Jackson-Stops, the national estate agent with more than 40 branches across the UK, has strengthened its West Country presence with the appointment of two new Directors at its Exeter office.
Tom Bedford and Sarah-Jane Bingham-Chick have acquired Jackson-Stops (Exeter) Ltd from long-standing Director Richard Addington, who remains with the business, ensuring continuity for clients and continued access to his deep market insight. The new Directors bring a wealth of local knowledge and a shared ambition to deliver excellent client service, having previously worked together at another estate agency.
Nick Leeming, Chairman at Jackson-Stops, comments: “The team are off to a flying start – I called them earlier this week to congratulate them on their first official day of operating under the brand, and SJ had already secured a new instruction that morning while Tom brought one in later that afternoon. Their combined knowledge of coastal and rural markets is ideal for this region and their contacts are impressive. This is an incredibly strong team – Tom, SJ and Richard make a triumphant trio.”
Established in 1910, Jackson-Stops has built a reputation as a leading estate agency in the country and waterside home markets, underpinned by its rich heritage and trusted expertise. 2025 has started on a high, with a flurry of senior appointments across the network — including three new additional Directors announced earlier this year — marking continued momentum for the business.
Sarah-Jane Bingham-Chick, Director at Jackson-Stops Exeter, has worked as an estate agent since 1988, holding senior roles at both Knight Frank and Savills. SJ, as she is known, said: “Jackson-Stops ticks all the boxes. The business has been around for more than a century, has an outstanding national reputation and a real stronghold here in the West Country. For me, this is about a return to traditional estate agency – putting the client first and delivering results.”
She continued: “We’ve inherited a fantastic team and we’re thrilled that Richard is staying on – we don’t want him to retire any time soon! The onboarding has been seamless, from marketing and PR to the support from Nick Leeming and the wider network. We’ve met a number of the other Directors already and we feel like part of the family. There’s a real sense of momentum across the network and we’re excited to start contributing to the positive results we’re already hearing about.”
Tom Bedford, Director at Jackson-Stops Exeter, and formerly holding a senior position at Savills, was previously a rugby player for the Exeter Chiefs before moving into estate agency. He said: “Jackson-Stops gives you the national brand and network of a major player, but the autonomy to run your own business and stay agile. We have control of our cost base and can deliver a personal, local service backed by a respected national name – it’s an unbeatable combination.”
He added: “Owning your own office just hits differently. When you win a valuation or secure a sale, the success feels personal. We’re excited, we’re committed and we’re offering an individual service at a national level.”
Local Expertise, National Reach
The Exeter team will continue to cover the full breadth of the city’s housing market – from waterside homes and countryside retreats to prime family residences and character properties. SJ brings deep expertise in waterfront homes, sandy beaches and lifestyle-led moves, while Tom focuses on rural living and the villages surrounding the city. Their client base includes upsizers, downsizers, retirees, relocators and second home buyers, offering a complementary blend of experience that reflects the diversity of demand in Exeter. Together, their strengths are perfectly aligned with the Jackson-Stops brand.
When asked about the impact of recent council tax changes for second home owners in the market, the pair said: “There are always brief blips in the market. Some buyers may pause for a short period of time, but demand in the prime coastal and country markets remains strong. Who wouldn’t want to live here?”
A Platform for Growth
Jackson-Stops continues to attract ambitious agents seeking independence with the backing of a respected national brand. With low central overheads, full marketing and operational support and ownership opportunities across the UK, the Group’s structure is designed for entrepreneurial agents looking to scale their own success.
Opportunities for entry include areas without current representation; areas where established offices are looking to expand and occasionally the transfer of an existing business. The cost of acquiring a new area can be spread over 5 years or more, making the transition for new members to run their own business very cost-effective.
Interested parties should get in touch via the Jackson-Stops website.
