British Council For Offices Celebrates The Industry’s Rising Stars At NextGen Awards
Annual Award ceremony recognises the achievements of under 35s in the commercial property sector
The NextGen Awards are a highlight of the BCO’s calendar and a key part of its 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% 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. Beth 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
- NextGen Rising Star Midlands & East Anglia – Sophie Lloyd, Overbury
- NextGen Rising Star North – Scott Telford, AtkinsRéalis
- NextGen Rising Star Scotland – Harry Sharples, AECOM
- Graduate of the Year – Celin Mcloughlin‑Jenkins, AECOM
- Impact Award – Anoushka Pacquette, WILL+Partners
- Inspirational Leader of the Year – William Poole‑Wilson, WILL+Partners
- Employer of the Year – Claremont
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.”
Oliver Hall, NextGen Committee Chair for London and the South‑East, said: “Amid challenges for the industry, the BCO NextGen has been a constant source of energy and optimism, creating an inspiring space where early‑career professionals continue to thrive and innovate. The NextGen Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate this talent. As I come to the end of my term as Chair of the NextGen London and South East committee, I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved in the BCO NextGen group. It’s my pleasure to hand over to Beth Starling, who will do a fantastic job in continuing to create a space for new ideas, debate and exchange.”
The award winners:
NextGen Rising Star – London & the South East
Winner: Alla Elmahadi, Buckley Gray Yeoman
The judges praised Alla’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. Alla 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
Winner: Sophie Lloyd, Overbury
Sophie 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, Sophie worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to help build their confidence and self‑esteem. Sophie 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
Winner: Scott Telford, AtkinsRéalis
The judges were impressed by Scott’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
Winner: Harry Sharples, AECOM
The judges’ appreciated Harry’s passion for finding innovative ways to optimise building performance. Alongside his ongoing work on data analytics, Harry’s 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
Winner: Celine Mcloughlin‑Jenkins, AECOM
Celine 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
Winner: Anoushka Pacquette, WILL+Partners
Described as a “a well‑deserved winner of the Impact Award”, Anoushka 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
Winner: William Poole‑Wilson, WILL+Partners
William’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. Will’s “empathy, integrity and vision” all make him an inspirational leader in the industry.
Employer of the Year
Winner: 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.
All images credit: Kit Oates.
