6 Mar 2025 Business Buddies

Spotlight on Oliver Bailey and SnowGate who has Joined The Kirkwood Business Movement

At the heart of any thriving business is a leader with passion, dedication, and a strong connection to their local community. Oliver Bailey, Director & Valuer at SnowGate, embodies all these qualities. With over 15 years in the property industry, Oliver has built a business based on trust, honesty, and a genuine commitment to helping people navigate one of life’s most significant transactions, buying or selling a home.

Now, Oliver and SnowGate are taking their community involvement even further by joining The Kirkwood Business Movement, a decision that reflects their dedication to supporting those in need. In this exclusive spotlight, we delve into Oliver’s journey, his business ethos, and what this new partnership means to him.

SnowGate is a local, independent estate agency with offices in Holmfirth and Mirfield. Oliver’s journey in the industry began back in 2010 when, as a young aspiring professional, he undertook a week’s work experience in the Holmfirth office. That short stint sparked a passion for the estate agency industry, and soon after, he was offered a Saturday role. Fast forward 15 years, and Oliver is now a business partner alongside Max Earnshaw, who runs the Holmfirth office while Oliver leads the Mirfield team.

Their business name, SnowGate, is distinctive and memorable. While estate agents often opt for traditional, surname-based branding, SnowGate breaks the mould. The name was inspired by the local landscape and community, reflecting their modern, independent approach to estate agency.

What sets SnowGate apart from the competition? Oliver is clear: “Sadly, trust and honesty are not words often associated with our industry. I have a simple ethos to treat my clients in the same way I’d want any of my own family to be treated, and that is instilled across the company. At SnowGate, we always aim to give straightforward and honest advice. Sometimes we’ll lose out on business for this reason, but we’d have it no other way! The fact a high volume of our business is repeated or from recommendations tells us we must be doing something right.”

With a locally based team that knows the housing market inside out, SnowGate prides itself on offering a professional yet personable service, helping buyers and sellers feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their property journey.

For Oliver, no two days are the same. His role involves meeting new and existing clients, valuing properties, and negotiating sales. But even after all these years, he still gets a thrill from the moment a new instruction is won or a sale is agreed.

He said: “I still get the same buzz after 15 years when either of those things happen!”

His motivation stems from helping people through what is often a stressful process: “Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant and stressful transactions in life. We aim to take as much of that stress away as possible, and I’m lucky to work with an excellent team who support our clients every step of the way.”

SnowGate’s latest venture sees them joining The Kirkwood Business Movement, a decision Oliver is particularly excited about.

He commented: “We are looking forward to developing this new partnership and giving something back to the local community as well as meeting new people along the way. Over the years, many of my clients have shared stories of how The Kirkwood has supported their families, which is another reason this charity seemed an obvious one to support.”

Community is at the heart of what SnowGate does, making this partnership a natural fit. The Kirkwood is a charity that provides invaluable care and support to those affected by life limiting illnesses, and Oliver is proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

When he’s not busy running SnowGate, Oliver enjoys spending time with his young family, socialising with friends, and indulging in his love for sport. A Huddersfield Town season ticket holder for 23 years, football is a big part of his life.

As for social media, Instagram is his go to platform, mostly for sharing (and attempting) new recipe ideas, much to his wife’s amusement! And when it comes to emojis, his most-used are the thumbs up the smile or a pint of beer. 

Oliver also has ambitions to travel more in the future, with Australia and the Ashes high on his bucket list.

His ideal weekend? Simple but perfect: “Spending it with family and friends. Love BBQs in the summer. Also enjoy a walk in the countryside as long as we finish at the local pub!”

With a thriving business, a strong community focus, and now a valued role within The Kirkwood Business Movement, Oliver Bailey continues to make an impact, both in the property market and beyond. His straight talking, client first approach has earned him a stellar reputation, and as SnowGate continues to grow, it’s clear that his passion for honesty, service, and community remains stronger than ever.

SnowGate’s involvement with The Kirkwood is just another step in their commitment to giving back and making a difference. If Oliver’s journey so far is anything to go by, there’s plenty more success and good deeds to come.