A soldier who served in the Forces for 22 years has started his own property business franchise. 
Mark Bembrick spent two years deciding what he was going to do when he left the Army. In September, he opened a franchise of Northwood, a 
property sales and lettings business in Colchester. 
The 41-year-old dad-of-four, who served in both the Parachute 
Regiment and Royal Military Police based in Germany,  admits it took some planning, but the effort has been worth it. 
He says: “From early on in my career with the Forces, I knew at some point I would have to think about a second career. 
“I began looking at my options two years before leaving. All I knew was I wanted to be my own boss and I had an interest in 
property.”
Having researched his options he came across Northwood and felt it was a good match with what he wanted to do. 
To get some financial help he went to NatWest and secured an £80,000 loan. Mark went on to refurbish his office, in Head Street, buy equipment and take on a full-time member of staff. 
Mark, whose wife Amanda still serves in the Royal Military Police and is based in Germany with their children, explains: “I did the full in-house training with Northwood, covering estate agency work. The support from Northwood has continued ever since. 
“A lot of the skills needed for this new role are transferable from my forces days. You have to be good at communicating – get to the point because people appreciate that far more than being talked at. 
“I also want to get more involved in the Colchester community. As a business we have recently worked with the Royal British Legion by donating £25 for every new property instruction that comes our way. 
“I am also working with the food bank and want to do more with the homeless in the area.” 
Mark admits it is hard being away from his family, but says they are all used to being apart. 
He says: “I see them every six to eight weeks. My wife still has a few years before she plans to leave and in that time I can build up the business.” 
Mark, originally from north London, says he moved to 
Colchester for its vibrancy and central location between family in London and Ipswich. 
He adds: “I am really happy I moved here. The town is busy and vibrant and growing all the time. We want to be a part of that.” 
* Northwood (Colchester) Ltd is registered with the Property Ombudsman, Safe Agent and the National Approved Letting Scheme.