Managing Director Stephen Watson said: “In a depressed market it is more difficult to sell, so virtually every available property is marketed via an estate agent and with a ‘For Sale’ board.

"That means our franchisees have been largely unaffected by the slow down in the property market and in some cases, such as the rental market, business has even increased.”

Now in its tenth year, Agency Express has 97 franchisees operating across the UK and Ireland, with new franchisees joining all the time.

New recruit Mark Ashcroft recently took on the Hereford territory, a resale franchise with all the advantages of an existing client base and repeat business from day one.

After completing his training, he started trading last month (October) and is already enjoying the rewards of being his own boss, with plans to grow the business further.

Information: 01508 579800 www.agencyexpress.co.uk