A WORCESTER businessman is looking forward to launching the 63rd branch of a popular national lettings agency in the Faithful City.

Steve Slawson is launching a new branch of Belvoir! Lettings, an independent property management franchise.

"Nearly all branches are run independently by their owners," said Mr Slawson, whose office is in Foregate Street.

"This means personal service and a business driven by professionalism and excellent customer relationships."

Mr Slawson said the rental market was growing due to concerns for the future of traditional pensions.

"There are tremendous opportunities for private and investment homeowners looking to generate income from their bricks and mortar.

"Add to this higher divorce rates, growth in single tenants and a housing market struggling with supply and you can see why more people are choosing to invest in property."

He said the Government had indicated a need for two million new homes by 2010, but because of development restrictions and changing demographics, it expected a shortage of about 500,000 homes.

"As long as you take professional advice and budget properly you should have a viable

long-term investment."

The Belvoir! website - which can be found at www.belvoirlettings.com - attracts more than 30,000 visitors a month.