AWARD-winning Bury estate agents Stephen Burns & Co is itself on the move!

But the company didn't have very far to look for its new headquarters, just across the road, in fact!

From Friday the business begins trading from its new base in Bolton Street, virtually opposite the offices which Stephen has been occupying since launching the company in 1996.

"It's all thanks to my customers who have allowed us to be able to expand," says the 36-year-old businessman. "we'd literally been growing out of our office in Bury."

Stephen Burns & Co's new HQ has undergone a significant refurbishment and will occupy three floors, embracing sales, residential lettings and mortgage brokery departments. The company will retain its two other offices, located in Holcombe Brook and Ramsbottom.

Stephen, whose firm was the national winner for independent estate agents in 1996-97, said: "Our new premises in Bury are almost three times as big. It means all our departments can be based in the town. We're getting a new hi-tech telephone system and the computer system will be fully networked."

Stephen has been in the estate agency business since 1987. After working for several corporate and independent companies, he launched his own business six years ago.

"When I started in 1996, there was just myself and another staff member. Today, between the three offices, there are 22 of us."

The company has emerged as one of Bury's leading and most respected estate agents, handling an average of around 500 property sales each year.

Cutting the ribbon at the opening of the firm's new base today will be Stephen's first-ever client.

Commenting on the move, the father-of-two who lives in Bury, said: "When we took the decision to get new premises, it wasn't just a matter of setting our sights a long way off but just looking over our shoulders. I'm delighted we are remaining in Bolton Street which I consider a very important area of Bury."