Our Hall of Fame series reconnects with past WhatHouse? winners to revisit the moment that put them in the spotlight.
We ask them to reflect on what winning meant at the time, how it shaped their business, their plans for 2026 entries, and what advice they have for those hoping to follow in their footsteps…
Meet Claire Brenlund, Sales and Marketing Director at L&Q, who won two Silvers in 2025 – one for Best Starter Home Scheme (in collaboration with The Hill Group) for Kew Bridge Rise in Brentford, West London, and one for Best Partnership, working with Lovell on Whalley Manor, Lancashire.
On the day, how did it feel to win?
I was on holiday [but it was] really good to have representation there from different levels and people that have worked really hard, completely focused on the schemes as well. It’s good recognition for them.
6 months on, what is the lasting impact of winning?
You can wear that ‘award-winning badge’ with pride. With Whalley Manor, some of the market conditions…have changed and it’s had its series of ups and downs, so to be an award winner I think is just really important, that external recognition that you’ve done a great job and this is a fantastic scheme.
Who would you like to see host the WhatHouse? Awards 2026?
As an industry, it’s been really, really tough for us, so I think it’s going to have to be somebody light-hearted and we can forget about things and have a bit of a laugh and joke. I absolutely love Lee Mack, I think he’s brilliant. I’ve been a huge fan of his for many, many years. He’s just so silly and you can laugh along with him. I think he’s a fantastic entertainer.
I think that the awards are a really good opportunity for us to network with each other, celebrate our successes and have fun. And so I think someone that can make you giggle along the way is always a good thing, particularly when you’ve had a glass of champagne!
