NWLA Chair Elaine Edwards awarded MBE in the King’s New Year Honours

The North West Landlords Association is delighted to share that our Chair, Elaine Edwards, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s New Year Honours, recognising her outstanding service to breastfeeding mothers through the charity she founded, Families and Babies (F.A.B.). Media coverage across the region has highlighted Elaine’s award and local roots in Darwen and Bolton, underlining the impact of her work in our communities, as well as in Wakefield and Devon.

Elaine’s path to this honour will be familiar to many NWLA members who know her well. After more than three decades in business, including running a Sub-Post Office and working as a mortgage adviser, Elaine entered the property sector in 2004, building a portfolio while also establishing F.A.B., which has supported families for over 21 years. As NWLA Chair, Elaine brings the same practical energy and community focus to our association, by championing clear information, stronger training, and a constructive relationship between landlords and tenants.

Elaine’s MBE shines a light on the kind of values we promote within NWLA, professionalism, responsibility, and service. Whether you’re managing a single property or a growing portfolio, those values underpin good practice. As Chair, Elaine has consistently encouraged our members to stay ahead of changing legislation, invest in their knowledge, and treat tenants with the fairness and respect that builds trust over time.

Elaine’s leadership style is hands-on and solutions-driven. At F.A.B., that has meant building a support model that genuinely meets families where they are. In our sector, it means pushing for clear guidance, accessible training, and the right kind of support so landlords can navigate an ever-evolving landscape with confidence. The same approach, being practical, patient, people-centred, has made a measurable difference in both the communities she serves.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Elaine over the last few years on the board of NWLA, and not forgetting Noel, their dedication to the association has not gone unnoticed and they continue to drive us forward, supporting our landlords with the difficult challenges we face.

We, and I am sure all our members, are delighted by the news of the honours being bestowed upon Elaine for the work she has done for many years, this is completely deserved for her commitment to helping the community, this is also the case for our sector, she has so much passion and works tirelessly to improve lives and campaigns to improve the private rental sector, we are proud to call her a friend, and are delighted that she has been recognised in such a fantastic way.

I am sure that all the members of NWLA will share this warm sentiment."

On behalf of the NWLA Board and membership, we offer Elaine our warmest congratulations on a well-deserved national honour. It’s a proud moment for Elaine, for F.A.B, and for our association.

We’ll continue, under Elaine’s chairship, to grow the support and training available to members, helping landlords keep pace with regulation, uphold high standards, and contribute positively to local life. Members with suggestions for training topics, events or resources are encouraged to get in touch; Elaine and the NWLA team are always keen to hear from you.

Contact the NWLA if you’d like to send Elaine a message of congratulations, or to share ideas for member training and benefits.