A CHELMSFORD-BASED estate agent has been crowned the best in the county.
For the second time, Beresfords was named Best Estate Agency in Essex at the annual UK Property Awards.
Managing director Paul Beresford attended the awards ceremony with his wife Joanna.
He said: "Our double win is testament to the hard work of the team over the last 12 months."
"Drawing on 44 years' experience in Essex, our brand new website has also helped to make the search for a new home in the county even easier. Having been shortlisted for a number of other industry awards, we hope we can build on this award success over the coming months."
Terry Holmes, who has worked at the company for 31 years, said: "You feel a bit self-conscious, but you get this feeling of pride.
"We employ not far short of 200 people and what we do is all down to them. No one person is more or less important in what they do."
Held at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square last week, the awards were presented by Peter Bolton King of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Beresfords was also awarded the highly commended prize in the Best Website category.
The new website features quick search tools to find properties in your price range, in suitable areas and by using key words.
Mr Holmes said: "You tend to find a lot of estate agents these days are very, very internet based or very, very traditional.
"A lot of people use the internet but a property is the most expensive, valuable asset that you are ever going to buy and you want to speak to people that know your area and how to advise you.
"While the internet is crucial, there will always be a place for the traditional aspect. We provide the sorts of services people deserve."
For more information visit www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk
