Leaving school at 16 with a handful of average O-Levels, Ian’s first steps into the professional world were in retail, working for Cecil Gee, a well-known menswear retailer in Brent Cross. However, his true calling lay elsewhere, and in 1976, he transitioned into the property industry, joining Bairstow Eves in Barnet as a trainee negotiator. “They liked the fact that I was a keen photographer, and I spent my first six months photographing property and developing black and white images in my own dark room,” he says. “This was a time where there were no computers, buyer details were all on ‘applicant cards’ kept in a box on my desk, property details were printed with black and white external images only. We had a futuristic ‘Scriptomatic’ machine to address hundreds of envelopes every day and details were carefully folded using a space age folding machine! We also still had some rotary dial telephones. That was it for technology!”

Ian quickly demonstrated a natural flair for the business, and in 1980, he moved to Potters estate agency, where he helped establish a new office in Totteridge. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and within six months, he was offered a directorship at Real Estates, an agency in Edgware, where he was entrusted with opening a new branch for the company.

By 1981, Ian’s career took a significant leap forward when he joined Druce & Co, a major central London estate agency. Over the next nine years, he rose through the ranks, progressing from office manager to director of the residential division. During his tenure, he oversaw four key offices in Temple Fortune, Hampstead, Chalk Farm, and Bayswater. Sitting on the board of management, Ian played a crucial role in shaping Druce’s residential arm, helping to establish its reputation as a leading player in London’s competitive property market.

In 1991, Druce & Co was acquired by Legal & General, and Ian saw this as the right moment to take a different path. Alongside his colleague Jonathan Barr, he co-founded Godfrey & Barr, launching their business from an office in Hampstead Garden Suburb. At the time, the market was in recession, and with six well-established competitors already in the area, many doubted their chances. However, through sheer dedication, tireless work, and a commitment to personal client service, Ian and Jonathan defied the odds.

Godfrey & Barr has since grown into the leading estate agency in Hampstead Garden Suburb and Mill Hill. Over the years, they’ve navigated challenging market conditions, always prioritising reputation, close client liaison, and meticulous deal management. About 20 years ago, former negotiator Jeremy Fine became a Partner, and the firm expanded further by opening a second office in Mill Hill.

Specialising in high-end properties across north west London and Hertfordshire, Ian and his team have remained ahead of the curve. They were early adopters of digital marketing and were among the first London estate agents on the World Wide Web. Their focus on technology, social media, and modern marketing strategies has kept them at the forefront of the industry.

Now, 34 years since its inception, Godfrey & Barr continues to thrive, adapting to a changing market while maintaining the core values that have defined its success: dedication, a tailored personal service, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.