Richard Bernstone

Richard Bernstone set up Aston Chase, the market-leading real estate agency with his friend Mark Pollack back in 1985. More than a quarter of a century later the business, the partnership and their friendship continue to thrive. Although the partners were very young at the time, they had vision that went beyond their age and lack of business acumen. They could clearly see the need for a real estate agency that would bring luxury homes to a discerning clientele in a given number of areas across a defined swathe of North West and Central London that would incorporate some of the capital's top locations. Could they have been using the idea of a niche market even before the term was fully minted in marketing lore?

Richard Bernstone and Pollack have put together a brilliant team, adding a third director, Michael Sulkin in 1995, and a good number of sales and letting negotiators over the years many of whom, unusually for this sector, have been with the company for almost as long as its founding partners. Together, they form a walking encyclopedia of their 'territory' bringing added value to their clients, who also benefit from the discretion and integrity that is the cornerstone of Aston Chase.

Aston Chase is also highly regarded for its expert advice on investment opportunities in North West and Central London's market for luxury houses and flats. It's an invaluable service for newcomers to property investment and to first-time foreign buyers, who are unlikely to have much knowledge about the residential property market in the capital.

The media often calls on Richard Bernstone and Mark for their insights into London's property market, its health and wellbeing and the direction it is headed.

Richard Bernstone, who is a strong supporter of the charity Norwood as well as a strong backgammon player, manages to combine his two interests to mutual benefit. Norwood gets the funds it needs to support the families coping with learning and other disabilities and in need of its services and Richard gets to play tournament backgammon, often walking away with a prize. In 2008, for example, he walked away with second prize from a tournament that raised £6,000.