Like many siblings, sisters Karen Milton and Linda Dexter have shared things all their lives - and now they've also gone into business two-by-two...

The pair have launched Ark Property Management, based in Chepstow and Cinderford, to let and manage rented homes and commercial properties in South Wales and the South West.

Karen has many years' experience in housing management, while Linda's career has always involved dealing with people. It's a combination which both women believe is a winning formula for the new venture, which they set up in April. "We've always been close, and establishing a business using our respective skills seemed an obvious thing to do," said Karen. "Our aim is to provide an individually-tailored, personal service for both tenants and landlords. We focus solely on their needs - we're not a sideline to an estate agency."

As sister Linda points out, not everyone is able - or perhaps chooses - to buy their own home. "Getting on to the property ladder is financially impossible for some people - but that doesn't mean tenants should be treated as second-class citizens. Our approach is to give everyone a professional, first-class service," she said.

And that approach has already paid off.

Ark is the only lettings agency in the area to secure accreditation from the National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS).

The scheme provides a benchmark, showing that the firm meets defined levels of service and criteria. Both women live in Chepstow.