One of Brighton and Hove's longest-operating estate agents has been made bankrupt.

Ian Huzinga, who ran Max Huzinga estate agents in Western Road, Hove, filed the bankruptcy claim at Slough County Court.

His business ceased trading several weeks ago.

The businessman, who gave his address as Harefield, Middlesex, joined the firm 23 years ago and became a partner in 1986.

Ian Huzinga was acting as its sole principal at the time it ceased trading.

He was unavailable for comment yesterday.

But his company's web site was still running.

In it he is described as "highly regarded throughout Brighton and Hove as one of the foremost valuers in the area".

The firm is described as "one of Brighton and Hove's leading independent estate agents".

Its founder and Ian's father, Max Huzinga, was born and educated in the city and involved in the property business for almost 50 years.

The company, whose premises were extensively refurbished three years ago by local interior designer Duncan Stringer, specialised in dealing with flats on the Hove and Brighton boundary.

Its web site said: "Max Huzinga always has a good selection of flats and houses in Brighton and Hove, including Regency, Victorian and period properties, particularly in the city centre.

"Property ideal for commuters around Brighton and Hove stations, within easy reach of London/Gatwick.

"Property suitable for holiday homes/second homes, buy to let, property by the sea, the central conservation areas and close to the seafront. Areas also covered include Kemp Town, Hanover/Elm Grove, Brunswick Old Town, Seven Dials and the Regency squares of the city."

Chris Oakley, president of Brighton and Hove Estate Agents' Association, said the company had not been a member of his association.

He said: "There would have been clients selling properties through him and members of the public buying properties through him who now won't have any recourse.

"If buyers and sellers use an agent who is a member of one of those bodies, they could get advice on handling the situation and on who to contact in the event of an agent going bust.

"The public should always be cautious."

Thursday, December 1, 2005