About Portmans

Originally from Norfolk, I moved to Cheshire shortly after graduating from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle-upon-Tyne with a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying in 1997. Starting out as a trainee surveyor at Gandy & Son in Northwich, which would soon be taken over by Meller Braggins, I worked my way up to Manchester-based global surveying practice EC Harris. My next role was at Cheshire Architects in Tarporley under the stewardship of John Edwards, where I began to appreciate the relationship of surveying with architecture as an art form.  To understand the importance in creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship when it comes to turning a run-of-the-mill house into a practical, contemporary, stylish home. Being a member of the RICS since 2004 and having 20 years in the area under my belt, I felt confident (or foolish?) enough to leave my stable job to set up my ultimate project, Portmans, with my focus on giving homes and premises alike an individuality without losing sight of design or function.

When I’m not conducting surveys or communicating with the council, you can find me on a run, walking the dogs or enjoying a decent pint in one of the pubs in Bunbury, the village my family and I have settled in. The name for ‘Portmans’ comes from Ipswich Town FC, the team I’ve supported since I can remember and am passionate enough to name my business after their home, Portman Road. My family are also a huge part of my life, with my wife Hannah being instrumental to Portmans’ success and my three children acting as judge, jury and executioner when we don’t agree, however as they get older they’re (fingers crossed) soon to leave home and find their own passion, leaving me to pursue mine: To design, build and refine quality homes for good people.