Equality and the sector's future were hot topics at MSP Capital Utilita Bowl property brunch

Women in surveying and predictions for the construction sector were the twin focus at the Utilita Bowl ‘Brunch & Learn’ morning hosted by property finance specialist MSP Capital in partnership with building consultancy Sillence Hurn.

Developers, surveyors, valuation experts and lawyers were among those in attendance at the seminar, which was the third industry event staged by MSP Capital under its ESG strategy, ‘Foundations for Better Futures (FFBF)’, which was launched last year.

Guests heard presentations from two senior figures at Sillence Hurn, Managing Director Alex Hurn and Head of Residential Services Chloe Hylton.

Chloe Hylton, Sillence Hurn’s Head of Residential Services, gives her presentation at the brunch and learn event at the Utilita Bowl, the latest seminar to be held by MSP Capital under its ESG strategy Foundations for Better Futures.

In her talk, entitled Women in Surveying, Chloe highlighted the benefits for property companies of having a more diverse workforce with a greater range of insight, expertise and experience.

She encouraged employers in the audience to consider more options for ongoing professional development to help women advance in their property careers.

Alex outlined some of the pressures which the residential property industry has faced in recent times, predicting an uptick in activity from this year due to factors including extensive brownfield remediation.

He said skills shortages would continue to impact the UK construction sector and called for investment in skills to become more of a priority. He also encouraged property colleagues to ‘collaborate and network’.

A key strand of MSP Capital’s FFBF strategy is to support the property sector through educational seminars and opportunities to highlight and share key issues.

Previous FFBF ‘Brunch & Learn’ events have included a seminar at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on biodiversity net gain rules for developers and a gathering at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel focused on real estate trends and natural capital solutions on development sites.

Reflecting on the Utilita Bowl event, Chris Sheppard, MSP Capital’s Associate Director of Underwriting, said: “It was fantastic to see business people gather together to learn about interesting topics and exchange their experiences.”

And Eleanor Collins, Marketing Executive at MSP Capital, added: “Brunch & Learn offers a unique blend of industry knowledge and learning, creating an invaluable opportunity for professionals to share their thoughts around property trends and ESG practices over coffee and a conversation.”

Founded in 1981, MSP Capital is a principal development and bridging lender, offering solutions for sums up to £20 million.

• For more information on Foundations for Better Futures, visit www.mspcapital.co.uk/betterfutures.

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