November 1, 2018 4.08 pm This story is over 63 months old

Young Lincoln entrepreneur’s new homes agency following father’s footsteps

Ben recently returned from working in Dubai

A 23-year-old entrepreneur from Lincoln has carried on the family traditions by launching his own new homes estate agency business in the city.

The New Homes Agent Limited launched earlier this month with offices at 114 High Street. It is a dedicated new homes estate agent and believed to be the first of its kind offering this particular service in the East Midlands, operating with the sole focus on the new homes market.

Ben Sykes recently worked in the real estate market in Dubai before returning to his Lincoln roots to start this venture and he has already received instructions for two new developments, which are nearing completion.

Nine homes in Middle Rasen and two bungalows in Horncastle were the first on the books. A further site secured in Lincoln is due for launch in the near future.

The New Homes Agent founder Ben Sykes alongside his father Gavin Sykes, Managing Director of Sykes Video Links; incorporating STB Brackets and Bang & Olufsen of Lincoln and Leicester.

Ben told The Lincolnite that although other agents do operate and Land and New Homes department, not all have dedicated staff in that area.

He said: “The ones that do are only available on traditional agency fee structures which have been decreasing in popularity and losing ground to the more realistic online pricing model which has been so successful over the past few years.

“I headed up the new homes department for a well renowned local estate agent for two years. During this time it became increasingly apparent that there was a gap in the market for a dedicated new homes agent which could adopt the most successful principles of the online model.

“My experience working in a fast paced, competitive environment, like the Dubai real estate market, inspired me to return to Lincoln and take advantage of this growing opportunity.

“I’m extremely excited to continue working with the local house building community through what is undoubtedly Lincoln’s golden era. I was born and bred in Lincoln and have always had a passion for property, so setting up by myself has always been my goal.”

Family ties

Ben’s grandfather Geoff Sykes founded G Sykes TV in 1969 which later morphed into Sykes Video Links.

Geoff’s son and Ben’s father Gavin Sykes continues to operate Sykes Video Links under the Bang & Olufsen brand as well as bracket design and manufacture business STBbrackets.

STB produces brackets exclusively for Bang & Olufsen merchandise and continues to thrive as a global distributor with customers in 50 countries worldwide.

Ben Sykes and his step sister Poppy (left) and Tilly (right) Wilks recently ran the Leicester Marathon for charity.

Ben’s grandfather recently passed away and Ben and his two sisters, Poppy and Tilly Wilks, ran the Leicester marathon for the local hospice St Barnabas, who cared for Geoff, the founder of Bang & Olufsen Lincoln, in the last month of his life.

They also ran in support of Poppy and Tilly’s grandmother Jenny James who also recently died and Ben and his step sisters raised £1600.


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