About us

Barton Hawk was founded by Oliver Crudgington, who has spent the last 20 years helping clients successfully navigate the UK property market. Unlike estate agents, who work for the seller, we focus entirely on you—ensuring that you get the best outcome for your purchase, with no hidden surprises.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, Barton Hawk is in your corner, making the process as smooth as possible, securing you the best deal that’s right for your circumstances. We’re your property expert wingman. From the first consultation to the day you get your keys, we’ll provide clear, expert guidance every step of the way.

Meet The Team

Oliver Crudgington

Oliver has worked in property for over 25 years, starting out as an estate agent before founding Barton Hawk to act solely for buyers. His focus is on helping clients secure the right home at the right price, while keeping them supported and confident throughout the process.

Unusual fact: Oliver once hit Nigel Havers in the face.(accidentally)  Not exactly a negotiation tactic he recommends, but it does get people talking.

Steve Nugent

Steve has spent more than two decades building and running businesses that challenge the status quo, always looking for ways to create better services and stronger partnerships. At Barton Hawk, Steve looks after our affiliates, building long-term relationships with mortgage brokers and introducers who share our focus on supporting buyers.

Unusual fact: On a night out, Steve tried to impress his girlfriend by sneaking into a VIP area… unfortunately for him, it was full of Manchester United players. She left with David Beckham — proof that even the best plans can backfire.
Oliver’s comment: When I say I trust Steve to look after “my baby”, I don’t just mean the business — he’s also godfather to my eldest son. He has a way of keeping me grounded, challenging my thinking when needed, and bringing balance to the team.

Laura Dekker

Coming from a varied career path, including 10 years in the real estate industry and personal experience of buying and selling, Laura has developed a strong passion for helping people secure the right home. She has been one of Oliver’s most trusted colleagues for over a decade and works alongside him to guide clients through complex decisions, aiming to make the process smooth and stress free.

Unusual fact: In 1999, Laura whacked the Australian Prime Minister with her backpack. Deciding that assaulting politicians was not a career path she wanted to follow, she chose property instead — a much better fit for her personality
Oliver’s comment: Secondary to being a great friend, Laura has been my most trusted colleague for over a decade. She often knows what I’m thinking before I say it and at times appears to be psychic — one of only two people in the world fluent in “Oliver”.

Riza Bautista

Riza has been working with Oliver since his previous role in property and is now an integral part of Barton Hawk. She has managed property portfolios in Liverpool and London since 2021 and supports clients throughout their buying journey.

Unusual fact: Riza is so squeamish about blood that she almost fainted during a first-aid course — proof that property is a far safer career choice.
Oliver’s comment: Riza is the glue that holds us all together. She’s not quite fluent in “Oliver”, but definitely conversational — and she has the rare ability to keep everything and everyone moving in the right direction without fuss.

Rob Haworth

Rob is a former professional footballer turned business development specialist. At Barton Hawk, he leads prospecting and manages the CRM, making sure the team is speaking to the right brokers and building partnerships that last.

Unusual fact: Rob once found himself in a Nike advert with Paolo Maldini just before the 1994 World Cup.
Steve’s Comment: “I’ve known Rob for 30 years, and he’s still as sharp as when he was a pro footballer  — just with fewer sprints, but the hunger in front of goal is still clear to see. Charismatic to the core, he turns colleagues into friends and pitches into partnerships. Behind the charm is a tech geek few see, quietly engineering smarter ways to work. A rare mix of people-person and process wizard — and annoyingly good at both.”

Secret Agent One

By day, they’re a conveyancing solicitor. At Barton Hawk, they step into the shadows to advise when legal tangles and contract quirks appear. Think of them as our in-house decoder, quietly making sure nothing slips past the radar.

Unusual fact: This agent claims to have read more small print than novels — and still swears the ending is always the same.
Oliver’s comment: Rumour has it Secret Agent One is related to Inspector Gadget — which explains how they always pull the right clause out at the last minute.

Secret Agent Two

Their cover story is land acquisition, but when called upon at Barton Hawk, they help us sniff out opportunities and hidden pitfalls that others overlook. A background in land buying means they know where the bodies are buried — figuratively, of course.

Unusual fact: Rumour has it this agent once valued a plot of land without ever leaving the café opposite.
Oliver’s comment: Secret Agent Two is apparently the third cousin, four times removed, of The Stig — which would explain their ability to take the inside line on a deal.

Secret Agent Three

Their cover story is new homes, but when called upon at Barton Hawk, they help us sniff out opportunities and hidden pitfalls that others overlook. A background working with developers means they know which plots have promise and which ones are better left alone.

Unusual fact: Rumour has it this agent once secured the inside track on a site release before the sales office had even opened its doors.
Oliver’s comment: Secret Agent Rodney is said to be the long-lost sibling of Inspector Gadget — which might explain their uncanny knack for pulling out the right tool at the right time when analysing a new build.

How It Works?

How It Works?

Initial Consultation

We’ll meet in person or online to discuss your property goals and what’s most important to you.

Real-Time Communication

On hand when you need us, we’ll be in constant contact for quick updates, property listings, and questions—ensuring you’re always informed.

Property Research & Strategy

We’ll assess the properties you’re interested in and give you honest feedback on their value and potential. Together, we’ll craft a smart strategy for making offers.

Negotiation & Offer

We’ll guide you through the negotiation process, providing clear advice on how to secure the property at the best price for your situation. If needed, we can handle the negotiations directly with estate agents.

Ongoing Support Until Completion

From interpreting survey reports to managing the legal and logistical aspects, we’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring everything runs smoothly until contracts are exchanged.

Personalised Property Advice
You Can Trust

Property Consultancy

Securing the Best Outcome
for Your Purchase

Negotiation Support

Understand the Property Market
Before You Buy

Market Analysis