In the space of the last five weeks Fine & Country International have received five of the ultimate industry accolades including being crowned as the winners of Best International Estate Agency Marketing at the CNBC sponsored International Property Awards in San Diego which is supported by, amongst others Overseas, some of the worlds foremost media companies including the New York Times and many of the professions leading authorities including the NAR, NAEA and RICS.

Just prior to this Fine & Country achieved the Daily Mail FIVE STAR best UK estate agency marketing award as well as best regional estate agency at London's Grosvenor Hotel and last Friday, the award for best overseas Estate Agent as well as a best marketing award at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times, held at the Chelsea Football Club's presentation suite at Stamford Bridge.

In winning these awards, Fine & Country's International marketing has been subjected to rigorous scrutiny by a panel of independent industry experts and is now firmly established as a leading name specialising in the sale of high quality homes in the upper quartile of the market place. The company has grown its market share year on year and has been quick to embrace new technology such as video animation on the web as well as further enhancing its identity as the stand out agent with the reputation for intelligent and creative marketing.

Fine & Country are delighted to receive these outstanding awards. Linda Erasmus, CEO of Fine and Country South Africa, says that the South African operations have benefit hugely from the expertise of the International division. The news that Fine and Country International is the winner was received when Richard Combellack, head of the International division, was on his visit to South Africa and Mauritius. Erasmus says that although Fine and Country is relatively new in South Africa (a mere 4 years with 50 outlets), the company had great success where the local operators adopted and implemented the marketing methods of the international division.

The judges' reports highlighted some of the particular qualities of Fine & Country stating, "Fine & Country's lifestyle marketing is exceptional differentiating the brand from its competitors". "The ability to provide real global exposure is quite simply fantastic". "Fine & Country has successfully beaten off competition from some of the worlds leading estate agency brands through its sheer application to upholding the very highest standards in estate agency expertise and marketing coverage".

Mike Bidwell, Chief Operating Officer of Fine & Country UK added "This last month has been one of the most exciting yet for the Fine & Country network. We have been recognised for outstanding achievement in terms of national and international marketing as well as actual estate agency expertise by a whole range of high level media companies as well as a number of the world’s most important industry bodies. Whereas many estate agents like to tell their clients and customers how good they are 'in their own opinion', Fine & Country will continue to show our strengths as endorsed by a whole range of professional organisations and associations. Fine & Country pioneered lifestyle marketing with global exposure for prestigious properties and these accolades prove that we were not only the first but that we remain the best!"

Erasmus says there is a huge opportunity for Estate Agencies and Estate Agents who want to join the international network, especially in view of the upcoming Soccer Word Cup in 2010. The over 300 offices in the UK has become well aware of South Africa in the last four years and are very excited to assist us in marketing South Africa to their clients.

For more information contact our studio at studio@fineandcountry.co.za or phone Richard Manser on 011 234 6545