CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 WINNERS 

As chief executive of Grainger since 2016, Helen Gordon has firmly established herself as one of the UK property industry’s most respected leaders. Under her leadership, Grainger has become the country’s largest listed residential landlord, driving consistent growth through a clear focus on build-to-rent. The company now manages more than 11,000 homes worth around £3.5bn, with occupancy above 96% and strong rental growth reflecting its commitment to quality.

Last month, Gordon led Grainger’s successful conversion to Real Estate Investment Trust status — a move welcomed by shareholders for its tax efficiencies and support for the firm’s 4,500-home pipeline.

Beyond Grainger, Gordon plays an active role across the sector, serving on the boards of Derwent London, BusinessLDN, the European Public Real Estate Association, and the British Property Federation. A chartered surveyor, she previously held senior roles at RBS, Legal & General, Railtrack, and John Laing Developments.

The judges added: “Helen has taken leadership roles historically only occupied by men and earned universal respect across the industry. An icon of how to lead by example, deliver outstanding results and be at the forefront of a market. She is a market leader and a visionary and a true role model for women across our industry.”

Lara Borrett-Lynch leads Foot Anstey's Affordable Housing team with over 20 years’ expertise in residential development.

She supports women into senior roles, mentors team members through CILEX qualifications, and provides guidance to those balancing part-time work and family life.

Promoted to Partner in Spring 2024, she now oversees developer, asset management, planning & environment, and commercial property teams, demonstrating strong leadership and impactful outcomes.

Judges noted: “Lara is a high performing leader, that's well respected delivering excellent client service, and clearly seems passionate about developing others. She's strong on her cultural leadership and nurturing talent.”

Penny Halliday leads the Meridian Water Team at Enfield Council, focusing on urban regeneration. She prioritises community engagement, inclusivity, and transparency.

In 2024, she created hundreds of jobs, improved the environmental and financial performance of 1.3m sq ft of commercial assets, unlocked two non-residential developments, and concluded negotiations for new healthcare facilities. She also launched Pitch Off, empowering local start-up founders to grow their businesses.

The judges stated: “An excellent submission, heartfelt and displaying humility and pride in managing a team in relation to a project that will make a tangible impact and difference to a deprived neighbourhood.”

Esha Bhasin progressed from graduate consultant to associate director at JLL in four years, recognised for her “bold strategic vision to reshape the future of real estate for a more sustainable world.”

She is part of the COP26 High-Level Climate Champions Team and co-authored the World Economic Forum Green Building Principles.

Bhasin has created programmes supporting responsible leasing and airspace development and won the UCEM Academic Prize for her MSc Real Estate performance.

The judging panel commented: “Her academic track record is incredibly impressive with numerous prizes and awards and she is leading from the front on how our industry plays a role in climate change. Her persistence and dedication to her work shine through and she has a bright future ahead of her. She is clearly someone who will achieve great things.”

In 2024, Denise Cruz expanded the Yugo Movement (TYM), empowering over 170 students globally in sustainability, leadership, and growth.

In the UK, 75+ students joined, forming a national network of changemakers. She also led Live Your Best Life (LYBL), supporting students to build friendships and engage in communities through the YuPro, YuGrow, and YugoEco pillars.

Cruz grew the student-led YugoEco movement, increased YuPro career development events, and spearheaded a campaign tackling student loneliness.

The panel praised her as a “visionary capable of developing global and scalable solutions” and added: “Denise stands out for her strategic clarity, inclusive approach, and use of both digital and in-person formats to reach and support a diverse student community.”

Hanna Afolabi is the founder of Mood and Space (MAS), focused on inclusive placemaking, and Black Women in Real Estate (BWRE), which elevates Black women in property.

After returning from maternity leave, she delivered BWRE's second International Women’s Day Banquet, launched BWRE in New York, established its inaugural Advisory Board, and supported four Black women into employment.

