Two friends who both took redundancy after decades with the same insurance company are now homing in on a new business.

Simon Norton-Lane, of Mansfield Woodhouse, has teamed up with Craig Parrott, of Mansfield, to launch Open House Mansfield, the local agent with internet prices.

Both have business experience, sales and customer care, having worked in leadership roles throughout their 30-year careers.

Parrott added, “My background is similar to Simon’s and I know we can work well together in this new, exciting venture. We have a solid, long-term business plan with challenging targets, but I am confident that we can exceed them.”

Open House Mansfield, based in Mansfield Woodhouse, is part of the national network of Open House estate agents.

Parrott said, “The Mansfield and Ashfield areas have a busy property market, with something for everyone. There are a number of estate agents locally, but we believe we can compete on price and on customer service levels.”