Celebrating Generosity and Collaboration this International Women’s Day.
Supporting each other is a huge part of our culture at B&P, whether that’s among the broad mix of brilliant people we have on our team, or with stakeholders and clients.
So, while we’re not big on taking part in awareness days for the sake of it, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Give to Gain’, focusing on generosity and collaboration, struck a chord.
We have an amazing team of women at B&P, working in a traditionally male-dominated sector, and each has a story to tell about the women (and men) who have supported and championed them along the way.
So, we thought we’d share some of them.
Jade Struthers MRICS, Senior Land Manager:
“As I started my career in surveying at B&P, it never occurred to me that it was traditionally a male-dominated profession. From my first day, I was surrounded by capable and knowledgeable women in senior leadership roles who gave up their time (and patience) to help me find my feet in a new career. This experience inspired me to ensure I do my best to give the same support to fellow women in the business and the wider industry – sometimes it is the allyship and shared experiences of another woman that really makes you feel like ‘you’ve got this’.
“I would especially like to shout out Kirsten Grant, who consistently supports and encourages me out of my comfort zone. She pushes me to believe in myself, be confident, and speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Everyone should have a Kirsten, and I hope I can be one for anyone who needs it. Also, a shout out to all the women who blazed the trail and paved the way for us to be where we are now – I feel so proud when I find myself on an all-woman client call discussing land strategy and making decisions for multi-million-pound projects. It’s very cool.”
Natalie Reilly, Associate Director – Land Referencing Lead England and Wales:
“I want to talk about my mum, for her continued support throughout and for showing great work ethic and commitment. My mum showed me that it is important to enjoy and be passionate about your work, and this has meant I chose a career based on my own interests.
“And the women I currently work with at B&P, who have welcomed me into the team and allowed me to progress over the past year. Whilst developing in a new role and different environment, my line manager, Saffron Sergison, has provided continuous support and kindness that has encouraged me to aspire further. Being a mum to a 3-year-old keeps me very busy, so having a supportive team at work is important.”
Cat MacLachlan – Director:
“Firstly, my thanks go to Chris Taylor. Despite my inability to stop talking during my interview, she gave me my first Wayleave officer job. She’s still the only person I know who can walk a construction site in a dress as if it’s PPE. She had more grit and courage than most of the men we worked with.
“My second appreciation is for the team and the landowners I worked with while pregnant. I had the most god-awful pregnancy, and so many people told me there was no way a pregnant woman could work on a construction site. If the team ever felt that way, they never let it show. Their support and top-quality banter carried me through one of the toughest periods of my life. They will never know how much I needed that, or how much strength their backing gave me.
“And lastly, my mum. She was one of only two women in her land economy course, told she wouldn’t get surveying roles because she was a woman – and later, because she was a wife and a mum. She pushed through barriers so that I don’t have to face the same ones now. Mum, thank you.”
Gill Froud, Divisional Director:
“A woman who had a huge influence on my career was Julie Clark at Savills. Julie was on the board and had worked her way up through the business, and I always aspired to be like her. She was hardworking and incredibly capable, but what stood out most was the way she gave me the confidence to grow.
“At a time when the industry was still very male-dominated, having someone like Julie to look up to made a real difference. She showed me that you could be strong, credible and successful without changing who you are, and her support gave me the belief to back myself and keep progressing.”
Ellen Grant, Associate Director – Networks
“Shout out to Jane and Isobel, the silent backbone of their teams. They bring order and structure, but just as importantly, kindness, compassion and empathy to everyone they meet. They are the rocks that ground us when projects start to spin out of control – calm, steady and solutions-focused when it matters most.
“They create a workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported, building a genuine sense of psychological safety. Because of them, people feel able to speak up, ask for help and do their best work.
“They have helped me personally more than they know. Their steady support, and their soft words of encouragement (and occasional well-timed reprimand) have reminded me time and again that a team is only as strong as the people within it and the way it’s led. That real performance doesn’t come from pressure alone; it grows from human connection, something far too easily overlooked in the modern world.”
Kirsten Grant – Director and Head of Offshore Renewables
“I began my career as a rural surveyor at a time when few women held senior positions within the industry. There was only one woman on the senior management team, but her presence demonstrated that progression was possible in what had historically been a male-dominated field. That visibility was pivotal for me in the early stages of my career. She was also a very talented professional who, in addition to her day job, raised a family and ran her family farm with her husband.
“As a young professional, I was living in Edinburgh and through netball, I found an exceptional group of women I formed lasting friendships with. This group included professionals from a variety of industries. They became, and continue to be, a significant source of inspiration as I watched them build their own careers and navigate their own paths. Being part of a group of like-minded, ambitious women was incredibly empowering, and their support encouraged me to pursue opportunities I might otherwise have considered out of reach.”
B&P started with four friends supporting each other to do something a bit different. “Give to Gain” isn’t just about individual mentorship; it’s about the culture the team is building together. By showing up for each other and sharing our expertise, we don’t just become a better place to work; we become a more effective partner for our clients. We’re proud of the team leading our business today.
Here’s to the mentors, the allies, and the next generation of trailblazers.