About

Hi, I’m Gareth Bates – the founder of Rushbanks Properties, a development and investment business based in the East of England. I’ve been running successful rural and land-based businesses for over a decade, including the well-loved Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site in Suffolk.

I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors and making the most of the spaces around us. Over time, that passion naturally evolved into property – where I saw huge potential in transforming unused buildings and land into places where people could live, work, and thrive.

After years of hands-on business experience, I decided to take things further. I trained with some of the UK’s top property mentors and developers, expanding my knowledge in commercial conversions, creative deal structuring, ethical investment, and land development. That training – alongside running real businesses and managing real assets – gave me the tools and confidence to launch Rushbanks Properties.

And outside the boardroom? I’m known locally as “the guitar-playing property investor” – you’re just as likely to find me at a networking event as you are strumming away at a campsite barbecue.

🔹 Our Vision

To create high-quality, sustainable homes, workspaces, and holiday sites by unlocking the hidden potential in underused buildings and land.

🔹 Our Story

My journey into property wasn’t a big leap – it was a natural next step. Having owned rental properties, run a growing outdoor hospitality business, and managed renovation projects, I already understood the value of good planning, strong operations, and thoughtful design.

I’ve worked on rural sites, commercial units, HMO conversions, land development projects, and residential properties – and I love the challenge of turning something overlooked into something useful and valuable. My focus now includes offices, shops, HMOs, barns, land, and mixed-use developments across Suffolk, Essex, Kent and London.

What drives me is building things that last – developments that make financial sense for investors, fit naturally within their communities, and offer real value to future occupants.

I’m incredibly grateful for the people who’ve supported my journey – family, partners, mentors – and I look forward to working with others who share the same values of integrity, innovation, and progress.