Sophie Endacott, Senior Surveyor at Avison Young, takes the role for 2021/2022.

Sophie Endacott has become the new incoming Chair of Women in Property in the South West region for 2021/22. Sophie, who is a senior valuation surveyor at Avison Young, has been a member of Women in Property for the last 6 years, and is now relishing her new role as Regional Chair of the property and construction industry influencer and networking organisation.

The organisation sees the year ahead as presenting a great opportunity for individuals and businesses to build on the understanding, compassion and support evidenced in the industry over the past twelve tumultuous months.

“We are asking employers and staff alike to be upfront, realistic and honest about the issues they face” said Sophie.

“We have all seen remarkable courage and resilience across the property and construction industry and in wider society. It can be tough, stepping outside of our personal comfort zones but inevitably this is what gives us the confidence to thrive. This has a lot to do with inclusion and working together and, as a respected influencer organisation, we will be building on the great work our members have been doing to improve inclusion and diversity.

“It is such an honour to be taking over from Rachael Sherratt of JLL as Chair of the South West Branch of Women in Property. Although we have been given a roadmap for ‘normality’, there have been many challenges that are yet to be overcome.

“Women in Property is an amazing network whose aim is to nurture, support and share ideas. I want to make sure that all members across our remarkable region – from Penzance to Swindon, feel supported by the Women in Property network.”

Jo Davis, Managing Director, Avison Young, Bristol, added:
“As an industry, we need to continue to work together to build a culture that promotes diversity, inclusion and equality, and makes a positive difference to the people that work within our sector.

“This will become especially important as we come out of this global pandemic, which has disproportionally affected women’s employment figures and placed additional barriers to entry for many.

“It is fantastic to see an inspirational member of the Avison Young business be appointed to serve as Chair of Women in Property in the South West and we wish Sophie all the best in her new role.”

Since the pandemic started early in 2020, Women in Property has continued to support members, transferring CPD, informal events and mentoring online. The South West branch ran 58 events last year ranging from our virtual Christmas Party for 35 people including speed networking; 5 different development updates from key projects across the region and 24 wellbeing events which varied from sketching, HiiT sessions for an Olympian, yoga and specialist mental health sessions. All events were specifically for members and all of which are available across the national platform.

Sophie will hold the role of South West Chair until 28th February 2022.