Bettesworths is a family owned and operated company, successful in property since 1943.
Bettesworths is an independent family business, owned and run by the third generation Chartered Surveyor Directors, Matt & Paul.
We have an experienced team, highly skilled and expert in delivering a broad range of services to clients looking for the very best results.
Our breadth of experience across all property sectors, the depth of our day to day involvement and our technical knowledge gives Bettesworths an unrivalled platform from which to provide advice to meet our clients’ needs.
Our clients range from private individual property owners and occupiers to PLC institutions. We ensure each and every one is best supported with a service with which to meet the challenges and changes in the market and their own circumstances.
We offer free initial consultations without obligation, so please contact a member of our team to discuss your requirements.
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Our Team
Matt Bettesworth
BSc (Hons) MRICS FAVLP
Managing Director
Paul Bettesworth
BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
George Helmore
Commercial Departments
Matt Bettesworth
BSc (Hons) MRICS FAVLP
Managing Director
A Chartered Surveyor with a wealth of experience in the Licensed & Leisure Property Market, having been involved for many years in sales and acquisition nationally for private and corporate clients in London before his involvement with Bettesworths. Matt was the first director of the third generation and heads up the Licensed & Leisure department. He is a retired rugby player, passionate surfer, paddleboarder, skier and busy father of 3. Matt’s wife, Becky, is a prominent local artist.
matt@bettesworths.co.uk
Paul Bettesworth
BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Paul Bettesworth is a much-respected Chartered Surveyor and leads the Commercial and Investment Departments of the firm. Paul has been named The Estates Gazette Dealmaker for Devon for the last 6 consecutive years. His career started with one of the Top 5 National Consultancies in London where he was involved in Agency, Valuation and Landlord & Tenant work for major national clients. He moved to Torquay in 2006. Paul has retired relatively intact from rugby and now enjoys coaching his son’s team, distance running, skiing and has been known to climb a mountain or two.
paul@bettesworths.co.uk
George Helmore
Commercial Departments
George joined Bettesworths in May 2018. He returned to Torquay after travelling in Asia and Australasia, following his studies. George was born and raised in Torquay and was educated at Torquay Boys Grammar School. In his spare time George plays rugby for Torquay Athletic and enjoys going to the gym.
george@bettesworths.co.uk
Genevieve Stringer
Leisure Department
Edward Sye
FRICS
Chartered Surveyor
Steve Doble
Acquisitions
Genevieve Stringer
Leisure Department
Genevieve has many years of experience in the catering sector and is responsible for the sale of restaurant, café and take away businesses across the region. With an in depth understanding, an attention to detail and an affinity with clients and purchasers, Gen’s reputation in the sector is notable. She manages to do this while combining the challenges of motherhood and being a competitive sailor.
genevieve@bettesworths.co.uk
Edward Sye
FRICS
Chartered Surveyor
Edward is an experienced Chartered Surveyor who has held senior positions for large Corporations as well as advising Local Authorities and SME's, predominantly in a valuation and acquisition capacity. Away from work Edward's passions include rugby, real ale and food.
edward@bettesworths.co.uk
Steve Doble
Acquisitions
Steve was a former client of Bettesworths and joined the team in 2018. A seasoned operator of pubs and hotels in the East Devon region, Steve has a wealth of experience in the licensed and leisure industry and a passion for property. Having sold out to national companies three times, Steve is now using his operational and property knowledge to head up the Acquisitions team at Bettesworths successfully securing sites for a number of retained clients including St Austell Brewery and Rockfish amongst others. Steve lives in Exmouth with his family and loves being on the water in his spare time.
steved@bettesworths.co.uk
Lucy Ling
Agency Administrator
Sandra Waters
Agency Co Ordinator
Emily Northcott
Accounts & Marketing Department
Lucy Ling
Agency Administrator
Lucy joined the team in 2014 as an apprentice and holds qualifications in Business and Administration from South Devon College. From her start as an apprentice, Lucy now heads the Administration Team. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys paddle boarding and long days at the beach.
lucy@bettesworths.co.uk
Sandra Waters
Agency Co Ordinator
Sandra has over 9 years of experience in the property world having previously worked for a specialised Sales & Marketing agency building new homes across Cornwall. Sandra provides an essential role at Bettesworths supporting the negotiators as an Agency Co Ordinator. Sandra also works alongside Lucy in the Bettesworths Administration Team. In her spare time she likes to be outside, usually walking her two dogs and enjoying the beaches and countryside.
sandra@bettesworths.co.uk
Emily Northcott
Accounts & Marketing Department
Emily is the glue that keeps the financial side of the business together! She works closely with the Directors in administering all matters of accounting, invoicing and book-keeping, as well as keeping abreast of all statutory and compliance issues for the business. Emily combines this role with the marketing side of the business, concentrating on the social media platforms, website news & quarterly newsletters. Emily is a busy mother of two children so when she's not ferrying kids around, she enjoys water-sports & walking her dog.
