Meet the team

Valerie Becks

CEO and Founder

Valerie has more than 20 years experience selling properties in the UK, Canada and Portugal. She excels at matching the right property to the right client and is known for her exceptional customer service.

She is also an animal lover, which is why cats and dogs often feature on our social media accounts!

Valerie also makes fabulous cakes and used to design and make stunning wedding cakes. She also enjoys decorative painting and sewing.

Iumie Watanabe Kirkaldy

Managing Partner

Iumie (pronounced You-me) has been promoted to Managing Partner and ensures the smooth running of the business. If you visit us in person or call us, Iumie will quite likely be the first person you speak to.

Iumie speaks Portuguese and English.

With her extensive experience and dedication, Iumie has been instrumental in the company's growth and operational excellence. She joined Spencer Becks as an Administration Manager, where she played a critical role in streamlining office operations and enhancing client services. Having built strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike, she is a natural fit for the role of Managing Partner.

Iumie’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence have been invaluable to our team and clients.

Iumie has travelled extensively. She enjoys cooking and makes wonderful Asian and Indian dishes. She is married to Tom and they have a lovely dog named Bear.

Brian & Sue Warnock

Agents

Brian and Sue both have backgrounds in sales, in the hospitality sector. They lived and worked in North Wales for more than 40 years, before following their dreams and moving to the Silver Coast in 2016.

Brian and Sue have built two houses so have a wealth of knowledge in building a home, in Portugal. Combining their work skills with their love and interest in property, they joined the team at Spencer Becks where they have thrived.

Away from the work environment Brian and Sue love body boarding, discovering wonderful river beaches and relaxing over meals out with friends. They enjoy exploring much of Portugal on foot during their many walking adventures. Sue is an enthusiastic masters swimmer and swims competitively for the Obidos swim team.

Tom Kirkaldy

Agent

A former zoologist with a passion for exploration, Tom has hung up his walking boots for a new adventure in the world of real estate. Having lived across the globe, his journey has been one of constant discovery and adaptation.

Whether you're seeking a serene countryside retreat, a coastal paradise, or a city oasis, Tom is here to guide you through the real estate landscape of Portugal. His commitment to delivering exceptional service is the same dedication that fueled his passion for wildlife and exploration.

While his career may have shifted from studying animals to helping you find your ideal home, his love for nature endures. When he is not assisting clients, you'll find him exploring the natural landscape of the Portuguese Silver Coast.

Frank de Amaral

Agent

Frank (Francisco) was born in São Miguel Island, Azores. He lived in Canada for most of his life, working within the hospitality industry.

Frank met his life partner, Richard, in 1992 and has enjoyed developing interests in travel, cooking, dining out, the arts, photography and their love of dogs. Returning to Portugal in 2014 Frank owned and operated the popular Union Jacs Global Grocers in Sao Martinho do Porto, for 6 years.

Frank’s knowledge of the area and it’s history serves him to great effect as a member of the team at Spencer Becks. Frank is fluent in English and Portuguese, he also has a good grasp of French and Spanish.