The real estate industry got back into the swing of networking in real life last night as more than 700 dressed up (but not in black tie) to celebrate the 17th annual EG Awards. Many were there to see if they were going to be lifting a coveted EG Award above their heads, with even more there to support and celebrate and re-learn how to network with each other.
Some 21 awards were handed out last night, but every single shortlisted entrant was celebrated.
A night to remember and a welcome return to something that felt at least a little bit like normal.
EG Awards 2021 – the winners
The Renewal Award
Winner: Shaftesbury
Our judges said: Shaftesbury was hit hard by the pandemic, with its very business brought to a halt during lockdown. But it has worked hard to keep bringing people back and supporting its community.
In partnership with: WiredScore
Future of Real Estate Award
Winner: Built-ID
Our judges said: This innovative business showed a wealth of ideas and initiative in its submission. “I am hoping that this is part of the future of property development and placemaking,” said one EG judge. “The focus on building better, more sustainable places is refreshing and a lesson for the industry in how to leverage the wider community,” added another.
In partnership with: Aldermore
Best Workspace Award
Winner: General Projects
Our judges said: General Projects places clients at its heart. Providing significant levels of support to tenants, with accountancy and grant support, this business focused on creating a community, and that has translated into consistent occupancy levels.
In partnership with: HqO
Social Impact Award
Winner: The Land Collective
Our judges said: The Land Collective gave a great demonstration of organisations coming together to address a particular need for upskilling, and really focused on the opportunities and positive perspective of getting young people involved in the industry. “Absolutely love this much-needed initiative – I’m a believer,” said one judge.
In partnership with: Longevity Partners
Public/Private Partnership Award
Winner: Blenheim Estate Homes and West Oxfordshire District Council
Our judges said: At a time when the affordable housing issue is at crisis point, this is a much-welcomed project and focus. “This is brilliant innovation by a historic landowner to address major social problems,” said the judging panel.
In partnership with: MRI Software
Global Company Award
Winner: Blackstone
Our judges said: Blackstone showed great performance across a diverse spread of sectors and locations. The judges were particularly impressed with its added push into the ESG arena. “This company is truly global – a skilled behemoth,” said our panel.
In partnership with: Knight Frank
UK Company Award
Winner: Derwent London
Our judges said: This was an excellent submission. The entrant clearly showcased a breadth of qualities and how it has put the environment, its tenants and teams at the top of its priority list.
In partnership with: Savills
UK Adviser Award
Winner: Hollis
Our judges said: Hollis showed good results driven from its proptech platform. The judges enjoyed its sustainability testimonials and, with a 4.5% increase on income, it was tough not to see it as a standout in this category.
In partnership with: DWF
Global Adviser Award
Winner: Knight Frank
Our judges said: Knight Frank provided a clear and strategic submission. Its impressive financial performance paired with its smart diversification got the nod from our panel, and proven strong deal activity across multiple continents made it the clear winner in this category.
In partnership with: Real Estate Balance
BTR Specialist Award
Winner: Grainger
Our judges said: “This is a really well-run business with a very positive performance during Covid, especially with regard to wellbeing,” said one of the judges. They were particularly impressed by Grainger’s clear focus on its residents during the pandemic.
In partnership with: Arthur
Industrial & Logistics Specialist Award
Winner: SEGRO
Our judges said: SEGRO is no stranger to the sheds game. Its entry showed impressive deals and a strong financial performance during the period under review. The panel gave a special nod to its Covid response and increased social responsibility.
In partnership with: Yardi
Alternatives Specialist Award
Winner: JLL Life Sciences
Our judges said: Smart hires and spotting a trend early have meant that JLL Life Sciences has established itself as a clear leader in a field where strong growth in both the occupational and investment markets is predicted.
In partnership with: Built ID
London Deal Award
Winner: AXA IM Alts for the acquisition of Dolphin Square
Our judges said: This deal was a fantastic display of integration of tech, sustainability and real application of net carbon. “The social part of it is amazing,” said our judges. “This is an enormous deal with a high-profile transaction during a difficult year.”
In partnership with: Hollis
Regional Deal Award
Winner: Blackstone for the acquisition of Bourne Leisure
Our judges said: This winning deal impressed the panel for innovation in its sector. Blackstone provided solid data around employees, guest numbers and sites, and the judges were happy to see continued belief in the future of the regions.
In partnership with: Department for International Trade
Legal Team Award
Winner: Hogan Lovells
Our judges said: Hogan Lovells bowled our panel over with its submission, showing transformative ESG deals and a breadth of offering. It provided a host of strong client testimonials and judges were impressed by the firm’s push for diversity and inclusion.
In partnership with: EG Radius
City of the Year
Winner: Glasgow
Our judges said: Glasgow impressed the judges with its experimentation and risk-taking. “This city has much to shout about and it is clear that there is a vast amount of investment there,” said one of the judges.
In partnership with: Shoosmiths
Sustainability Award
Winner: FORE Partnership
Our judges said: This was a standout entry for the judges. FORE Partnership drew a lot of attention to wellbeing and social impact. “This is where the industry should be going. It is ambitious, and if it keeps going it will be very big!” said one judge.
In partnership with: Essensys
EG Tech Award
Winner: District Technologies
Our judges said: Lee Butz has long been an advocate for a world where tech and real estate come together in a real and meaningful way and has been doing that through District Technologies. Lee is a role model, leading by example in an industry where there haven’t always been people to look up to for those wanting to find, discover and embrace their true, authentic selves.
In partnership with: EG
Employer Award
Winner: Savills
Our judges said: Savills provided a submission that ticked pretty much all the boxes, from closing the gap on gender pay to a strong focus on mental health. “It is, in my view, one of the most progressive agencies out there, and I put a lot of that down to Richard Rees and his team,” said our judges.
In partnership with: Equiem
Rising Star
Winner: Stephanie O’Neill, partner, Wilks Head & Eve
Our judges said: As well as studying and raising a young family, Stephanie is also mentoring graduates, and took over as leader of their team to support the business under difficult circumstances. “It’s so commendable of this person to go beyond their usual role, despite their own challenges, and help others too – I feel inspired,” said our judges.
In partnership with: Octopus Real Estate
Outstanding Individual
Winner: Geeta Nanda, chief executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley housing association and vice-chair of the G15
Our judges said: Geeta has become a role model – a champion for diversity and inclusion, bringing about actual change and visible results. She is an outstanding individual, not just because of the work she does in her day job, but the work she is doing to make real estate a more welcoming place for all.
In partnership with: BAME in Property
