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The Porter of the Year Award was an extremely popular category at the Block Insure Property Management Awards. The Award, which is sponsored by managing agents, The Ringley Group, recognises the frontline contribution made by porterage staff towards the efficient running of any block of flats. Here we showcase the very best porters in the United Kingdom.
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A. Name: Red Houjabi (Winner)
Block: The Water gardens
Managing agent: Chainbow
Commended for: “Impressed the judges with his 21 years of loyal service, his ‘can do’ attitude and his broad knowledge and level of skills. Some examples include: breaking into an apartment to prevent a fire, rescuing a hyperventilating resident who was trapped in a lift by prising open the doors, and patrolling the car park to prevent rubbish being dumped there. Amongst the testimonials received, two residents said: “The success of our block is owed in no small part to his unflagging efforts to keep this development in top shape. He is always in good spirits and friendly. My wife and I came to consider him, not just the best concierge in London, but our friend.”
B. Name: Kevin Evans (Finalist)
Block: One Park
West Managing agent: King Sturge
Commended for: “...his endeavours to make the building secure, clean and exceptionally well maintained, and being well thought after by residents, contractors and local agents”.
C. Name: Robin Metzner (Finalist)
Block: Beesborough Gardens
Managing agent: RMG group
Commended for: “..his caring attitude towards block residents, including those who are elderly or injured and the respect and appreciation which is given to him by lessees and work colleagues.”
D. Name: Paul Sherwood (Highly commended)
Block: Advent 1,2 & 3
Managing agent: Regalty Estates
Commended for: “working tirelessly during a freezing winter at a temperature of minus 13 degrees to make urgent repairs to the main water pump in the block to minimise disruption to the communal water supply.”
E. Name: Lance Ward (Finalist)
Block: One SE8
Managing agent: Consort Property Management
Commended for: “...being considered a “safe pair of hands” by leaseholders and in particular his vigilance in working with the police to catch a car burglar and safely evacuating residents when a penthouse apartment caught fire.”
F. Name: John Watson (Finalist)
Block: Park Central
Managing agent: Consort Property Management
Commended for: “...his “can do and do it right first time” attitude and his initiative in working with the police and a public consultation to acquire local government funding for the installation of CCTV security cameras which was later used to help apprehend a suspect in an alleged sexual assault.”
G. Name: Mo ghalem (Highly commended)
Block: Arundel Square
Managing agent: London Residential Management
Commended for: “his quick thinking helped the police capture 2 suspects who attempted to break into the block after mugging one of the residents”
H. Name: Konrad Grosse (Highly commended)
Block: Pullman Court
Managing agent: Prior Estates
Commended for: “...against a background of problems associated with inner city blocks of vandalism, abuse, threats, intimidation and in one instance physical violence he maintains his drive to make everyones life better.”