GREENWOOD James Estate and Lettings Agents is celebrating its eighth year in business.

Suzanne Greenwood and Claire James started preparing to open their Bury Road office in late 2006. By January 2, 2007, they were ready to open the doors to the public.

It's a day Suzanne and Claire remember well – and their company has gone from strength to strength since then.

"Six other agents opened on the same day," said Claire.

"To our credit, through sheer determination, good management and exemplary standards, we are now the only agent still trading of those six."

She explained the location for the business was chosen after market research showed there was no estate agent dedicated to the East Bolton area – a gap in the market Greenwood James filled.

"Our initial aim was to become market dominant in the residential sales market within the first year, this is something we successfully achieved and we continue our efforts to maintain this."

Thanks to experience, drive and commitment, Greenwood James now employs nine staff.

In 2013, Mark Groves joined as commercial director to develop a commercial sales and lettings arm of the business which was officially launched in September 2013.

Claire said the department's success is down to a fresh approach to advertising and an ability to put a deal together that works for everyone, whether a landlord or vendor, tenant or buyer.

"Our recipe is to combine a mass of experience in the property sector with heaps of passion and enthusiasm, a pile of knowledge and expertise and a sprinkling of panache and creativity," said Claire.

"We have grown from strength to strength, learnt and continue to learn a great deal, enjoying the process along the way."