Rising Stars in Property Services 2016
Introducing our Rising Stars winners in the Banking category for 2016
Alex Chitty
I joined Land Securities in May 2014, having previously undertaken a 6 month secondment in 2012 during my graduate rotations at Knight Frank. Since joining I have worked on various high profile projects such as the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch St, a residential re-development of Portland House and more recently have led on a planning consent for Nova Place, a mixed use scheme in the heart of Victoria. The scheme incorporates a public library, affordable and private housing and re-built listed façade. I led the project from feasibility, through design Stages C and D, submitting the planning application and finalising the consent via S106 agreement.
I have also initiated a formal work experience programme within Land Securities, designed at widening the diversity of our placement students, and encouraging greater co-operation across the business. I lead the application and selection process, and mentor the students during their time with us.
Alice Boswell
I specialise in retail property and have been working in the industry for 10 years. My current role is responsible for the implementation of a shopper focused approach across the British Land retail portfolio. The role is incredibly varied (and often complex) and covers everything from the delivery of a comprehensive customer service training programme for over 900 site staff; to the roll out of a car parking approach which puts the shopper first; to the delivery of new uniforms through to the installation of WiFi. I also support and champion best practice across the portfolio. Ultimately the customer, both shopper and retailer lie at the heart of my role and if they are not happy neither am I.
Jessica Neale
Jessica joined CBRE at the age of 17 as the first female apprentice on the CBRE Apprenticeship scheme. Since joining she has immersed herself within the business, internal and external networks and industry as a whole, taking on every opportunity handed to her. Jessica is extremely passionate about the scheme and was part of the focus group setting up CBRE’s school engagement programme, and managed the scheme in her first year at CBRE. Jessica won the CBRE Going Above and Beyond Award for her persistent determination and passion in promoting the scheme, and continuously exceeding expectations.
For personal financial circumstances Jessica did not attend university, however was determined to make a career for herself, and so left school early to join CBRE. Jessica actively promotes careers and apprenticeships to young people, acting as an ambassador for the programme by doing school presentations and careers fairs. Jessica has also spoken at the CBRE London Business Update to all London based employees, about her passion for diversity and the apprenticeship scheme. Furthermore Jess has spoken at a Real Estate Women’s event sharing her experiences and thoughts from a different social and economic background to the industry norm. She has also written various articles and been interviewed by Estates Gazette and Property Week regarding diversity in real estate. Jess is one of the youngest employees at CBRE and is the youngster member of the CBRE Women’s Network Management Board, where she represents apprentices and graduates. Jessica has been at CBRE for three years, gaining a great reputation for herself by demonstrating drive, determination and enthusiasm in everything she does, and always fulfils work to high standards. She is extremely passionate about diversity and represents the next generation of talent.
Jessica has excelled in her role as an apprentice surveyor, both academically and practically, and is therefore a great role model for not only young women but young people. Her drive and determination is an incredible asset to CBRE and the industry. If Jess was to receive this award it would encourage young people who are looking to pursue a career in an industry as an apprentice. Her personality is humble, her efforts are second to none, and her sheer determination is infectious to others. She undoubtedly has an incredible career ahead of her.
Najwa Jawahar
Najwa is an award winning structural engineer driven by her passion for designing tall buildings, business development, and commitment towards developing young engineers and promoting engineering as a career.
Najwa’s vision is to leave her mark not only on the skylines of cities around the world, but also on the construction industry as a whole by improving diversity. She wants to help more girls realise that engineering is not just for boy’s.
She graduated with a first class Masters (MEng) degree in Civil and Structural Engineering, from the University of Leeds and joined WSP | Parsons Brinkerhoff in 2012 as a graduate. Within four years of her career, Najwa has already shown great dedication to achieving her ambitious goals. She leads as an example for other engineers, by empowering them to contribute towards technical development and knowledge management within the company and mentoring and inspiring future generation.
Rebecca Fieldhouse
From the moment I started my first job at Plymouth Council in 2007, I’ve had the ambition to become a chartered planner. Since then, I’ve worked at Berkeley Homes and Indigo Planning, and joined Iceni in 2014, bringing with me a positive, diligent and straight-forward approach.
My passion for the profession encourages me to support aspiring planners. This is reflected in my voluntary role as Honorary Secretary for RTPI London and Education Ambassador, where I take pride in speaking at universities and supporting careers events. I’m a member of Women in Property and recently assisted at a Speed Interviewing event.
At Iceni, I’ve helped introduce a programme for colleagues preparing their APC submissions and organised and delivered workshops to trainee RICS Planning & Development surveyors.
My energy, drive and commitment was recognised at Iceni, by a peer nominated Achievement Award.
Outside of work, I love escaping to the countryside.