has considerable experience in the hospitality sector and has become a highly valued member of the company.

Nell Middleton

Front of House

property management

Rachel Barber

Starting in the property industry in 2012 as a lettings negotiator for a small independent agent, Rachel has since managed a diverse portfolio of over 150 different properties before joining Star Group in 2020. She is meticulous with her work, and her excellent organisational skills give her the tools to effectively manage day to day tenancy maintenance, full refurbishments, and property and tenancy compliance. Rachel has obtained her ARLA Propertymark Level 3 Award in Residential Lettings and Property Management, qualifications in domestic and non-domestic energy assessments, and portable appliance testing.

Rachel Barber MARLA

Portfolio Manager

Argie is a valuable member of the Star Property Group team, taking on the role of in-house handyman. He has a wealth of experience, having been deeply involved in the construction and maintenance industry from a young age. At Star, Argie's infectious positivity and beaming smile can always be counted upon. He diligently tends to the entire Star property portfolio and ensures everything runs seamlessly at the company's headquarters in Hove.

Argie Munoz

Handyman

Blazo Zivkovic

Located in Montenegro, Blažo joined the Star Group in 2018, overseeing the international development and maintaining our ongoing client relations in Montenegro. With great knowledge of the real estate industry and local areas, Blažo excels at the efficient running of our holiday home branch for the Star Group, becoming an integral and vital asset to the team for our overseas relations.

Blažo Živkovic

Overseas Property Coordinator

INSURANCE

Marc Shaw

Operating as an insurance broker for nearly thirty years, Marc has extensive expertise in ensuring clients have suitable protection through bespoke cover plans at competitive premium rates. As buildings are a major asset, Marc provides a professional understanding of the industry, offering enhanced peace of mind to companies and individuals.

Marc Shaw

Insurance

Construction & maintenance

Mason Brown

Mason is an experienced construction professional who joined Star Construction and Maintenance in 2022 as Head of Construction. From an operational background with a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, Mason has experience working for both main contractors and sub-contractors and is responsible for all construction elements of the business. His experience includes commercial, residential, and civil projects, and has worked to deliver construction contracts in the UK ranging from £1m to £400m.

Mason Brown

Head of Construction and Maintenance

Darren Cartlidge

Darren has over 18 years of experience in the construction industry working on a variety of workstreams, including civils, railways, airports, care homes, retail schemes and domestic developments. His project sizes range from £300k up to £30m. Before this, he had a 12-year career as a chef which led him to travel across Australia and New Zealand. He recently joined the Star Property Group heading up the commercial side of the construction business.

Darren Cartlidge MRICS

Quantity Surveyor

Rachel Walenta

Rachel has been in the construction industry since 2008 working with a British manufacturer, where she dealt with many corporate clients based in London, ensuring the smooth delivery of each project. She brings a wealth of experience to Star Property Group and now manages our busy construction office.

Rachel Walenta

Office Manager

Adam May

With over 15 years of experience in construction management, Adam has been deeply involved in the field since leaving school. His extensive background spans various project types, including retail, commercial, and new builds, with involvement ranging from smaller ventures to tier-one main contractors. Adam's wealth of expertise is set to be a significant asset to the Star team.

Adam May

Project Manager

Vicenzo has worked as a Site Manager for four years and has been in the construction industry for over eight years, working in the residential, commercial, sports and leisure sectors. He has a wealth of experience in managing both small and larger sites with blue-chip clients and now oversees our extensive range of residential projects.

Vincenzo Valenzano

Site Manager

Nathan France

Nathan has worked in the construction industry for over four years after starting as a carpenter making bespoke kitchens and bathrooms across the South of England. He has since worked his way up to Site Manager and has brought his skills over to Star Construction where he has become an integral part of the team. Nathan has an eye for detail and ensures a top-quality finish with each project.

Nathan France

Site Manager

Jake Salmon

In September 2023, Jake joined our team, bringing with him five years of extensive experience. Hailing from a background in carpentry and general construction, he previously managed his own small contracts within residential settings, imbuing each project with a personalized approach. Eager and enthusiastic, Jake aspires to evolve into a versatile and dependable Site Manager, and he looks forward to seamlessly integrating with the rest of the team.

