For over three decades, the PROPS Awards, organised by Variety, the Children’s Charity, have been a key event in the UK property industry. Not only do they celebrate excellence in the sector, but they’ve also raised millions for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Some of my experiences and lessons learned over the years include:

• Recognising opportunity: In 1991, I saw the potential to involve the property industry in Variety’s charitable efforts. Variety carries out such important work, and with my contacts and experience in the property industry, it made sense to collaborate.
• Starting small: The first event was a dinner at the Dorchester, sponsored by BT, with dishes developed by six top chefs. This more intimate start allowed the team and I to test the fundraising concept, before launching an awards ceremony the following year.
• Pioneering awards: PROPS were the first awards specifically for the property industry. As you’ll know from our sector, being first can have its benefits! It felt exciting and new, but we’ve also managed to maintain that freshness over the years.
• Adapting to economic challenges: The event launched during a deep recession, proving that charitable giving can persist even in difficult times, due to the generosity of those involved.
• Entertainment value: Incorporating humour and entertainment into the awards ceremony was vital. Initially, we brought in a top script writer, the late Barry Cryer, who used to write for The Two Ronnies to host it. He was brilliant. We’ve kept that flair, and Martin Bayfield has been our host for the past 10 years. The audience loves him.
• Focusing on tangible goals: Initially, we concentrated on specific objectives, like funding wheelchairs, which helped motivate donors. Today, the money raised supports a range of impactful initiatives by Variety. Donors appreciate knowing exactly how their contributions make a difference and understanding the specific goals their generosity helps to achieve, and Variety’s programmes have an immediate impact on children and their families.
• Maintaining high standards: Ensuring nominees are of high calibre has maintained the prestige of the awards over the years. It creates healthy competition and means nominees want to win.
• Creating memorable moments: Although you can’t plan for the unexpected occurrences, we’ve had our fair share of fun talking points over the years. This includes the time Martin literally picked up an award winner and carried him off the stage after they went on for too long!
• Personal touches: What’s always been an important part of the day has been to invite Variety beneficiaries to the awards, who can speak about their experiences. Sharing compelling stories related to the charity’s work adds emotional resonance.
• Recognising industry changes: We’ve introduced new award categories to reflect emerging sectors like sustainability and prop-tech. It’s important to keep innovating and to spotlight those in the industry who are contributing to the change.
• Geographical expansion: The PROPS Awards has grown from a small lunch, to having three ceremonies in London, the Midlands and the North West. We would love to see PROPS Scotland taking place too.
• Committee strength: Maintaining a strong, forward-thinking organising committee is crucial for long-term success. I’m lucky to have planned the PROPS with a strong team and am confident in the current committee to keep the PROPS going for many years to come.
• Respecting attendees’ time: At our last PROPS, we had nearly 900 people attend, which is amazing. However, it’s crucial to respect the time of those attending - we always stick to a tight schedule.
• Legacy combined with innovation: We’ve built up trust and respect in the industry by putting on a worthwhile and highly regarded event. People know what to expect from us in terms of quality, but they also know we’ll surprise them with something new each year.

The success of PROPS is a testament to the generosity and community spirit of the sector. We’ve weathered recessions, adapted to industry shifts, and entertained. But at the heart of it all has always been our commitment to helping disabled and disadvantaged children.

Early bird tickets for the 33rd PROPS Awards go on sale on 10 September, with the event taking place on 15 May 2025.

• Neil Sinclair has 50+ years’ experience across a variety of leadership roles in the property sector, including founding Palace Capital plc