BCO names winners of the NextGen Awards 2024

Young professionals in the UK’s commercial property sector and their best achievements have been recognised at the annual British Council for Offices’ (BCO) NextGen Awards ceremony.

The NextGen Awards are a key part of the BCO’s NextGen programme, a dedicated network which gives under 35s from the full spectrum of commercial property sector the opportunity to build their knowledge and instigate change.

The NextGen community has grown to make up approximately 30 per cent of the total BCO membership, with over 1,200 NextGen members from across the regions. Along with a curated series of events, including building tours, talks and networking nights, the NextGen programme includes opportunities for mentorship, giving members the opportunity to learn from peers and providing support in career development.

The Awards celebrate the achievements of the sector’s rising stars, as well as acknowledging talented graduates, inspirational leaders who play an important role in supporting younger colleagues, those who have had a significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion, and the UK’s best NextGen employers.

This year’s awards recognise the NextGen’s engagement in sustainability and wider community outreach, with a number of the Award-winners playing a leading role in groups working to break down barriers in the industry.

This year, the Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year Award was renamed the Impact Award, recognising the wide-ranging impact of diversity, inclusion and social value.

The event also marked the appointment of Beth Starling, Interior Designer at WILL+Partners, as Chair of the BCO NextGen committee for London and the South East. Starling takes over from Oliver Hall, Partner at Make, who played a leading role in scaling up the NextGen involvement in this year’s BCO Conference.

The winners of the BCO NextGen Awards for 2024 are:

• NextGen Rising Star London & the South East – Alla Elmahadi, Buckley Gray Yeoman

The judges praised Elmahadi’s wide-ranging contribution to the sector since joining Buckley Gray Yeoman in 2022. Her role on the redevelopment of 199 Bishopsgate and Broadgate Tower and research into regenerative design received a particular mention. Elmahadi also showed a remarkable commitment to supporting the younger generation, acting as a guest critic for the University of Maryland, working with University College London, and participating in the Future Leaders Panel at this year’s London Real Estate Forum, all while taking part in ‘New London Agendas’ development programme.

• NextGen Rising Star Midlands & East Anglia – Sophie Lloyd, Overbury

Lloyd was selected as a NextGen rising star due to her wider community achievements and the high standard of her work across all endeavours. As part of her involvement with the Diana Award, Lloyd worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to help build their confidence and self-esteem. She also organised a series of ‘career lounges’ giving students and their teachers the chance to come to Overbury to learn about careers in construction.

• NextGen Rising Star North – Scott Telford, AtkinsRéalis

The judges were impressed by Telford’s leadership qualities, as well as his strong dedication to projects work and client relationships. His work on the award-winning Spinningfields workplace fit-out received a special mention from the judges, as well as his diligent and joyful approach.

• NextGen Rising Star Scotland – Harry Sharples, AECOM

The judges’ appreciated Sharples’ passion for finding innovative ways to optimise building performance. Alongside his ongoing work on data analytics, Sharples’ contribution to research publications was praised, as was his work in sharing his experience and technical skills to help guide and further understanding across the industry.

• Graduate of the Year – Celin Mcloughlin-Jenkins, AECOM

Jenkins stood out to the judges for her exceptional work across sustainability projects both within and outside of her professional role. Key examples include leading on the whole life carbon assessment for one of the largest refurbishment projects in Europe and her work on the AECOM Client Net Zero Carbon training initiative. Her role as lead author on ‘The reduction of embodied carbon in buildings’ for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, likewise demonstrated her drive to affect policy outcomes in the industry.

• Impact Award – Anoushka Pacquette, WILL+Partners

Described as a “a well-deserved winner of the Impact Award”, Pacquette has excelled in realising social impact, having pioneered outreach programmes with groups such as Black Professionals in Construction and Women in Property. Her entry also demonstrated her work in fostering wellbeing for all workplace occupiers, as well as her ethical approach.

• Inspirational Leader of the Year – William Poole-Wilson, WILL+Partners

Poole-Wilson’s commitment to mentorship, apprenticeship and wellness, is well-illustrated by his work in cofounding the Will Academy, where he teaches the next generation and seeks to break down barriers for entry into architecture. The judges’ noted his particular leadership in putting ESG at the forefront of design, through his contribution to the BCO’s Wellness matters blueprint and the integration of new environmental tools, such as the RICS SKA rating. His “empathy, integrity and vision” all make him an inspirational leader in the industry.

• Employer of the Year – Claremont

Claremont’s “positive leadership” and “strong employee engagement” received particular praise from the judges. The company’s investment in training initiatives and its promotion of an integrated and diverse culture demonstrate the values of an exceptional NextGen employer.

Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “The office sector is continuously evolving, and it’s the energy and innovation of the next generation that drives it forward. Our NextGen members bring a fresh perspective, pushing boundaries in sustainable design, social value, and redefining what a modern workplace can be. Their commitment is reinvigorating our industry, making it an exciting space for growth and change.”

Peter Crowther, President of the BCO, said: “The next generation’s determination to effect meaningful change in our industry is inspiring. At the BCO, we’re committed to supporting this talent as they challenge convention and explore new approaches. It’s essential to keep asking questions and embrace experimentation. This is where the real impact lies.”