Specialist construction solicitor Natalia Sokolov of leading commercial law firm Thrings has handed over the reins of the South West branch of the Association of Women Property (WiP) following a highly successful year-long tenure as chairman.
Natalia, who specialises in construction procurement and engineering projects, will support new chairman Natasha Cottell of Wates Construction at the South West branch of WiP, the national commercial property and construction networking organisation that seeks to enhance the profile of women in the property and construction industry sectors.
During the course of Natalia’s 12 months in office, WiP South West’s membership – which comprises professionals from multi-national construction companies, cost consultants, architects, designers, property developers, house builders, engineers, planners and solicitors – increased.
Natalia and her 20-strong committee oversaw the launch of new WiP sub-committees in Swindon and the Solent area. They also managed a programme of almost 90 diverse and high-quality events across the South West, and organised networking meetings, site visits, professional/CPD seminars and educational and sporting events.
In 2015, meanwhile, the committee delivered the ninth WiP regional Student Awards. The awards – managed by joint student awards coordinators Naomi Butler (commercial property solicitor at Thrings) and Finola Ingham (associate director at Burston Cook) – culminated in second-year undergraduates Megan Peeks and Victoria Gosden being chosen to represent the South West at the WiP National Student Awards.
Natalia, who will take up a position on the committee alongside Naomi and their Thrings colleague Rosalyn Trotman, said: “It has been a fantastic year for the South West branch of WiP and I’ve very much enjoyed working with a very enthusiastic and supportive committee. We have worked well as a team and the results have been outstanding. I would like to wish Natasha all the best for a successful year as chairman.”
Warren Reid, head of commercial property at Thrings, added: “Natalia has done a phenomenal job to enhance WiP South West’s growing reputation for excellence across the region, and she is handing over the chairman role to Natasha with the organisation in an extremely healthy position.
“Under Natalia’s direction, WiP South West has attracted a significant number of new members, delivered a programme of high-quality events, carefully managed the organisation’s finances and above all, continued to motivate, inspire and encourage more women to consider a career in property. To have achieved all this while balancing a busy work load is testament to her professionalism and dedication to the South West property industry.”