At MAS, she contributed to affordable, sustainable housing, helping deliver thousands of homes in East London.

The judges stated: “Hanna has made a fantastic impact made across the industry, not only to drive inclusive housing, but also to bring greater diversity to the sector. Great demonstration of passion and impact.

Led by HR Director Samantha Redman, the Innovus HR Team has embedded EDI across the business. In the past year, they launched Belong@Innovus, a values-driven programme centred on Powered by Diversity, a learning initiative where 49 managers completed 735 hours of training on race, neurodiversity, gender identity, religion, social mobility, and inclusive hiring.

The team also built a mental health first aider network, introduced flexible working during Ramadan, recognised cultural and religious celebrations, and created a prayer room in the Luton office.

The judges highlighted: “They have created a value driven programme that is having a meaningful impact. Deeply impressive.”

Gallaway Construction launched its innovative Prison Leaver Programme in 2024, creating pathways for ex-offenders into the construction industry through training, recognised qualifications, CSCS certification, mentoring, and employment opportunities.

Working with partners such as Groundwork UK, Key4Life, and prisons including HMP Forest Bank and HMP Styal, the programme has supported over 24 prison leavers, several now employed on Gallaway sites. It has also delivered an estimated £103,000 in social value.

Judges commented: “Bold and innovative. It's an outstanding EDI programme on all levels and a very strong contender.”

Barratt Redrow launched Building without Barriers – Supporting Menopause at Work in 2022 to raise awareness and break workplace taboos around menopause and perimenopause.

The health and wellbeing team partnered with Under One Roof, its gender equality network, to drive the campaign.

Key initiatives included celebrating World Menopause Day, involving the C-suite to normalise conversations, and creating a Menopause Hub on the intranet with support materials and access to practitioners.

The judges noted: “This is a really thoughtful and well-targeted initiative addressing an important but often overlooked issue in the workplace. Having senior leadership champion the programme is a great move and the resources they’ve put in place (like the Menopause Hub and manager training) feel both practical and accessible.”

Beth Warren is dedicated to improving support for working parents and those returning from parental leave. She created the Property Parents Networking event, which has grown steadily over two years as a valued community space for parents to connect and support one another.

At Hartnell Taylor Cook, she also led the creation and implementation of a Back to Work policy, offering flexible working, phased returns, and dedicated resources.

The judges commented: "Beth demonstrates sector-leading innovation with her creation of Property Parents, internal policy leadership, and highly scalable, replicable EDI initiatives that address a major gap for working parents in commercial real estate. Outstanding vision, execution, and peer validation make this a strong entry.”

As National Chair of Women in Property (2024–25), Winyard focused on inclusion, social mobility, and intersectionality. She led the creation of WiP’s first-ever five-year business plan, ensuring the organisation stays current and leads on EDI. She spearheaded the inaugural People-Innovation-Place Summit and played a key role in the WiP National Student Awards.

Her reputation as an EDI leader is widely recognised, with a strong focus on mentorship and initiatives that elevate EDI.

Judges commented: “There is so much to admire here. She doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk, she enforces it, measures it and celebrates it. She is a leading advocate for EDI.”

Alongside her full-time role as a recruiter at Oyster, Annelies Kruidenier is a driving force for equity. She has created major EDI events, including Make Cannes Colourful, which brought 100+ women together at MIPIM, and The Property Catwalk, a charity event raising funds for Dress for Success.

She also supports clients with inclusive hiring, has built all-female finance teams, and mentors junior women entering property recruitment.

Judges praised: “We love that she's not just improved DEI within her firm, but also for her clients and she does a lot to organise deliver impactful and high profile DEI events across the industry.”

Valesco Group advances social mobility through its charitable arm, The Valesco Foundation (TVF), donating a portion of profits annually.

Since 2024, TVF has become the first corporate donor of The 93% Club, supported the Patchwork Foundation’s Masterclass Programme for 100 disadvantaged students, and partnered with Hand on Heart to aid the homeless.

