Celebrating the next generation of the offices sector

More than 25 individuals have been shortlisted for this year’s BCO NextGen Awards.

From recognising the impact of outstanding professionals under 35, to celebrating the already-powerful contribution of a graduate, to rewarding the inspirational leadership supporting our next generation of talent, the BCO’s NextGen Awards are a true celebration of the future of the office sector.

This year’s judges were tasked with poring over a record number of entries to come up with the shortlist for the nine awards to be handed out at STEREO in Covent Garden on 12 November.

Those awards include the NextGen Rising Star for London & the South East, Midlands & East Anglia, Northern England, North Wales and Northern Ireland, Scotland and South West England and South Wales, which recognise the impact of professionals under 35 on the office sector.

Fifteen individuals have been shortlisted across the five regions. They are:

• Praneet Bhullar, Hawkins\Brown
• Maisie Cox, Workplace Creations
• Alejandro Mar Morales, Cundall
• Fanis Violentis, Gensler
• Tiv Kaur, Buro Four
• Alice Lacy, AECOM
• Timothy Newcombe, Cundall
• Bea Chivers, Ryder Architecture
• Jerryl Ong, Cundall
• Alan Stuart, Atelier Ten
• Ryan Alexander Reid, AECOM
• Andrew Campbell, Egis
• Karla Duncan, Bennetts Associates
• Laura Hennessy, Gleeds
• Cameron Straughan, Buckley Gray Yeoman

The Employer of the Year category recognises organisations that have created a stimulating and supportive work environment and made a real commitment to the welfare of their employees, resulting in high staff satisfaction levels and a well-motivated, ambitious and integrated workforce.

This year three firms are going head-to-head:

• Cousins & Cousins
• Elliott Wood
• Scotch Partners

The Graduate of the Year award showcases the talent of those just starting out in the industry. Category judge Jack Hawkins of GPE said the quality of submissions this year was high, with a particularly strong top half of the field.

“What stood out about the leading candidates was their wider impact beyond their companies through extra-curricular roles, mentoring, professional networks, community initiatives and social engagement,” said Hawkins.

“We’d expect this from Rising Star submissions but it was even more encouraging at the graduate level, which made for a competitive judging process.”

Four exceptional individuals made it through to the shortlist. They are:

• Molly Gardner, Multiplex
• Aideen McAlary, Specialist Group
• Jude McLoughlin, Cundall
• Esther Memeh, Savills

The BCO NextGen Impact award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual who has significantly advanced social value through leadership in creating a genuinely inclusive workplace culture.

Judges paid extra attention to entrants’ efforts in designing and operating a workspace that fosters inclusivity, supports charitable initiatives and promotes positive social impact.

Three individuals stood out. They are:

• Huda Elsherif, Scotch Partners
• Jessica Glynn, Atelier Ten
• Adil Sajjad, JLL

The final award of the evening will be handed to the Inspirational Leader of the Year. Nominated by NextGen members, this award celebrates individuals whose influence extends far beyond their own organisations, making a lasting impact across the wider real estate sector. Four individuals have been shortlisted. They are:

• Maria Fernández Cachafeiro, Multiplex
• Lesley Hammond, 8build
• Kristy Lansdown, The Crown Estate
• Karen Trainor, Specialist Group

BCO chief executive Samantha McClary said: “NextGen accounts for almost a third of the BCO’s membership and their contribution to this ever-changing workspace sector is essential if it is to continue to thrive.

“To be able to celebrate that by handing out these very special awards is one of the greatest gifts we have at the BCO. These are the next generation of leaders, these are the people who will design, develop and operate the workplaces that will enable incredible ideas to develop, innovative products to evolve and businesses to grow. And if that isn’t worth recognition, then I don’t know what is.

“Massive congratulations to everyone shortlisted. We can’t wait to celebrate you all.”

The BCO would like to thank the judges for their time and expertise in shortlisting this year’s finalists and to its partners Make, Multiplex, Opera and Unova Consulting.

Image © Mr Tripper