A property manager has been hailed as an unsung hero for his unstinting commitment to his job.

Tom Dugdale, of Braemar Estates, was given the accolade at the Association of Residential Managing Agents’ inaugural ACE Awards.

Judges said: “Tom is a true all-rounder, always going the extra mile.”

His award entry said: “Attention to detail, challenging the norm, being proactive, means efficient allocation of the service charge budget, providing more for less in supplier efficiency.

“For example, lift maintenance with priority repairs that need to be completed within one month. By going through every line of the contractor schedule he reduced the cost to the service charge by over 50%, saving residents money so that it can be spent on other areas.”

It was the second award of the night for Braemar Estates, with Jamie Whalley, building manager, winning ‘On-site Member of the Year’.

Lyn Windeler, director at Braemar Estates, said: “Winning two awards which recognise the commitment and excellence of our team members is outstanding. Both Tom and Jamie set the standard for best practice in property management and are thoroughly deserving of their awards.”

Nigel Glen, chief executive of ARMA, said: “The winners are a credit to the industry and I know what a hard job the judges had in deciding who should go home with a trophy from so many outstanding entries.

“The winning firms and team members are setting the standard for companies that wish to be recognised for achieving excellence and best practice in their field.”

The full list of winners is:

Smaller Managing Agent of the Year – Plymouth Block Management

Medium Managing Agent of the Year – Realty Management

Larger Managing Agent of the Year – Rendall & Rittner

On-site Staff Member of the Year – Jamie Whalley, Braemar Estates

Corporate Social Responsibility Firm of the Year – Rendall & Rittner

Service Charge Accountant of the Year – Charlotte Perrott, FirstPort Bespoke Property Services

Apprentice of the Year – Oliver Fanthorpe, Michael Laurie Magar

Property Woman of the Year – Emily Orner, SPL Property Management

Customer Service Award – Rendall & Rittner

Unsung Hero – Tom Dugdale, Braemar Estates

Provider of the Year – Cleankill Pest Control

Service Charge Accountancy Firm of the Year – Haines Watts

Industry Supplier of the Year – Future Lighting