A new independent letting agency has launched in the West Midlands, founded by an agent with more than a decade of experience at Countrywide and Connells.

Gradwells Lettings, a letting-only business based in Walsall, opens today and will operate across the wider region, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

Founder and managing director Joe Fletcher said he set up the firm after nearly 12 years in the industry, having started as an apprentice negotiator at 16 and progressed to lettings area manager overseeing multiple branches.

He said the business is focused on lettings and property management, shaped by his experience of what landlords prioritise, including communication, compliance and service standards.

Fletcher told EYE: “I’ve seen first‑hand how much landlords value clear communication, strong compliance and a service‑first approach.