A couple from South West London who are about to start-up a franchised branch of Belvoir on their local high street have received an unexpected boost to their fledgling business.

Chantelle Harris, who has a background in sales but not property, along with her ex-London cabbie partner Darren O’Reilly, won a £15,000 branded Belvoir Mini at the franchise giant’s recent awards bash at a stately home in Oxfordshire (see above).

The celebrity compere for the night, comedian Giles Brandreth, tweeted the moment when an incredulous Chantelle came on to the stage to pick up the prize (see below).

First venture

The couple’s first venture in property, a franchised branch in Bromley, is due to open next weekend in time for Easter and follows almost a year of training for the couple.

“Previous experience in property management is not necessary, as Belvoir provides first class training for new franchise owners, and our franchise support team works extremely hard to ensure that they succeed,” says Dorian Gonsalves, Belvoir’s Managing Director.

“Belvoir franchise owners now have the option to launch a sales service, as well as lettings, and this is proving to be very popular with vendors, including existing landlords who wish to expand their portfolio or sell an existing rental property.”

Chantelle and Darren won the car when all the franchise owners who attended the awards event put their business cards into a free prize draw.

“We are very excited about opening our new business and over the moon to have won a brand new car,” said Darren. “Chantell and I have actually had quite a tough time lately, as my mum died recently and my dad has been ill.

“My mum was from Dublin, and I like to think that as the Belvoir Awards were held on St. Patrick’s Day she was looking down on us and decided to send a bit of Irish good fortune our way.

“When the name Belvoir Bromley was called out we were completely shocked! It’s such an amazing prize to win and of course we are convinced that it’s a good omen for our new business.”