Why we want to open more offices

Martin and Fiona Bradbury are very happy Northwood franchisees. After their first year of trading they have 50 properties for sale on their books - 20 of which are sold subject to contract - 24 properties on the Platinum Guaranteed Rental Scheme and a further seven on their traditional lettings schemes, producing an income in excess of £100,000.

Martin, a former MOD engineer, accredits this growth to hard work and Northwood's professional image. 'Fiona already had experience in lettings and Northwood looked more professional than anyone else,' Martin recalls. 'It's only taken a year to get fully established, despite the business developing slowly over the first couple of months, and we now have a substantial pipeline of property sales. We wouldn't have achieved this level of success without the excellent training and support provided by Northwood. We're very pleased - there is always someone available to answer our questions promptly.'

Based in the small town of Warminster in Wiltshire, Martin and Fiona's business attracts more sales than lettings. They aim to swing the balance when they open two more offices in neighbouring towns in the next couple of years. 'Our franchise area takes in three small towns so we envisage opening offices in all three to take advantage of the strong sales and to grow the lettings side,' Martin confirms. 'In year three we aim to open in Frome and the year after in Westbury. We're very happy franchisees. I personally enjoy the rollercoaster of running our own business, and the response from the community has been excellent. Northwood is a very professionally run company with a superb brand image.'