A mum-of-two who recently retired from the Army has set up an estate agency in Gwent.

Amanda Denton wanted a job which would fit around childcare and has now started a branch of the EweMove franchise, covering 20,000 homes in Chepstow and Caldicot.

Amanda and husband Michael, who is still in the Army, had been posted to Chepstow in 2007 for three years. They loved it so much that when Amanda retired from Staff and Personnel Support in the Adjutant General’s Corps after 23 years they decided to move back from the North of England.

The couple learned about franchise opportunities with Ewe Move online. Amanda said running an estate agency gave her the right amount of flexibility to spend time with children Millie, 11, and Max, seven.

“It is the perfect model for me,” she said. “I was confident that I had the background in admin, time management and IT, and I am a proper people person, but EweMove has given me all the training I need in selling houses, and there is constant support available.”

EweMove is an online estate agency with no high street branches.

“I do all the appraisals, valuations and viewings,” said Amanda. “The whole point is that sellers deal only with me. It keeps down the costs and the savings are passed on to the customer.”

Amanda borrowed £35,000 towards set-up costs from NatWest, which has a long-established specialist franchise department. She worked with relationship manager Jo Aplin to secure the loan.

“I knew that NatWest had a dedicated franchise department and that it knew the EweMove model,” said Amanda. “The process was fantastic. Jo is absolutely lovely – she still calls to check that everything is going well.”

Jo said: “EweMove provides a fun, up-to-date approach to estate agency, which is demonstrated through its online nature. During our initial meeting Amanda knew exactly what she wanted to do, and couldn't wait to get started. She demonstrated a personal drive that I have no doubt will push the business to be a huge success. NatWest is delighted to support her and I look forward to continuing to work with her and Michael.”