Property Week's 'Inspiring Women in Property' Awards 2025 - Winners Announced
Gender balance at the top remains a key EDI challenge¹ and helping redress this balance in the industry is one of the main drivers for us at Madison Lincoln. Women make up around 30% of the UK real estate workforce, yet they remain underrepresented in senior leadership.² Awards like Property Week's IWiP (Inspiring Women in Property) are important for celebrating achievements, inspiring future female leaders and driving systemic change toward a more inclusive industry. These awards shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals and organisations across the UK real estate sector who are making a positive difference and championing equity, diversity and inclusion in the industry. They honour inspirational leaders, innovative initiatives, and outstanding teams, recognising remarkable progress and providing a valuable platform for connection and celebration across the industry.
Last night, the industry came together for a night of celebration and recognition hosted by Sally Gunnell OBE; former British track star, and current television presenter and motivational speaker, as the winners were announced at a black-tie dinner at the Hilton, Park Lane.
For a second year running, Emma Burnaby-Atkins - Senior Director at Madison Lincoln, joined leaders from across the sector on the IWiP judging panel. With an exceptionally strong entry and a very high standard of finalists, the event was marked by a keen sense of anticipation. Emma reflects on the judging process:
“It was a pleasure and a privilege to judge this most inspiring of property awards, where every entry has really resonated and been real food for thought. Now more than ever, we need to recognise and celebrate great female leaders in real estate, and I think I speak for my fellow judges when I say we were delighted that the IWiP awards attracted such a strong entry. It was no mean feat to whittle down the entries firstly to a shortlist and then to a winner, but after intense deliberation we finally got there!”
Emma was proud to present the award on the night for Leader of the Year - Financial and Professional Services to Elizabeth Alibhai, RPC. Congratulations to all the incredible IWiP winners and nominees. Those selected by Emma and her fellow judges in her categories were:
‘Leader of the Year - Residential’ - Ashling Fox, Student Roost
‘EDI Champion of the Year - Residential’ - Jennifer Winyard, Barratt Redrow
To see the full list of winners, please visit - iwip.propertyweek.com/IWiP2025Live/en/page/2025-winners
The achievements of these women are a reminder of the power of vision and determination. As we celebrate their successes and champion the advancement of women in real estate, we're reminded that the pursuit of equity is ongoing, and every step forward contributes to a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
References
1 Real Estate Balance Industry EDI Survey, 2024.
2 Deloitte, 2024: 'Women’s progress in real estate is at risk of stalling: here’s what the industry can do to re-energise and bring gender equity ‘within reach’.'