Propertymark Qualifications held its annual awards ceremony in the House of Lords last week, recognising achievement and celebrating success in learning and development across the property industry.
Hosted by Lord Best OBE DL, who chaired the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group (RoPA), the ceremony highlighted the achievements of learners and support given by employers.
Three qualification awards were presented to the highest performing candidates who successfully achieved their full qualifications in 2018. They are divided into technical disciplines: Sales – including residential and commercial; Lettings – including inventory and tenancy deposit management; and Auctioneering – covering both property and chattels.
Four awards were open to nominations from across the industry designed to recognise achievements of learners, employees and businesses, highlighting determination and dedication to succeed in their studies, careers or professional development. Nominations are submitted, and then shortlisted and judged by an invited panel.
The finalists were selected by an expert judging panel comprising of representatives from Propertymark Qualifications’ Governing Body, NAEA & ARLA Propertymark and event sponsors, MOL.
Recognising the exceptional talent of new entrants into the sector, this year’s Rising Star category was awarded to two outstanding individuals. The work of both Heather Fraser and Laura Young demonstrate that as we move towards a more regulated environment, the future of the residential property industry is in safe hands, Propertymark said.
In total, eight winners were awarded across sales, lettings and auctioneering:
| Qualification Candidates: | |
| Sales Candidate of the Year: | Sean Rawson |
| Lettings Candidate of the Year: | Katie Wilcox-Smith |
| Auctioneering Candidate of the Year: | Errol Thomas |
| Nominated Categories: | |
| Rising Star of the Year: | Heather Fraser, Laura Young |
| Employer Champion: | Williams & Goodwin, The Property People Ltd |
| Learner of the Year: | Florence Bond |
| Lifelong Achievement: | David Hughes |
Mike Smith from Propertymark Qualifications, said: “This year we saw the highest number of nominations with strong competition across all categories, and we want to share our warmest congratulations with all of this year’s winners.
“At a time when the regulatory spotlight is shining on the industry, the awards show that these agents are already ahead of the game by choosing to get qualified; already embodying the professionalism and high standards which RoPA seeks to achieve. We’re thrilled we had the opportunity to celebrate these exceptional industry achievements.”