A new estate agency is promising to give back to the community by establishing a foundation to support local charities and good causes.

Castleman Estate Agents was officially launched yesterday, July 27, by its founding partners, Andy Tibbles, Nick Richards and Joe Merrifield.

It is based in West Moors but will serve all BH postcode areas.

The agency is named after the Castleman Trailway, the popular walking, cycling and horse-riding route.

The 16.5-mile trailway follows much of the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line, weaving its way through many of the key areas served by the new business.

Nick has 14 years’ experience working with high profile corporate and independent agencies across the area.

The former Bournemouth School student was previously Sales Manager, and then Sales Director, with a Bournemouth-based sales and lettings agency until September last year.

Andy has more than 15 years’ experience in the construction and refurbishment sector from quantity surveying through to director level, working with a range of organisations from £2m to £1bn turnover.

He has his own consultancy business and has experience of building high end houses while working as a consultant for Vero Developments in Hampshire.

The third partner, Joe, has 15 years’ project management experience delivering new market products and negotiating complex business agreements.

Although based online, rather than a high street office, the new business is providing all the services of a traditional estate agent, combined with the latest technology.

Nick, 34, said: “We work to a Customer Charter centred around honest and transparent communication at all times and are always friendly and approachable yet professional.

“Our fees are extremely competitive and our selling agreements completely flexible.

“We’re confident in what we offering so instead of tying clients into long agreements, like many agents, if our sellers don’t love us they’re free to leave at any point.”

Andy, 40, said the agency was due to start trading earlier this year but the pandemic had led to the temporary postponement of their plans.

He added: “We placed the launch on hold until we felt comfortable that the market was picking up again.

“This allowed us time to prepare a strategy.

“The government also changed the stamp duty thresholds which we felt was a positive step forward during a difficult time.”

The Castleman Community Foundation will support local charities and good causes.

Nick said: “We want to put something back into the local community.

“We’re really excited about the new business and looking forward to providing a great service.”