The opportunities for women in Scotland’s property industry have never been greater - whether they be in construction, engineering or professional support services. One of the key missions for the sector as we enter 2025 is to make them even greater still.

There has been real progress in developing diversity, encouraging inclusivity and ensuring equality in every corner of the industry in recent years.

But if the sector is to truly play its part in driving sustainable economic growth - supporting the journey to net zero while creating new jobs - we cannot afford for that progress to slow. Indeed, we would all benefit from it accelerating.

It’s a point I have been giving thought to since the recent Women in Property conference, held in Edinburgh.

Some of the most inspiring women working in the property sector shared stories about their careers so far and insight on how positive change for women working in the sector can continue to be made.

And that’s not just directly in construction, but in all aspects of the property business - whether that be for commercial property lawyers like me, surveyors, architects or other professionals.

While I’m fortunate to work for a firm which recognises expertise rather than gender, I’m not blind to the fact it generally still does feel like there is a glass ceiling for women working in property.

The good news, though, is that the ceiling is getting higher all of the time. Things are getting better throughout the profession. While there is undoubtedly an awful lot that still can be done to improve things further, I live in hope that this ceiling can still be smashed.

Thanks to organisations including Women in Property, Women in Planning and Women in Construction, the property and construction industry is evolving to become more balanced, diverse and inclusive.

Invaluable support is there not only to those who aspire for a career in the built environment, but those facing mid-career challenges - potentially after taking time to have a family - and those who are making their presence felt positively in boardrooms.

For women who choose to have children, the conference - and discussions since - have really reinforced to me the fact that it’s vital that they are given the support they need so that the balance between work and family life can be struck.

It is so important that the vast opportunities which exist across the built environment across Scotland are not lost for women. More than that, they need to be made clearer, whether they be on-site or behind the scenes working on the fine detail of project agreements and transactions, as I do.

I heard of a brilliant project recently where a group of schoolchildren near Glasgow were given a challenge to “build” a primary school. They had to design, cost and plan construction of the entire project.

It was an initiative which showed girls, as well as boys, the range of careers which can be pursued in the sector, opening a few eyes along the way.

Schemes such as this are invaluable if we are to equip the next generation with the skills we need to ensure we not only have carbon-efficient buildings of the future, but in ensuring they are managed and traded in the most proficient, effective way.

So too are the efforts of Women in Property to ensure that more women who start careers in the industry feel as though they can stay in it as their family circumstances evolve. Not least because they provide that next layer of inspiration - female colleagues and mentors who women can look up to and see what can be achieved professionally.

Thankfully, the world of the female property professional is far more progressive than it once was. I’ve seen it evolve first-hand. But, if true progress is to be achieved and the industry is to reap the rewards of greater inclusivity and life experiences, it will need to progress further. 

Achieving this will not just improve personal prospects, but the national economy too.

• Louise Norris is a partner in the Commercial Property team at Lindsays