Innovus is Proud to Sponsor the Woman of the Year – Residential (Development/Management) Award

The residential property sector is in the middle of one of the most significant periods of change it has faced in decades. From the introduction of the Building Safety Act to rising expectations around governance, compliance and resident engagement, the demands on those leading the industry have never been greater. At a time like this, recognising great leadership isn't simply about celebrating individual achievement, it's about recognising the people helping move the sector forward.

That's why Innovus is proud to sponsor the Woman of the Year – Residential (Development/Management) category at this year's Inspiring Women in Property Awards (IWIP).

Organised by Property Week as part of its Inspiring Diversity in Property campaign, the awards celebrate the people shaping the future of the industry through leadership, innovation and expertise. For us, sponsoring this category is an opportunity to recognise the people raising standards across residential property and to support an initiative that reflects many of the values we hold as a business.

Those values of trust, respect, integrity, innovation and delivery are reflected in the leaders recognised by the Woman of the Year – Residential (Development/Management) award. These are the people delivering complex projects, leading high-performing teams, responding to changing legislation and helping shape better outcomes for residents. Their influence extends beyond their own organisations, setting standards that benefit the wider sector. For Innovus, that's a category that feels particularly relevant.

Every day, we work with clients who are navigating an increasingly complex environment. Whether supporting residential developments, managing buildings safely and effectively or helping clients respond to legislative change, our role is to provide practical expertise and trusted advice. We know first-hand the difference strong leadership makes, not just within organisations, but in the experience of the people who live in and rely on those buildings.

Supporting the awards also reflects something important about Innovus itself. Our Executive Leadership Team includes five women across eight executive roles, bringing a breadth of experience and perspectives to the strategic direction of the business. Across Innovus, we've seen the value that diverse leadership brings to better decision-making, stronger collaboration and better outcomes for clients.

That commitment is reflected in the people leading our business today. In 2025, Samantha Jones, Director of Customer, led the Innovus team recognised with the EDI Team of the Year award at the Inspiring Women in Property Awards. It's an achievement that reflects the importance we place on creating an inclusive workplace where people can thrive and where different perspectives strengthen the way we work.

It's also reflected in the work of Clare Parker, Director of Surveying, who continues to champion more diverse routes into the surveying profession. At a time when the industry faces a well-documented skills shortage, broadening access to surveying careers and encouraging people from different backgrounds into the profession is essential to building a stronger future workforce.

This year's awards are also a proud moment for Innovus, with Fran Giles, Director of Business Services, shortlisted for Leader of the Year – Professional Services, and Sara Dobbs, Director of Building Safety, shortlisted in three categories: Leader of the Year – Residential, Team Leader of the Year – Residential and Woman of the Year – Residential (Consultancy/Other Services). Their nominations recognise the expertise, leadership and commitment that our colleagues bring to clients every day, while also reflecting the contribution of the teams who support them.

Supporting the awards was a conscious decision for Innovus, reflecting both the values of the business and the importance we place on recognising leadership across the industry.

Stephanie Caw, Director of Marketing, explains why:

"Supporting the Inspiring Women in Property Awards was a natural decision for us because they recognise something we see every day across our business and our industry. Great leadership creates better outcomes for colleagues, clients and residents alike.

We're especially proud to sponsor the Woman of the Year – Residential (Development/Management) category because it celebrates leaders whose decisions have a direct impact on the places people call home. It's also an opportunity to recognise the expertise, resilience and commitment that exists across our industry, while championing the importance of diverse leadership in shaping its future.

We're looking forward to celebrating all of this year's finalists and congratulating everyone who has been recognised."

The winners will be announced at the Inspiring Women in Property Awards on 22 September at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Whatever the outcome, we're proud to support an event that celebrates the people helping shape the future of residential property. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted, and especially to our own colleagues, Fran Giles and Sara Dobbs. We look forward to celebrating with the industry in September.