Steve Cook (left) Mark Steward (right) photographed out side of our Haslemere office Jan 2023
Celebrating 20 years at Clarke Gammon
By Tony Jamieson – Senior Partner
This week, I and my fellow partners, Steve Cook and Mark Steward are proudly celebrating 20 years since joining forces at estate agents, Clarke Gammon.
As one of the oldest established estate agents, having celebrated our Centenary in 2019, the business has gone from strength to strength, and whilst Steve and Mark can’t quite claim to be founder members, they are both very proud of how the business has evolved over the last 20 years, especially reflecting on how the industry has changed during this time.
I, myself, joined the firm in 1994 and became a partner in 1998, and having already clocked up 8 years at the Guildford Office, it was time to move the firm forward and I was keen to expand the business by opening more branches and moving the Guildford Office to its present location in Quarry Street in 1999.
It was perfect timing that both Steve and Mark, having risen through the ranks to regional directors, decided to start their own business and joined myself at Clarke Gammon to open the Haslemere Office at 72 High Street in January 2003 – twenty years ago! (Interestingly, Steve and Mark also both celebrate 40 years in the estate agency business this year too…)
The chosen premises are the largest in the High Street, having been a former Bank building, with its own delightful quarter acre walled garden at the rear, backing onto National Trust land.
Importantly, both Steve and Mark live locally and pride themselves in being able to offer unrivalled experience, excellent local knowledge, as well as contributing to the local community.
In 2006 the business expanded with the opening of the Liphook Office, enabling the company to encompass a greater area. Today, Clarke Gammon is also supported by our Mayfair Office.
On reflection
Whilst reflecting on our shared experiences, Steve recalled that ‘When we opened the Haslemere office in 2003, we were the first local estate agents to commission and add floor plans to all of our instructions.’
And how in the past twenty years technology has changed all of our lives, none more so than in estate agency, Steve commented that ‘the internet was very much in its infancy then, however, all desks had individual computers with access to the internet and we employed the then revolutionary Solex software package to coordinate everything efficiently.’
‘It seems strange now, but in those early days, we volunteered to carry out all viewings, all photography was conducted via digital cameras, all of which seems ancient now but at the time was very much the forefront of technology.’
Throughout our company’s long history to the current day, Clarke Gammon has embraced and used the very latest technology to enhance our business, to offer our customers the very best service and experience. Steve, Mark, and myself are committed to continuing this into the future.
2003 Clarke Gammon partners – From the left – Mark Steward, Tony Jamieson, Steve Cook
Our team
As a business, our ethos has been to recruit the best people to join our team, people that understand the area, the property and the local people. To that end, all of our team live locally and are highly experienced in all areas of the property market, making our knowledge base unprecedented.
We pride ourselves in being able to offer unrivalled experience, with a certain maturity, with not only good local knowledge but experience in negotiating sales of all types, with a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful in both good and difficult times.
On the move in 2023?
If you are thinking of buying or selling, or need some help or advice on property-related matters, please give either me a call at our Guildford Office, Steve at Liphook or Mark at Haslemere, we are always happy to help.
You are also welcome to use our instant online valuation tool to help with your budgeting or arrange for us to visit your home for a more accurate market appraisal.
Tony Jamieson
Senior Partner Clarke Gammon
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