Fine & Country held its annual conference and awards last Friday at The Brewery in London. The event was attended by many of brand’s UK based agents, as well as those based in locations further afield, such France, Germany, Hungary, Jersey, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland.

Titled ‘To stand out, be outstanding’, the conference focused on the fact that while 2023 is proving to be another year of unpredictability for the housing market, with reduced transactions set to take place, in the challenge lies opportunity for outstanding agents.

Nicky Stevenson, MD of Fine & Country, said: “While 2023 will be a more challenging year for the estate agency sector than what we have experienced in the past few years, we believe that with our experience, arsenal of technology, award-winning marketing and international network of like-minded, passionate people behind us, there is no reason why Fine & Country will not stand out from the competition and continue to achieve outstanding results.”

She added that the much-anticipated annual conference and awards, provides an opportunity for associates within the brand to network and learn from each other, as well as their international counterparts, and industry professionals.

This year the line-up of speakers included Keith Edwards, CEO and lead investment manager at Discretionary Fund Management business, Casterbridge, who spoke about the how the global macroeconomic backdrop is evolving and how that will impact the property sector.

Delegates also heard from Chris Hara, CEO of Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, about his career path in property.

The MD of Fine & Country Leamington Spa, Jonathan Handford, spoke about outstanding lead generation, outstanding presentation, and an outstanding fee. And finally, an international panel of leading Fine & Country agents from across the globe explored different strategies to ‘stand out’, looking at aspects such as dedication to the customer experience, team mentorship, and strategic mindset to tackle local market challenges.

Stevenson says that after conference portion of the day had concluded, it was time to acknowledge and celebrate the agents within the network who had achieved some incredible results over the past year. “Throughout 2022, many of the agents within the brand achieved some incredible results and truly are outstanding. Our awards ceremony it a celebration of their excellence, and an opportunity to recognise their achievements,” she adds.

Several agents and offices walked away winners of awards which The Sunday Times sponsored. The full list of winners announced at the conference:

Marketing & Exposure – Fine & Country Algarve

Property Presentation: Fine & Country French Riviera

Customer Service: Fine & Country Fakenham

Best Referring Agent: Fine & Country Colchester

Best Newcomer: Fine & Country Northumberland

PR: Fine & Country North Cumbria

Social Media: Fine & Country Leamington Spa

Fine & Country Foundation: Fine & Country Rugby

Outstanding Contribution to Fine & Country: Ben Madden, Fine & Country Chiswick

Park Lane Associate Award: Sarah Tuer, Fine & Country Northumberland

Napoleon Wilcox Individual Achievement Award:  Sue Gipson, Fine & Country St Neots

Regional Awards:

Wales: Fine & Country Newport

South West: Fine & Country New Forest

Midlands: Fine & Country Droitwich Spa

North East: Fine & Country Northumberland

North West: Fine & Country North Cumbria

East Anglia: Fine & Country St Neots

South East: Fine & Country Marlborough and Devizes

London: Fine & Country Chiswick

Spain: Fine & Country Costa Blanca North

Europe: Fine & Country French Riviera

Asia Pacific: Fine & Country Perth

Africa: Fine & Country Helderberg

Best UK Operator: Fine & Country Chiswick

Best International Operator: Fine & Country French Riviera

“Congratulations to those who won awards this year. We are extremely proud of the exceptional performance of the brand throughout 2022, and we are delighted to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our network,” Stevenson concluded.