ESTATE agent Andrew Grant has expanded his empire by opening a branch in the St John's area of Worcester.

Since starting up 44 years ago, the firm has grown to employ more than 100 staff and cover Worcestershire, Herefordshire, South Shropshire and Warwickshire. Mr Grant explained: "The first office was opened in 1971 on April Fool’s Day and the St John’s office became number 13, which we thought might be a little unlucky, so we’ve since had to open three more branches. These have included Stratford-on-Avon and Henley-in-Arden, recently acquired from C P Bigwoods.

"The property market has, as expected, improved greatly following the general election and house prices are beginning to show signs of increasing, partly attributed to the shortage of property coming on the market.

"We have chosen St John's for an office because the area has seen a revival in recent years following the expansion of the university. It also gives us a highly visible presence opposite St John's church and coverage for clients on both sides of the river, plus access to new developments taking place in the villages to the west of Worcester."