An Isle of Wight business and its CEO have received national recognition after winning two honours at the UK Agents Giving Awards, celebrating outstanding charitable and community work across the property industry.
Red Squirrel Property Shop was named Fundraising Campaign of the Year, while CEO Charlie Panayi received the Individual Fundraising Award, recognising his personal commitment to fundraising and community initiatives.
Despite the recognition, Charlie says awards have never been the motivation, saying:
“These awards mean a huge amount because they’re recognition from people within our industry, but they’ve never been the reason we do what we do.
“When you’re running a business, it’s easy to focus purely on profit, but I’ve always believed businesses have a responsibility to leave their communities better than they found them and this is what we have done since day one of Red Squirrel.”
Over the years, Red Squirrel Property Shop has supported a wide range of local charities, schools, sports clubs and community initiatives, while Charlie has completed numerous fundraising challenges and awareness campaigns alongside being the trustee of Mountbatten Hospice.
Through Zoe’s Law, Charlie continues to campaign for greater skin cancer awareness and improved public education around sun safety, alongside supporting a variety of charitable causes across the Isle of Wight.
Charlie says much of the work that makes the biggest difference often goes unseen, as well as this, Charlie was equally keen to highlight the award won by Red Squirrel Property Shop.
He said:
“Most of the work happens when nobody is watching. It’s the early mornings, late nights, fundraising events, meetings and very difficult conversations.
“There isn’t usually an award waiting at the end of it. It can be a difficult and sometimes lonely road, so when people stop and say, ‘We see what you’re doing,’ it genuinely means a great deal and I’m very thankful.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone at Red Squirrel Property Shop.
“Giving back isn’t something we do for publicity, it’s simply part of who we are.
“This award belongs to every member of our team who has embraced that mindset and helped us support so many worthwhile causes over the years.”
The UK Agents Giving Awards recognise estate and letting agents, suppliers and individuals who use their businesses as a force for good by making a positive impact within their communities through fundraising, volunteering and charitable initiatives.
Charlie added:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Agents Giving for the recognition, but today it’s simply back to work. There are still plenty of people and causes that need support, and that’s what really matters.”
