SHEFFIELD BUSINESS AWARDS: Small Business

The original business plan estimated a turnover of £96,000 in the first year, but the actual figure was more than three times that.

Redbrik’s first branch opened in Chesterfield, but founders Mark Ross and Julie Bulheller had always been focused on expansion into Sheffield.

This was achieved in April 2014 with the opening of the Millhouses office.

By the end of 2014 the total number of staff at Redbrik was 15, with a combined turnover of £1,036,886.

A new office was opened at Crystal Peaks shopping centre in May.

Now the company employs 26 staff and is confident that its phenomenal success will continue.

In 2015 the company has accepted 554 offers on properties so far.

Redbrik puts its success down to having a ‘different ethos’ to other agencies.

It offers customers an honest, jargon -ree approach underpinned by great customer service and innovative marketing.

However, Redbrik’s focus is not on sales targets but on making the homes look amazing and delivering personalised service to every one of its customers.

The firm has sponsored community arts festivals, farmers’ markets and has also supported Millhouses Cricket Team as well as cancer charity Macmillan.

Redbrik prides itself on offering staff the best career opportunities and attracting young people to work within the industry.

Its first graduate intern has gone on to gain a full-time job with the company and it has provided work experience to 12 young people so far.

The company has also been involved in giving mock interviews for GCSE students.

Over the next few years, Redbrik is hoping to keep up the momentum and expand into new areas.

It is also hoping to open more branches and take on new members of staff in the coming years.