TRADING Places Estate Agents is celebrating its 25th anniversary, having gone from strength to strength since first opening for business in 1988.

The independently-owned firm was founded by John Cox, and in 1997 was acquired by his then 23-year-old son Steven Cox.

He brought with him a wealth of experience in independent and corporate estate agency and integrated systems from both, with the intent of making the business have a distinctly different quality of service from the competition.

Steven has focused on cutting-edge technology, the internet and its increasing influence on advertising, traditional advertising, pro-active marketing and, most important of all, continually employing quality staff.

Successfully selling homes in Stretford, Urmston, Davyhulme, Flixton, Eccles, Partington, Old Trafford, Whalley Range, Chorlton, Sale, Timperley and Altrincham, the firm is proud to be celebrating its 25th year in business.

A spokesman for Trading Places said: “Steven has taken Trading Places from one office to the opening of Trading Places, Urmston, in 2002, the opening of Trading Places, Old Trafford, in 2011 and the most recent acquisition of Trading Places, Chorlton, in 2012.

“We are also proud to support Trading Places, Sale.

“And with Steven not believing in standing still, we plan to open more branches in the future.”

Open seven days a week, Trading Places offers a bespoke lettings and management service and boasts competitive fees, a no sale no fee policy, eye-catching ‘for sale’ signs, proactive marketing, internet advertising including via its own website, experienced local staff, a computerised mailing list with SMS text and email updates, 2D and 3D floor plans, colour brochures with digital photos, sales managers who take the sale through from offer to completion, a solicitors package, accompanied viewings (if required) and Facebook and Twitter accounts.

But how did the firm get its name?

Steven said: “Many people ask me, ‘Did the name Trading Places come after watching the film?’ – and the truth is...it did!

“However, I feel it spells out exactly what customers are looking to do when they first contact us.”

Life is for living, so why not let Trading Places show you how? To find out more, visit Trading Places’ recently refurbished town centre offices in Stretford and Chorlton. The addresses are 164 Barton Road, Stretford, M32 8DP, and 571 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, M21 8AG. Alternatively, contact the Stretford office on 0161 865 9220 or stretford@tradingplaces.co.uk, the Chorlton office on 0161 860 0000 or chorlton@tradingplaces.co.uk or visit the website at www.tradingplaces.co.uk.