Lettings specialist, Belvoir is celebrating once again after scooping major honours in both the 2011 Lettings Agency of the Year Awards and the annual awards scheme run by the British Franchise Association (bfa).
Belvoir, which has an office on Commerial Road, Swindon, run by Kerry and Jamie Smith, was presented with ‘Silver’ at the Lettings Agency of the Year Awards, run in association with the Sunday Times and the Times. It is the second consecutive win for the company in this major competition, judged by top industry experts, including The Property Ombudsman.
In the bfa Awards, Belvoir was also named ‘Brand Builder of the Year’, in recognition of the hard work which Kerry and Jamie, along with other franchisees in the Belvoir Group, have put into refreshing the company’s image in the local market place over the past year.
At the 2011 Lettings Agency of the Year awards, Olympic gold medalist, Dame Kelly Holmes, handed over the trophy to Belvoir managing director, Dorian Gonsalves, who said: “Winning such an award for two consecutive years in the Best Lettings Agency Franchise category is testament to the pride, passion and dedication shown by all our franchise owners in delivering consistent and outstanding customer service to their local landlord and tenant clients. It is a fantastic tribute to the entire network.”
The judges’ citation stated: “Belvoir’s franchise offering continues to impress and the judges are pleased to recognise the maintaining of the high standards shown previously.
“This lettings-only agency has established an exceptional brand, demonstrating professionalism and high standards at every level. Belvoir’s team has established itself as experts and not only have profits increased, but a strong and steady growth of franchise applicants reinforces the high regard in which this franchise business is held by local owners themselves.”
At a separate ceremony, Belvoir was also named ‘Brand Builder of the Year’, by the bfa’s director general, Brian Smart.
Recognising the major efforts which Belvoir and its local franchisees have put into promoting its name and reputation – including the re-design of the new distinctive ‘Buy to Let Boards’, which are appearing throughout the Swindon area, and the introduction of a Belvoir iPhone App – the bfa’s judges said “Belvoir Lettings demonstrated that brand building has a fundamental role to play in a franchisor’s growth strategy and it can be delivered simply and effectively.”
Brian Smart added: “Our panel was presented with some of the best examples of innovation, brand development and franchise support from across the whole franchising spectrum.
“It is a privilege to recognise Belvoir as a truly outstanding example of how it should be done.”
Belvoir managing director, Dorian Gonsalves, said: “I pay tribute to Kerry and Jamie and all the other 140 plus franchisees in our network for the hard work and commitment they have put into transforming our brand over the past year.
“Despite a difficult economic climate, we took an early decision to invest further in our brand, and this award is confirmation that it was the right thing to do. We are not only reaping the benefits as a business, but are delighted that our strategy has been acknowledged by our peers.”