Within the Group, initiatives include volunteer days, match-funding employee fundraising, sponsoring charity events, and providing two extra charity days annually.

Judges said: “Great initiatives that are diverse and supportive to really provide inclusive and accessible ways of making a difference.”

Harper is the co-founder of GreenResi which focuses on strategic and product innovation. This year, she launched tools and technology enabling under-resourced housing providers and investors to buy, upgrade, or sell over 200 homes annually, transforming existing stock through a scalable “retrofit, upgrade, reuse” approach.

The panel praised her work in streamlining processes with data-backed decisions and her leadership roles at the Cambridge University Land Society and Whitehall Group, as well as amplifying underrepresented voices through her top-ranked podcast. Judges said: “Great and innovative deliverables, with clear measures of success.”

Since joining in 2023, Stacie Dixon-Kelly has had a strong impact on The Co-operative Group property team and the wider property community.

Bringing operational insight from frontline roles, she supports the team, drives collaboration, and fosters a culture of kindness. She plays a key role in the Group’s Women in Property network, organising events and championing women, while also raising awareness on LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health.

Judges said: “A quiet force for inclusion - actively shaping Co-op’s Women in Property group, championing LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness, and leading with authenticity.”

Peta Smallman, Compliance Manager at Student Cribs, oversees a national portfolio of 1,220 properties and 5,271 beds across 25 cities, ensuring student safety and wellbeing.

Her portfolio includes HMOs, school conversions, PBSA developments, and Grade II listed buildings, achieving 100% compliance across all certifications. In 2024, she launched a centralised Compliance Register, restructured compliance monitoring, developed a role-specific Training Matrix, and integrated AI into compliance processes.

The panel noted: “Peta has really shifted the dial through innovation and commitment in a complex area and a complex portfolio. She is a kind, client-focused professional with strong personal rapport and an intuitive approach to management.”

Ashling Fox became Managing Director of Student Roost in January 2024, leading one of the UK’s largest PBSA providers and driving a visionary shift in student living.

She developed three digital platforms: a resident engagement app, a sector-first maintenance platform in collaboration with Plentific, and Student Life, tracking wellbeing to enable early intervention.

She also advanced DEI by launching empowerment groups reflecting the diversity of student communities.

Judges commented: “Ashling is a bold visionary leader using technology to bring transformative change in her business as well committing to DEI.”

As a Partner at BDO leading the Real Estate and Construction Outsourcing Team, Bush actively mentors and sponsors individuals from under-represented backgrounds.

Over the past year, she has dedicated 200+ hours to mentoring through groups such as the 30% Club, CEDAR Network, Hive Programme, and Teach First. Beyond one-to-one mentoring, she organises and speaks at EDI events, including International Women’s Day, supporting collective development and leadership growth.

The panel noted heartfelt testimonials and commented: "Despite challenges, including disability, Tannyth dedicates over 200 hours annually to mentoring diverse talents.... Her approach bridges opportunity gaps, empowering individuals to thrive and transform their careers. She mentors with empathy, insight, and a practical focus on helping individuals overcome systemic barriers.”

Petrina Austin, partner and head of asset management at Tritax Management, led a transformational year, delivering millions in additional rental income and supporting multi-million-pound transactions.

She also spearheaded digital transformation, integrating asset management into the Investment Modelling System and delivering a bespoke client engagement platform.

As one of the few women in her field, Austin designed Tritax’s 2024 Social Value Strategy, focusing on education and skills development to build a skilled, diverse future workforce near Tritax assets.

The judging panel  highlighted: “We saw great testimonials that evidence her profound commitment to positive change and championing of others. She shows visionary leadership.”

Elizabeth Alibhai, head of real estate at RPC, leads the legal practice through complex transactions while fostering a workspace “that enables people to thrive.”

