Small northern managing agent wins both categories entered at 2026 ACE Awards

The awards mark a significant milestone for the regional firm, which only recently became a member of The Property Institute and was competing against larger, more established managing agents from across the UK.

Founded seven and a half years ago by husband-and-wife team Chris and Sophie Brook, Rowan has grown from managing just six clients to overseeing around 130 residential apartment blocks, housing estates and retirement developments across Cumbria, Lancashire, Morecambe Bay, South Lakeland and the Fylde Coast. The company now employs 14 staff.

The judges praised Rowan for its customer service, transparent fee structure, proactive approach to block management and focus on delivering value for money.

The business has humble beginnings. Chris and Sophie, who previously worked in Manchester and London before returning to the North West, initially operated the company from a garden shed at their family home, building the business during the Covid-19 pandemic while developing client relationships and recruiting their first employees.

Today, Rowan says it has maintained its focus on providing a local, hands-on service, typically working with developments within an hour of its offices to ensure regular site visits and close client support.

Chris Brook said: "Being local really matters to us. We only take on clients within around an hour of our offices because we want to be close enough to visit sites, understand the buildings properly and support clients in person when they need us.

"To win both categories we entered, in our first year entering the ACE Awards, is a huge moment for the whole team. We are very proud of Amy, Gillian and everyone at Rowan who works so hard for our clients."

The individual award for Amy recognised her customer service, responsiveness and professionalism. Sophie Brook said the recognition was particularly rewarding because Amy is still early in her career.

"Amy is such a valued member of our team and a fantastic person, and we are so pleased her work has been recognised nationally," she said.

The company was represented at the London awards ceremony by Amy and Compliance Manager Gillian, while Chris and Sophie followed the results from home.

"We only entered two awards, so to win both of them was a real shock," Sophie said. "Amy messaged us at around 10pm to say we had won. Chris and I were getting ready for bed and couldn't quite believe it. We ended up celebrating with a glass of cava in our dressing gowns."

Alongside its growth, Rowan has invested in staff development, recruiting graduates from regional universities and supporting professional qualifications through The Property Institute. The firm has also expanded its in-house technical expertise, including building surveying and health and safety, while introducing new technology and AI systems to improve customer service.

According to the company, Rowan currently has a 98% client retention rate and holds an Excellent rating on Trustpilot.