Many of our readers will be familiar with Nick Berriman from his regular column in this magazine, and countless others will have noticed the striking Berriman Eaton ‘For Sale’ or ‘To Let’ signs outside some of the region’s most desirable homes. But who is Nick beyond the world of property, and what’s his story?
It all began on 3rd August 1973 at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, with the arrival of the baby who would go on to become one of the area’s most successful estate agents. His school years took him from PNEU (now Newbridge Preparatory School), to Birchfield Preparatory School, and finally Wolverhampton Grammar School, from which he left as a straight-A student. He went on to earn a Law degree from Manchester University.
Despite coming from a family steeped in property – his father David being a well-known local estate agent, and his brother Chris working in residential property in London – Nick was determined to forge his own path and set his sights on becoming a barrister. “I clearly remember thinking I would never work in property. Far too predictable and dull,” he laughs.
But property, it seems, was in his DNA. A two-week work experience placement at London-based property auctioneers Allsops turned into a four-year, career-defining chapter. A future in law was quickly left behind.
In September 1998, Nick returned to the Midlands to join his father at David Berriman Estate Agents. By 2005, he had bought the business. “I’ll never forget the shock of realising the big decisions were suddenly mine to make. The responsibility for the team and the business’s future hit hard.”
Then, a chance conversation with Caroline Eaton sparked the idea that would become Berriman Eaton. Launched in January 2006, the firm has grown steadily, now boasting a thriving branch in Worcestershire and one of the largest lettings operations in the area. The company continues to go from strength to strength under Nick’s guidance.
Outside the Office
Nick’s influence stretches far beyond the property world. He has served on the Board of Directors at both St Dominic’s School in Brewood and Wolverhampton Grammar School. “That was a real eye-opener,” he says. “It gave me a whole new appreciation for the dedication of teachers and school staff behind the scenes.”
He’s also currently involved in founding the Tettenhall and District Community Trust, an initiative aimed at giving local residents and businesses a stronger voice and protecting the character of the area.
Nick has long been active in charitable circles. He served as Chairman of Wolverhampton Round Table and helped establish Wolverhampton West 41 Club, where he now serves as Vice Chairman. Through these organisations, he’s helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for local causes.
A proud Wolverhampton native, Nick is a lifelong Wolves supporter and season ticket holder. Under his leadership, Berriman Eaton recently became Pack Patrons of the club, raising around £20,000 for the Wolves Foundation in just a couple of years.
The Need for Speed
While football is a passion, Nick’s first love has always been motorsport – particularly Formula One. As a youngster, he raced karts at both club and national levels. “The first time I got in a kart at age 11 and went from 0–60 mph in four seconds, just inches off the ground, is a feeling I’ll never forget,” he recalls. “And I’ll always remember lining up for my first race alongside David Coulthard. He was just a bit quicker than me…”
Family at the Heart
Family means everything to Nick. He shares both home and work life with his wife, Katie, and Nick takes great pride in his daughter Maisie, who, at 19, has flown the nest to study Interior Architecture and Design at Sheffield University – perhaps following in the family footsteps as well.
Of course, no family would be complete without pets, and the Cockapoos Alfie and Benji are very much part of the Berriman household. “They come to the office every day, love their walks, and take their role as ‘Office Shredders’ very seriously,” Nick smiles. The duo even feature on the company website’s ‘Meet the Team’ page.
More Than a Name on a Sign
A family man, a committed community figure, and a passionate supporter of local causes — but first and foremost, a trusted estate agent. With deep local roots and decades of experience, Nick Berriman continues to lead one of the Midlands’ most successful independent agencies with humility, drive, and heart.
So, if you’re thinking of selling or letting a property in the future – you know who to call.
