A Middlesbrough-based property business has increased its staff numbers and moved to new premises after only four years in business.

Horizon Sales & Lettings, based on Gilkes Street, now has a team of 20, after starting with three directors, Christopher Bunn, Martin McManus and Denis Shail.

The three directors, who are still actively property developers, saw the potential of creating an estate agency and property management business together and since 2019, the firm soon outgrew  its original premises on Newport Road and acquired both MyHomeLettings and Workstays which have both been rebranded under the Horizon Stays brand.

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Chris Bunn says: “When we started in 2019 we had a vision and the past four years have been a bit of a whirlwind.

“We started off with two members of staff and a few years down the line we now have 20.

“However, we’ve still got a vision which includes further growth.”

The firm has also been shortlisted by its clients in the National Landlord Investment Show Awards in three categories – Best Short Term Letting Agent for Horizon Stays, Best Property Investment Provider and Best Property Management Provider.

“I would love to scoop one of these awards – imagine if we scoop all three!” Chris says.

“We are up against some big industry names and its nice to be representing the North East.”

Denis Shail, who regularly travels with the team to London to meet property investors looking to invest in the North East, says Horizon are helping “put Teesside on the map”.

“It’s been four years of difficult work but you’ve got to build the foundations and get all the infrastructure sorted,” he said.

In terms of future plans for the business, Martin McManus adds: “We want to be the best in the area and we’ve recruited talented people to help us achieve that.

“We have been voted for best property investment provider by clients we have sourced some really good investments for.

“We have got clients in London and overseas wanting to put their money into property and we are achieving what we set out to achieve in terms of their target yield and rental demand."

The directors are now looking forward to attending the National Landlord Investment Show Awards at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on November 22.