JDM is celebrating 10 years of business this month since its first branch in Chislehurst was opened.

A decade ago Jonathon, his wife Margaret and brother Jeremy carried on the de Maid family estate agency business by establishing jdm estate agents.

As the business grew they were joined by long-term associate Richard Piddock and brother Nicholas de Maid as partners.

Additional branches soon followed in Petts Wood and Locksbottom and specialist departments for residential lettings and land and new homes also opened.

Jonathon de Maid said: "Our philosophy is simple, we give each and every one of our clients a thoughtful, thorough and above all professional service."

He said over the past 10 years he has seen a great shift in the property industry towards the internet and has strived to keep up with this trend via a state-of-the-art website.

He remembers when jdm started there was no website but staff did use emails.

The company marked the occasion by closing all the offices early and taking more than 40 staff for a meal in London earlier this month where they enjoyed dinner and drinks aboard a glazed boat offering views of the River Thames.

Jeremy de Maid said he was delighted the business had reached this milestone anniversary which he feels has been helped enormously by the loyalty of so many staff who have helped shape the company with their dedication and professionalism.

He said: "Our 40 staff are the backbone of the company and it is wonderful to know more than a quarter of them actually worked with us in the early days of the original de Maid business and have remained supportive ever since.

"Especially Carol Butler and Barbara Frost who have been with jdm since the day we started."