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A family business built on trust, tradition and a modern way of working
At Simon Blyth Estate Agents, family isn’t just part of the story, it’s at the heart of everything they do. For more than thirty years, this Yorkshire business has built its reputation on personal service and a genuine care for its clients.
Managing Director Gina Powell and Director Rebecca Blyth know the story well. It all started in 1990 when founder Simon Blyth opened his first office in Honley, near Holmfirth. “He began in Barnsley as a young lad, working in the livestock and auctions department at the old Wilby’s,” Rebecca shares. “From there, he moved onto selling houses and is still very much involved in what we do.”
From that single office, the business grew across Yorkshire. The Barnsley branch was the third to be opened, and now there are six offices across the region. “When you look back, it’s quite something,” Gina reflects.
The business has always been a family affair. Gina explains that her mum is still involved, and Simon continues to value houses. Both she and Rebecca have worked in the business since school and university too.
Rebecca began her journey in lettings before moving into sales five years ago. Around the same time, the business decided to focus fully on residential and commercial sales. “It was the right time,” Gina shares. “We now concentrate on what we do best – helping people buy and sell homes, and commercial properties.”
This approach has taken them well beyond Yorkshire. The team has handled properties from Blackpool to Castle Donington, and even the Scottish Borders. Much of this work comes from word of mouth recommendations or clients moving away from the area. “If we can help, we will,” Gina adds. “We’ll go wherever we’re needed.”
While technology has changed how people buy and sell homes, Simon Blyth has kept personal service at the centre of everything they do. Each negotiator meets clients face to face, keeping in touch throughout the process. Rebecca explains that this builds rapport from the start and helps drive repeat business. The team often goes further, visiting clients at home with marketing brochures and information on mortgages and solicitors.
Even working hours have adapted to fit clients’ needs. As Gina says, “Clients sometimes need to meet at 6.30pm, and that’s fine. You can’t just say, ‘we close at five’. People’s lives have changed, and we’ve changed with them.”
After 30 years on Barnsley’s Regent Street, the team decided to move their Barnsley and Wakefield offices off the high street. “It wasn’t about leaving towns,” Gina explains. “We still have high street branches in other areas. But for Barnsley and Wakefield, it made sense to find a location that fits how people buy and sell homes today.”
The new base became The Business Village, where they’ve now been for three years. “It’s been a brilliant move for us,” says Rebecca. “My dad agrees too. He loves the facilities and says the simplicity of The Business Village allows us to focus on our business. He’s absolutely right.”
For Gina, who comes from a commercial property background, the decision was easy. “It ticked all the boxes. Good parking, flexibility to expand, and everything was straightforward. Once we’d met Lindsey and seen what was on offer, we made a quick decision. Nothing else compared.”
The move has brought unexpected benefits too. Rebecca laughs about the bistro breakfasts but adds that the mix of businesses creates a unique environment. “You can chat with someone doing something completely different, and you learn from each other.”
This sense of community extends beyond networking. When the company supplied Easter eggs to Laithes School in Barnsley, other tenants contributed. “JJA Snack and PPM donated eggs.” Gina recalls. “In total we gave 331 to the school. It was a lovely community effort.”
Behind the scenes, The Business Village team also gets high praise. “The cleaners, maintenance staff, and reception team are fantastic,” shares Rebecca. “When we moved offices recently, Peter and Paul helped us with furniture. After 30 years managing our own big old Georgian building, it’s such a relief. The Business Village takes care of everything so we can focus on our clients.”
With more space and an expanding team, Simon Blyth Estate Agents is ready for the next chapter. “We’ve already added two more staff since moving into The Business Village,” says Gina. “We moved into bigger offices and want to keep increasing our market share in Barnsley and beyond. As Simon says, the goal is to sell every house in Barnsley – at least once.”
Rebecca adds, “We’re a family business, and we care. That’s what it comes down to. Anyone who wants to pop in for a chat is very welcome. We’re in Building 2, Unit 22. We’ve already had people drop by for advice or just to say hello, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Get in touch with Simon Blyth’s Barnsley office:
