Written by Aimée Rumsby – Marketing Executive at Watsons Property
Taking you behind the scenes of careers at Watsons
At Watsons, our people are the heart of everything we do. As such, we’re excited to introduce our new series ‘Meet Team Watsons’ where we’ll be taking you behind the scenes of life at Watsons each month with our talented team members.
Today, we’re introducing you to Thomas Palmer BA (Hons) MARLA, Head of Business Development. With over a decade of experience in the property industry, Tom plays a pivotal role in shaping Watsons’ services and ensuring client satisfaction across Valuation and Survey, Block and Estate Management and Residential Lettings departments.
Let’s delve into Tom’s career journey, expertise, and advice for those interested in the ever-evolving property landscape.
A dynamic role in business development
As the Head of Business Development, Tom collaborates with a dedicated team to expand and enhance Watsons’ offerings. His responsibilities span across:
- Residential Lettings: assisting landlords in finding tenants and managing successful lettings.
- Block and Estate Management: welcoming new blocks and estates under Watsons’ care and maintaining them to the highest standards.
- Valuation & Survey: supporting key accounts and managing referral programs.
Tom sums up his role perfectly: “My job is all about ensuring our clients have the best possible experience while growing the business to meet their needs.”
A career built on passion and hard work
Tom began his property career at just 16, starting as an apprentice for a residential lettings company. Over the years, Tom has worked in a variety of roles in lettings and property management, providing a solid understanding of the industry.
In recent years, Tom transitioned into a business development role, focusing on block and estate management as well as valuation and surveying.
Reflecting on his journey, Tom shares, “It’s been an exciting journey, and I love how varied and rewarding this industry is!”
What drives Tom at Watsons?
When asked what his favourite part of his role at Watsons is, Tom responded:
“It has to be the variety! I love working with such a wide range of clients and properties—no two days are ever the same. On top of that, being part of a team and an organisation that’s genuinely committed to providing the best service and doing the best job possible makes my role even more rewarding.”
Advice for aspiring property professionals
For those looking to work in the property industry, Tom advises:
“Hard work really does pay off, so keep a positive attitude and always be willing to go the extra mile for both colleagues and customers. Building genuine connections is key – people buy into people, so don’t be afraid to be yourself and show your personality. If you focus on providing great service and building trust, success will follow.”
Memorable milestones and achievements at Watsons
Being a part of the Watsons team for over 5 years, we’re incredibly proud of all he has achieved and continues to strive for. Tom shares his personal highlights:
“It’s been such a rewarding journey, working my way up from Lettings Negotiator to Head of Business Development, so there are plenty of standout memories. Most recently, winning News on the Block’s Letting Agent of the Year 2024 has been a real highlight—it’s all thanks to the amazing team here at Watsons.”
“On a personal note, I’m also proud to have graduated with first-class honours in Business Management from the Open University after several years of part-time study. It’s been a long road, and I’m definitely looking forward to having my evenings and weekends back!”
Exciting developments in the property industry
When asked if there are any developments in the field he is particularly excited about, Tom responded:
“Plenty! The property industry is constantly evolving, which keeps things exciting. From changing market trends to new legislative updates, there’s always something to stay on top of. As property experts, it’s our job to adapt and ensure we’re always one step ahead to provide the best service to our clients.”
Life in our fine city, Norwich
When asked where he would choose to own property in the UK without limits, Thomas doesn’t hesitate:
“Honestly, I’m quite happy here in Norwich, where our head office is based! It’s a beautiful city with a great mix of history, culture, and community.”
A favourite architectural icon
Tom’s admiration for impressive architecture is evident in his top choice of iconic property: The Temperate House at Kew Gardens. “It’s such a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, and I love how it combines amazing design with nature. Walking through it feels like you’re in another world, surrounded by incredible plants from all over the globe.”
Join Team Watsons
At Watsons, we’re always on the lookout for driven and talented professionals who are passionate about property and dedicated to excellence, from valuations and surveys to customer service and marketing.
With a career at Watsons, you’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects with some of the most talented people in our industry. We’re proud to offer a supportive work environment, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values your skills and ambitions.
Contact our HR team today to discuss our vacancies and learn more about joining Team Watsons:
📧 Email: hr@watsons-property.co.uk
📞 Phone: 01603 75155
