The Team
Rick Walton
Director / co-owner
‘I have been investing in mainly residential property since 2005, initially starting our family portfolio with my wife, and now more recently with business partners. My personal portfolio is based predominantly close to home in Ashford and Folkestone in Kent. Our portfolio contains a mix of single family lets, blocks of apartments, and professional house shares known as HMOs.’
‘Coming from a background as a Mechanical Engineer in pharmaceutical and instrumentation industries, I apply my project management skills to acquiring new assets, project fund raising and deal negotiation within The Property Lifeboat. Within The Property Lifeboat, I’m also heavily responsible for coordinating and overseeing refurbishment projects and teams to bring our new investment properties online ready for renting out.’
‘I also have a passion for helping new investors get started on their journey into property and I am a speaker / trainer for an international training company teaching 100’s of new investors each year.’
‘As technology changes, I love the challenge of trying to keep pace with latest developments and try to incorporate these into our business systems, processes and marketing wherever possible.’
‘Outside of business, I enjoy walking, travelling, snow boarding and spending time with my family.’
Richard Poynter
Director / co-owner
‘I have been involved in the property industry for for over 25 years in one form or another, setting up my first HMO in 1993. Initially this was part-time, until I set up a full-time business in 2012. During this time I have built up an extensive family let and HMO/co-living portfolio.’
‘I have gained a wide experience of refurbishments, conversions and renovations. More recently this experience has expanded to include land development and more complex planning issues.’
‘Prior to becoming a full-time property business owner I had an academic and corporate career. I have a Ph.D in Chemistry and worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry for 16 years as a product development team leader.’
‘I’m passionate about helping people who want to leave their careers and become financially independent entrepreneurs. I believe that with proper planning of the transition, property is an excellent vehicle to achieve this.’
‘My main roles within The Property Lifeboat are around Marketing, Business Development, strategy and Operational Management.’
‘Outside of the business, my other interests include skiing, cars and spending time with my family.’
Alex Smith
Managing Director (Lifeboat Lettings)
‘I am one of the three directors and co-owners of our Lettings Agency – Lifeboat Lettings.’
‘Prior to setting up Lifeboat Lettings in 2017 I had an established lettings management career with over 12 years of experience of the lettings industry gained within major high street agents.’
‘I think the most critical consideration for a landlord in today’s market is paying attention to the quality of the product you are offering. If a property is well maintained you will find tenants and keep them for many years. Inspect your properties on a regular basis and nip any issues in the bud before they cost you money and a good tenant.’
‘I am also a successful property investor myself with an established local buy to let portfolio.’
Mayla Salmon
business development and marketing lead
I have been with The Property Lifeboat since October 2019 and bring with me a great knowledge of marketing and office management from over 19 years in the publishing and marketing industries whilst helping the running of the family business publishing equestrian magazines.
As well as being the administrative, sourcing and marketing lead for The Property Lifeboat, I have a passion for my own printing business, The Print Cabin which I run from a cabin in my garden.
Although the property industry is new to me, I am keen to learn from the extraordinary amount of knowledge and guidance from within The Property Lifeboat team, Rick and Richard and in turn, help the business grow from strength to strength.
When I am not working, I also enjoy walking my dog, sewing and spending time with my family.