We knew we had to be different
Our journey started back in 2002 when we were both working for a National, corporate agency and became frustrated with the red tape and bureaucracy where the focus was on added value services to increase profits, rather than focusing on the journey of the customer selling a property and moving home. We know that moving can be stressful, so we believe that a local, personal approach, together with empathy and experience, is so important.
We genuinely believed in ourselves and our ethos of providing a more personal service tailored to the individual customer, underpinned by our strong family values of honesty, trust, respect and integrity. We knew we had to be different to the standard high street agent and put into practice our ideas and dreams of going it alone. A daunting task with young families to support but immensely exciting none the less.
Developing our brand and opening our doors
After many days and nights of writing, and re-writing, our plan for the business and what the future looked like, we set about securing premises and developing our brand. It was important to keep our ethos and values at the forefront of this development. On May 8th 2003, Sparks Ellison was born and we opened our doors for business. Quite simply we set out to work harder and smarter than our competitors and to do our absolute best for our customers.
On that day in May, we had not a single property to sell or a single buyer registered, but, we had a secretary and a whole lot of work and exciting times ahead of us. To our amazement, within 12 weeks of opening we had secured 25% of the market in Chandler's Ford.
We're a family
Today we are a family of 12, selling and letting properties and helping customers realise their dreams. Through hard work, tenacity, and a vision to be the best, we have helped thousands of people move home and we are immensely proud of the fact that we are here today, through thick and thin, as the preferred agent in our area serving our loyal customers.
We provide an unrivalled level of personal service with an experienced and knowledgeable team, most of whom have been at Sparks Ellison since the beginning. We fully understand that our reputation, and the service we provide, is the one and only thing that will secure our future at the top of the property market, and that focuses our minds every day.
What we do differently
We have stood, and will always stand, by our core values and ethos. We always put the customer first and make sure that we provide an amazing level of service. We will never settle for second best for you or ourselves, and will always look after your best interests.
We are at the helm every day to ensure that our very high standards are always delivered, so that you can place your trust in us to provide the best advice, backed up by an outstanding track record that began back in 2003. The Sparks Ellison team is proud to be local, loyal and trusted. We look forward to welcoming you to our family and are proud to introduce our team to you below.
Adam & Mark
Our team
Adam Sparks CertREA
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
I’m Adam Sparks, Co-Founder and Director at Sparks Ellison. I usually arrive in the office at 8am. Once I’ve had a coffee (I love great coffee and made sure we have a machine serving the good stuff in the office) I then gather the team for a meeting at 8.30am. I’m involved in everything; I spend my day meeting with my team, preparing for and carrying out valuations, client meetings, preparing properties to go to market - and developing and improving the business with Mark.
Why Sparks Ellison?
After leaving Thornden School at 16 I came straight in to the industry. As a teenager, I remember riding my bike up to Fryern Arcade from the family home in Scantabout, always stopping to look in the agents’ windows, and being driven down Hocombe Road by my parents, in awe of the houses. I was clearly destined to be an agent in Chandlers Ford…It was always a dream to own my own business one day, especially in my hometown.
How would you describe your team?
My team is loyal, hard-working, trustworthy – they’re quite simply very decent people. I am very proud of Sparks Ellison, what we stand for and have achieved as a team.
What would be your dream property/location?
I’m a golfer. My dream property is on the golf course in The Algarve. I would move there for the sun, golf, seafood and friendly people - but of course I already live in my dream location of Chandlers Ford!! Just not much sun or a golf course.....
What is your favourite food?
A tough choice between Italian & Thai.
What is your favourite music?
Coldplay
What is your favourite film?
Anything 007
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I really admire sports stars. As well as meeting my childhood idol, Kenny Dalglish, I even got to work out in the gym with Rory McIlroy once… that was a fantastic day.
Mark Ellison MNAEA MARLA
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
I’m Mark Ellison, Co – Founder and Director of Sparks Ellison. My day starts with a morning meeting with the team, followed by a mixture of appointments that may include valuing properties, conducting viewings, business administration and simply being on hand to answer calls and lead the team.