accounts@bettesworths.co.uk
Mandy Cleaver
Administrator
Stephen Moore
Agency Assistant
Mandy Cleaver
Administrator
Mandy joined Bettesworths in 2022 after 17 years working for Barclays Bank. Mandy administers Bettesworths’ professional department. In her spare time, Mandy likes beach walks with her puppy, Teddy and spending time with her two daughters and partner. They love to take a picnic up on the moors and enjoy traveling around Devon and Cornwall exploring new places.
mandy@bettesworths.co.uk
Stephen Moore
Agency Assistant
Stephen Joined the team in January 2024, coming from a property background of Estate Management. Stephen is now assisting the Commercial Department. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys water sports around Devon, including snorkelling, sailing & surfing. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family.
stephenm@bettesworths.co.uk
History
The story of how it all began
History
Over the span of eight decades, Bettesworths has grown to become one of the highest regarded property practices in the South West. Click here to read more about our History…
Historically located in Torbay, the practice is active throughout the South West of England. The Company has strength in depth with a wide cross sector base of knowledge and experience from a dedicated and experienced team.
The First Generation
It was over 70 years ago in 1943 that Maureen and Bernard Bettesworth established the firm of Bettesworths in Torquay.
Maureen originally set out in a secretarial role, but the skills she had inherited from her father, a cattle auctioneer in Ireland, shone through and before long she was negotiating sales on behalf of clients and undertaking auctions.
Maureen established herself as a leading light in the male dominated world of commercial property by becoming the first lady auctioneer and hotel agent in the UK. Bernard was responsible for the administration of the firm and the sale of businesses.
Maureen was subsequently the first female Chair of the Devon and Cornwall Branch of The Valuers' Institution - this later amalgamated with the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers, which in 1999 was taken over by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
A formidable personality in business in Devon for many years, a woman who earned enormous respect in what, Maureen is still to this day regularly remembered by professionals, clients and the public.
The Second Generation
It was in 1967 that Bettesworths began to evolve into the family dynasty it is today. Eldest son Barney joined the firm as a partner, having qualified as a Chartered Surveyor.
In the late 1970's, his younger brother, Mick, also a Chartered Surveyor, returned to strengthen the firm and take charge of the residential team.
A year later, Paddy, the youngest son, who had qualified as a Chartered Surveyor after obtaining a Masters Degree in Land Economy at Cambridge, also joined the business and assisted in establishing a new office in Bovey Tracey. At this time there were five Bettesworth partners in the firm.
The 1980's was a busy period for the business. Barney started the Pub Division which now operates throughout the South West of England.
In 1985, Bettesworths acquired an Overseas Estate Agency practice and for the next four years, headed by Paddy, the firm was very active in marketing land, villas and apartments in on the Costa Blanca in Spain. This division was eventually sold in 1989.
The residential side of the business benefited from the boom time of the late 1980's, and in 1988 was sold to the Bristol & West Building Society.
Barney and Paddy continued to operate Bettesworths Commercial and successfully steered the business through the difficult recessionary years of the early 1990's, extending the regional influence of the firm beyond Torbay, throughout the South-West peninsular.
The Third Generation
In 2001, Matt, Barney's elder son joined Bettesworths, after working in London for a number of years with Gerald Eve & Fleurets.
Bettesworths also appointed their first non-family Director, when Stephen Lofthouse joined the board in the early 2000's. Stephen, also a Chartered Surveyor with wide property experience and a record of success, has been a great asset to the company.
In 2007, Paul became the second member of the third generation, and the seventh Bettesworth to join the practice. He had obtained a degree in Land Management from Reading University and had worked with Lambert Smith Hampton in London.
The business again had to evolve to combat tough recessionary conditions following the 2008 Financial Crises and difficulties in the Licensed & Leisure sectors.
Having enjoyed success with a very specialist Licensed & Leisure focus, Matt, Paul & Stephen widened the services offered by Bettesworths.
The last decade has seen planned growth to become a more diverse commercial practice – now with a broad profile that leads its field in Industrial, Retail, Business Space and Investment Markets in the area.
The Third Generation have achieved this diversification without diluting the expertise.
During this time, Bettesworths also actively reentered the residential market with a practice focused on delivering to a South Devon focused residential market the same great service and results for which the brand is so well known.
The Next Generation…..
Introducing younger blood, being innovative and developing teamwork has been the cornerstone of the company's progression. This philosophy has helped the company in both good and difficult times and will hopefully continue to apply in the future.
Never pressured into considering a career in the property industry, family members have always had to prove their worth. There are already 11 little Bettesworths in the next generation, so who knows….
Testimonials
“We have recently bought our new café via Genevieve at Bettesworths. From start to finish Genevieve and the team were there to help with everything. We highly recommend Bettesworths and Genevieve. Even through sone difficult situation's their professionalism and guidance was second to none!!
Thank you for everything!!”
Hill Side Café - Totnes
“Reference the purchase of El Patio, Paignton.
Paul and the team were very helpful and informative throughout the purchase of this property and would definitely recommend Bettesworths for any sales or purchases of property.”
