Shedding New Light: How Women in Estate Agency is Elevating Leadership.

Shedding New Light: How Women in Estate Agency is Elevating Leadership

Introduction

In a bold and uplifting move this June, Women in Estate Agency (WiEA)—an influential UK initiative founded in 2020 by Clare Hughes and Liana Loporto‑Browne—welcomed two dynamic professionals to its leadership board as it reshapes its leadership landscape and regional footprint.

Leadership Transitions & Strategic Refresh

• Board Departures and Hiatus
  Two longstanding board members, Lucy Noonan and Ellie Hall, have stepped down to prioritize their personal ventures.
  Additionally, co‑founder Liana Loporto‑Browne will take a one‑year hiatus to focus on scaling her own estate agency business—a decision she says allows her to continue supporting WiEA “from a different capacity” with a promise to return soon.

• New Voices Joining the Board
  To strengthen the board’s depth and reach, WiEA has welcomed:

  • SJ Taylor, an operations manager at GreenhouseOS with over 20 years of industry experience.

  • Kelly Gardener, formerly chair of the Regional Champions group, who steps into a one‑year secondment on the board.

• Board at a Glance
  WiEA's expanded board now includes nine industry leaders and entrepreneurs: Clare Hughes, Verona Frankish (chair), Clare Yates, Kirsty Franks, Amy Shields, Iain McKenzie, Simon Brown, Catherine Perry, Kyla Irwin Williams, plus the newest additions SJ Taylor and Kelly Gardener.

Growing the Reach: Regional Champions

WiEA is doubling down on local impact by appointing Evelyn Foster as the Regional Champion for Scotland and Rachel Leigh for The Lakes region. These appointments aim to strengthen regional engagement through local events and networking.

A Forward-Looking Approach

Future highlights from WiEA's ambitious calendar:

• WiEA Charter: A framework promoting inclusivity, leadership, and excellence across the estate agency sector.

• The WiEA Pod: A fresh podcast format featuring candid conversations and inspiring career journeys.

• Leadership Training: Tailored programs equipping professionals with crucial leadership competencies.

• WiEA Conference 2026: Scheduled for 5 March 2026, it's set to be a linchpin event for empowerment, community, and forward momentum.

Why This Matters

• Leadership Renewal: The board refresh signals WiEA’s commitment to staying current, diverse, and dynamic.

• Supporting Career Journeys: Loporto‑Browne’s hiatus underscores the realistic balance leaders seek between organizational roles and business growth.

• Geo‑Inclusive Design: Appointing regional champions demonstrates WiEA’s intent to make impact felt at a local level.

• Skill Development & Visibility: The mix of training, media, and events showcases WiEA’s holistic approach to empowerment and sector visibility.

Final Thoughts

WiEA’s recent developments reflect a growing and thoughtful approach to leadership, representation, and community impact. By blending fresh voices, regional focus, and future-forward initiatives like podcasts and training, WiEA is laying the foundation for sustained progress in the estate agency industry.