In 2006, Steve Pymm opened the doors to Pymm & Co with a clear ambition: to build a trusted, independent estate agency serving Norwich and the surrounding areas. Two decades later, the business has grown to include lettings and property management, a North Norfolk branch in Sheringham, and a thriving property auction department.
As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, we asked Steve to reflect on the journey so far, the challenges faced along the way, and what the future might hold for Pymm & Co.
Have you achieved what you set out to achieve when you first set up the business 20 years ago?
“When I opened Pymm & Co in 2006, it was just the estate agency sales side of the business, and starting a completely new name in Norwich was incredibly tough. It required a huge amount of investment, long hours, and a lot of determination to build something from scratch.
Looking back now, I’m really proud that we’ve built a trusted and well-recognised name in Norwich. It didn’t happen overnight – it took time, effort and a lot of support from our clients – but to see the reputation the business has today is incredibly rewarding.”
What are you most proud of?
“One of the things I’m most proud of is that we survived the financial crash in 2008. It happened just two and a half years after I started the business and it was a very challenging time for the property market. Many agents, unfortunately, didn’t make it through that period, so the fact that we weathered that storm and continued to grow is something I’ll always be proud of.
Since then, we’ve expanded the business in several directions. I became a director and shareholder of Broadland Consultants, our sister financial advisory firm, which helps clients with mortgages, pensions and investments. That partnership has grown into a market leader in Norfolk, and it’s something I’m extremely proud to be part of.
We also developed a dedicated property management and lettings department, which has grown steadily over the years. Through both organic growth and the acquisition of seven other lettings companies, we’ve built a strong presence in the rental market across the region.”
How has the market changed in that time, and how have you adapted?
“The property industry has changed enormously over the last 20 years. Technology has transformed the way people search for property and interact with estate agents. Buyers and tenants expect information instantly, and marketing has become much more digital.
At the same time, what hasn’t changed is the importance of trust and good service. Buying, selling or renting a property is still a major life decision, and people want to work with agents who understand the local market and genuinely care about their clients.
We’ve adapted by embracing technology and modern marketing tools while keeping the traditional values that estate agency was built on: personal service, strong local knowledge and clear communication.”
What are your predictions for the market in 2026?
“The property market always has its ups and downs, but Norwich and North Norfolk continue to be very desirable places to live. The combination of city life, beautiful countryside and the North Norfolk coast makes the area incredibly attractive.
I think we’ll continue to see strong demand for property in the region, particularly as more people recognise the lifestyle benefits of living here. As an industry, we’ll keep evolving with new technology, but the fundamentals of good estate agency – honesty, experience and local expertise – will remain just as important.”
What does the future hold for Pymm & Co?
“We’re still growing. In fact, this year we’re planning to relocate our Norwich city centre head office because we’ve outgrown our current premises. That’s a really positive sign for the future of the business.
Personally, I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes us. My two daughters are now 20 and 18 and both still in full-time education. Perhaps one day they might want to become involved in the business, but we’ll see what path they choose. Whatever happens, I’m confident that the future of Pymm & Co is bright.”
Looking ahead
As Pymm & Co celebrates its 20th anniversary, the business remains firmly focused on the values it was founded on: local knowledge, trusted advice and outstanding service. From helping families find their next home in Norwich to supporting landlords and tenants across North Norfolk, the team continues to build on two decades of experience while looking ahead to the opportunities the future may bring.