Mark Pratt - El Patio
“Fantastic service from start to finish, nothing was too much trouble and they worked tirelessly to get the deal done for us. Moving from Sussex to Devon was daunting but Matt and his team couldn't have done anymore to make us feel welcome and valued. I can't recommend them highly enough, simply exceptional.”
David Maxwell
“If only every property agent had the values of Bettesworths. On calling they answer first ring, friendly professional and genuine. They also fully supported my enquiry. Simply brilliant website and in my opinion are the go to agency for any commercial sales in the Southwest. Simply the benchmark, enjoy using them!”
David Harris-Heffer
“George and the team were fantastic in marketing our property to let. Very efficient right from the first call through to completion. We were kept updated and George provided advice and answered all of our questions along the way to make the process smooth and simple. Thank you again for all of your help.”
Lee Howard
“We found the service provided was excellent by all the staff and particularly Genevieve who was our main agent.
We were kept well informed at all times and trusted the people we dealt with.
A successful outcome was most appreciated and we would wholeheartedly recommend the company to everyone.”
The Strand Bakery, Brixham
““We would like to extend a huge thank you to Paul Bettesworth. Without his endless patience, practical support and diplomacy skills our family would not be the owners of a beautiful if rather neglected Victorian residential property.
Particularly challenging for Paul was having to communicate across several time zones, with an intermittent connection at some very unexpected times of the day.
Thanks Paul, you definitely went that extra mile to make it happen!
The Repper Family””
The Repper Family - Residential Victorian Property
“Had a professional and very good experience with Bettesworths. They were always available and very reliable, offering an excellent feedback service throughout the whole purchase, right up to completion when we recently purchased the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.
Many thanks for all your help Simon and Julie”
Simon & Julie - Totnes Rare Breeds Farm
““Bettesworths sold my pub for me quickly and efficiently, in only a couple of months. I received very professional service from Matt and his team, who kept me informed throughout the process supporting the purchaser at the same time, which meant that the transaction was a smooth one. From the time when I initially acquired the pub through them, during tenancy set ups, through to disposal I have always received great service and support at each stage. Matt and his team really know the market and work to achieve the best for their clients. Thanks guys.””
Dominic - The New Fountain Inn
“I would just like to say a massive thanks to Genevieve & the team @ bettesworths for the excellent & professional work undertaken with regard to the sale of our restaurant. Nothing was too much trouble and all queries were dealt with in a timely manner. This is the third time we have used bettesworths for both purchasing & selling of a business and each time has been stress free and speedily completed .”
Ian & Gen Cant - Cappello Restaurant
“We recently sold our restaurant through Bettsworths, our contact was Genevieve Stringer, the whole experience was handled with excellent efficiency from start to finish.
Nothing was too much trouble for her, she notified us of any developments immediately and also handled our buyer very well. We had three viewings almost immediately and accepted an offer very close to the asking price within a month.”
Gordon Smith - Memories Bistro
“Just love Bettesworths, the team have always been professional, responsive and proactive, they put the rest to shame! They have found me tenants for commercial units and I have bought and sold residential property through Bettesworths, can't recommend enough.”
Adrian Peach
“I do not have enough superlatives for the team at Bettesworths. The fantastic Genevieve was professional and helpful, keeping me updated and supported throughout the entire process. My sincere thanks to you all.”
Cathryn Clayden
“Thanks to Paul and all at Bettesworth, I know that without your experience and professionalism this purchase would not have got completed. Very knowledgeable and helpful. A big thank you for making our goal a reality.”
James Warsame
“I'd just like to say a big thankyou to Matt for his hard work, patience and support in the selling of Meadfoot Beach Cafe. Buying and selling can be a stressful experience but with Bettesworths involved you really are in good hands. He was there to guide and advise throughout the whole process and worked tirelessly behind the scenes with all parties involved ensuring a pretty much seamless transaction. Bettesworths are a very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy company and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thanks again!”
Helen Tucker
“A wonderful experience from beginning to completion! Paul Bettesworths was extremely helpful and actually, I would say the nicest, most genuine person I've come across in this field. He totally has the best interests at heart for both buyer and seller and does everything to guide the journey with the least possible stress! What a fabulous company, I wouldn't hesitate to use them again, thanks Paul! Oh, and make sure you read the company history, it's a lovely story and the family background, culture and ethos really shines through every communication with the business.”
Natalie Brooking
“We can highly recommend the team at Bettesworths and have enjoyed working with them on many successful transactions. Paul and Matt offer an exceptional and professional service.”
Wollen Michelmore Solicitors
“Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
We would like to thank everyone at Bettesworths for their help and support in selling our business especially Genevieve who worked tirelessly to bring it to a successful conclusion she helped us every step of the way nothing was too much trouble. If you are looking to buy or sell a premises and need an agent look no further you will not be disappointed they are first class thank you”
Rita Faris - The Terrace Cafe - Dawlish
“'Real professionals but also with understanding and a sympathetic ear. I can honestly say that I have complete faith and trust in this company which already has an outstanding reputation for honesty and straight-talking.'”
Judith Hands - The Everglades, Torquay
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