"IT'S fair to say there have been a number of surprises along the way since we opened our own lettings agency in Durham, but if somebody had told us we would be on stage in London collecting an award from Phil Spencer just 14 months after opening our doors, I don’t think either of us would have believed it!” says Steven Frampton, co-founder and owner of Frampton & Roebuck.

The prestigious award in question is an ESTA (or Estate Agent of the Year Award), part of the longest running, most widely recognised award scheme in the UK property industry.

This year Frampton & Roebuck were the proud winners of the Silver Award in the category for Best Letting Agent for Landlords in the North-East region who beat off competition from a shortlist of agents from Gateshead, Darlington and Tyneside.

This is a huge achievement for a relatively newly-established agent, considering the scale of the competition and the number of hopeful entrants.

“It means an awful lot to be even considered in the same league as some of our long-established industry colleagues,” said Simon Roebuck, who quickly adds that this victory doesn't mean he and Steven will rest on their laurels. “Our aim now is to continue to build upon our early success and make sure we’re back in the London next year to bring home another award!

“What makes this award so special," adds Steven, "is the knowledge that the winners are chosen solely on feedback and reviews received from our landlord clients.

"From day one, our focus has been on delivering a level of customer service that is second to none and we believe vwe do this by offering a personal, one-to-one approach. The recognition of this that comes with the award makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

To experience the superior service on offer at Frampton & Roebuck call 0191 3832123 or visit the office at 3a Old Elvet, Durham.