They are the world’s largest estate agency but you have probably never heard of them.

Century21, founded in California, have nearly 7,000 branches in 78 countries but have only recently moved into the UK market.

This week week saw the opening of a Southampton branch in London Road.

The franchise is being run by Debashis Guha, aged 37, who previously worked as manager for Primark and then Lidl, but has spent the last 12 months training for his new career at Century21’s UK head office in Nottingham.

“Estate agency was something I have always wanted to do,” said Debashis.

He surprised his friend Kerri-Ann Thompson to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

“She is a very good friend of mine and who has supported me all through this project and this was a way of showing my appreciation,” said Debashis.