TRANSFORMING your property as an alternative to moving is the goal of new company Changing Spaces, which is based in Lydart near Monmouth.

The venture has been launched by Sarah Jane Gillespie and Meg McNair who've incubated their idea with Newport training company CODA under the Welsh Development Agency's new business programme Aspire.

The women are offering a bespoke service to clients who would rather improve their existing properties than move on. Alternatively they can see a market among those who buy their dream home but need to make changes before they can be comfortable with it.

Sarah Jane Gillespie said: "Many people would love to make extensive changes to their property but either don't have the time or the confidence.

"Meg and I describe ourselves as two practical women who have loads of experience in all areas including building work, refurbishment and furnishings who can work with our clients to help them realise their dreams."

She added that the goal was to create dream homes without it costing a fortune or driving their clients crazy.

The women have established a network of builders, suppliers and designers to enable commissions to be carried out painlessly.

Ms McNair said: "Our approach is based around practical solutions at reasonable prices.

"We provide an initial consultation with our clients at which we agree the scope and nature of the project and then provide them with a detailed, costed schedule of work.

"We handle the whole project so that the client can get on with life and just enjoy the end-product."