From Launch to the Sunday Times 100: One Estate Agency's Remarkable Journey
Breaking into any industry during one of the most turbulent periods in modern economic history is no small feat. Doing so with enough momentum to land a place on one of the UK's most prestigious business rankings is extraordinary. Yet that is precisely the story behind the estate agency co-founded by Steph Walker, Andrew Vass and Mark Bruce, which has earned a well-deserved spot on The Sunday Times 100 list for rapid growth — a milestone that speaks volumes about the vision, resilience and execution behind the brand.
What Is The Sunday Times 100 List?
For those unfamiliar with the accolade, The Sunday Times 100 is an annual ranking that celebrates the fastest-growing private companies in the United Kingdom. Compiled using independently verified revenue data, the list identifies businesses that have achieved exceptional year-on-year growth, making it one of the most credible and sought-after recognitions in British business. Featuring companies across a wide range of sectors, inclusion signals not just financial performance but operational strength, strategic clarity and market relevance.
To appear on this list, a company must demonstrate sustained and verifiable growth over multiple years — which makes the achievement all the more impressive for an estate agency that only opened its doors in December 2020.
Founded in December 2020: A Bold Move at a Challenging Time
December 2020 was not an obvious moment to launch a new estate agency. The UK property market, like so much of the economy, was navigating the deep uncertainties brought on by the global pandemic. Remote working had disrupted traditional buying and renting patterns, mortgage markets were under pressure, and consumer confidence was fragile.
Despite this backdrop, Steph Walker, Andrew Vass and Mark Bruce identified a gap in the market and moved decisively to fill it. Their combined experience, entrepreneurial drive and shared vision for what a modern estate agency could look like gave the business a strong foundation from which to grow rapidly. Where others saw risk, the founding trio saw opportunity — and the results have validated that instinct in remarkable fashion.
The Founders Behind the Success
Understanding the growth story requires an appreciation of the people who built it. Steph Walker, Andrew Vass and Mark Bruce brought complementary skill sets to the table, blending deep knowledge of the property sector with sharp commercial thinking and a commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.
In an industry that has historically been slow to evolve, the founders appear to have built a business model that places transparency, technology and customer service at its heart. This approach has resonated strongly with buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants alike — helping to drive the kind of organic growth and word-of-mouth referrals that sustain a business far beyond any initial launch buzz.
The recognition from The Sunday Times is therefore not simply a reflection of raw revenue figures. It is an endorsement of the culture, values and strategic decisions that Walker, Vass and Bruce have embedded in the company since day one.
What Makes This Growth Story Stand Out in the Property Sector?
The UK estate agency market is intensely competitive. It is populated by long-established national chains, nimble independent operators, disruptive online-only models and everything in between. For a company founded as recently as December 2020 to achieve growth rates significant enough to appear on The Sunday Times 100 list, it must have done several things exceptionally well.
- Building trust quickly: In property transactions, trust is everything. Buyers and sellers are making life-changing financial decisions, and they need to feel confident in the professionals guiding them. A young agency earning that trust at scale — and fast — is a genuine differentiator.
- Leveraging digital channels: Modern estate agencies that embrace digital marketing, social media presence, and data-driven property search tools tend to scale faster than those relying solely on traditional methods. A strong online presence builds visibility and drives leads at a fraction of the cost of conventional advertising.
- Recruiting the right talent: Growth at this pace requires not just strong leadership but a team that buys into the mission. Attracting and retaining skilled property professionals in a competitive hiring environment is itself a mark of a well-run organisation.
- Responding to market shifts: The post-2020 property market went through dramatic swings, from the stamp duty holiday boom to rising interest rate pressures. Agencies that adapted their offering and communication to meet changing client needs were better positioned to sustain momentum through each cycle.
What This Achievement Means for the Industry
The inclusion of this estate agency on The Sunday Times 100 list sends an encouraging signal to the wider property sector: that innovation, ambition and excellent service can produce outstanding commercial results, even when the timing of a launch seems unlikely. It also reinforces the growing understanding that the traditional model of estate agency is being successfully challenged by founders willing to rethink how the service is delivered.
For entrepreneurs and property professionals watching from the sidelines, the story of Walker, Vass and Bruce offers a compelling case study in what is possible when a clear vision is paired with disciplined execution and genuine customer focus.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for a Sunday Times 100 Business?
Earning a place on The Sunday Times 100 is a significant achievement, but for ambitious founders it is rarely a finishing line. For companies that reach this level of recognition, the question quickly becomes how to sustain and build on that momentum — whether through geographic expansion, service diversification, strategic partnerships or continued investment in technology and talent.
Whatever the next chapter holds, the estate agency founded by Steph Walker, Andrew Vass and Mark Bruce has already written a genuinely inspiring opening act. In fewer than five years, it has grown from a December 2020 start-up into one of the UK's most notable fast-growth businesses, earning national recognition and setting a high bar for what a modern estate agency can achieve.
For the property market, that is a story well worth watching.