Property industry raises £68,480 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

Property industry raises £68,480 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

More than 300 property professionals gathered in London to raise £68,480 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance at the seventh annual Beresfords property dinner and auction.

The South East property group Beresfords hosted its annual regional property dinner and auction in London, bringing together over 300 guests from the property sector and wider business community. The event raised £68,480 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAA), a charity providing advanced Helicopter Emergency Medical Services across Essex, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas.

Beresfords has supported EHAA for a number of years, with total funds raised reaching £220,480. The charity relies entirely on fundraising to operate its lifesaving medical service. The event combined networking, celebration, and fundraising, with contributions from guests, sponsors, and industry partners.

Details of the fundraising event and its impact

The annual property dinner and auction, now in its seventh year and held in London for the second consecutive year, has grown steadily while maintaining a strong community spirit. Paul Beresford, CEO of Beresfords, expressed pride in the event’s evolution and its role in supporting EHAA’s vital work.

Mark Jarman-Howe, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, highlighted the generosity of attendees and the importance of the funds raised. The money will support EHAA’s crews in delivering essential and lifesaving care directly to seriously ill and injured patients in the region.

Headline sponsorship was provided by Rightmove, with additional support from Mode Photo, Agent Canvassing, Libre Solutions, Sona Insurance, FCC Paragon, Reapit, Handelsbanken, Tidywork, and Dedman Gray. This broad industry backing reflects the property sector’s commitment to community causes.

Charitable engagement within the property sector

While this event does not directly affect tenancy law or landlord regulations, it demonstrates the property sector’s capacity for collective action and social responsibility. Landlords and letting agents often engage with local charities and community initiatives, which can enhance their public profile and tenant relations.

Supporting charities like EHAA also helps raise awareness of emergency medical services that benefit communities where landlords operate. This engagement can foster goodwill and contribute to a positive reputation for property professionals beyond their commercial activities.

Practical considerations for landlords and agents

Landlords and letting agents might consider how involvement in charitable events can complement their business practices. Participating in or sponsoring local initiatives can strengthen community ties and improve tenant satisfaction indirectly.

While fundraising is not a regulatory obligation, maintaining awareness of local charities and community needs can be part of a broader strategy for responsible property management. It may also provide networking opportunities and partnerships that benefit business development.

Looking ahead for the rental sector’s community role

As regulatory changes continue to shape the private rented sector, community engagement remains an area where landlords and agents can exercise positive influence. Charitable activities, like the Beresfords event, highlight the sector’s potential to contribute beyond compliance and financial performance.

Keeping abreast of such initiatives and considering participation can be part of a well-rounded approach to property management, balancing legal responsibilities with community involvement.

Supporting landlords with compliance and organisation

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership resources that can assist landlords and letting agents in organising their property portfolios and maintaining compliance. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is currently available in BETA testing and is designed to help members manage rental documents, record key actions, and access compliance resources.

While ORBIT is still in development, it aims to support landlords in keeping property management information together, which can free up time to engage in community or charitable activities. Members can explore TLA membership and access compliance support to stay informed about regulatory developments and maintain well-organised records.

Engaging with TLA resources may also help landlords prepare for any future regulatory changes that affect the private rented sector, ensuring they remain compliant while contributing positively to their communities.

Charitable involvement, while not a legal requirement, can enhance a landlord’s or agent’s connection to their locality and tenants, complementing the professional standards promoted by TLA.

Sources: Letting Agent Today