Chat over coffee turned into a lucrative business

Mar 30 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

Ms McMullen gave up her job with another agency to set up the partnership, which opened for business in January, and deals purely with residential lettings.

“No one was buying and rentals were going up. I could see the potential, there was a gap in the market,” she said.

“People were struggling to get mortgages and turning to rental properties as an alternative.”

The pair, who received a grant from Business Link to set up their website, gave themselves a target of having 10 properties on their books in the first month but actually had 40 at the end of January.

They are currently handling around 85 properties based in the North East and nationally. Ms McMullen credits a pro-active approach and word of mouth from satisfied landlords.

“We had properties which had been with other property agents for five or six months and we found them tenants within a few days,” she added.

“There is just the two of us, so people are not being passed from pillar to post.”

Ms McMullen manages the office and works with clients, while Ms Bewick looks after valuations and viewings. “We’re generally available from 8am until 8pm as we know many people work during the day, we have had a great deal of positive feedback from clients about this flexibility,” said Ms Bewick.

“It has been great to work with Keri as we’re both strong women determined to succeed, which is where the name Eclipse came from – two forces coming together.”