In 2024-2025, she grew the team, oversaw technically complex deals, and models success for female employees through flexible working and inclusive leadership.

She also co-hosted a British Retail Consortium workshop on hiring prison leavers and, as inaugural chair of the Bronzefield Prison employment advisory board, has helped double the number of women leaving Bronzefield with secure job offers.

The panel noted: “Elizabeth is raising the bar and showing others just how it can be done. A great candidate with a significant impact on RPC and more widely.”

Barratt Redrow is committed to developing the next generation of diverse, talented professionals.

Its Catalyst plan fast-tracks high-potential women into leadership, providing tools, mentorship, and confidence. The firm also runs the Rising Star programme for female leaders, a School Outreach Programme reaching over one million young people, and supports apprenticeships, scholarships, and the North Star Science School.

The panel praised: “A series of outstanding and thoughtful initiatives which are supported at board level. Its robust, multi-pronged strategy shows deep commitment and is highly commendable.”

Candice Blackwood, senior real estate partner at CMS and former Chair of Women in Property (WiP) until June 2025, co-leads the Life Sciences and Healthcare Sector and runs the CMS Carers Network, supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

She also mentors colleagues through the Investment Property Forum and the WiP Mentoring programme. Under her leadership, WiP increased events, grew attendance and CPD hours, and transitioned from an association to a limited company while enhancing member services.

Judges praised: “An impressive individual, she has achieved at the highest level and shown qualities of outstanding skill, judgement and professional expertise.”

Jackie Hudson, founding member of the senior leadership team at Now Student Living (NSL), has developed a high-performing, values-driven culture and embedded a comprehensive people strategy.

She navigates key acquisitions, legal complexities, tight timelines, and diverse stakeholders, and implemented a market-leading HR information system consolidating payroll, applicant tracking, L&D, and employee data management. Hudson also runs ourHRpeople, supporting a growing property portfolio, and mentors numerous female leaders across the sector.

The judges highlighted: “Jackie’s impact is sector-wide and her testimonials demonstrate she isn’t just creating better workplaces, she is shaping the future of leadership in PBSA.”

Dr. Naila ‘Hina’ Ansari, a doctor since 1994, has managed a property portfolio for over two decades. Linking health and housing, she secured financing in 2015 for a 28-unit wheelchair-accessible residential portfolio, creating Latitude, which has housed numerous vulnerable people.

Despite a 2024 breast cancer diagnosis, she continues to lead Latitude. Ansari also mentors aspiring female landlords, supports single mothers through shadow work schemes, and advocates for ethical standards in the industry.

The panel highlighted: “Naila is innovative and tenacious with great testimonial evidence and a true entrepreneur. Super achievements in a short time and notwithstanding her personal challenges. A great role model!”

Verona Frankish, the first female CEO of Yopa, has led the business transformation, growing headcount by a third, increasing revenue and gross profit, and reducing operating losses.

She chairs the Women in Estate Agency (WiEA) Committee, a 4,300+ strong community. In 2025, she launched Associate Yopa, a personal-branded agency model, and overhauled Scout Financial Services, Yopa’s mortgage broker, to boost profits. She fosters a culture of accountability, empowerment, and innovation.

The judges commented: “Verona is breaking barriers for women in property, led the turnaround of Yopa and is driving an authentic, inclusive culture. Deeply impressive.”

Renee Preston, co-director of Gallaway Construction, has driven strong financial performance while fostering an inclusive, diverse, and accountable culture. She led commercial operations for complex projects, including the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Warrington Pyramid Arts Centre and the Grafton Centre conversion, and developed robust systems for reporting, carbon tracking, and subcontractor engagement.

Preston also champions social programmes, supporting women, young people, and ex-offenders, and launched Construction For Women, providing training, mentoring, placements, and industry taster sessions.

The judging panel commented: “She is a strong influence in the construction industry and shows impressive, continued commitment to EDI. Her vision is clear and she is achieving great things across the sector.”