The Mortgage Strategy Awards 2006 celebrate the crème de la crème of the mortgage market.

It’s always a pleasure to reward the best in the industry, particularly when that is decided upon by the industry itself.

Now in their fifth year, our awards, widely regarded as the equivalent to Hollywood’s Oscars, were the first in the industry to recognise the contributions made by both lenders and intermediaries. As with previous years, the Mortgage Strategy Awards, in association with Advantage, were especially designed to reward not just the best rates in the market but also the best service, most effective sales and marketing coupled with a whole host of other determining factors to take into account too. But perhaps more importantly, are awards for 2006 continue to be the premier event of the mortgage industry.

Nearly 4,500 individuals took part in our online survey at www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk to decide which companies really were the cream of the crop. And to ensure that brokers nominated for awards could only be put forward by lenders we also conducted intensive market research with sales representatives at more than 65 intermediary lenders.

Market conditions in the mortgage industry have certainly become more challenging in recent months, but the finest lenders and intermediaries are still on top form and are highlighted in this special awards supplement for 2006. More than 740 guests attended the evening in May at London’s plush Royal Lancaster Hotel overlooking Hyde Park and it was a tremendous success. This year former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan (pictured right) took centre stage to host the glittering ceremony.

Morgan’s never been one to shy away from action and the mortgage market didn’t escape his wiley wit and banter either.

Our special award this year went to a very special lady. Deirdre McManus, head of sales at Bristol & West, was commended for her extensive charitable work for Cancer Research through the organisation of the Broomstick Ball.

To find out just who made the grade to scoop first place as well as which companies made the short list, click here.