AN ARNSIDE businessman is celebrating after scooping the title “new agency of the year” at a UK industry awards ceremony.

Ben Waterhouse opened Waterhouse Estate Agents in January after many years’ working in property development for the care industry.

His residential sales and lettings business has premises in Milnthorpe.

It covers the geographical area between Kendal and Lancaster, including villages such as Arnside, Yealand, Silverdale, Holme and Crooklands.

Ben won the title at The Negotiator Awards 2018, held at London’s five-star Grosvenor House on Park Lane. The glittering gala dinner was hosted by comedian Julian Clary and attended by 750 people including directors, senior managers and business owners.

The awards are free to enter, with 34 categories for estate and letting agencies of any size.

Ben Waterhouse founded his agency in January 2018, telling the Gazette at the time he hoped his in-depth market knowledge and traditional values would give customers “complete confidence and peace of mind”.