About Douglas Allen

Discover the rich history behind East London and Essex’s local estate agent, helping generations to move forwards.

1960s

Ivor Spiro and Cyril Dennis joined forces with Martin Garrard and began Dennis Garrard Spiro estate agency in East London

Aldo Sotgiu

I started my career with Douglas Allen in September 1983 as a fresh faced 19-year-old ready to take on the world. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at that stage, other than I had an interest in property, design, and architecture. The job application for a Trainee Surveyor caught my eye and this is when it all started.

Even after all these years in the industry, I don’t have a lot of spare time, it feels like was I do is my job and my hobby at the same time, but I do love to travel, have a keen interest in cooking and of course eating!

Group Managing Director

Jason Bunning

I was incredibly lucky over thirty years ago, to be given a shot in Estate Agency. I’m incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to work my way through the company, provided with constant support, guidance and reward.

Being fortunate enough to have a job that is also your passion is a real blessing, but nothing is more important to me than spending time with my family, travelling, gardening and pretty much any sport you can imagine. Oh, and let’s not forget Poppy, my Cavachon, she’s an absolute legend.

Vicki James

I’ve been with Douglas Allen for over 11 years, starting as the lettings manager. Douglas Allen have been fantastic for my career, providing guidance, training, and support through the management program.

I love helping others grow, spotting talent, and coaching team members to reach their goals. I also enjoy being creative, solving problems, and implementing new ideas.

Outside of work, I’m a painter with a Fine Arts background and an enthusiastic gardener—this year, I’m trying my hand at growing my own fruits and veggies!

Lettings Operations Director

Gavin Welch

I’m an experienced Financial Services Director with over 30 years in the industry. My career began in retail banking, and I joined Mortgage Matters Direct in 2013, progressing through various leadership roles. I'm passionate about coaching, staff development, and sales management. Outside work, I enjoy family time, supporting Tottenham Hotspur, horse racing, cricket, and gardening. I'm also proud of my daughter’s musical achievements and my charitable efforts.

About - Supporting the Local Community - Douglas Allen

Supporting our local community

Our team have gone to amazing lengths to raise money for their local causes.

Whether through running, cycling, swimming, marathons, triathlons, cake sales, quiz nights or washing cars, our staff have raised an incredible £750,000 for charities close to their hearts and, aside from contributing directly to our charitable partners, Douglas Allen have incentives in place to help our team reach fundraising goals. Whether that means paying entry fees to take part in events or internal support to promote fundraising, we are here for our staff.

Community at our core

Giving back and helping everyone to move forwards.

As your local high-street estate agents, we are part of our communities and, over the years, we’ve helped countless generations to move forwards on their journeys. Now we aspire to get more people involved with their local communities too.

Our colleagues regularly take part in Macmillan coffee mornings, as well as fancy dress days, marathons and just about anything else you can think of to help raise funds for incredible causes and give back to those who need it most.

In 2021, we hit the incredible milestone of donating over £10million to charitable causes (and counting!).

Giving back

2024’s charity partner

Haven House

In 2024, Douglas Allen have chosen Haven House as our charity partner.

Every year, our agents go above and beyond to support a chosen charity, and this year we have chosen our local children's hospice, Haven House!

Haven House Children’s Hospice cares for seriously ill babies and children (up to the age of 18) by creating a loving and warm environment for them and their families while they go through the toughest of times.

Find out more