Jake Salmon

Site Manager

COMMUNITY HOUSING

Sharon Dickins

Sharon is our Service Manager, with extensive knowledge in the care & support sector. Having worked in the care industry for over 20 years Sharon has achieved the Level 5 in health & social care and is dedicated to a person centred approach to support. Sharon aspires to establish excellent working relationships and a culture of mutual trust, respect and partnership with tenants, to enable them to have better housing conditions and empowering choice.

Sharon Dickins

Service Manager

Charlie King

With a client-led mindset, Charlie applies genuine honesty and understanding when helping our tenants through supported living. Motivated by creating a real difference for clients, Charlie has a personable view of housing management and constantly seeks development to support her efforts. As such, she is continually developing her Chartered Institute of Housing qualifications to grow alongside Star Property.

Charlie King

Tenancy Sustainment Officer and CSR Lead

Having worked for Local Authority for several years he has developed an excellent working relationship with various agencies, including housing benefit departments, support services and housing providers. With a firm belief in tenant led support, Terry strives to provide the best support possible to our tenants. Having supported many clients throughout West Sussex for over 10 years, he has also supported numerous people maintain accommodation by providing intensive support when needed. Terry has his CIH Level 3 in Housing and continues to gain further knowledge through online courses and training.

Terry Locke

Tenancy Sustainment Officer

Steph has over 10 years of experience providing support to vulnerable people having worked at a supervisor level in social care since 2007. Steph joined Star Property Group in 2022 and holds a level 3 in health and social care. Steph has a real passion for helping people and has made a wonderful addition to the CIC team.

Stephanie Turk

Tenancy Sustainment Officer

Lauren joins the Star Community Housing team after leaving a 15-year career in accountancy administration. She has a background predominantly in admin along with experience in customer service and retail management.

Lauren Sinon

Property Administrator 

EVENTS & MARKETING

Janie Fox

As a results-driven hospitality management and sales professional, Janie leads the team at Alfriston Gardens our redeveloped Hotel and Events venue situated in the South Downs National Park. With over 20 years in the events space, Janie is well placed to ensure we present an attractive proposition for both weddings and corporate events, building the brand and growing the business.

Janie Fox

Hotel & Events Manager

Harriet Curtis

Harriet has hit the ground running at Star Property Group as the Marketing Manager. She is responsible for marketing all the businesses that form the Group. Each business faces its own marketing challenges, and Harriet’s prior marketing experience within the property sector has proved invaluable here. The design and copy writing skills she has built up over 15 years in creative industries, ranging from interior design to branding has meant that creating compelling content for Star Property Group is second nature to her.

Harriet Curtis

Marketing Manager

FINANCE

Jiab Santall

With a wealth of experience spanning two decades in finance, Jiab is one of the driving forces behind Star Property Group's financial department. In her role as Senior Property Management Accountant, Jiab brings her astute financial acumen and strong leadership skills to the group. She can always be relied upon to lighten up the office with her bubbly personality and infectious smile. She's a valuable addition to the company, and we are fortunate to have her.

Jiab Santall

Senior Property Management Accountant

 

Sue began her career at Star Group as an Office Assistant in 2014 before becoming Office Manager for another side of the business. Since then, she has changed her role, initially working within compliance and now in property accounts as Finance Assistant. Her jobs include dealing with rental income, making payments, and reconciliation of the property bank accounts. Together with Holly, she looks after our ever-expanding portfolio and fifteen companies within the property group.

Sue Turner

Senior Accounts Assistant

 

After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Master's in Accounting, Holly joined Star Group in September 2021. She currently looks after several accounts for the group, along with Sue. Holly wants to finish her ACCA qualification and is looking forward to growing her experience at Star Group.

Holly Peel

Property Management Accountant

 

Maria Soraya Gutierrez

With over two decades in business administration and finance, Maria possesses extensive experience in providing support to senior management across a range of finance departments in Europe. Maria has a Master’s in Economics and is currently seeking ACCA membership. She loves foreign languages, she is fluent in English, French and Spanish and can converse in Italian and Portuguese. Her responsibility at Star Property involves providing support to Jiab and the finance team, enabling collective success and growth.

Maria Soraya Gutierrez

Property Management Accountant

HR

Margaret Peddell

Margaret Peddell

HR Manager

Pippa Jones

HR Assistant