Philip Tobin, alongside his brother Peter and cousin Ben, took the helm of Strettons in the 1960s after their respective fathers, Jack and Sidney, founded the firm in 1931, growing it from a staff of 11 to more than 100 today.
Dozens of trainee surveyors worked their way up to the board of Strettons and of property companies across the UK following Tobin’s mentorship. As a trusted adviser to his clients, many of whom Strettons has proudly served for generations, he exemplified integrity and the very highest of standards.
Tobin was born in Stoke Newington’s Bearsted Maternity Hospital in 1948, one of the first babies born under the new NHS. A benign growth on his face led to him being the first child ever to be treated with radiotherapy; a literal textbook baby.
After a mischievous and successful schooling at Tollington Grammar School in Muswell Hill, Tobin began a summer job at Strettons’ Hackney office in 1964.
Sporting flares, wide-lapelled jackets and kipper ties, he doubled up rent-collection rounds with driving lessons in the company’s three-wheeled Robin Reliant. He was the only person who could work the firm’s high-tech Agfa photocopier and quickly became so indispensable that his father insisted that he forgo university and go straight from school into the firm.
Family loyalty meant he did not demur, although he regretted missing out on the university experience.
Tobin assisted with building surveys, property management and public enquiries into War Damage and slum clearance schemes while undertaking a five-year RICS evening course at West London College.
After qualifying, he became an expert in compulsory purchase compensation based upon experience gained acting for claimants in wholesale public redevelopment schemes of east London.
The market during the period 1981 to 1987 was unprecedented. Prices rose daily and the term “gazumping” became commonplace. Never wishing to renege on a deal, Tobin – who had now moved on from kipper ties to his infamous bow ties – would always suggest to the vendor that they keep to their original word. This epitomised his integrity in all his business dealings.
Strettons’ successful City Fringe presence started with Tobin, who opened the firm’s Artillery Lane office in up-and-coming Spitalfields in the 1980s.
Here, Strettons had one of the earliest fully computerised offices (although the Agfa moved on) and from that base Strettons’ iconic sunshine yellow boards began to spring up across the City of London.
With the market slump in the early 1990s, Tobin led the firm in building a strong practice in expert witness work as valuers and solicitors were sued for negligent lending advice.
Tobin appeared as a witness in dozens of cases, whilst also growing Strettons’ charitable and medical property work.
After obtaining the RICS Arbitration qualification, he was frequently appointed as an arbitrator for property disputes, largely regarding rents. His original experience of housing work and rent regulation led to membership and, latterly, becoming chair of the Rent Assessment Committee (now the First Tier Tribunal) where he adjudicated on leasehold reform and housing cases.
Tobin was an avid cryptic crossword fan and twice won The Times crossword competition. He also enjoyed country dog walks where his RICS training meant he could identify any tree.
With his wife, Lyn, he loved to travel around the world, particularly in India, New Zealand and Northumberland – although he was always quick to spot damp and dry rot in hotels. He loved to spend time with family and friends at his holiday flat in Dorset, where he was advising the management board until a few months ago.
Tobin died at the end of March after a long illness which he fought with courage and good humour.
He leaves Lyn, his wife of 51 years, his three children – Anna and Lucy, both journalists, and Robert, a lawyer – and seven grandchildren, who were his great delight.
