Much has changed in agency over the past couple of decades and three negotiators will have seen it all after celebrating a quarter of a century with Yorkshire estate agency Dacre Son & Hartley.

Gail Shepherd, Frances Slocombe and Cath Bradbury all started working for the firm in 1991, joining the Harrogate, Baildon and Bingley teams respectively at a time when a right move was something you did in a disco hall and a purple brick was something your child played with.

Shepherd, who started as a trainee negotiator, said: “I am office based and assist with the marketing of properties, negotiating offers as well as dealing with a range of administration and accountancy roles. I can’t be certain of the exact number of house sales I have been involved with over the last 25 years but it must be well over 1,000.”

Looking back at how the industry was when she started more than two decades ago, Slocombe said: “On a Sunday morning we used to have a huge queue outside the office each week with people wanting to get hold of the latest brochures, as there was no internet or property portals to browse.

“We had a big black book with all of the vendors’ contact details in and that was our bible!

“We also spent a lot of time sticking the printed pictures to the sales particulars – which is something I don’t miss! As technology has changed I now thoroughly enjoy how quickly homes can be launched to the market.

“I love dealing with clients and every day is different. I very much feel part of a family at Dacres, and have been involved with selling some homes two, three or more times over during my time here, which I think is very unique.”

Bradbury added: “Whether it’s answering the phone, carrying out viewings, following up on offers or invoicing, no day is ever the same and it’s great to be part of such a busy office.”

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential sales at Dacre, Son & Hartley, which has 20 offices and 164 staff in North and West Yorkshire, said: “They are all stalwarts of our business. We are delighted to celebrate their 25-year anniversaries with them and are very grateful for their years of professionalism and dedication to their roles.”