Connells' Simon Arnes celebrates 50 years in estate agency

Simon Arnes began his career with William H Brown estate agents in 1972, starting as the office boy with the company which was then trading as T H Warren & Son. 

He quickly rose through the ranks to become the divisional managing director for Sequence’s eastern and central division, and was responsible for a successful network of almost 100 branches covering East Anglia and the Midlands, as well as two auction centres, 40 lettings offices and five land and new homes centres. 

In 2016, Simon became group estate agency operations director, charged with assisting to drive and develop Connells Group’s entire estate agency network, and with maintaining its market leading position.

Amazingly, he's been based at the same Dereham office for the duration of his career.

Marking his 50th anniversary with the firm, Mr Arnes has also confirmed his intention to retire in March next year (Image: Connells Group)

Now in his 50th year, Mr Arnes has signalled his intention to retire, and will be stepping down from the business at the end of March 2023.

“I have been privileged to work with talented individuals throughout my career, and I’m proud of the fact that many of my colleagues are now in senior positions running the company,” he says.

“When I started, we had just two branches in Norfolk and now we have 24, with William H Brown the largest trading name in Connells Group.

"I have managed to keep my Norfolk roots throughout my career, having started in Dereham and where I’m still based today.

Mr Arnes has been based at the office in Dereham since the first day of his career, and is still there 50 years later (Image: Newsquest)

“So much has changed over the years and, without doubt, technology has been the biggest transformation to our way of operating in recent years. However, what hasn’t changed, and in my view never will, is that we are a people business.

“I still get stopped in the street occasionally by people I sold for or to, some of whom go back well over 40 years! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing the smile on the face of a purchaser or vendor client when we have given exceptional service to them.”

Connells Group estate agency chief executive, David Plumtree said: “Congratulations to Simon on his remarkable milestone and, on behalf of the business, I would like to express our appreciation for all his hard work and service over the last 50 years.

“Simon’s whole career has been dedicated to driving the best standards in estate agency, and leaving a lasting impression on our business and, in due course, we wish him a very long, healthy and happy retirement.”