Our Awards

"Portico's bespoke system helps them to efficiently manage their tenants and landlords. The variety of packages helps landlords to pick one that is right for their needs."

"There were strong contenders for this award yet Portico presented a clear way in which they operate their lettings side of the business and showed how their new service, Portico Host, an Airbnb Management service, now not only helps their current landlords to avoid void periods and maximise yields but also is a way to capture a new style of landlord."

"Though stiff competition this year Portico proved how they're at the top of their industry. Their excellent delivery of service saw them claim the silver award."

"This was the first time Portico had entered the UK Property awards and it is great for them to come away successful. The submission had a central focus on the creativity each contender used. The request was that the entry be submitted in an A3 box, this allowed Portico to show us their brilliant use of marketing materials and creative artwork for materials used across the board and their services. The bespoke designs help Portico to stand out and got them their winning title."

“A culture of rewarding success across the whole company, Portico shows complete commitment to the training of their staff which is clearly marked by the variety of courses made available to their employees. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to achieve a professional qualification. Portico's comprehensive staff review formula has resulted in continuous improvement to the services they provide to their clients. Their employees are well rewarded for their hard work and commitment to the company through monthly, quarterly and yearly team events, only recently returning from a trip to Nice. A company you would want to work for!”

“There is staff training then there is Portico staff training. The directors take the matter so seriously that they employ actors to come in and engage in role play, adding an extra frisson of reality to training scenarios. It was the first time that any of the judges had heard of this approach to keeping its employees at the top of their game. The judges were also taken aback when it was revealed the Portico staff actually enjoy being mystery shopped. Staff/client telephone calls are recorded every quarter and played back to the team with a professional coach on hand to talk through how the conversation could have been improved. Every single Portico employee works towards a professional qualification and the teams are kept motivated by a bonus scheme that is more rewarding and rounded than a pure commission structure. The impressive six-month reviews see a number of development objectives set and each member of staff is graded per area. If they reach the pass mark - typically 80-90% - there is a financial bonus. Staff loyalty is earned by offering profit share after three years of service, monthly team events, and even an annual trip overseas for the whole company. A deserved gold award for a company going above and beyond in a category of high standard submissions.”

“When an Portico property inspection document lands on your doormat, you know that no stone has been left unturned. The report, in the shape of a full colour illustrated brochure, makes recommendations and details any improvements that need to be actioned. It is this attention to detail that marks out Portico as winners in this category. Of particular note to the judges was the agent’s in-house property management system which prioritises and allocates issues to the property management team based on their current workload, with a minimum 14-day resolution target for low priority issues and 48 hours for high priority issues. Another area where Portico excels is in adding value to properties. Refurbishment programmes are skilfully presented to landlords and on implementation they result in higher yields and rentability. As well as a superior level of property management, landlords also benefit from a educational seminar programme, which attracts high profile speakers and typically 200 landlords. And if there ever was a blueprint for a tenant screening process, it is the one followed by Portico. A dedicated paralegal team go into minute detail and prepare a 'forensic file' that advises the negotiator whether to proceed with proposing a tenant to a landlord. We are rationing our use of 'going the extra mile' this year but Portico really deserve that tag.”

“Portico is the well-deserved winner of this award category because of its ability to inject passion, enthusiasm and attention to detail to every aspect of its property management service. Operating in a very competitive section of the London market, the team offers a phenomenal property management service and has total confidence in everything it's doing, from running seminars at the Institute of Directors for landlord clients to marketing outside of property management, proving that this is a firm that pushes the boundaries with everything it does. From its graduate training programme to its handyman maintenance service, this is a firm that truly understands the needs of its client base and how to service these. Its tight control of maintenance service levels through its bespoke IT system gives this business the cutting edge in property management, and demonstrates the strengths of a specialist service business, which is why it's the clear front-runner for this year's UK property manager of the year crown.”

“This is an agency which continues to wow year on year. The past 12 months has seen the team increase revenue by 37%, launch a seminar series and write a book for landlords. Training is the norm with this company; they have courses for everyone from journalism to overcoming objections and these are well received by employees . Staff are given a bonus of £500 when they pass their ARLA exams and a recently introduced graduate scheme is over subscribed. Excellent back office systems take care of the rent collections including text alerts for landlords when rent is paid and the staff, landlords and tenants can monitor maintenance issues online plus maintenance is managed in-house ensuring greater control and speedier response times. Landlords like the fact that commission fees are taken monthly rather than upfront, a policy which also has the added benefit of aiding cash flow. Portico is a thriving agency with a positive culture.”

“Since opening their doors as a lettings agent nearly 200 years ago, the expertise of Portico cannot be disputed. Bronze winners last year, their entry and interview so impressed the panel this year that we are thrilled to give them a well deserved gold award. Their business ethos is fully integrated between the staff, landlords and tenants ensuring excellent communication and strong relationships. They believe strongly in continuous improvement and all staff are taking qualifications including the admin team who are training to become licensed paralegals. They keep as many of their services as possible in-house, including maintenance and photography to give them optimum control over quality standards. An ability to marry traditional standards with heavy investment in new technology has enabled them to increase revenue by over 25% and recently open a new office. Portico sets a fantastic example of how to run an efficient and aspirational lettings business. Truly impressive.”