Meet the Team

Isobel Bennett
Administrator

Isobel has been with the firm since 1999 bringing with her many years of office experience. She is involved in all aspect of administration within the company enabling it to run efficiently. Interests outside of work are travelling in the UK and abroad, gardening, eating out and socialising.

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Mobile: 07714 523634

Chontell Buchanan MTCP (Hons) MRTPI
Planning Consultant

Chontell is a Chartered Planning Consultant in the First City Planning Department with several years of post-qualification experience. Chontell has a wide range of experience in Planning Applications, Planning Appraisals and Strategic Land promotion through the Development Plan process. In her spare time, Chontell is a keen traveller, both in the UK and abroad and enjoys cooking. Chontell is a committee member for the West Midlands region of the Association of Women in Property.

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Mobile: 07734 192693

Christopher Bywater Dip Arb FRICS ACIArb
Managing Director

Christopher has been with the firm since 1988 and became Managing Director in 1992. He is a Chartered Surveyor and Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He has overall responsibility for the firm but specialises in agency and larger scale development projects. Recreational interests include squash and fly fishing, the former proving to be ever more demanding with his advancing years.

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Mobile: 07714 523630

Joanne Bywater
Marketing

Jo brings extensive experience of sales and marketing to the Company having worked previously in the banking sector and computer software business. One of her key tasks at First City has been to oversee the development of the Company’s website. Ongoing responsibilities encompass all aspects of marketing the business and public relations. She lists her hobbies as yoga and keeping her husband under control!

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Mobile: 07702 412838

Lindy Callow
Company Secretary

Lindy joined the firm in 1988 as a part time receptionist and following several promotions became Company Secretary in 1996. For her sins (her words) she is also IT Manager. In addition she is very much involved in the day to day administration of the firm. In her spare time she enjoys eating out, socialising, reading and is an optimistic ‘Wolves’ supporter!

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Mobile: 07714 523631

Graham Fergus BA (Hons) MRTPI
Planning Consultant

Graham joined the firm shortly after its inception following a successful career in local government covering local planning authorities in the North West, Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Graham’s experience covers a wide range of planning and development consultancy work. He has particular responsibility within the company for the coordination and promotion of major and special projects, including larger scale urban extension proposals in the South East and Midlands and mixed use urban regeneration projects.

Graham is a father of two. He also considers himself to be a dab hand in the kitchen.

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Mobile: 07714 523632

Neil Hazlehurst BSc (Hons) MRICS
Property Consultant

Neil has been with the firm since April 2000 and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 2003. He heads the firms Landlord & Tenant, Property Management and Valuation Departments. Outside interests include running, motor racing and enjoys working in his garage. Neil is also an active member of Wolverhampton Round Table.

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Mobile: 07714 523640

Rebecca Stafford
Property Management Administrator

Rebecca recently joined First City’s Property Management Team after many years of working within the residential conveyancing sector and is confident that her property knowledge will prove beneficial in her new role. In her spare time Rebecca is a keen cook and enjoys turning her hand to home renovation projects.

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Mobile: 07809 105741

Sabraj Singh
Graduate Surveyor

Sabraj graduated from Birmingham City University with a Masters degree in Real Estate Management, following a Honours degree in Property Asset Management from University of Wolverhampton. Sabraj is working towards completing his APC and achieving his career goal of becoming a Chartered member of the RICS. Outside interests include playing 5-a-side football and he has a keen interest in cricket, in which he describes himself as an all-rounder.

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Mobile: 07714 523635