Suffolk estate agency business Best Estates has launched its third office, with a new branch in Sudbury joining those in Aldeburgh and Beccles.

Refurbishment of the unit in Gainsborough Street – which was a butcher’s shop for many years and, more recently, a china store – has taken eight months.

Office space has been created on three levels, including a team social room and a meeting room in which the former facia sign for the Seppings butchery business has been put on display.

Founder and director Alex Tarry said: “The concept at the heart of the renovation, was the Best Estates welcome. All of our visitors to the office will be offered a coffee or soft drink, and an opportunity to talk with our enthusiastic team about their property needs.

“At Best Estates, gone are the days of sitting across a desk from each other, we are all about round tables and open discussions.”

The Sudbury team will be managed by Tristan Desmarais who has more than 15 years’ experience as a London estate agent and already has extensive knowledge of the local area having been coming to Suffolk for the last 10 years. He will be supported by April Macaskill, born and raised in Sudbury, who previously worked for a local firm of chartered surveyors.

Matthew Piercy, also a director at Best Estates, said: “A key focus for all our offices was getting the right team that understood our vision and values for the business. We are delighted to have both Tristan and April on board and cannot wait to get started.”

Earlier this month, Best Estates picked up the New Agency of the Year trophy at The Negotiator Awards, held in London, with the judges singling out the firm for its branding and marketing.

Best Estates was launched in 2014 as a sister business to the Best of Suffolk holiday cottage agency, launched by Alex and Naomi Tarry in 2006.