Celebrating International Women's Day
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, the property sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Women are not only making their mark but thriving in various roles, from sales and lettings to property management and HR. As part of International Women's Day, we celebrate the diverse voices of women at Oakley Property.
In this article, we will explore the invaluable contributions of some of the incredible women at Oakley Property, championing their voices while also shedding light on the invisible barriers they often face in a traditionally male-dominated industry. By supporting our female colleagues, we not only foster an inclusive and empowering work environment but also drive the overall growth and success of our diverse and comprehensive property firm. We recognise that Oakley Property wouldn't be where it is today without the dedication, passion, and resilience of these exceptional women.
Emily Davies – Sales & Lettings Consultant, Shoreham-by-Sea Property Hub
For Emily, working in property has always been a rewarding and dynamic experience. With over two decades of service at Oakley Property, she’s seen it all, from the excitement of new developments to the personal milestones and challenges that come with working in close-knit teams. "It's never boring," she says, highlighting the diversity of people and situations she encounters daily. Reflecting on her time in the industry, Emily notes the significant shift towards female representation. "When I started in 1998, it was a very male-dominated field. Today, it's much more balanced, and women have a stronger voice." She believes that while there’s still progress to be made in placing women in senior leadership roles, the change so far has been positive and empowering for everyone involved.
Charley Hill – Commercial Property Administrator
As an administrator in the Commercial Property department, Charley faces the unique challenge of being a woman in not only a predominantly male industry, but a specifically male dominated sector. “The commercial sector can be tough for women,” she admits. "There are prejudices to fight, particularly around my role as an administrator." Despite this, Charley has found strength in self-belief and the courage to speak up. “The most important skill is believing in yourself," she says, "and keeping going, no matter the hurdles." For Charley, working in property means tackling everything from the smallest shop lettings to large-scale developments, each one offering a new challenge that fuels her passion for the job.
Amber Makey – New Homes Consultant, Lewes Property Hub
Amber’s journey through the property industry has been marked by growth and versatility. Starting as an apprentice lettings negotiator, she’s now a New Homes consultant, with experience spanning multiple roles. "Each position I’ve held has helped me better understand the market," she explains, adding that Oakley’s supportive environment has been key to her success. For Amber, property is not just about the deals; it's about making meaningful connections and helping people through important transitions in their lives.
Louise Wilson – HR and Office Manager
For Louise, the key to success in property lies in building relationships. As Oakley’s HR Manager, she’s focused on aligning people operations with company objectives and ensuring inclusivity at all levels. Louise values the strong community of women in the Brighton and Hove property sector, who have influenced her professional development. “Inclusivity is achieved when we respect and learn from each other,” she says. Louise believes that mentoring other women new to the industry is crucial, whether through role modelling or offering one-to-one support, and this ethos has shaped her leadership style.
Kathryn Groves – Receptionist
Kathryn's journey into the property industry is one of creativity and growth. Initially joining Oakley as a receptionist, her role has evolved over time to encompass marketing responsibilities, which she finds immensely rewarding. "I love being part of the creative output," Kathryn says, reflecting on her favourite moments at work.
Baiba Smeltere – Head of Block Management
Baiba’s role in property management is a testament to the adaptability and expertise required to succeed in the industry. She describes the challenge of becoming an expert in diverse areas, from communal heating systems to fire safety regulations, in a short time. "You have to be able to speak to clients with confidence, no matter the issue," she explains. In her experience, gender is less of a factor than qualities like patience and resilience, both of which are essential in her line of work. Baiba's approach to property management has been shaped by her ability to remain calm under pressure and build strong, trusting relationships with clients.
Carolyn Clarke – Sales Manager, Lewes Property Hub
For Carolyn, being a woman in property isn't just about professional expertise—it’s about empathy and understanding. As the Sales Manager at Oakley Property Lewes, she is responsible for guiding clients through some of the most significant decisions of their lives. "I think women bring a different approach to the industry, with more emotion and empathy," Carolyn says, acknowledging that clients often prefer working with someone who can relate to their personal journey. In a field where both genders contribute valuable perspectives, Carolyn firmly believes that it's all about the right person for the job, regardless of gender.
Celebrating Progress and Recognition
We are honoured to have been nominated for Property Services of the Year at the Brighton Girl Network Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team and the positive impact we’re already making in the industry. We are deeply grateful to those who voted for us, and it’s a privilege to be acknowledged within a community that champions inclusivity and progress.
Moving Forward: The Future of Women in Property
The stories shared by our talented female colleagues highlight the diversity, resilience, and dedication that women bring to the property sector. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure women are represented at all levels of the industry, from management to director roles. At Oakley Property, we are proud to support women in property and are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
This International Women's Day, let’s continue to celebrate and empower the women who are shaping the future of property. Together, we are building a more inclusive and dynamic industry for generations to come.