STEVE Gooch set up his Estate Agents business in 1985, the year his son Tom was born, little knowing the boy would one day follow in his footsteps.

Tom is now a successful manager with the company dad started.

Tom says: "When you are young you don't want to be like your parents; it's just not the cool thing to do.

"However, as I got older I started to appreciate what my dad does and to understand his passion for the business and decided to join the company five years ago.

"Following in my father's footsteps hasn't always been easy; I have had really big shoes to fill. My father has earned a reputation as a first class estate agent and has taught me everything I know.

"I am really enjoying what I do and have a great team around me, I have developed my father's passion for people and property and there is nothing I would rather do – other than perhaps take over the company one day!"

Managing the Coleford branch, Tom has certainly proved that he is a 'chip off the old block' having achieved record sales since 2004.

Steven Gooch says: "I couldn't be prouder than I am of Tom that he is following in my footsteps. Tom joined the company at a time when the housing market has been challenging for everyone associated with the industry. However as a group we are starting to see encouraging signs in market recovery."