Born in Croydon, Bendall's father and grandfather were both estate agents. After attending Coombe Hill House Preparatory School and Broad Green College in Croydon, he entered the same profession himself in 1956. In 1962 he became a partner of Bendall, Featherby and Co., estate agents of Croydon, and in the next year he became Principal. He remained in charge of the business until 1986.Andrew Roth, "Parliamentary Profiles A-D", Parliamentary Profiles Ltd, 1988, p. 81-2. He also worked as a surveyor and valuer."The Times Guide to the House of Commons, 1974", Times Newspapers Ltd, 1974, p. 146.
