Husband and wife team to open estate agency

by Lisa Reeves

Tuesday 19^th August 2014

Tue 19^th Aug 2014

A husband and wife who live in Nantwich with their three children are setting up a new venture together in Wilmslow.

James and Shelley Keeble are preparing to open a branch of Martin & Co on Water Lane next month.

James, who has spent the past 18 years working in the industry, explained "I have worked for both corporate and independent businesses, specialising in both lettings and sales, across the Cheshire region, and for the last three years in Wilmslow.

"Shelley has been a great support to me in my career aspirations whilst being a full time mum for the past three and a half years. Her career background ranges from account management to business development roles for large blue chip companies and between us we feel we have a uniqueness to offer the Wilmslow marketplace.

James continued "I enjoyed working in the area very much for its fast paced cosmopolitan feel and its easy access into a major city or anywhere around the world. As the property market continues to show improvement, combined with my knowledge and growth potential around the South Manchester area, my wife and I felt this was the perfect place and time to introduce our franchise business."

Martin & Co was set up in Yeovil in 1986 by Richard Martin. The brand has been franchising since 1995 and now has a network of just under 200 offices in the UK.

Speaking about the franchise model, James added "The advantages for us is we can run our own business with a personal flair supported by an amazing regional team. The neighbouring franchisees have welcomed us in covering this area and we very much look forward to providing a friendly and professional service to the community."

The Wilmslow branch of Martin & Co is set to officially launch at 59 Water Lane, in the premises previously occupied by Yogberries, on September 6th.

For more information visit the Martin & Co website.

Tags:: Estate Agents, Martin & Co

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Dawn Taylor

Tuesday 19^th August 2014 at 3:31 pm

I would like to personally congratulate both Shelley & James Keeble and am absolutely delighted to be working with them in making Martin & Co Wilmslow a success. They are both extremely professional and absolute pleasure to be around. Here's to many successful years ahead. See you for a glass of bubbly on the 6th September. Dawn. Regional Franchise Manager. Martin & Co.

Simon Worthington

Wednesday 20^th August 2014 at 9:07 am

Yet another unit lost to genuine retail. At least if they open Sundays (?) then the househunters will then use the plethora of coffee shops to peruse the sale details!!

Ryan Dance

Wednesday 20^th August 2014 at 1:20 pm

Simon - you seem to have this idealistic view of wilmslow! Do you want all the vacant shops filled with artisan & bespoke independent shops. Why don't you start one up and see if its commercially viable. Unfortunately the basic laws of economics cannot sustain such a world. Maybe you should start an online petition to get the council to reduce the business rates and pressure commercial property owners to reduce the abnormal rents to a more realistic level. Only then will your idealistic high street ever materialise!

Sarah Lane

Wednesday 20^th August 2014 at 5:52 pm

Ryan is correct. Its very sad not to have some independent shops but I can't see how any family business could make a decent living after everything has been paid. Wilmslow just recently lost the childrens shoe shop but it was rare to see a customer during the week, not sure about a Saturday. No business could survive that. Grove Street is pretty soulless nowadays but we are never going to see it how it once was. It would be great to open a clothing shop for children/ teens with 'normal' priced clothing but it will remain a dream.

Oliver Romain

Sunday 31^st August 2014 at 8:48 am

Congratulations to James and Shelley and good luck with your new venture. I believe it is an ideal location for a new letting agent.
Sarah, the children's shoe shop on Grove Street was doomed from the outset. Overpriced 'designer' shoes were never going to pay the rent, the shop also refused to stock school shoes! Nought to sixteen, opposite Martin & Co on Water Lane, is independent, has a great range of practical quality shoes, does some great discounts in their sales and is always packed out for back to school season.
Rents are dictated by demand, however, it would help reduce rents if the often unused upper floors were converted to flats. The council could step in here and provide planning and grant support for conversions. It would be interesting to see how many homes could be created in this way.