A HORWICH estate agency is celebrating its first birthday by officially becoming No.1 for selling homes in the BL6 postcode.

Redman Casey beat other local estate agencies to take the top sales’ spot in Horwich, Lostock and Blackrod, according to industry experts Rightmove.

“We are absolutely delighted with this, and very grateful to everyone who has given us so much support in our first year,” commented co-owner Janet Casey.

She and David Redman, who both had long careers on the staff of a large corporate regional estate agency before leaving and setting up their own business, are also celebrating 100 completions on properties..

“I’m from Horwich and really wanted to work in this area,” explained Janet. “David and I both felt that there was a gap in the market for the kind of personal service we wanted to offer, and that’s what we have tried to do from the first day.”

When they opened their shop premises on Winter Hey Lane, they didn’t have any properties to sell “but that soon changed!” added Janet, laughing.

The properties flooded in, thanks to Janet and David’s hard work and long hours. “The very first property we sold happened because the gentleman had seen me working in the shop late into the evening,” said Janet.

“He told me that he realised if I was working that hard, I would work hard for him. We secured that sale within 10 days – and he came back with another property this year which we’ve just sold.”

The combination of the duo’s business experience, local knowledge and commitment to local people has brought them clients from a wide area, dealing with properties ranging from £15,000 to £775,000.

Success has meant adding three more members of staff, with plans to add another experienced estate agent shortly.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen how people have chosen to live in this postcode because they love the area and the lovely countryside,” added Janet.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who has been involved with Redman Casey, and we want to continue trying to ensure that people get their dream homes.”