ONE of Teesside’s most well-known estate agents has reinvented itself, with a new look and a new name.

Thirlwells, which employs more than 20 staff across its Middlesbrough and Billingham branches, opened in June 1977 – making it the longest serving independent estate agency in the area.

Having taken over from founders Margaret and Keith Thirlwell in 2004, partners Wendy Clarke and Nicola Munro have decided the time is right to put their names to the business, which will now be known as Clarke Munro.

Clarke Munro was officially relaunched by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen on Thursday (September 10), with a special ‘virtual’ celebration held via Facebook Live, attended by clients, suppliers, friends and staff.

Along with the name change, the pair have commissioned a new logo and branding for the business – but are keen to reassure clients that the service will remain the same.

Wendy, who joined Thirlwells in 1979 as an office junior, said: “We’re proud of the Thirlwells legacy, but we felt the brand had become a little tired; 20 years since the last revamp, it needed a bit of a facelift.

“And while our renowned personal service and local expertise remains, we’re also looking to the future. Gone are the days of an estate agency on every corner. We’re concentrating on our two super branches in Middlesbrough and Billingham, where we have staff with 200 years of combined service all sharing ideas and best practice.”