Employee Spotlight: Helen Roberts, Director of Client Services at Fexco Property Services
At Fexco, our people drive our success. In this podcast, we share the story of Helen Roberts, Director of Client Services at Fexco Property Services (FPS) – the UK property management arm of Fexco. Helen’s journey to leadership has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to supporting others.
Building Resilience from the Beginning
Helen’s route to becoming a director wasn’t traditional. At just eight years old, her life was turned upside down when her mother suffered a devastating brain injury in a car accident. For nearly two decades, Helen and her family lived with the reality of long-term care.
“You’ve got this person you love, but they’re not really there anymore. We had to accept that life had completely changed, and I think that’s where my resilience really began.”
By age 15, Helen had left home and school, living in a YWCA hostel.
“Up until that point I’d been privately educated, so to suddenly find myself in a hostel was a complete shock to the system. It forced me to grow up fast and adapt to a very different world.”
Returning to Education and Rebuilding
Despite setbacks, Helen’s potential was recognised by her headteacher, who personally encouraged her to return to school.
“He even paid my rent so I could sit my GCSEs. Every Friday there would be a brown paper envelope on his desk with my rent money in it. It was such an incredible thing for him to do for me.”
Although she didn’t complete her GCSEs at that time, the seed of ambition had been planted. Years later, after spending a summer in Ibiza, Helen returned home with new perspective. A chance conversation with a friend sparked an unexpected opportunity.
“Someone told me they were enrolling at university, and I said I was gutted I’d never had that chance. They explained that I could still go as a mature student – and that absolutely blew my mind.”
Determined, Helen applied to Cardiff University, where she studied Tourism and Hospitality. She worked full time managing a pub to fund her studies, building both academic knowledge and practical experience that would shape her future career.
Career Growth at Fexco Property Services
Helen’s professional career began in student housing before she moved into the property sector, joining Remus Management, which later became part of Fexco Property Services.
Over nearly 15 years, she progressed through regional and senior management roles before becoming Director of Client Services. Today, she leads business development across FPS’s brands, supporting more than 300 employees nationwide.
“I didn’t have a five-year plan – I just put the work in. Not only did I reach my goals, but I often surpassed them. That ambition seemed to come from nowhere once I started to see what was possible.”
Leading with Empathy and Ambition
Helen’s unconventional journey has shaped her leadership style.
“Business development is about building trust. Having to constantly re-establish myself growing up taught me how to walk into new situations, put on a brave face and give the best version of myself. That experience now helps me connect with people and represent our brands.”
She also believes in breaking down the artificial barriers between personal and professional life:
“Just because I start work at 8:45 doesn’t mean I’m suddenly a different person. Whatever is on your mind at 8:35 is still there. It’s important we recognise that people bring their whole selves to work.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Helen is focused on family life.
“If I can drink two litres of water, eat some vegetables, and get through a day with fewer than five meltdowns from my daughter, that’s enough for me at the moment!”
Longer term, she hopes to find balance and keep moving forward.
“Your career path doesn’t need to be linear. Life throws challenges at you, but determination and openness to opportunities can take you further than you think.”
Listen to the Episode
Fexco Property Services: expert estate and block management.
About Helen Roberts
Helen Roberts is Director of Client Services at Fexco Property Services, where she oversees business development and client relationships across all four FPS brands. With nearly 15 years of experience in the property sector, Helen leads the mobilisation of new developments nationwide. She has been recognised as a Doyenne ambassador for Wales, awarded Best Mentor at the 2023 and 2024 Doyenne Conference, and shortlisted as Business Development Manager of the Year at the News on the Block Awards.
