New network to support LGBT property professionals

Two major players in real estate have teamed up to launch an industry first – a network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender professionals working in property.

International law firm Taylor Wessing, working in collaboration with Tuffin Ferraby Taylor, welcomed almost 80 LGBT professionals to the network’s first event, held last week at their New Street Square offices. Among the guests were building surveyors, valuation surveyors,  agency surveyors asset managers, architects and property lawyers. 

After a successful first event and growing demand, the network is now looking to establish itself with a regular night – the next of which will be held on 10 November at a soon to be confirmed venue.  The  lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall has since offered their help in formally setting up the group.

Saleem Fazal, a partner in the real estate team at Taylor Wessing, says:

"Workplace equality in the property sector lags behind most other sectors. We felt there was a niche in the market and that a forum such as this, which is a first for the property profession, would be a good way to begin addressing the equality gap for the LGBT community. Taylor Wessing set up The Gay Employment Lawyers Network earlier this year, so we had a successful precedent to base this on. We're delighted at the appetite this first event has generated and very much look forward to the next event on 10th November."

Chris Edwards at Stonewall comments:

“Stonewall is delighted that the property sector has taken this exciting step in supporting its lesbian, gay and bisexual employees (LGB). The property sector is considerably behind other industries in tackling sexual orientation issues and is failing to reap associated benefits, e.g. being better placed to secure contracts, being able to recruit and retain the best people from the widest pool of talent as well as tapping into a lucrative but often overlooked LGB market (estimated to be worth between £70-80 billion in Britain). Evidence demonstrates that people perform better when they can be themselves, individuals that do not feel comfortable to be out at work may suffer from reduced productivity and increased stress levels. Stonewall looks forward to supporting the group and the sector in developing this initiative.”

For more information about the 10 November event, please email events@taylorwessing.com 

Lawyers Saleem Fazal