Have you always worked in the property sector?
No. I’ve had a number of posts including Stock Controller in a Distribution Warehouse, Barman, Cabinet Assembler and Retail. However, I have been in Estate Agency since 1994 and co-founded Sparks Ellison in 2003.
Why Sparks Ellison?
A flip of the coin versus ‘Ellison Sparks’!!
How would you describe your team?
Dedicated, loyal, helpful and my second family. We are blessed to have had the majority of our staff for many years and I often feel humbled that they put so much effort and enthusiasm into working for a company that I own. Sparks Ellison has been successful because of the team’s endeavours.
What would be your dream property/location?
Anywhere overlooking a beach and the ocean. Preferably somewhere warm and sunny!
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
As above…but I love the fact that I live in the UK and have the choice of visiting so many great destinations around the world.
What is your favourite food?
A nice Steak Pie or Cheese and Biscuits!
What is your favourite music?
Ska
What is your favourite film?
Pulp Fiction.
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a few famous people, mainly from the world of football, but I’d go with my hero – Eric Cantona!
Chris Bailey MNAEA
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
My name is Chris Bailey, and I am an Associate Director at Sparks. I carefully prepare for and conduct property valuations and viewings. I also help our clients to reach financial agreement with interested prospective buyers and then assist them in finding their dream home. I take a hands-on approach with all elements of the business, from ensuring front of house is impeccably presented right through to carrying out after-hours viewings and valuations to fit round clients’ own hectic schedule.
Have you always worked in the property sector?
Ironically, my first ever job was a paper round delivering the Southern Property Advertiser to local homes! My direct sales experience, whilst at college, was for a home improvements company, followed by a stint in retail sales for a well-known electrical retailer before embarking on a career in estate agency back in June 1997.
Why Sparks Ellison?
We don’t just do the right job, we do the job right! Being driven to succeed whilst maintaining an approachable manner, we offer our customers the perfect blend of service and great results.
How would you describe your team?
Friendly, passionate, experienced and knowledgeable.
What would be your dream property/location?
My dream home would be a one-off modern home in a rural riverside location with a generous garden big enough to accommodate my entire family for the occasional get together.
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
Outside of Hampshire, I would love to live or to own a bolthole on the Balearic Island of Mallorca. My wife and I enjoy the warmer weather and eating in the local restaurants. Its accessibility from Southampton airport makes it the ideal escape for us.
What is your favourite food?
Two answers....Summer BBQ’s with family and friends and in the Winter home cooked roast beef with all the trimmings.
What is your favourite music?
Wide musical choice, I’d prefer to have music on than watch television and anything apart from Heavy metal goes.
What is your favourite film?
The Lego Movie.....This was the last film that Myself, Sarah and our three boys watched together at the Cinema.
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I met Phil Spencer at the estate agency awards – the king of property search!
Victoria Robinson
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
My name is Victoria Robinson, I am Head of Sales Progression & Office Manager.
Once sales are agreed and we have a complete chain, they are passed to me and then myself and Amanda, our Sales Progressor, look after our buyer and seller until moving day. My role involves making sure that everything is moving along as it should be, keeping all parties updated and chasing where needed. I spend a lot of time on the phone liaising with clients, solicitors and other agents. Each sale will differ in terms of the circumstances and the people involved so no two days are the same!
Have you always worked in the property sector?
No. I used to work for Barclays and then HSBC, within their insurance operations. I had various roles, including time in a Customer Care team dealing with head office complaints. I worked my way up to management level where I was responsible for my own call centre team. Almost all of my experience has been in Customer Service related roles.
Why Sparks Ellison?
I started as a weekender in 2006 when my 3 children were very young and have never left! I went from working weekends to part time and then became full time in 2018. The Sales Progression role felt like a natural fit based on my previous experience and I really enjoy my job. I like the fact that we’re an independent business and have remained focused on the local area.
How would you describe your team?
Professional, and committed to delivering a great service. Everybody brings something different to the office. We also find something to laugh about every day!
What would be your dream property/location?
