About Us

Meet our Management Team

Heather Hilder-Darling, Managing Director

I originally trained as a bi-lingual secretary, and then spent 6 years in France, Belgium and Italy working for companies such as ITT, EMI, Bahlsen Biscuits and the European Broadcasting Union.

On my return from mainland Europe in the 1980’s, I worked as a PA in a company which produced process control instruments, and also spent several months working in a Worthing Estate Agency (when ‘girls’ didn’t do negotiating work!), and recognising my growing interest in property, a career move began to take shape. In the 1990’s I graduated with a Degree in Business Studies and also have qualifications in Direct Marketing and Market Research.

Working in the family business since 1995, and developing the concept of marketing new homes on the internet back in 2000, we now have a burgeoning product range, from on-line listing to Full Agency and Marketing Consultancy including Market Research services, direct marketing and of course, e-marketing. Property is a passion, from sourcing the land to working with Interior Designers. We’re clearly delighted with our recent ‘Daily Mail, UK Property Award, Real Estate Agency’.

I’m a member of various networking and professional groups including the Institute of Directors, Institute of Direct Marketing and the Market Research Society. In my spare time, I play tennis and have a golf handicap of 12 (which I hope to improve upon). I also still have an active interest in languages and am currently improving my Spanish.

Graham Bull, Business Development Director

I thoroughly enjoy working in the property industry and have spent my entire professional career in Brighton and Hove, dealing with land, new developments, houses and flats across the entire spectrum, including specialist probate work, investments and valuations throughout Sussex.

I also advise both national and regional developers as well as local builders to ensure that schemes are well received from inception, through the planning stage to completion, to ensure that the maximum potential has been realised.

Callaways, Land & Brand New Homes and R W Hilder & Co Limited are three well respected names and I had no hesitation in joining the management team. Having spent the last seven years successfully building a new residential agency in Brighton I immediately recognised the enormous potential (and indeed relish the opportunity) to develop the businesses along the South Coast.

For anything 'property', including specialist probate work, investments and valuations throughout Sussex, contact me.

In my spare time I enjoy sailing, tennis and the gym.

Jane Heselwood, Financial Controller

My training and qualifications are in finance and my experience is varied having worked in construction, manufacturing, commercial enterprise, the health service, education and for a charity. Prior to joining the company at the beginning of 2008, I was employed in the “homes abroad” marketplace. With the varied role I hold within the company my previous experience has proved invaluable.

I have always had an interest in property and like many have tried my hand as a property developer and landlord on a very small scale, which has proved to be quite useful during my time with R W Hilder & Co.

The enthusiasm of the Directors rubs off on the team and it is very easy to become passionate about the business. It is a pleasure to support them both in the many facets of the company.

My out of work interests include Travel, Modern Jive, Walking, Kayaking, my garden and my dog. My ambition is to see as much of the world as possible.

Meet our Land Team

Bob Hilder - Land Director

Redundancy in 1990 had a silver lining; I saw the gap in the market for independent land buying and in 1991 the basis of Land & Brand New Homes was formed.

During the early years, everything was borrowed or begged - the fax machine, my very first mobile phone, the car, and my mother-in-law typed all my correspondence! With a background in Estate Agency, and Land Buying for developers such as Seawards and McCarthy & Stone, our company has a lot to offer developers, investors and homebuyers.

My work is my life, but in my spare time I walk, play golf (having given competitive yachting a wide berth since a near fatal accident a few years ago), and enjoy going to the gym a couple of times a week. I also spend a lot of time looking after my 1958 Austin Healey!

Barrie Solomons - Land Manager - South East

After 25 years in Sales and Sales Management in blue chip FMCG, I moved into land management in 2006. It is one of the best career moves I have made. It fully utilises the business development and interpersonal skills gleaned over many years whilst providing a challenging and stimulating environment which is never the same two days running.

To be part of the exciting Land & Brand New Homes’ story is something I am very proud of and I am totally committed to enhancing and developing their position as a major player in the industry, particularly within the South East of England.

I have always strived to work within organizations who aspire to be the best in their business with a customer and client focus second to none. The Land & Brand New Homes’ business philosophy encapsulates this completely.

In my spare time, I do my best to remain fit and healthy, via the gym and cycling, a vital to balance my other passions of good food and wine, and watching Arsenal!

Jenny Blackmore - Land Secretary

Before I joined R W Hilder & Co, I worked for the last 26 years for the same company in the Financial Services industry (Lloyds). I spent those years in a variety of roles ranging from PA, Finance, Procurement and Team Management. Work has taken me from Kemp Town, Brighton to Jersey, Plymouth and Worthing.

In my role at Land & Brand New Homes, as time goes by I am learning different aspects of land buying, planning systems, Section 106 Agreements and getting to know the various sites and developers.

I have always had a keen interest in the property market and have experience in refurbishing the properties I have lived in.

My main interest is supporting my son at football and cricket matches, whatever the weather! In my spare time I enjoy gardening, keeping fit and travel.

Meet our Sales & Marketing Team

Julie-Anne Healy, Project Manager

I graduated with a degree in Economics and Public Media and worked with companies like BPB Industries, Touche Ross and Identex.

In 2002, inspired by the concept of buying new homes on-line, I joined Land & Brand New Homes as part of the marketing team. My role has focused on both corporate and client facing responsibilities.

I have played a key role in formulating and implementing strategic and tactical marketing plans. These have involved internal and external communication customer retention and acquisition, and building brand awareness through a myriad of marketing activity.

My interests include my family, walking, swimming, food and wine and travel.

Nicki Keeley, Marketing Executive

My background is in the financial service industry, having spent many years in a variety of roles in pension administration.

I also enjoyed being a PA in the IFA Department at MGM Assurance, where I was responsible for the coordination of many aspects of Sales and Marketing for the team. This is where I got a taste for marketing and wanted to develop my skills in this area.

I joined R W Hilder & Co Limited to fulfil this ambition and have been with the company for nearly five years now. I have been lucky enough to have been involved with a variety of projects that have kept my interest throughout this time.

I am committed to having a key role in promoting this family-run business and in turn, providing a dedicated and professional service to all our clients, old and new.

My interests include travel, music, food (eating and cooking!) cinema and reading a good crime thriller. I have two ginger cats, Amos and Buster, who are spoilt rotten.