British Council for Offices Celebrates Young Professionals in Property

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13 November 2024

The winners of 2024’s British Council for Offices’ (BCO) NextGen Awards have been announced at a ceremony at the German Gymnasium in London.

Eight awards were given to under 35s from the commercial property sector,  including talented graduates, inspirational leaders who play an important role in supporting younger colleagues and those who have had a significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion.

The BCO’s NextGen programme is a network for young property professionals which includes opportunities for mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. The NextGen community makes up approximately 30 per cent of the total BCO membership, with over 1,200 NextGen members from across the regions.

The winners of the BCO NextGen Awards for 2024 are:

 

NextGen Rising Star London & the South East – Alla Elmahadi, Buckley Gray Yeoman

 

The judges praised Alla’s wide-ranging contribution to the sector since joining Buckley Gray Yeoman in 2022. Her role on the redevelopment of 199 Bishopsgate and Broadgate Tower and research into regenerative design received a particular mention. Alla also showed a remarkable commitment to supporting the younger generation, acting as a guest critic for the University of Maryland, working with University College London, and participating in the Future Leaders Panel at this year’s London Real Estate Forum, all while taking part in ‘New London Agendas’ development programme.

 

NextGen Rising Star Midlands & East Anglia – Sophie Lloyd, Overbury

 

Sophie was selected as a NextGen rising star due to her wider community achievements and the high standard of her work across all endeavours. As part of her involvement with the Diana Award, Sophie worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to help build their confidence and self-esteem. Sophie also organised a series of ‘career lounges’ giving students and their teachers the chance to come to Overbury to learn about careers in construction.

 

NextGen Rising Star North – Scott Telford, AtkinsRéalis

 

The judges were impressed by Scott’s leadership qualities, as well as his strong dedication to projects work and client relationships. His work on the award-winning Spinningfields workplace fit-out received a special mention from the judges, as well as his diligent and joyful approach.

 

NextGen Rising Star Scotland – Harry Sharples, AECOM

 

The judges’ appreciated Harry’s passion for finding innovative ways to optimise building performance. Alongside his ongoing work on data analytics, Harry’s contribution to research publications was praised, as was his work in sharing his experience and technical skills to help guide and further understanding across the industry.

 

Graduate of the Year – Celin Mcloughlin-Jenkins, AECOM

 

Celine stood out to the judges for her exceptional work across sustainability projects both within and outside of her professional role. Key examples include leading on the whole life carbon assessment for one of the largest refurbishment projects in Europe and her work on the AECOM Client Net Zero Carbon training initiative. Her role as lead author on ‘The reduction of embodied carbon in buildings’ for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, likewise demonstrated her drive to affect policy outcomes in the industry.

 

Impact Award – Anoushka Pacquette, WILL+Partners

 

Described as “a well-deserved winner of the Impact Award”, Anoushka has excelled in realising social impact, having pioneered outreach programmes with groups such as Black Professionals in Construction and Women in Property. Her entry also demonstrated her work in fostering wellbeing for all workplace occupiers, as well as her ethical approach.

 

Inspirational Leader of the Year – William Poole-Wilson, WILL+Partners

 

William’s commitment to mentorship, apprenticeship and wellness, is well-illustrated by his work in cofounding the Will Academy, where he teaches the next generation and seeks to break down barriers for entry into architecture. The judges’ noted his particular leadership in putting ESG at the forefront of design, through his contribution to the BCO’s Wellness matters blueprint and the integration of new environmental tools, such as the RICS SKA rating. Will’s “empathy, integrity and vision” all make him an inspirational leader in the industry. 

 

Employer of the Year – Claremont

 

Claremont’s “positive leadership” and “strong employee engagement” received particular praise from the judges. The company’s investment in training initiatives and its promotion of an integrated and diverse culture demonstrate the values of an exceptional NextGen employer.

Picture: a photograph of the ceremony at German Gymnasium, taken from above showing the main bar area. Image Credit: Kit Oakes

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 13 November 2024

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