Women in Estate Agency held its fourth annual gathering at London’s Shaw Theatre on 5 March, attracting more than 450 property professionals. The organisation, which now connects approximately 5,000 members through its online platform, structured the day as an alternative to traditional industry conferences.
Chair Verona Frankish opened the event by outlining the organisation’s expansion since its formation. “We didn’t set out to create another industry event,” Frankish said. “We set out to create a space where people could be honest about the reality of their careers and ambition, the wins and the wobbles, and where everyone could see what might be possible for them.”
Speaker programme
The agenda included presentations from business founders and property sector figures. Maxine and Darcy Laceby, who founded supplement company Absolute Collagen, discussed their experience building a business. Mary Beeton, managing director of Hamptons, Natalie Moore, founder of A Conveyancing, and lettings specialist Hannah McCartan contributed to a session titled “Mistakes That Made Us”, focusing on career lessons.
Rightmove, the event’s headline sponsor, participated through Colleen Babcock, head of partner marketing, who spoke about community engagement in business operations. Additional speakers included Sara Cox MBE, a professional rugby referee, and Monica Collings OBE, who delivered the closing address.
Programme developments
The organisation announced several initiatives during the event. WiEA relaunched its Charter programme under the new title WiEA Partnership Programme and outlined plans for leadership training events, including a pilot programme targeting male industry professionals.
WiEA confirmed a partnership with Agents Together for the “Walk for Sarah” fundraising event scheduled for 12 September, supporting Breast Cancer Now in memory of founding board member Sarah Edmundson. The organisation also introduced the Spirit of Sarah Award, with Emma Redley of Smart Compliance receiving the inaugural recognition.
Vice chair Kirsty Franks closed the event, acknowledging the organisation’s volunteer board and regional representatives. “WiEA exists because people care enough to show up for each other,” Franks said. “That is what makes this powerful, and that is what will continue to move our industry forward.”
