Opportunities  are rising for those with an interest in careers as estate agents, as both the Essex housing market and the wider economy start to boom.

Local estate agent Beresfords, which has branches across the county, reported a record number of transactions agreed last year. The firm also opened a new office in Maldon and acquired a new lettings company in Colchester to cope with the growing demand for property in the county.

Paul Beresford, managing director at Beresfords, said  “As we expand, the search is on for the brightest and best talent to join our growing team. Last year we saw a great deal of growth on both the sales and lettings side of the business.

“We sold more than £894million worth of property in Essex, which was up 15 per cent, and plans are in place for further expansion.”

Beresfords is typical of estate agents across the county, many of which have trainee vacancies to fill.  Some, such as Regis in Southend, have apprenticeship openings.

Mr Beresford added: “Estate agency is an exciting and rewarding profession, which takes you right into the heart of Essex’s thriving communities.

“We are looking for both experienced property professionals and people looking to switch careers or those at the start of professional lives, to join us.”