Finalists for Most Promising New Business – A Moment to Reflect
We are absolutely delighted to share that Luxford & Ward has been named a finalist in the Inspiring Hearts Awards 2026 in the category of Most Promising New Business.
When we received the news, both Robyn and I were genuinely thrilled. More than that, though, it gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect on just how far we’ve come in what is still a relatively short time. In a few months, we’ll have been trading for two years and it’s hard to believe everything that’s happened during that time.
It’s Not for the Faint-Hearted
Anyone who has ever had their own business, or supported a friend, relative or partner through running one, will know that it’s not for the faint-hearted. The responsibility can feel heavy at times but the rewards can be incredibly positive too. There are days when you question yourself and days when you are reminded exactly why you started.
Looking back, those early months were filled with research, planning and a seemingly endless list of things to put in place. We wanted to ensure that Luxford & Ward was built on solid foundations and fully compliant with industry guidelines and UK law. None of it was particularly glamorous but it all mattered and it allowed us to focus on what we love most, helping people move home.
From the beginning, one thing was very clear; we did not want to create just another estate agency.
We wanted to build an agency that reflected our values. One that genuinely cares about people. One that communicates consistently and well. One where clients never feel like they’re being passed from person to person or left wondering what happens next.
The Things We Never Expected
What neither of us could have predicted was everything else that would come with building a business.
We’ve found ourselves in a field at the Herts County Show in 2025, talking to hundreds of people about homes and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. We’ve scrubbed, polished and styled properties in all sorts of situations to make them look their best for photographs. We’ve planted planters for front doors, gilded lamps, made key rings and even crafted missing items ourselves, all because we care about presenting homes beautifully.
There have been plenty of funny moments too, including getting ourselves on the wrong train to London and then running around King’s Cross Station trying to get back in time for a meeting. Thankfully, we can laugh about it now.
We’ve loved welcoming work experience students and introducing them to an industry that is so much more varied than people often imagine. We’ve enjoyed meeting so many members of our local community, hearing their stories and talking to them about their homes and plans for the future. One of our favourite parts of the job has been working with our photographer, styling homes, creating a strategy for each property and helping every home tell its story in the best possible way.
More Than Just Selling Houses
Estate agency is a very personal business; people rarely move home without a reason. Quite often, we meet people at a point of transition in their lives. They may be leaving the family home where they’ve raised their children and moving to a property that better suits the next chapter of their lives. They may have outgrown their current home and need more space for a growing family. More sadly, we may be helping families with the sale of a loved one’s home following a bereavement or supporting clients who need to move because of a separation or divorce.
These moments can be emotional, overwhelming and sometimes incredibly difficult. Moving forward isn’t always straightforward, and that’s why we see our role as being about much more than simply selling houses. We hope to guide people in the best way possible, helping them to take the next step and ensuring they feel supported throughout the process, knowing that we are there when they need us.
As a women-led business, we were also mindful that many people, particularly women living alone, feel more comfortable welcoming another woman into their home. Estate agency is a very personal business. You’re being invited into someone’s private space, often during a significant life event and trust matters enormously.
We’ve also always been incredibly design-led. We love homes and we love helping people present them in the very best possible light. If you’re going to share your home with the world on Rightmove or Zoopla, why wouldn’t you want it to look as beautiful as it can? Every property has something special about it and we enjoy helping our clients showcase that.
The Reality of Running a Business
Of course, life doesn’t stop because you own a business. Over the past two years, we’ve also experienced difficult periods when members of our families have been in hospital and we’ve had to balance being there for our loved ones while continuing to run the business.
Things don’t always go to plan but somehow, we’ve made it work. We’ve supported each other, learned a huge amount and continued to grow. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
Looking Ahead
Being shortlisted for Most Promising New Business feels particularly meaningful because it recognises not only what we’ve achieved so far but also what we are still building. In many ways, we are only at the beginning of our journey. We have big ambitions for the next two years and beyond. This nomination has given us the opportunity to appreciate how far we’ve come, while feeling excited about where we are going.
For now though, we are simply grateful. Grateful to our clients who have trusted us with their homes, grateful to our families and friends for supporting the long hours and inevitable stresses that come with running a business and grateful for recognition that reminds us we are on the right path.
Whatever happens at the awards, being named finalists already feels like something worth celebrating.
And if we can help you, a friend or a relative with any property questions, we’d be delighted to hear from you.