Gloucs landscape architecture student to compete at Women in Property national awards final in London15th July 2013

Charlotte Collins, a student who is studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Gloucestershire, is to represent the South West in the national finals of the Association of Women in Property (WiP) National Student Awards.

Charlotte competed against ten other students studying built environment degree courses, to win the regional heat of this prestigious national property competition. She will now compete against nine other young women from across the UK in the national Best of Best final at Claridge’s in London on 17 September. 

Charlotte, who received a cheque for £300 and a trophy, said: “I couldn’t be happier. I’ve really enjoyed the Awards and am so pleased I’ve made it through to the Final, particularly as the competition has been pretty tough. I’d like to thank the judges for their belief in me.”

Naomi Chesterman, Chairman of the South West branch of WiP, said: “This is a great achievement for Charlotte. The judging process puts the entrants through their paces in what might be their very first ‘business’ interview, but the feedback they receive, the skills they acquire and the visibility they receive from this Award will be invaluable in helping to establish their early careers.

“I wish Charlotte every success in the national Final, but whatever the outcome she is a winner through and through.”

Naomi, who works for Veale Wasbrough Vizards, sponsors of the Awards, said: “We are pleased to be involved with these Awards as we  see their value, not just for the young women taking part but also the benefit to the industry. Recognising this talent at an early stage, and helping them to sharpen their skills as they progress into their chosen careers, is great for them and vital for their future employers.”

The standard of the entries was so high that the judges took the decision to award a Highly Commended prize to Deborah Bryant-Pearson, who is studying Property Agency & Management at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.

In addition to Charlotte and Deborah there were nine other regional finalists, all of whom were nominated by their Universities. They were invited to go before a judging panel of industry experts, where they were questioned on a piece of coursework and topical industry issues. The finalists are:-

• Anisha Bakhada, studying Construction Management at the University of Plymouth
• Laura Bourne, studying Civil & Coastal Engineering at the University of Plymouth
• Cheryl Couling, studying Building Surveying & Environment at the University of Plymouth
• Leticia Ho Zhan, studying Civil & Architectural Engineering at the University of Bath
• Maisie Jenkins, studying Architecture & Planning at the University of the West of England
• Angelika Mazzoli Taic, studying Architecture at the University of Plymouth
• Madeleine Pope, studying Property Development & Planning at the University of the West of England
• Camilla Shipley, studying Rural Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester
• Sorrella Smith, studying Civil Engineering at the University of Plymouth

The 2013 judging panel included Naomi Chesterman, Veale Wasbrough Vizards; Francoise Jeannon, Turner & Townsend; Sally Strachan, Sally Strachan Historic Conservation; Tamara Jordan, Stride Treglown.