a new Connoisseur's Club to reward its top performing agents.

Twelve agents were selected for the club and invited to a launch dinner held at the The Shard’s Hutong on Tuesday evening.

Benefits of being in the club include access to marketing collateral – such as white-labelled videos and other branded content – as well as training opportunities and educational trips. Members will be reviewed each year.

Speaking at the event Simon Lynch, director of business development, told members: “We hope 2017 will be a great year for us to walk hand in hand. We regard you as our advisory board in a way - we want you to moan to us, critique us, tell us what you’re not happy with, what’s going well and what you want more of.”

A&K has been increasing its focus on the trade and is seeking to triple its trade sales over the next three years via both existing accounts and new business, said Rachel Healey, UK sales manager.

The company will be hosting a VIP Partners Trip later in the year and recently introduced dedicated trade sales specialists within each of its destination teams.

Kerry Golds, managing director for the company, added: “Trade sales have increased by about 25% in the past year and we aim to keep building on that.

“By launching the club we hope to encourage loyalty, growth and revenue. It’s about a partnership and working together w