Kent-based estate agent, Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential, has helped to raise the profile of the sector as a double finalist in the prestigious national Best Business Women Awards 2021.

Shortlisted in both the Best Business and Best Consumer Business categories for her business acumen, determination, creativity and tenacity from competition from around the country, Richards hopes to take home gold at the gala final in London on 15 October.

Now in its 7th year, the award organisers say the competitors have had to be more tenacious and inventive than normal to bring their businesses successfully through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Richards’ success in the Best Business and Best Consumer Business categories is recognition for her leadership in supporting both clients and staff during the uncertainty created by lockdown and her role in supporting her local community.

Richards commented: “It’s fantastic to have been selected for not one, but two Best Business Woman Awards! At Maddisons Residential, we pulled out all the stops to keep our house buyers and sellers in the loop when the industry was closed overnight by the pandemic restrictions, and then to find new ways to showcase houses for our sellers within the ongoing restrictions.

“We also put ourselves at the centre of our local community, publishing What’s On guides when traditional media were on hold and organising treasure hunts to help parents who were desperately trying to find ways to distract the kids during lock down and home schooling. It’s great to be recognised for the work that the Maddisons team have put in over the last year.”