A SALTCOATS estate agent has gone back-to-back to again be crowned the best in Ayrshire.

MacKenzie Way on Hamilton Street was first named the Best Estate Agent in the county at the Ayrshire Business Awards in 2022.

This year the team of owner Jane Parks, Kieren Avery and Christine Daly proved it was no fluke as they once again came up trumps.

Despite being the holder, the team said they were not expecting the victory as they had to face stiff competition.

They were the only nominee from North Ayrshire - and were competing against a different set of businesses compared to this time last year.

“It was brilliant, we weren’t expecting to win," Christine told the Herald. “We just went for a good night," Keiren added.

Though a good night was certainly had by the two team members - who attended the awards without boss Jane, who was away on the date of the ceremony at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock.

And though Kieren left his colleague Christine at the bar when MacKenzie Way was announced as winner - the pair were delighted to collect the award despite her absence.

Kieren commented: “It meant that little bit more because Jane wasn’t here, she is an excellent leader and being able to phone her and tell her that we had won was humbling.”

Christine added: “We needed to win because she wasn’t here – to show we don’t need the boss!”

And though the pair are now double award winners, having been with the business since last year's success, they still weren't quite able to pin down what sets them apart.

MacKenzie Way is that little bit different, with its local radio adverts explaining that "the MacKenzie Way is the only way," as the company thrives on being unique in its approach to both selling and letting properties.

No matter the size of property it sells, clients are only charged £350 plus VAT for its services - something which sets it apart from competitors.

Kieren commented: “We must be doing something right but we don’t really know what because to us we are just doing our job.

“We know we are not everyone’s cup of tea because they expect to pay thousands.

“If they think it is too good to be true – come and try it and see for yourself.

“We are not in it to win awards. We have not changed anything to try and boost award votes.

“We are continually improving, I suppose that has shown now we have retained the award.”

Now, the "small but mighty team", as Christine described them, are getting ready to attend the Prestige Awards, where they are looking to add the Best Letting Agency in Scotland title to their growing list of accomplishments.