An estate agency which was launched during the pandemic has expanded its services after exceeded its sales targets in its first 12 months of trading.
Stoke-on-Trent-based Critchlow Estate Agents was founded by 35-year-old Martin Critchlow in July 2020.
The company set out with a target to sell around 85 houses by the summer of 2021, but that figure has already doubled – and now Critchlow 'sold' signs are visible across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme in abundance.
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Martin, who has more than 10 years experience working as an estate agent, said: "Setting up the business during the pandemic was not an easy choice to make, but I knew I was ready to start and it has been a brilliant first year for us - I really cannot complain."
Martin added: "I never in a million years expected to have sold 175 houses in the first year. The housing market has been incredibly busy this last year and house prices have continued to rise."
Due to the booming housing market, Critchlow Estate Agents welcomed sales manager Lee Dono to the team in May, and has since gone on to introduce a lettings service to its portfolio.
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Martin, who previously ran a successful bricklaying business before becoming an estate agent, said: "Lee is a great asset to the team and has more than eight years in the industry. It was a natural fit for Lee to join us as we looked to introduce lettings to the business, and he has been working with us on valuations and has already settled in really well."
Lee added: "I am thrilled to be working with Martin at Critchlow Estate Agents. The personal touch which is embedded into the customer journey from start to finish and the wealth of experience and knowledge we share fits like a glove."