Local agent launches with Tata Steel grant

A new estate agency has benefited from a grant scheme run by multinational company Tata Steel.

Lincolnshire estate agent Grahame Barratt-Needham has launched into the property world, working through Keller Williams UK, with funding received from a UKSE kickstart grant.

He has listed £7.5m of property in the three months since launch, with £1.4m sold subject to contract.

UKSE is a subsidiary of Tata Steel that provides equity and loan finance to growing companies in steel areas. They also provide business premises to these businesses at their business and innovation Centres. See www.ukse.co.uk for more information.

The funding has helped Grahame create artwork for sale boards, business cards and promotional leaflets for the surrounding areas.

He aims to bring the fun back into estate agency using photography with personally set-up houseware and videos featuring anything from mesmerising pianist solos to quirky hedgehog houses.

Grahame runs the company with longstanding friend and associate Diana Clark, who is a seasoned estate agent, having worked both internationally and locally. 

He has also recruited two photographers to help on the videography and photography elements of the sale.

Commenting on his success so far, he said: “I didn’t expect to fall into the property sector, it has really changed my outlook and what is now a massive passion of mine is able to bring joy to others.

“Looking to the future, we would ideally have a viewing agent onboarded and potentially look at going into long-term rental properties.

“We are incredibly grateful for the grant which has allowed us to boost our advertising power regionally.”

Steve Lyon, area manager at UKSE, said: “Grahame’s achievements after just three months are commendable.

"It is truly impressive to witness the company's success following funding from UKSE, and we are proud to support Grahame on his venture, we wish him all the best for the future.”