Property Pros DigDeep

Leading experts from the UK’s property sector came together for the annual Property Lunch on Friday 16 June, at Park Lane’s Hilton Hotel.

The event was attended by more than 750 property professionals, from both the commercial and residential sectors, and incredibly, raised over £600,000 for Norwood – a charity providing vital services to thousands of vulnerable children and their families, children with special educational needs, and adults with learning disabilities. The glittering event saw exceptional performance across the sectors recognised with the presentation of the highly-regarded Property Lunch awards, with Derwent London winning the Commercial Award, Pocket Living winning The Residential Award, and Allford Hall Monaghan Morris winning the award for Outstanding Achievement. Guests were also treated to a rare public appearance from speaker Dame Stella Rimington DCB MA, former Director General of MI5, who told a rapt audience how individual agents are still key to secret service work, saying; “Agents – the human sources – are vital, even to this day. They can do things that technology simply can’t. Counter-espionage is slow, careful work – you have to watch and engage”

They then heard from Rebecca, a young woman supported by Norwood who overcame a difficult childhood to be the success she is today – a chemistry graduate about to start her PhD. Speaking of how the charity helped her, Rebecca said; “Thinking back to the little girl who had lived in 16 homes in 14 years, sleeping on a mattress on the floor, I can’t believe that this is how my story turned out. My life was given a second chance because of Norwood and I’m going to make the most of it.” The day itself was supported by leads sponsors, Derwent London, Galliard Homes, and Savills; media partner, Property Week; reception sponsor, Residential Land; brochure and guest list sponsor, Lawrie Cornish; entertainment sponsor, Jones Lang LaSalle; awards sponsor, The Office Group; and auction and raffle sponsor, Rhodium.

Speaking of the success of the Property Lunch, Committee Co-Chair Mark Pollack (pictured left alongside Lord Mendelsohn and Lady Mendelsohn CBE) said; “Today has been a huge success. The Norwood Property Lunch has established itself as the leading industry event for both commercial and residential sectors, and with 750 in the room it is also a great networking opportunity, and an excellent opportunity for the property industry to ‘give back’ by supporting this wonderful charity”.

norwood.org.uk