Thurston estate agents, All Homes, near Bury St Edmunds, under new ownership, as Jake Gathercole fulfils his business dream

When Jake Gathercole made a passing comment he would like to buy his local estate agency, he never thought he would find himself, several years later, taking over the business.

At the time, Jake had been working in the industry for around seven years and was friends with All Homes owner, Juliette Hayden.

So when, earlier this year, Juliette said she was looking to sell the Thurston-based business, near Bury St Edmunds, Jake was first in line.

Jake said: “I knew Juliette as we worked in the same industry. I just made a passing comment about eight or nine years ago I'd love to buy the business if she ever want to sell it.

“When I found out recently she did, I decided to go for it.

“It was a very natural process and the crazy thing about when you buy a business, is the wheels are already turning. We are continuing as normal, only with all guns blazing.”

Jake, who now lives in Ixworth, has more than 15 years experience in the industry, working for both independent and corporate agencies.

He says the agency will offer the same ‘exceptional’ level of service and he will be looking to innovate and update over time.

“I was born and bred in Thurston, my parents still live in Thurston, I went to Thurston schools.

“So for me, it feels like coming home. It's doing the job that I love, but I get to do it in my home village, where I grew up.”

Juliette is staying on part-time as a moving manager, helping clients through the process.

She said: “After an amazing 22 years since founding the agency, it’s time for the business to grow and continue with its success.

“It was important to me that I handed over to someone with the same beliefs and standards.

“Jake is a perfect choice. He grew up in Thurston which makes him invaluable for the business to grow because he knows the local market and community.

“It will be exciting to see All Homes become bigger and build on our reputation.”