A number of smaller real estate firms have joined forces to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion during Pride month.
Following an initiative led by the Property Advisors Forum (PAF) last year, Colliers, Allsop, Gerald Eve, Carter Jonas, LSH and Montagu Evans are uniting to encourage greater representation of the LGBTQ+ community within real estate.
Each firm will host an event to celebrate Pride in June, inviting members from other smaller firms to attend. Allsop is organising a spin class and networking breakfast, Montagu Evans is hosting an exhibition of art by LGBTQ+ artists and Colliers is organising a Pride quiz and mixer. Collaboration with Freehold – the networking hub for LGBTQ+ professionals in the real estate sector – will open up these events to a wider audience.
Rob Nunn, head of UK talent and development at Colliers, said: “It was clear from the outset that larger firms like JLL and CBRE have the numbers to develop well attended and well-established employee LGBTQ+ networks, whereas smaller firms were struggling to grow their network memberships.
“The lack of visible LBGTQ+ role models in the property sector can hinder personal and professional growth. We know that creating inclusive work environments encourages diversity of thought in the way we do business, which benefits firms and clients alike. While things are changing, the industry still suffers from not attracting talent from underrepresented groups. Through the smaller firms uniting and showcasing our shared values we hope to make incremental improvements to change that.”
Gareth Hosgood, partner in commercial valuation at Allsop, added: “In smaller firms the handful of members, who are usually volunteers, take on a lot of responsibility. This is amplified in regional offices, where LGBTQ+ representation is even lower. This lack of role models and mentors can leave LGBTQ+ employees feeling isolated. We knew that by collaborating with other firms, we could create health and well-being initiatives with a much broader reach and appeal.
“Improving diversity and inclusion benefits all real estate firms and is an area where we should collaborate, not compete. This group is crucial in ensuring smaller firms and networks can create a greater level of inclusion for the entire industry. Our collective efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry, supporting not only the LGBTQ+ community but also enriching the sector with varied perspectives and talents.”
