Will Parrick from Boydens (left) and Liam Furr, Director of PMS, stand together to warn against unregulated managing agents

Awards prove Colchester leads the way in property management

Sue Harness of PMS Managing Estates working as a property troubleshooter at the leading Leasehold management company in EssexTwo Essex property management companies, Boydens and PMS Managing Estates, are leading the way in delivering award-winning services, proving Colchester is at the forefront of the nation for Property Management.

Both companies scooped awards and commendations at the national Property Management Awards, achieving three places each on the final shortlists. Winners of the awards, organised by industry publication News on the Block, were announced at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

Boydens enjoyed success in the Young Property Manager of the Year category, having two Property Managers, Alex Kane and Tom Bartlett, shortlisted as finalists with Tom taking home the award. Tom, 29, manages Boydens’ most eclectic portfolio, ranging from their smallest site to their largest; including several mixed developments, private estates and single blocks of flats. Tom’s nomination focused on the strong working relationships he has with his clients.

Sue Harness, who has worked for PMS Managing Estates for 15 years, won the Customer Service Award. Senior Property Services Manager Sue is the out-of-hours contact 24-hours a day to deal with any issues arising in PMS’ growing portfolio of homes across East Anglia, London and the Southeast.

Sue, who handles emergencies such as fires and floods to the more routine stairwell lights not working or smoke alarm activations, said:

“I couldn’t do it without the support of the contractors who go out to fix the problems, and our team of Property Managers; we support each other and we are like a family. I was really thrilled and astounded to win the award. I enjoy my job and being able to help our customers.”

PMS Managing Director Daniel Malone paid tribute to Sue: “Her selfless dedication to this unique and demanding role is proven by her ability to manage, completely unassisted, extreme situations that might reduce an experienced Property Manager to tears. We would be lost without her.”

Boydens’ Administration Manager Angela Baines was Highly Commended in the same category.

PMS, who were also finalists in the Regional Property Management Company of the Year Category, marked its 30th anniversary in 2017. Director of Property Management Liam Furr said: “Winning a prestigious award and being Highly Commended in another category confirms we are one of the UK’s leading property management companies. We are committed to a strong team ethos, and I’m delighted for all our staff that their hard work and professionalism should be recognised.”

Both Boydens and PMS are strong advocates of regulation and professionalism in the property management industry, and are regulated by the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA).

A year ago Boydens and PMS came together to demand MPs take action against unregulated managing agents. The two agents, normally rivals, stood side by side to encourage more regulation in the sector to protect customers, and to warn against the risks of employing unregulated firms.

This call may have been heeded as shortly afterwards at The Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) Conference, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced an intention to clamp down on rogue managing agents.

The Rt Hon Sajid Javid stated that the Government was intending to crack down on ‘Cowboy Managing Agents’ as part of their overarching plan to protect consumers in the lettings and managing agents market, noting that the system is currently ‘stacked in favour of the cowboys’.

Following their joint success at the News on the Block Awards, Will Parrick of Boydens added: “This just goes to show how Colchester is leading the way in providing excellent, high-standard property management. To look at the shortlists for the Awards and see so many finalists from Colchester was brilliant. I don’t think any town outside London was represented more prolifically.”

Picture: Sue Harness from PMS won the Customer Service Award at the national News on the Block Property Management Awards