UK Property Forums (UKPF) has teamed up with real estate advisor Savills, to develop a new network for property professionals at the start of their careers in Oxfordshire.
OxProp NextGen aims to help support and develop the careers of professionals, new to the industry, through cross-sector networking, events and opportunities within the CPD (continuous professional development) process.
The network was established last year by Liv Thomas, a graduate surveyor at Savills Oxford. With the support of the firm, she brought together a group of 20 recent graduates and apprentices from across Oxfordshire for a successful launch event in Oxford. Within two months the group had grown to close to 100 professionals.
She said: “Networking is so valuable and to do so early on in your property career can make a real difference. However, despite there being a number of events for new entrants into the industry in London, opportunities to network locally were very limited.
“I decided it was time to change this and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Partnering with UKPF is a fantastic opportunity for us to further develop and grow the network. I see an exciting future ahead for the group.”
From January, OxProp NextGen will benefit from the full support of UKPF, publisher of Thames Tap, Eastern Echo and London West Journals and the company behind many successful events including OxPropFest and OxPropSummit.
Managing director Matthew Battle said: “It’s great to be working with Liv and her committee on this exciting new initiative and I’m sure that we can assist by providing support under our OxProp brand.
“OxProp NextGen has many great ideas and initiatives designed to support the careers of new property professionals. Who needs to go to London?”
Richard Binning, head of Savills Oxford, said: “Savills is committed to promoting inclusivity within the real estate industry. Part of this is about supporting professionals at all stages of their careers and this initiative is one very useful way we are able to help here in Oxfordshire.”
Membership of the group is free and provides access to a range of events throughout the year under the OPF banner.
Follow this link to book onto the first OxProp NextGen event of 2023 on February 2 at the Oxford Retreat.
Images (top): A forerunner to OxProp NextGen was held last year at the Oxford Retreat. Below: Liv Thomas.
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