The co-founders of PropTech firm iamproperty have been awarded honorary degrees by Northumbria University in recognition of their contribution to property and technology.

Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke have each received an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law, having founded the Newcastle-based business in 2009 shortly after graduating from the university.

Ridgway studied real estate management at Northumbria, while Cooke graduated in estate management.

The awards also recognised the pair’s contribution to the economic and social development of the North East.

Since its launch, iamproperty has grown from a two-person business to a team of over 750 people across the UK and supports more than 7,000 estate agency branches.

Cooke comments: “We’re grateful to Northumbria for this recognition and the support to launch the business in 2009.

“Back then we were just two mates with a shared goal to make buying and selling homes faster, more secure and more transparent.

“There’s been lot of brilliant people and partners along the way who trusted our vision, and who are still on the journey with us as we continue to improve the homebuying process.”