About

Welcome to a personal, tailored, good old-fashioned service.

We launched Whitaker Cadre with a radically different approach to lettings management: we actually care.

And it comes through in everything we do. We’re proudly independent and growing, with three offices across Ilkley, Harrogate and Leeds, covering the whole of North and West Yorkshire.

Our commitment to exceptional service remains as strong as ever.

To start, we sit and listen. To who you are and what you want. Whether you need for someone to look after your portfolio or find a smarter place to rent. Everyone is different and people’s lives don’t fit neatly into boxes. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your circumstances, so we can suggest the right solution.

Our name is a bit different too. ‘Whitaker’ comes from Brian Whitaker, our founder, who has over 20 years of letting experience across Yorkshire. And ‘Cadre’ (pronounced ‘Ka-druh) means a team of trained professionals, which is exactly what we are.

Here are some other ways we’re refreshingly different:

Three offices across Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley
We know North and West Yorkshire – we’ve worked here for years. We want to do right by our clients because they’re our neighbours.

We’re proudly independent
We’re not part of some big corporate network. As landlords ourselves, we’ve experienced the faceless ‘factory’ approach first-hand. Our business was born from our frustration with impersonal service and a desire to put customers first again.

We’re not looking to make a quick buck, but a lasting reputation
We care about more than commission. We want to build a long-term relationship with you, being here to help for years to come. It’s better for you and better for us.

We do things the right way, not the cheap way
If you’re looking to cut corners, look elsewhere. But if you believe in doing things properly and avoiding false economies, then we’ll get on famously.

We offer personal, tailored 1-to-1 service
There’s nothing old fashioned about ‘good old fashioned’ service. And we combine it with the latest property search, display and management technology.

Hassle-free service for landlords
We can take care of as much or as little as you like, from finding tenants through to fully managing your portfolio. It makes owning a property less of a pain and more of a pleasure.

Effortless service for tenants
We’ll find a rental property you can settle into, not just settle for. Moving is stressful enough, so we make it easier for you to find and view properties in your preferred area.

Money back guarantee
We practice what we preach. And we’re so confident that our service is superior that we offer a ‘service guarantee’. It’s simple: If you’re not 100% happy, we’ll refund you 100% of your management fees. (Naturally there are a few terms and conditions.)

Reviews

We practice what we preach, just ask our clients.

No chasing. No excuses. One call and it’s sorted.

Mr & Mrs Clark, Ilkley Landlords

I like my reports by post, not text or email. So they fit around me.

Mrs S Marshall, Ilkley Landlord

Brian and Alison are great. They listen and give truly personal service.

Mrs H Mitchell, Ilkley Landlord

They never forget it's your property. So refreshing!

Mr F, Ilkley Landlord

You've got to be good to offer a money back guarantee.

Mrs B, Otley Landlord

Great service or your money back. You can't argue with that!

Mr & Mrs C, Ilkley Landlords

Who else offers great service or your money back?

Miss J, Guiseley Landlord

Great service or your money back? You can’t argue with that!

Gareth Flatters, Ilkley Landlord

Trustworthy and no hidden fees – an increasingly rare commodity these days.

Gareth Flatters, Ilkley Landlord

Meet the Team

Meet the friendly faces behind Whitaker Cadre.

Brian Whitaker MARLA

Director

brian@whitakercadre.com

Brian has 25 years’ experience in the lettings industry across London and Yorkshire where he’s managed large rental departments of over 400 properties across Ilkley and surrounding towns and villages.

Out of the office, Brian likes to spend time with his two sons, Archie and Barney. He can also be found running on Ilkley Moor, swimming, cycling, competing in triathlons (usually in Ilkley, Skipton and Holmfirth), or enjoying a cold pint at The Flying Duck.

Matthew Lamb MRICS

Director

matthew@whitakercadre.com

Matthew is a qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor with a breadth of knowledge in commercial and residential property, including valuation, development and agency.

Together with overseeing the strategic direction of Whitaker Cadre, Matthew also runs Bridgcap’s property division (a privately owned property investment company) and is responsible for all property investment decisions, including residential acquisitions and development opportunities.

Away from the office, Matthew has two young sons, James and Oliver, and is married to wife, Rachel. You’ll often find him playing tennis or out in the Yorkshire countryside – usually chasing the boys!

 

Ed Shoard

Director

ed@whitakercadre.com

Ed has over 10 years’ experience managing large residential portfolios within Harrogate and the surrounding area. Through Ed’s extensive local market knowledge, he has built strong relationships with a wide variety of investors and is seen by many as the go to man for letting advice in Harrogate.

Away from the office, Ed is an accomplished golfer, having represented the Harrogate District. He enjoys spending time with his family, and sampling the delights of the many local cafes and restaurants in the area. You’ll often find him in Hoxton’s ordering his usual cappuccino and salmon classic.

Alison Lilly

Lettings Manager

alison@whitakercadre.com

Alison has spent over 15 years working locally as a well-respected property agent in the heart of Ilkley.  She and Brian have worked as a team for almost a decade, winning three ESTAs together along the way – the letting industry’s official stamp of approval.

In her free time, Alison can be found catching up with friends at her local pub quiz, travelling, dining out and exploring the glorious Yorkshire countryside with her husband, Marcus, and their cheeky Airedale Terrier, Daisy.

Felicity Whalen

Property Manager

felicity@whitakercadre.com

Felicity has over 15 years experience in the Lettings Industry whether that be conducting viewings, agreeing lets or arranging any maintenance works. Having recently started as Property Manager she will be dedicating her time to keeping our tenants and landlords happy by keeping the properties in good order with regular inspections, whilst ensuring maintenance works required are scheduled in a timely manner.

In her spare time Felicity enjoys weekends away with her family walking her beloved dog, Milly. She is also partial to eating out, especially for a traditional Sunday Roast.

Tracey Hindle

Property Manager

tracey@whitakercadre.com

Tracey has over 15 years experience locally within the lettings industry, predominantly within Property Management. Tracey believes good relationships with both landlords and tenants alike, is key to ensure a seamless experience for both parties.

In her spare time, Tracey enjoys walking, eating out and socialising…with an odd glass of wine. Tracey has two grown up daughters who mean the world to her and is soon to become a grandma!

Jorja Hepton

Lettings Negotiator

jorja@whitakercadre.com

Jorja joined Whitaker Cadre in June 2023 after working for a well-known estate agent in Harrogate. She has lived in Harrogate for most of her life, which has given her abundant knowledge of the town and surrounding areas enabling her to find the perfect property for landlords and tenants alike. Jorja has always been passionate about property and is keen to build up her experience working alongside colleagues in Whitaker Cadre’s new Harrogate Office.

Outside of the office, Jorja enjoys visiting her family in Mallorca, exploring and travelling to different places together with keeping active in the gym!