Beth Cook has been part of the Balch family since 2005, beginning as part of the busy sales office team, responsible for sales progression, customer service and sales negotiation. Her previous working background ranged from bar/restaurant management and events organisation .Beth now has a young family who take up much of her time and she has returned to work in the Balch Letting department, where she makes full use of her valuable experience.

In her spare time Beth likes "family life" strong coffee and Daniel Craig!!

From working in the City for a large law firm, Frances moved to Lesters Estate Agents busy Colchester office as secretary / admin assistant.

After taking time out to raise a family, it was straight back to work as secretary to Lesters Chelmsford office alongside manager Melvin Tuttle bee.

Frances has worked as company secretary at Balch since 1991, she describes her role as "head cook and bottle washer" and has enjoyed embracing new and advancing technology within the fast moving industry.

Outside work, Frances enjoys walking her miniature schnauzers sponge Bob and Cleo! Going to the Gym and looking after her Granddaughter Mia.

vin started his career in Estate agency following an enjoyable work experience placement in 1997, after several years of corporate agency he joined the BALCH team in 2002. Gavin is involved with all aspects of the sales environment and enjoys carrying out all aspects of the job.

At six foot five, Gavin is the gentle giant of Balch , he towers over most people but looks down on no one!

Outside of work, Gavin plays Sunday league football and watching his favourite team Tottenham play, particularly when they are winning ! Gavin also pursues a keen interest in motor cycles and can be seen regularly riding on the on the roads of Essex.

I have enjoyed a Career in estate Agency spanning almost four decades, during which time there has been considerable change to our business, driven mainly by technology. Whilst this has provided many new ways to market homes and improve the speed of communications, the core of our business has remained constant "service and people"

Our client base covers a wide range of age groups, demonstrating our commitment and ability to relate to both our buyers and vendors alike and in doing so provide a professional interface to assist with a smooth, successful transaction.

Our many testimonials are evidence to our mature experienced staff, that a quality level of service is paramount but are always striving for excellence.

After leaving college, Karen started work as a secretary for Lesters Estate agents in Chelmsford, the bright lights of the City beckoned and she went on to work as a legal secretary for a firm of London Solicitors for 17 years.

Karen took time out following the birth of her son Charlie and decided to return to Agency as Charlie reached School age. Working on a part time basis at the Balch Great Baddow branch, Karen carried out all aspects of agency from valuations to property negotiation.

For the last two years Karen has headed the Lettings department where she enjoys the day to day role of dealing with all aspects of property management.

Outside of work Karen enjoys supporting her husband and son in their various golfing endeavours.

Melvin has been working in Estate agency "man and boy" originally starting as a weekend staff member over three decades ago; he quickly ascended to his first manager's position with the firm of R J Lester and son in Chelmsford. When the business was bought by Prudential property services Melvin then took the position as an area director until buying Balch Estate agents with fellow Directors in 1990.

He has gained considerable experience over this time in the local market and of the business community in general, he has also enjoyed living in the Chelmsford area with his wife and two girls.

In 2007 Melvin relinquished his Director status to the Principle Partner Gerald Searle, however any plans to Semi- retire were short lived and within 18 months he returned to the firm as Branch Manager where he enjoys the buzz of property negotiation and day to day management of the Balch team.

His strong ethical values and tenacious character are well suited to problem solving on difficult property transactions as his many testimonials from delighted clients will confirm.

Outside of the business he enjoys socialising with his wife and family and foreign travel, he admits to be a "bad golfer" but still enjoys playing when he can.

Started in estate agency at Taylor and co in the early 1980's from an insurance back ground and has worked in the industry managing offices in Brentwood and as a Sales and listing negotiator in Chelmsford. Trefor Joined the Balch team in 1996 and is a prominent member of the Agency.

After 30 years, he enjoys the business more than ever and understands the importance of good client contact and genuine service, firmly believing in the BALCH ethos.

Having been brought up in Great Baddow, he now resides in Chelmer Village. Outside of work, Trefor is a keen Saxophonist and also enjoys road cycling.

Back in the fold!

Having started her career in a similar vein at Lesters with Gerald, Melvin and Frances where she gained the experience to move onto Essex County Cricket Club in a position within the commercial department, this experience in turn assisted her to move on to Countryside Properties as PA to the MD for Special Projects.

A wealth of knowledge within the marketing and property sphere has served her well.

Outside work, her interests include gardening, watching most sports and singing with the local Rock Choir in Brentwood.

Welcome back home Joy.