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.


Download Bettesworths Look Book

Our Team

Matt Bettesworth

BSc (Hons) MRICS FAVLP
Managing Director

Paul Bettesworth

BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director

Genevieve Stringer

Leisure Department

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
Matt Bettesworth

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
Paul Bettesworth

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
Genevieve Stringer

George Helmore

Commercial Departments

Edward Sye

FRICS
Chartered Surveyor

Steve Doble

Acquisitions

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
George Helmore

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
Edward Sye

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
Steve Doble

Lucy Ling

Agency Administrator

Emily Northcott

Accounts & Marketing Department

Sandra Waters

Agency Co Ordinator

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
Lucy Ling

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 crunching numbers, posting news updates or ferrying kids around, Emily enjoys water-sports & being at the stables with her horse.

accounts@bettesworths.co.uk
Emily Northcott

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
Sandra Waters

Mandy Cleaver

Administrator

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
Mandy Cleaver

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 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

“"I just wanted to say, thank you for all your hard work and patience in getting this transaction through.
I felt you had just the right involvement and touch on both sides to get some progress when needed & you seemed to judge what was required perfectly."”

Dunn & Baker Solicitors - The Rivershack

“I just wanted to say how pleased we were with the service you provided.
What mainly impressed us was that you were straight talking, you didn't wrap anything up and told us, basically how you thought we could sell the shop, which is what we wanted to hear.
The presentation of the shop and the advertising was Professional, with good photographs.

As we moved into the phase of under offer. You kept us informed at every stage, explaining things and generally being supportive.
The purchaser was also impressed by your attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
Thanks for everything Genevieve and all best wishes for the future.”

Nick Frost & Phillip Robinson – Christie's Fish & Chips

“"I would highly recommend Bettesworths when selling your business. Their very professional approach coupled with a positive, friendly manner made what can be a stressful process, an optimistic and fulfilling experience.
Communication was excellent at every stage of the sale with regular updates without the need to chase.
GR Fine Foods is a niche business, wholesaling quality food and drink to high end, independent retailers and food service establishments. Therefore, to achieve a sale within four months from instruction to completion was very impressive. Thank you for exceeding my expections! Tim Pearce"”

Tim Pearce - GR Fine Foods

“We are an AIM listed property company with over 100 blocks the UK and over 800 tenants and thus, use the services of Commercial Agents extensively.

We currently have 4 to 5 separate properties in the Devon area and for at least 10 years have been using the services of Bettesworths for advice on all aspects of the properties i.e letting, purchases, sales dilapidations etc.

We have always felt the advice and service given to be exceptionally efficient and continue to use this firm and except to do so for the foreseeable future, because of their reliability and knowledge.”

Andrew S Perloff - Chairman - Panther Securities PLC

“After nearly 15 years of ownership, moving your pride and joy business on can be daunting. The Bettesworths Team managed the process amazingly well, offering great advice and support with a quick and efficient style. Always maintaining a healthy respect for the delicacy needed with our team throughout the sale process.
I can highly recommend Bettesworths if you are looking to exit or enter into a business opportunity.”

Chris Yandell (Proprietor) - Oyster Shack

“I always enjoy working with Bettesworths and really value the connection between our two firms. For a number of years we have worked together on the licensed and leisure side, mainly with Matt but also the investment side with Paul, acting for vendors and purchasers. They are great to have on a deal and being able to discuss issues that arise makes the transaction for the client go so much more smoothly.”

Toby Pool, Partner, Stephens Scown LLP

“Lameys have enjoyed a great relationship with Bettesworths for a number of years and can always rely on them for realistic commercial advice, supported by detailed research. Bettesworths are a thoroughly professional firm, who feel confident in instructing for any property related matters.”

Adam Buck, Partner, Lameys Accountant & Insolvancy Practitioners

“We asked Paul to provide a guidance in sensitive negotiation with our landlord. Paul was able to provide a clear strategic plan, which we were able to implement. Despite many arguments used by the landlord, armed with the information we were able to successfully defend our position. Discussions extended to the existing management company where again Paul provided guidance. We were able to remove them and set up our own Management Company with our co tenant. An excellent outcome all round and great people to do business with.”

Graham Brown, Managing Director, Pavey Group

“Our use of and relationship with Bettesworths has covered several decades......and with good reason. First class understanding of our requirements, competitive pricing, easy to deal with, great people and excellent customer service. With all of this available from a truly local company, why would we want to look anywhere else?”

Graham Crocker Managing Director Heavitree Brewery PLC


Social


Bettesworths B Social

Read and follow Bettesworths for all the latest news across our social channels.