Software company COHO has presented wards to agencies, suppliers and individuals involved in the HMO business.

The firm says the awards honour “innovators and leaders within the House in Multiple Occupation sector” and the key winners were:

Best Agency: Babouris – “Alex Babouris, for providing an exceptional service for landlords and tenants, whilst being laser focussed on compliance, training and development and business growth”;

Best HMO Investor: Luxome – “Punk Takiar, for prudent risk management whilst delivering above-market returns”;

Best Community Experience: B-Hive Living – “Williams Johnson Mota, for creating thriving communities and providing a solid customer experience within their HMO portfolio”;

Best Commercial to HMO Conversion: Fraser Besant, “for undertaking a relatively recent project utilising his skill and knowledge with commercial buildings coupled with HMO regulations, and raising standards and compliance within the HMO and Coliving sector”;

Creating a Sustainable Future: FAT Properties – “Tom Charrier & Philippa Charrier, for creating and managing an HMO that positively contributes to the local community and economy whilst protecting and enhancing the environment”;

Lifetime Achievement Award: HMO Reform Group – “Daryn Brewer, Wendy Whittaker-Large and Matt Baker, for tirelessly campaigning to change the law on council tax being imposed on individual rooms in HMOs, and for winning the fight. The Government is now set to axe multiple council tax bills on HMO properties.”

Gary Barker, chief operating officer at the TM Group and one of this year’s judges, says: “The calibre of entries this year was mind-blowing and choosing the winners was by no means an easy task. There are so many incredible people investing their all in this industry, drowning out the noise of the few bad apples damaging the industry reputation. At this rate we will soon see a monumental shift in how people view the HMO community.”