Industry organisation Women in Property knows how important it is to encourage more women into the sector, citing a healthy pipeline of new talent, a flexible working environment and inspirational female role models as critical to this challenge.

Speaking at a special event to celebrate the Women in Property Central Scotland Student Awards at Shepherd & Wedderburn in Glasgow, branch chairman Lynsey Brydson, CBES, said: “This country urgently needs to ensure it has a really strong property and construction industry so ‘future-proofing’ our talent pool is critical. Women in Property runs a number of different initiatives to encourage girls to explore the really rewarding and diverse range of careers available. For example, the Student Awards, now in their 12th year, which inspire Built Environment students, and engage with universities and employers.

“Through challenging themselves, these young women will explore their own abilities, meet others – women and men - who are already working in the industry, and gain valuable work placement experience, so they will really understand what opportunities are out there for them. This is the first step towards a rewarding future.”

The winners of the Central Scotland Student Awards 2018 are Chloe Sinclair studying Civil Engineering at Heriot Watt University and Rebecca Hodálová studying Architecture at Glasgow School of Art.

Chloe said: “I am delighted to be one of the Women in Property Central Scotland student award winners. I have found Women in Property to be a really supportive organisation and the awards process has been a really positive experience. I’m looking forward to the national awards in September.”

Rebecca said: “I am thrilled and grateful to be given this opportunity to become one of the Women in Property student award winners. It was an exciting honour to represent my school and now to be even selected further in the competition. I am delighted to meet all the influential women in the industry and take part in an association that is promoting equality and giving young women support in their studies and future carriers.”

Myles McGregor from Curtins, was on the 2018 judging panel.

He said: “It was fantastic to be involved with the WIP Student Awards again this year. It is refreshing and encouraging to see the high levels of knowledge, enthusiasm, professionalism, ambition and drive of all the candidates. Most inspiring is the confidence they all have in presenting their subjects with a true passion and focus. We can rest assured that these emissaries for all Women In Property will pave the way for a future that is in very safe hands.”

There are 14 regional finalists representing their Universities and regions from across the UK. They will go forward to the national final on 18th September when they go before a further judging panel. The national winner will be announced at the Best of Best Awards Dinner to be held at Claridge’s, on the night of the 18th.

Women in Property said it is grateful to its three national sponsors, Bouygues, Linden Homes and Savills and to regional sponsor Curtins for their support of the Awards.