Local business - first property management company to win Enterprising Business Award

Samuel Estates, the Colliers Wood-based lettings, sales and property management company, has won a 2008 WestFocus Enterprising Business Award (EBA). The awards recognise entrepreneurs who are keen to expand and add value to their businesses. Samuel Estates is the first property management company to win this award.

Nick Samuel, Managing Director of Samuel Estates, said:”We are delighted to have won this award at a time when our business is going from strength to strength. The EBA programme provides us with invaluable support and­ advice from experts and other businesses in the community as we develop plans for future growth.”Nick continued: “It also enables us to offer a work placement to a WestFocus studen­t, which will help them gain hands-on business experience.”

WestFocus, the consortium of South and West London and Thames Valley universities, launched the Enterprising Business Awards in 2005. Designed to help small companies like Samuel Estates grow, they offer a six month business support programme. This includes a networking forum with other winners to share experiences and tackle the challenges businesses face whilst trying to expand. Topics include marketing, strategy and finance. Expert input is provided from both industry and the WestFocus universities.

Anna Faulkner, EBA Programme Facilitator, commented: “We have received extremely positive feedback from previous winners of these awards. They have appreciated the discussion forums and the opportunity to share ideas and issues with like-minded individuals. The programme has invigorated local businesses and I am sure it will help Samuel Estates achieve further success.”

Over the last four years the number of competition entrants has increased each year. Previous award winners include designers, manufacturers, and product developers.

Notes to editors

Samuel Estates

Samuel Estates residential lettings, sales and property management agency was established in 2004. The flagship office in Abbey Mills, Colliers Wood opened in May 2006. Samuel Estates now employs 6 people staff at the Abbey Mills office.

Samuel Estates offers a comprehensive range of lettings and property management services with the emphasis on delivering a personal and professional service.

Samuel Estates sponsors a number of South West London events including the Wimbledon Bookfest and Abbeyfest.

West Focus

WestFocus is a consortium of seven universities located in South and West London and the Thames Valley. The members are Brunel, Kingston, Roehampton, Royal Holloway, St Georges, Westminster and Thames Valley universities. WestFocus aims to encourage the flow of knowledge and resources between higher education, business and the local community.

The WestFocus Enterprising Business Awards (EBA) were launched in 2005. The awards aim to help entrepreneurs add value to their businesses through a proven programme of expert support and access to resources. The 2008 winners will receive the following:

    * A business support programme, worth £2500 – monthly meetings with experts from academia and industry focussing on the key requirements for growth. This provides networking opportunities with other winners to share experiences and discuss challenges.
    * The support programme will be accredited as a Post Graduate certification in Innovation and Entreprenership
    * Part time resource from a qualified student or graduate to help with specific business projects

For further information contact

Nick Samuel, Managing Director, Samuel Estates

Tel: 020 8090 9000

Email: nick@,samuelestates.com

www.samuelestates.com

Anna Faulkner, EBA Programme Facilitator, WestFocus Entrepreneurship Centre

Tel: 020 8547 8050

Email: a.faulkner@kingston.ac.uk

www.westfocus.org.uk