I’ve often thought it would be nice to live in a rural village, in a pretty cottage, complete with village green, duck pond, the works.....think quintessential English romcom location!
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
I lived in Singapore for a lot of my childhood and have a lot of happy memories so that would be a definite contender.
What is your favourite food?
I love anything spicy so do enjoy Mexican and Indian and also love a really good roast dinner.
What is your favourite music?
My music choice is pretty diverse as I like most things.
What is your favourite film?
Thrillers, Romcoms but absolutely nothing gory or horror related.
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I shook hands with Gary Barlow at a concert!
Frazier Read
My name is Frazier Read, I am a Property Sales Consultant here at Sparks Ellison. My day starts with a cracking cup of tea (two sugars) which sets my day off nicely and then straight in to the daily morning team meeting. My working day involves answering the phone to clients, arranging market appraisals, booking viewings and meeting the customers to show them around, keeping in touch with buyers and helping them find they’re ideal home.
Have you always worked in the property sector?
I was previously a lifeguard which led to me becoming an aqua fitness instructor hosting a total of 30 ladies and gentlemen in my class. I then trained as carpenter before becoming an Estate Agent a few years ago.
Why Sparks Ellison?
Sparks Ellison are a well-established market leading Independent Estate Agency. I love how they are so welcoming, a great team to be around, with a positive attitude and high standards
What would be your dream property/location?
My dream property would be very similar to the house in the movie The Greatest Showman. A long driveway through the forest, big pillars leading to the front door and a wide staircase as you enter. However, I do love my neighbours so I will need them around me.
What is your favourite food?
first an Italian, Carbonara to be specific, however I do love a chicken and bacon pie with mash and gravy.
What is your favourite music?
Christmas music
What is your favourite film?
The first hangover movie
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
The most famous person I have met is James Corden, coming out the tube in Oxford Street before seeing the man himself outside Harrods. This was around the time when the show, A League Of Their Own was at its best.
George Cheetham
My name is George Cheetham, I am a Property Sales Consultant at Sparks Ellison. My daily working day consists of meeting and speaking to clients, assisting with their enquiries and best of all guiding them around some wonderful homes.
Have I always worked in the property sector?
My first few jobs were in hospitality. Before I entered my career in Estate Agency a few years ago I spent 3 years grilling chicken at Eastleigh Nando’s so I swapped the aprons for the suits! I’m still a whizz on the BBQ!
Why Sparks Ellison?
I have always known about Sparks Ellison, even before I decided to be an agent as my grandparents have lived in Chandlers Ford all my life so I am always spotting their boards dotted around when I come to cut their grass for them! They have an exemplary reputation in the area and when the opportunity arose to join the team I didn’t have to think twice!
What would be my dream home/location?
It would have to be a traditional cottage with lots of land for my Jack Russell, Billy, to run about on and within walking distance from a decent pub that serves Guinness and steak and ale pie!
What is my favourite food?
Indian
What is my favourite music?
Indie rock
What is my favourite film?
American psycho
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
As a saint's fan it would have to be Le God, Matt Le Tissier
Zoe Sparks
I’m Zoe Sparks. I mainly work with the administration & marketing for Sparks Ellison. My day can be very full! From typing property details, loading the Internet portals with properties, keeping the Sparks Ellison website updated with news, market updates and testimonials, to answering the phone, booking viewings and valuations, producing of newsletters and mailers, and routing marketing drops to local properties!
Have you always worked in the property sector?
No I used to be a marketing and events manager for a banking company. I have only worked at Sparks Ellison in the property sector snice we opened in 2003.
Why Sparks Ellison?
I am married to Adam, so would be weird not to work here! Lol.
How would you describe your team?
Our team has different vibes depending on who is in the office but as a team we are funny, hardworking, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and supportive.
What would be your dream property/location?
I would love a house backing onto the beach in Malibu, California (similar to those in television programme Big Little Lies).
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
If not the above, then The Algarve or Dubai - on or near the beach.
What is your favourite food?
Italian or Indian
What is your favourite music?
