1. What is your name? David Hogarth

2. What is the name of your company? Cumbrian Properties Ltd

3. What is your job? Director

4. How long have you been in business? My brother Adrian and I started the business 23 years ago, initially selling holiday cottages alongside our holiday cottage business Cumbrian Cottages.

5. What are the strengths of the area’s property sector? It is a very level market place. Fortunately we don't have the peaks and troughs that other areas experience.

6. What are its weaknesses and how would you overcome them? The sector would benefit from more investment - we have a lack of big employers who would bring new staff to the area.

7. What’s your favourite place in Cumbria? There's nowhere better than home and for me that is Wetheral where I've been fortunate to live for more than 40 years. Otherwise my favourite place is Langdale where we've had many family holidays and where I now visit weekly as I value properties in the South Lakes from our Windermere office.

8. What differentiates you from other Cumbrian agents? We are a true family business with 10 members of our extended family working in various roles. We have very loyal and committed staff who love the property market and go the extra mile to provide a great sales experience for both the purchaser and vendor. We are the only agent to provide residential sales and lettings, a commercial department, auctions, mortgages and holiday lettings with coverage throughout the county.

9. What one thing would you change about your industry? I would change the stamp duty levels with zero rating up to £250,000 and have incentives for first-time buyers to get on the market.

10. What was your best Cumbrian sale? Hopefully my best sale is still to come but we're just finalising a £3m sale in Windermere. Our auction has produced several sales that have far exceeded the vendor's expectations and made a major change to their lives. It is always rewarding selling a property to someone you know would be interested in it before you go to the market.

Contact details: davidh@cumbrian-properties.co.uk, tel. 01228 599940, 07702 488495