Are you the best investment manager?

For the first time in 2012, Estates Gazette is inviting entries from investment managers for their own category at the EG Awards. In previous years, entries have been included in the relevant property company category, but the new Investment Manager of the Year category will pitch like against like for the first time. There has been no shortage of exciting moves by investment managers in the past 12 months. Debt funds have emerged on a significant scale. The likes of Blackstone have been active across the market, selling student property and developing a fifth Centre Parcs. And then there was the not insignificant matter of CBRE’s acquisition of ING Real Estate. All that will no doubt impress our judges, though there will be other examples too. Judges will want to see evidence of outstanding investment performance, well-timed acquisitions and disposals and innovation through the launch of new funds. As in previous years, investment managers will still be eligible to enter the Property Company of the Year categories. However, judges in those categories will want to see strong evidence of activity that goes beyond investment management. The 2012 categories National Property Adviser of the Year Property Adviser of the Year – Industrial & Distribution Property Adviser of the Year – Leisure Property Adviser of the Year – Offices Property Adviser of the Year – Residential NEW Property Adviser of the Year – Retail National Property Company of the Year Property Company of the Year – Industrial & Distribution Property Company of the Year – Leisure Property Company of the Year – Offices Property Company of the Year – Residential NEW Property Company of the Year – Retail Young Property Professional of the Year Occupier of the Year Business Launch of the Year Investment Manager of the Year NEW EG Front Cover Award EG Outstanding Contribution to Property Award BLP is sponsoring the first investment manager of the year award in order to recognise and reward the intelligent, innovative and imaginative investors that are the lifeblood of the large schemes that the industry – and wider national economy – relies on for jobs and growth. For the Investment Manager of the Year Award, BLP is looking forward to seeing companies recognised that offer the very best customer service, added value and can show genuine innovation that has significantly helped their clients’ business. Over the years BLP has found that the best investors are much more than moneylenders; instead, they develop a genuine partnership with their clients because they have a deep understanding of the problems that developers and contractors face. BLP, which has been providing building defects insurance since 1999, with policies underwritten by the UK branch of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty AG, is known for high standards of customer service and tailor-made solutions. Entrants in this category will, no doubt, demonstrate similar levels of customer service and bespoke, agile solutions that can adapt quickly to changing situations. For more on this year’s awards – and to see who won last year – go to www.estatesgazette.com/awards Entries close on 6 July 2012.