A LONG-SERVING estate agent has reached an impressive milestone after working for the same Halstead company for a quarter of a century.

Mr. Jonathan White, 44, of Colne Valley, first joined Marquis Estate Agents on Head Street as a wide-eyed teenager back in August 1994.

He initially dreamed of being a banker but following a work experience placement at Bairstow Eves Estate Agents in Halstead at the age of 16, Jonathan’s career ambitions quickly changed.

After landing a job at Bairstow and spending three and a half years there, he eventually moved onto Marquis Estate Agents and has gradually progressed through the ranks.

Remarkably he is now celebrating a staggering 25 years at the company, where he is the sales and letting manager.

Jonathan said: “It makes me sound old and I never thought I would still be here 25 years later, but it is really great here.

“I love what I do because every day is different, and I meet people from all walks of life.

“The thought of moving has never really crossed my mind and I am now part of the furniture, which I think from our customers’ point of view, is a nice thing to see.”

Mrs. Mary Bloomfield founded Marquis Estate Agents 29-years ago and has worked alongside Jonathan since employing him four years after starting the company.

She puts Andrews longevity at the company down to his unwavering ability and knowledge of property and handling customers and the office’s family atmosphere.

Mary said: “Usually employees only stay four or five years, but Jonathan has been here for 25 years now.

“He is very, very good at his job – he started as a teenager but now he is the manager.

“Marquis Estate Agents is like a family business and when people come in, they think Jonathan and I are related – there is definitely a family bond within the office.”