The 2010 NLA property women awards took place last night, at the glamorous Park Plaza Riverbank hotel on London’s south bank. As one of the Judges, I was invited to attend.
On of the nice things about the awards ceremony was the room it took place in. Unlike most samey hotel ballrooms, it was designed to bring the outdoors inside, with a huge glass wall at the end, which extended over part of the ceiling. This gave it a very open feel, as you could see the sky and the trees outside, plus the light lingered until at least 9.30pm.
Some people have criticized the NLA Property Awards for being sexist. But if you could have seen the happy looks on the winners faces, you would have forgotten about all that. They all looked fabulous as well with beautiful frocks and hair.
The event was ably compared by Melissa Porter, who, in between courses of a delicious meal, announced 15 awards!
As one of the Judges, I know that there were many incredible entries. In fact so many, that it was very difficult to choose between them. Anyone who was selected to be a finalist, let alone a winner, has done extraordinary work, and in most cases overcome enormous challenges. Huge congratulations therefore to them ALL, not just to the winners.
The awards were for the regions, plus Scotland and Wales, and also for letting agent, local authority housing officer, young landlord, and green landlord of the year. And finally the winner.
So as I know you will all want to know who they are, here is a list:
- OVERALL: Juliet Ashton-Taylor
- Letting Agent: Claire Empson
- Local Authority: Kim Waugh
- Young: Amy Dixon
- Green: Fiona Macaskill
- Scotland: Mhairi Noble
- Wales: Jane James
- London: Bindar Dosanjh
- South East: Hasmita Reardon
- South West: Fiona Macaskill
- West Midlands: Samantha Collett
- East Midlands: Tracey Abbiss
- North West: Tammy Silcock
- North East: Juliet Ashton-Taylor
- Yorks and Humber: Sandra Widdrington
- East of England: Irene Turner
Here is some information about the amazing winner, kindly provided by the NLA:
The winner encompasses everything the NLA Property Women Awards are about – hard work, determination and a desire to succeed. She has gone from the brink of homelessness to being a successful landlord.
Using her own past experience she has strived to provide the best possible homes and quality of service to her tenants. What really impressed judges was her professional business-like approach, while always remaining compassionate to those less fortunate.
She always keeps a room free in her portfolio to help someone in difficult circumstances, and goes above and beyond to give many other people a step up. She hopes to be an inspiration to other women and show that anything is possible.
She is certainly an inspiration. Very many congratulations to a deserving winner.
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