EIGHT years running the residential property department for Savills in York gave Ben Hudson a crucial overview of housing markets in the north.

"We covered from York to the Scottish borders and Carlisle down to Cheshire. This was during the early 1990s’ recession after the economic boom created by Margaret Thatcher so there was lots going on. I’ve fond memories of working there.”

Managing such a large area for a national firm gave Mr Hudson, who had started as a sales negotiator and gained his RICS qualification after moving North from Hertfordshire, the confidence to work for himself and, in 1996, he joined Hudson Moody, in High Petergate.

Today Hudson Moody, which has its head office in Micklegate, a personal agent in Dunnington, and an associate business in Leeds, has 20 staff, and a busy lettings and management service.

Mr Hudson, 49, said: "The internet means this is a 24/7 job. People browse properties on the web and want to speak with an agent. I’m regularly taking calls outside office hours but I enjoy being accessible and meeting peoples’ needs.

"I’ve no desire for Hudson Moody to be the biggest estate agents in York but we want to expand and maintain our reputation for high-quality personal service and understanding the individual needs of buyers and sellers.

"York is regularly cited as among the best places to live in the UK. The market has been relatively good, even in testing times, for property."

Mr Hudson also spent four years as a Conservative Party councillor on City of York Council between 2007 and 2011 but stepped down to concentrate on Hudson Moody.

His passion is dealing with properties as opposed to the day-to-day minutia of running a business.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"I have always been tempted by being an MP. I have the motivation, passion and drive to work hard and hopefully make a difference but I wouldn’t like being away from my family."

Greatest achievement?

"Starting and running my own business and I feel immensely proud that my wife and four children are now working in the business alongside me."

What makes you most angry?

"People who refuse to compromise – there is always a way through and no one can always be 100 per cent right"

Biggest mistake?

"Not buying into the Dubai property market. I hesitated then walked away, those properties have subsequently rocketed in value."

What do you need to make life complete?

"A realistic work/life balance."

Why do you make a difference?

"We are there for people in good times and bad and work with honesty and integrity – I think we give estate agency a good name."

Epitaph:

"He always said they’d carry him out in a box!"