Chard Robinson Group companies Encore Estate Management, Accent Property and Chard Robinson Property Investment held their annual garden party at Peterhouse, Cambridge, on 31st July 2009.

Peterhouse was founded in 1284, making it the oldest college in Cambridge. With approximately 250 undergraduates, 90 graduates and 45 fellows, it is also the University's smallest.The Fellows' Lawn and Combination Room played host to the afternoon’s diversions, which this year adopted the theme of 'Monopoly'. With giant Monopoly money and playing pieces adorning the garden, the 200 guests in attendance were invited to pass 'Go' on arrival, call in at 'Fleet Street' to pick up the day's program, and then stop off at the 'Waterworks' for a glass of champagne.

The Cavendish String Quartet were this year joined by local theatre group the Cambridge Festival Players, who performed a selection of several arranged songs to ensure the party went with a swing. Walkabout Magic provided further entertainment with some dazzling sleight of hand, whilst guests were also treated to a selection of crostini and fresh strawberries and cream. Elsewhere, croquet, giant jenga and chess also kept children and many of the adults busy. The afternoon's charity prize draw also raised over £200 for Accent Property's nominated charity for 2009, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

It has been a busy year for each of the companies; specialising in quality lettings only in and around the Cambridge area, 2009 has seen Accent Property's property portfolio significantly increase, with service standards remaining at the top the agency's agenda. The same is true of Encore Estate Management, which finished runner-up at the 2008 Negotiator Awards in a category recognising excellence nationally within the industry. Directors Neil Robinson and Stephen Chard commented: "Effective and proactive property management cannot be influenced by the economy. Grass grows, dust settles, buildings age, yet standards need to be maintained. The scrutiny for savings intensifies of course but not at the expense of quality.

"Both Accent Property and Encore Estate Management have experienced significant growth in the last 12 months, with both outperforming expectations. We have been recruiting when others are shedding and investing heavily on staff and training. We believe that in the medium term property management companies will need to deliver more and cost less. It's as simple as that.

"There are also exciting times ahead for Chard Robinson Property Investment, with renewed confidence already returning to the marketplace and developers set to release some exciting investment opportunities shortly.

"Hosting an event like this also gives our clients the chance to see how we work, and allows us the opportunity to thank them for their continued support."