1970's and 1980's Rock
What is your favourite film?
Top Gun
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
Gary Barlow! I had a long chat with him in a kids club at a hotel while our boys played together.
Tracy Ellison
Your day in a nutshell: Typing property details and producing property brochures, loading property portals, booking in viewings and valuations, answering the phone.
Have you always worked in the property sector? I worked for corporate Estate Agents from 1987 until starting a family in 1999. I then came to Sparks Ellison when the family had grown up.
Why Sparks Ellison? I’m married to Mark.
What is your dream property? Somewhere warm with a lovely view of a beach and ocean.
What is your favourite food? Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and lots of gravy
Debbie Darvill MARLA
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
I’m Debbie Darvill, Lettings Director. I take care of everything in lettings from market appraisals, advising landlords on all aspects of letting a property to reading water meters!
Have you always worked in the property sector?
No - I’ve worked in lettings for the past 16 years but before that I worked for HSBC bank.
Why Sparks Ellison?
Why would I not want to work for the leading local agent, and only 10 minutes from home?
How would you describe your team?
They are knowledgeable, approachable, efficient and with a great sense of humour.
What would be your dream property/location?
I would always choose to live by the sea.
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
I’m not sure of a definite location, but definitely somewhere by the sea.
What is your favourite food?
Italian
What is your favourite music?
Pretty much anything from the 80’s
What is your favourite film?
The original 1973 version of Day of the Jackal
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I’m lucky to have met a few and quite honestly it would be difficult to pick one out!
Rebecca Gleeson MARLA
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
My name is Rebecca Gleeson, and I’m the Property Manager. Day to day I am always busy, carrying out viewings, inspections, renewals, liaising with Landlords, Tenants and Contractors for maintenance and ensuring important housing legislation is followed. There is always something to do and every day is different! There is a huge problem solving aspect to property management and you never stop learning.
Have you always worked in the property sector?
I moved from retail into the property sector when I was 18. I started off in Relocation and got my foot in the door of its sister company as a Property Manager, the Agents were a big corporate company. When I moved to a smaller independent Agent, I knew instantly that this is where I thrived most. An independent Agent like Sparks Ellison is about offering a great service, tailoring service to individual needs and the people you work for have a genuine interest in making the business successful. You notice the difference immediately as an employee. I have never felt as valued before as I do now.
Why Sparks Ellison?
It was evident instantly that Sparks Ellison had a huge presence in Chandlers Ford. Being a Southampton Girl, I didn’t quite know the extent of this until I started working here. It makes you proud to work for people who genuinely care for their community, reputation and everyone that works with them. After meeting the ‘Mr Ellison’ of Sparks Ellison for an informal interview at a coffee shop, I knew this company was something I wanted to be a part of (even if he’ll never let me live down that I ordered squirty cream on my Latte!).
How would you describe your team?
The Sparks Ellison Team is fun, caring and genuinely some of the best people I’ve worked with. We are a huge mix of personalities, and it works! The staff turnaround is minimal, this is for a whole host of reasons, but I imagine a big part of it is the dynamics in the office. Everyone equally wants to do well and for others to do well, when someone isn’t 100%, there are 4 or 5 other people happy to step up and help them. It’s the first agency I’ve worked for where everyone’s not in competition with each other – it’s just a lovely atmosphere.
What would be your dream property/location?
It may not be everyone’s idea of a dream property but I would love to have a 4-bedroom Detached House, with a Garage, big Garden and a lovely big Kitchen as I love cooking – I’d be happy if I achieve that one day!
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
I love the Beach and the Sun. If money was no object, I’d have a lovely big house in Florida and spend my days in the Theme Parks or on the Beaches. In hurricane Season I’d move into my villa in Fuerteventura and fill up with Paella and Sangria!
What is your favourite food?
Nando's
What is your favourite music?
I am into pretty much everything but have a soft spot for The Beatles.
What is your favourite film?
Uhhhh far too many to choose from…..Jurassic Park?
