Glittering awards gala highlights NI’s outstanding performers in the competitive world of property
THE successes of a superb year in the property industry were celebrated yesterday at the annual Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Electric Ireland.
Outstanding achievement was toasted at a fantastic awards ceremony in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Local estate agents, architects, interior designers, builders and fit-out specialists were among the many industry professionals whose stellar work came under the spotlight.
Hundreds of guests were entertained by Northern Ireland’s lovable housewife May McFettridge, aka John Linehan, before tucking into a sumptuous twocourse lunch.
The main event, hosted by Pamela Ballantine, saw many local companies shortlisted for excellence in each of the hotly-contested categories.
Gail Walker, Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, said: “Today’s event was a wonderful celebration of the property sector in Northern Ireland which can certainly look to the future with confidence.
“It’s great to showcase and recognise so much creativity, entrepreneurship, enthusiasm and innovation across Northern Ireland.
“There was a real energy in the room today and I think that reflects the market in general.”
Our partners this year, Electric Ireland, congratulated all the winners and those who were nominated and shortlisted.
Clare McAllister, sales and marketing manager for Electric Ireland, said: “We would like to congratulate the worthy winners from the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards.
“It was a fantastic occasion celebrating the success of those who contribute so much to a flourishing and successful property sector and we were delighted to support such prestigious awards.”
A record number of entries made this year’s job especially challenging for our judging panel.
Drawn from leading professional bodies within the property world, our panel is headed by Professor Alastair Adair, deputy vice-chancellor, Ulster University and includes Derek Wilson, chair of UK Finance NI Mortgage Committee and First Trust Bank; Daryl McIntosh, National Association of Estate Agents; Padraig Venney, National House Building Council; Arleen Elliott, NI Law Society; Daniel Corr, Chartered Institute of Housing; Joan McCoy, president, Royal Society of Ulster Architects; Susan Mason, acting regional director Northern Ireland, RICS and Mark
Graham, CEO of Co-ownership Housing.
Professor Adair said: “The Belfast Telegraph Property Awards 2018 in partnership with Electric Ireland goes from strength-to-strength.
“This year the judging panel was delighted to see three new sponsored categories and many more entries than last year, demonstrating the huge appetite for the awards across the sector, sponsors and the general public.
“The high quality of nominations shows that people have a love affair with their built environment in which they live, work and play and the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards highlight the response of the sector to increase the quality of service and design that the public demand.” And now for the winners. It was a superb day for RPB Architects Ltd who picked up the Commercial Fit-out Award, sponsored by WH Stephens, as well as the Best Architectural Practice Commercial Award, sponsored by Savills.
McCue Crafted Fit was highly commended in the Commercial Fit-out Award category.
The Best Interior Design Award, sponsored by Harry Corry, went to Atelier Interior Design.
Karl Asset Management was presented with the Commercial Development Award sponsored by Carson McDowell with highly commended going to Lacuna Developments.
The award for Property Deal of the Year, sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt, went to Simon Brien Residential with Savills highly commended. Best Architectural Practice Residential, sponsored by Savills was won by BGA Architects Ltd while the Young Architect Award sponsored by RTU was presented to Fergal Rainey (top
left), of McGurk Architects Ltd. Jonathan Spence of Doherty Architects was highly commended.
The winner of the Young Agent of the Year, sponsored by Mills Selig, was Natasha Rodgers
(below left), of Rodgers & Finney with highly commended going to Jordana Stoney of John Minnis Estate Agents.
The award for Innovative Use of Smarthome Technology, sponsored by Openreach, went to Portland 88 by Barnett Developments.
Best Property Marketing award sponsored by Barrett Group was given to Hagan Homes and the Best Property Management Company, sponsored by Keystone Law, went to Simon Brien Residential.
Gordon Estates Management was highly commended.
The award for the best Residential Development, sponsored by First Trust Bank, was given to Lotus Homes and the Residential Lettings Agency award, sponsored by TLT, went to Pinpoint Property Ltd.
The Commercial Estate Agency award, sponsored by A&L Goodbody, went to Lisney with Osborne King highly commended.
Residential Estate Agency (Sole Branch) award, sponsored by Progressive Building Society was presented to Colin Graham Residential. Highly commended in this category was Rodgers & Finney.
Residential Estate Agency (Multi Branch) award, also sponsored by Progressive Building Society, was won by John Minnis Estate Agents with Simon Brien Residential highly commended.
The award for Property Personality of the Year, sponsored by Belfast Telegraph was presented to entrepreneur Bill Wolsey who runs the five-star Merchant Hotel.