An estate agency veteran is celebrating 50 years in the property industry, marking the milestone in the same year that the family firm he joined straight from school turns 60.

David Boyden, chairman of Boydens, joined the Colchester-based business in 1976 when it was run by his father, Desmond. Over the following five decades he helped lead the company through its growth, succeeding his father as managing director before becoming chairman in September 2024, when his son Philip took over the day-to-day running of the business.

The milestone marks a double celebration for the family-run firm, which is also marking its 60th anniversary this year.

Boyden, who is also a Chartered Surveyor, said: “I first helped dad as a teenager on Saturdays and during my school holidays. In those days, I was running off particulars at our first office in Blackheath and being given a camera and sent out on my bike to take photos.

“After leaving school in 1976 during the famously hot summer I initially thought I might want to be a chemist but quickly decided that I’d had enough of working in laboratories while at school.

“Boydens was a small family business in those days with mum, dad and my two aunts all involved. The lettings side of the business was very successful, and we had a niche area renting properties for army officers from various regiments while they were stationed in Germany as well as British diplomats working overseas.

“We moved from Blackheath to 55 Crouch Street and then, in 1988, next-door to our current office at 57-59 Crouch Street. With the business growing and three floors to fill, we continued to bring in good staff, some of whom are still with us today.”

Further developments came in 1993 with the opening of an office in Braintree and, in 1995, an office over the border in the Suffolk town of Sudbury.

Then, in 2000, the company made its first acquisition when it bought Gordon Suckling in Frinton-on-Sea and, a year later, March & Co in Kelvedon. A further acquisition of Clacton estate agent John V Story occurred in 2014.

Boyden continued: “The three acquisitions occurred because the selling owners were keen to sell but wanted to find the right fitting estate agent for their clients. They were all attracted by our strong family and community ethos, something that remains important to us to this day.”

The business, which employs over 50 people, has now entered a fresh growth phase with further acquisitions in the last 12 months under current managing director Philip Boyden including Frinton-on-Sea-based block and estate management specialist Paul Bryan Chartered Surveyors and the lettings arm of Braintree-based Joscelyne Chase Property Consultants.

Boyden, a member of Colchester Golf Club, keen pickleball and badminton player and an avid follower of local football, added: “My style has always been to try and be approachable and to look after our people and our clients. I’ve also always been passionate about building lasting relationships in the communities we serve whether that is through my work with the Rotary Club of Colchester Forum, various charitable initiatives over the years or local sporting clubs.

“It is great to have passed the baton to a third generation with Philip now at the helm, but continuing as Chairman, providing support and the value of 50 years’ experience of the industry wherever I can. I also still go on valuations from time to time and enjoy helping with the development of some of today’s younger staff.

“Boydens is in a good place and I’m delighted that Philip is now leading the business on the next stage of the journey. There is plenty of competition, so we have to keep on our toes and ensure that we provide all our clients with the highest possible quality of service.

“I now enjoy having more time with my wife Jennie, three young grandchildren and preparing to become President of the Rotary Club of Colchester Forum in 2027/28 including deciding on the community initiatives we would like to support during my year in office.”

At any one time, Boydens says it has around 200 homes available for sale, over 1,000 properties under management in the lettings department and manage a further 2,800 units in the block management department.