Unusual estate agency celebrates 65th year in business
Bournecoast, which operates in sales, lettings, holiday lets and now international tourism, was founded in 1960 by a former army officer.
An estate agency founded at the beginning of the swinging sixties by a former army officer is celebrating its 65th anniversary in Bournemouth.
Bournecoast, which operates in both the sales, lettings and holiday lets markets, was established by Major WG Webb in the seaside town in 1960, a legacy that was then carried on by his son-in-law Keith Simmons MBE, and now his son Des Simmonds alongside siblings Veronica Strongman and Anita Molavi, who are all also directors.
Current MD Des Simmonds (main image, far right) caused a stir on The Neg this year when he said estate agents had become ‘unpaid civil servants’ given the huge range of regulatory work they now do.
He said that: “although my business remains a thriving one, agents like me have essentially become an unpaid administrative arm of the government”.
Holiday extension
Nevertheless Bournecoast has not been sitting on its laurels; this year it launched Holiday Seekers, a sister company operating within the international tourism market and a partnership with local firm Not Just Travel.
Molavi (fourth from right) says: “We’re proud to share that my twin brother Des has been nominated for the Industry Leader Award at the DMB Tourism Awards 2025.
“With over 25 years shaping Bournemouth’s visitor economy, Des has combined vision, innovation and hands-on leadership to grow not just a business, but an entire tourism community.”
“Not only in our 65th year do we find out that Des has this prestigious nomination to be proud of, but we also found out that Bournecoast has a nomination for People’s Choice Award 2025.”
Keith Simmons received his MBE in 1999 for services to deaf people in Bournemouth.
