Why Choose Us?
We believe life is a property journey… our purpose is to take you every step of the way with passion, honesty and expertise. Our core values run through every aspect of our business, from first contact, right through to picking up those keys!
Grisdales is the ‘one stop shop’ whether you are a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant. We have an excellent reputation in West Cumbria and feedback from our client’s say they find us not only professional and knowledgeable, but also friendly and enthusiastic. We take the time to understand your needs and love nothing more than helping you move on with your property journey. Open 7 days a week, we are always here for you.
Take a look at our Testimonials
Our People
Our staff are our biggest asset… we take care of them and they take care of you. We aim to stand out from the crowd, whilst remaining professional and honourable in everything we do, never cutting corners and always putting our customers first. We have a great reputation, but are never complacent and constantly strive to deliver service above and beyond your expectations, whilst all the time, seeking to provide unique offerings that set us apart from our competition.
We are here to help and our dedicated teams, in each of our offices are on hand to get the job done with expertise and care.
Rachel Ritson – Managing Director
01946 693931 Ext 213
Rachel best describes her role as being the captain of the ship! She makes sure the company is heading in the right direction, at the right speed and adjusting the coordinates as and when necessary. Day to day work involves making sure our brand, systems and people are all working cohesively and in line with our company culture and values. Her main priority is to ensure staff are engaged and enjoying their work, as happy staff means happy clients.
Prior to joining Grisdales, Rachel had her own accounts business working for a number of local companies, providing accounts and management information. Before moving up to West Cumbria in 1996, Rachel worked for the international company Dupont, as part of the management accounts team in a litho plate manufacturing business.
Rachel joined Grisdales in 2000 as a part time accounts manager. As the business grew so did her responsibilities, becoming more involved in the strategy of the firm and business infrastructure. Over the years her day to day became heavily estate agency orientated. By the end of 2014 Rachel was solely managing the business and became full owner in 2016. Rachel is a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, has qualifications in management having carried out the Women in Cumbria Taking The Lead programme, alongside a Level 4 qualification in Business Management. Rachel is continually developing and has been a member of The Property Academy since 2013, this included being part of the highly esteemed Leadership Summit programme in 2016 - Leadership Summit
Having three children, three step children, and two grandchildren, Rachel has a busy home life and loves nothing more than having everyone round for lots of craic! She also loves to keep fit, running and walking the fells, and of course time with her husband Neil on weekends away to chill out and relax!
Photo taken in the middle of Challoner Street, Cockermouth
Lynne Atkinson – Head of Sales
01900 829977 ext 305
Lynne wears two hats! In her Head of Sales role, she supports Rachel in contributing to the overall strategic direction of the company, especially in respect of Sales. Her other role is Branch Manager at the Cockermouth Office, Managing a team of 10 staff across both sales and lettings.
Lynne has had quite a variety of jobs since leaving school many years ago. Her first job was in a bank, followed by stints at a secondary school and college. She then worked for Outward Bound and the Forestry Commission, before entering the world of estate agency back in 2007! Lynne has been with Grisdales since 2012, initially as Valuer at Cockermouth, Branch Manager at Whitehaven then back to Cockermouth. She was appointed Head of Sales a couple of years ago. She is a member of the NAEA and of The Property Academy.
Lynne is originally from Manchester, but has lived in Cumbria for 17 years. She is married to a Forest Manager and has two grown up children, who both live away, but she has a motley collection of pets, which comprises 3 hens, 2 miniature Shetland ponies, 2 cats and 2 dogs – a Patterdale terrier called Betty and a rescued mutt called Harry at their home close to Ennerdale Water. Lynne has recently taken up running and finds it a perfect way to unwind and loves most sport, especially football…. her team? Manchester United of course!
Photo taken in the middle of Market Place, Whitehaven
Nina Moore – Business Support Manager
01900 829977 ext 308
Nina’s areas of responsibility cover the company accounts, HR, Payroll, IT and systems administration, fleet and general administration
Her previous work experience varies, working in the Civil Service for DEFRA and the Ministry of Defence. She has also worked for a small privately owned business and within her own family business; she’s also got a little bit of retail experience thrown in for variety. All of Nina’s previous roles have been accounting based, within some additional tasks taking advantage of her versatility.
Her career with Grisdales began eight years ago, when she started working 3 days per week covering the accounting function, which has developed into the full-time position she now holds; which utilises many of her capabilities.
Nina likes a good walk, and she doesn’t mind where it is, but it helps if the dog can come too! She also likes to try new experiences, including go karting, kite surfing and flying a gyrocopter… she’s even tried knitting! Nina is currently studying with the Open University for her degree, which she hopes to finish within the next few years. She has a husband, two children and a very large collie.
Photo taken outside the Black Bull, Cockermouth
