At the British Council for Offices’ (BCO) annual NextGen Awards ceremony, 8 awards were attributed to the most outstanding young professionals in the property industry and to those supporting them on their journey.
The NextGen Awards are a highlight of the BCO’s calendar and a key part of its NextGen programme, a dedicated network which gives under 35s from the full spectrum of commercial property sector the opportunity to build their knowledge and instigate change.
The NextGen community has grown to make up approximately 30% of the total BCO membership, with over 1,200 NextGen members from across the regions. Along with a curated series of events, including building tours, talks and networking nights, the NextGen programme includes opportunities for mentorship, giving members the opportunity to learn from peers and providing support in career development.
The Awards celebrate the achievements of the sector’s rising stars, as well as acknowledging talented graduates, inspirational leaders who play an important role in supporting younger colleagues, those who have had a significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion, and the UK’s best NextGen employers.
This year’s awards recognise the NextGen’s engagement in sustainability and wider community outreach, with a number of the Award-winners playing a leading role in groups working to break down barriers in the industry.
This year, the Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year Award was renamed the Impact Award, recognising the wide-ranging impact of diversity, inclusion and social value.
The event also marked the appointment of Beth Starling, Interior Designer at WILL+Partners, as Chair of the BCO NextGen committee for London and the South East. Beth takes over from Oliver Hall, Partner at Make, who played a leading role in scaling up the NextGen involvement in this year’s BCO Conference.
The winners of the BCO NextGen Awards for 2024 are:
· NextGen Rising Star London & the South East – Alla Elmahadi, Buckley Gray Yeoman
· NextGen Rising Star Midlands & East Anglia – Sophie Lloyd, Overbury
· NextGen Rising Star North – Scott Telford, AtkinsRéalis
· NextGen Rising Star Scotland – Harry Sharples, AECOM
· Graduate of the Year – Celin Mcloughlin-Jenkins, AECOM
· Impact Award – Anoushka Pacquette, WILL+Partners
· Inspirational Leader of the Year – William Poole-Wilson, WILL+Partners
· Employer of the Year – Claremont
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “The office sector is continuously evolving, and it’s the energy and innovation of the next generation that drives it forward. Our NextGen members bring a fresh perspective, pushing boundaries in sustainable design, social value, and redefining what a modern workplace can be. Their commitment is reinvigorating our industry, making it an exciting space for growth and change.”
Peter Crowther, President of the BCO, said: “The next generation’s determination to effect meaningful change in our industry is inspiring. At the BCO, we’re committed to supporting this talent as they challenge convention and explore new approaches. It’s essential to keep asking questions and embrace experimentation. This is where the real impact lies.”
Oliver Hall, NextGen Committee Chair for London and the South-East, said: “Amid challenges for the industry, the BCO NextGen has been a constant source of energy and optimism, creating an inspiring space where early-career professionals continue to thrive and innovate. The NextGen Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate this talent. As I come to the end of my term as Chair of the NextGen London and South East committee, I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved in the BCO NextGen group. It’s my pleasure to hand over to Beth Starling, who will do a fantastic job in continuing to create a space for new ideas, debate and exchange.”