Estate agents do not always get the best press, so it is always good to be able to report when their efforts do command respect.

So, many congratulations to Binks Estate Agents, in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, who have been recognised as the town council’s Business of the Year.

The award is presented to businesses that support and contribute to the local community, as voted by the town’s residents.

Binks Estate Agents was recognised for playing a key role in supporting various community-based projects.

Simone and Stephen Binks, who founded the firm in 1994, collected the award.

Simone said: “This award is very special to Stephen and me because the residents of Amersham are the individuals who choose the wining business.

“We would like to thank all our staff who have made a real contribution to our business, to all our contractors who have worked with us for 21 years, and our clients.

“Today people seem to forget that the estate agency business is a service industry, not just a commodity or a faceless website.

“It is a people-based business that requires client care and attention at every transactional touch-point.

“This award recognises the efforts, culture and values our company has.”