By Legal Futures Associate tmgroup
The Women in Residential Property network (WIRP), which originated in 2017 as an informal lunch club has ended 2021 on a high; with Founder and Chair, Emma Vigus receiving an ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards, in recognition of her commitment to continuing to develop WIRP throughout lockdown.
The Award rounds off another successful year for WIRP which has raised over £2,000 for the charity Ella’s this year, leading to the network being shortlisted for two Agent’s Giving Awards. Membership of the group, which hosts regular events addressing a range of topics from cladding to the Menopause, has grown to over 700 during the year – with the group’s first post-lockdown networking lunch selling out within days of tickets being released for sale.
As Joe Pepper, CEO of tmgroup comments:
“I cannot think of a more deserving winner for this award. Emma is always seeking to improve herself, and the people and industry that she interacts with, and that to me is both hugely powerful and important. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work she has done with Women in Residential Property. That the group has continued to develop despite the challenging circumstances of the last couple of years is testament to her drive and determination.”
Reflecting on 2021 and the WIRP plans for 2022, Emma commented “I never envisaged this group developing in the way that it has. Its success is a tribute to the energy, enthusiasm, and loyalty of those who’ve supported us over the last 4 years. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop the network with a focus on our principal aims of providing support, sharing insight, and encouraging collaboration. We will also continue to support the charity, Ella’s who do invaluable work to help the victims of trafficking and modern slavery.
As we move into 2022, I’m keen to attract members from the investment, development, property management and social housing sectors. This should encourage collaboration and understanding and ensure well rounded discussions that facilitate a truly holistic understanding of residential property. Our online webinars will continue with the aim of encouraging informed and frank discussion on topical issues such as sustainability and housing supply and demand, whilst our networking lunches will provide guests with the opportunity to hear from women in senior roles in the Residential Property Industry. In response to member feedback, we are also planning to launch a PropTech panel; giving early-stage businesses the opportunity to get direct feedback on their propositions from future users.
It was wonderful to be recognised at such a prestigious industry event. Thank you to all those who nominated me and to our sponsors, committee, and members for their ongoing support. I’m looking forward to 2022 and the difference we’ll continue to make together.”
