INDUSTRY colleagues and financial institutions warned Charlie Lancaster and Neil Samms to wait for the market to recover before setting up their new property consultancy.

They were told they were brave to consider setting up a new agency to sell houses.

"What they failed to realise was the excitement and enthusiasm we both felt and that we could not wait to get it off the ground," said Charlie.

"Having enjoyed the buoyant years of the housing market and struggled through the tough times, we felt there must be a better way to go forward as people will always need to buy and sell property. We just felt there was a niche we could perhaps fill."

The pair use the services of local photographers and marketing firms to create their brochures and remain a small firm, which they hope will help them manage the seasonal unpredictability and ups and downs of the property market.

"We've also taken the bold step not to have a shop frontage, preferring instead to take advantage of a newly opened boutique office space in the heart of the city. Here we can speak to clients in privacy and spend time with the right type of people and avoid unnecessary disruptions."

After five months Lancaster Samms has been instructed to sell 50 properties and has secured sales on 31 properties.

The business is now entering New Business Of The Year at The Press Business Awards 2012.