Charlie Collins, who is currently studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Gloucestershire has scooped the national award in the Association of Women in Property (WiP) UK-wide competition which is now in its 7th year.

Becky Brown of SF Planning has been involved in WiP for several years and, as a member of the South West Committee, is tasked with coordinating the Student Awards in the South West region.  The programme spans almost 12 months starting with invitations to universities to nominate students, a regional judging panel and awards ceremony, the national panel and then finally it culminates in a black tie dinner and awards ceremony at Claridges in London.

Students are required to present a degree project to judges, when they are questioned on their thinking, motivation and aspirations.  They are also quizzed on topical or industry issues and judges assess them on ‘first impressions’, confidence and potential as a role model for other young women entering the industry.

The national judging panel described Charlie as, “…having loads of enthusiasm and a great sense of humour which complemented her holistic, almost visionary approach, showing tremendous responsibility.”

Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary to DCLG, was the keynote speaker at this year’s National Awards ceremony.  He praised the Awards programme saying, “…this competition is what the industry needs, helping to raise the bar among both academia and industry…I know that many of the contenders in these Awards, past and present, have secured work placements and gone on to work in their chosen careers, considerably strengthened by the challenges WiP puts before them.  This has got to be good news for the industry as these exceptional young women forge their careers.”

Charlie said, “When you’re confined to university, it’s easy to underestimate the extra work and personal development that should be put in towards forging a career.  As students we can get very caught up in our studies.  This Awards process has really helped me think more broadly and see things from an employer’s perspective.  It’s been invaluable and I’m thrilled to have got the top prize!”

For more information please contact Becky Brown at SF Planning Limited.