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
Unfortunately, I haven’t met anyone famous! If I could pick someone I would love to meet Tom Hanks – I just imagine him to be a super lovely person with some great stories to tell!
Harriet Pybus
Property Manager
About you
My name is Harriet and my role is Property Manager. I work within the lettings team and my role is really varied. I deal with maintenance issues, tenancy renewals, communication with landlords, tenants and contractors and also conduct the viewings. I love being busy and that’s certainly the case at Sparks Ellison.
Why Sparks Ellison?
Mark and Debbie were so welcoming at the interview stage that I walked away thinking, this is where I want to work. The team are so friendly, and the wealth of knowledge overall is fantastic. Sparks Ellison are so well established in Chandlers Ford and I’m enjoying being a part of it.
Have You Always Worked in the Property Sector
I worked in property throughout my late teens as a weekend team member. Then again in my twenties before leaving to start a family. Great to be back doing something I love.
Dream Property/Location
It would be near to the beach and the sea with plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance. Preferably somewhere warm.
Favourite Food
I love having a home cooked roast on a Sunday! I am also partial to a good Indian curry or Thai.
Favourite Film
Man on Fire. Denzel Washington is my favourite actor. I am also happy to watch anything with Tom Hardy or Channing Tatum in too if im honest!
Favourite Music
Anything I can dance and sing along too… kitchen karaoke with my best friend is a favourite thing of mine to do! 😊
Have I met someone famous
Apart from Esther Rantzen when I was at primary school, I really cant even remember if I have to be honest! I clearly don’t mix in those circles!!!
Kate Booth
I’m Kate Booth, I’m a Part Time Sales Adviser with duties to include dealing with email and telephone enquiries, booking viewings and welcoming potential purchasers.
Have you always worked in the property sector?
This is my first role in the property sector. Sparks Ellison helped me find my family home when we moved here over 16 years ago and they were then, and still are, the most prominent agent in the area. They are very professional and thorough and play a big part in the community I now live in and I am excited to be working for them.
How would you describe your team?
The team at Sparks Ellison are all very welcoming, knowledgeable and always willing to give the best possible service.
What would be your dream property/location?
My dream property and location changes daily but as long I'm with my family I'm happy.
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I have never 'met' anyone famous but did sit in front of Sean Connery at the Nuffield Theatre as he watched his son in a play.
Sarah Closs
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
My name is Sarah Closs, and I’m a Sales Consultant for Sparks Ellison. I conduct weekend viewings with clients.
Have you always worked in the property sector?
Actually no! My previous experience lies within the marketing and corporate Hospitality sector.
Why Sparks Ellison?
They have a fantastic reputation and performance within the marketplace.
How would you describe your team?
Professional, friendly, supportive and efficient.
What would be your dream property/location?
I’m already here - Chandlers Ford!
If you didn’t live here, where would you choose? (anywhere in the world)
Definitely Cornwall.
And last but not least…who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I once sat on the next table to Rod Stewart in Stringfellows Nightclub – it was very exciting!
Margaret Jones
About you: Name, job title, what does your daily working day entail?
My previous experience lies in education. At the age of 40 I started a degree in Multimedia Media Design. I graduated in 2001 and worked in industry as a web designer before returning to Solent University as a senior lecturer in web design. I was promoted to Programme Leader of the Computer Network Programme with responsibilities of leading a team-teaching Computer Networking and Web Design and the pastoral care of students.
Why Sparks Ellison
They have a great reputation and performance within the marketplace.
How would you describe your team?
Professional, friendly, supportive, and efficient.
What would be your dream property/location?
My happy place is Rhodes having holidayed there several times so anything small there would be lovely, but I wouldn’t want to leave my 3 grandchildren.
What is your favourite food?
Roast chicken
What is your favourite music?
Lionel Richie
What is your favourite film?
Don’t really have one. We go to the cinema a lot but lots of them are my favourite.
And last but not least…..who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
That’s an interesting one. I used to be involved in local football and play golf so I have many autographs including; Roberto Carlos and Zinadine Zidan. I also bumped into Ernie Els (literally) , I turned round and walked in to him.