We're in a great area but need more variety, says estate agent

What is the name of your company? Hayward Tod

How long have you been in business? 25 years

What are the strengths of the area’s property sector? Prices are generally more stable than other regions in that we do not experience sharp changes in value – both up or down. In Cumbria there is an excellent range of house types across city, town, village and rural locations. We are close to a number of world-renowned tourist destinations including the Lake District, Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site and the Solway Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). We also have good communication links with the West Coast Main Line and the M6.

What are its weaknesses and how would you overcome them? There are a limited number of buyers. We need more commerce and industry.

What’s your favourite place in Cumbria? Ullswater – quiet and much less overcrowded than the South Lakes area.

What differentiates you from other Cumbrian agents? We provide a more bespoke service with a particular emphasis on quality marketing and presentation, focusing on the sale and letting of property in the middle and top end of the market. We also belong to the Mayfair Office Group in London which increases our national and international exposure and with assistance from their PR department we have had properties featured in many national publications.

What one thing would you change about your industry? A change in the selling process to provide security for both buyer and seller earlier in the sale transaction, ie, after an offer has been accepted with the aim of limiting or removing the practice of gazumping and gazundering.

What was your best Cumbrian sale? Tottergill Farm, a large house and holiday cottages at Castle Carrock. It was on at £2.25m which is a heck of a lot of money in this area and we sold at a favourable price near the guide two months ago, so that was a good deal. It was a successful sale and a bigger, more expensive proposition than we normally deal with.

Contact details: adrian@haywardtod.co.uk, tel. 01228 810300