With time running out to be in with a chance of winning an EG Award, one of the most valuable prizes in real estate, we have gathered some of this year’s judges to help you compile the best submissions.
There 21 categories up for grabs this year, from best UK and Global Adviser, Deal of the Year (London and the regions), City of the Year, the Sustainability Award, Social Value Award and EG Tech Award – which is, for the first time, open to entries – to sector-specific awards for BTR, alternatives, workspace and industrial.
The big night, on 17 October, promises to celebrate the best of real estate and all that it delivers for the economy, planet and people.
Entry to the EG Awards is free and submissions are judged by a cross-section of the built environment – and members of EG’s latest cohort of Future Leaders.
Compiling the perfect submission is tough though, so to help you pull together an award-winning entry, here is what some of our judges will be keen to see.
Pete Gladwell, group social impact and investment director, Legal & General
“Submissions that stand out for me are the ones that avoid ‘talking the talk’ and focus on how they have actually ‘walked the walk’. Nothing is more annoying than someone talking about what they are planning to do one day, accompanied by a shiny CGI, and hoping to win an award for that. I will be focused on delivery. How have lives been changed for the better? Are the environmental credentials credible? Have the financial returns been delivered – or are they just a forecast?”
Vivienne King, head of real estate social impact, The Good Economy
“What stands out for me in submissions is very simple: that the criteria has been followed and there is hard evidence. I will be looking for something exciting and forward-looking that recognises the role of the built environment in improving the real-world experience of people inside the building and its neighbourhood.”
Helen Gordon, chief executive, Grainger
“Reviewing the contributions of the best of our industry is inspiring, so I will be looking for innovation and creativity and something that moves our industry forward.”
Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property Federation
“The competition is normally incredibly tough, so entrants really need to focus on the judging criteria to showcase their achievements effectively and bring them to life by showing their impact. I will be looking for businesses, people and projects that can demonstrate their integrity and commitment to excellence and delivering results internally and to local communities.”
James Pellatt, director of innovation, GPE
“It may sound obvious, but make sure you answer the question. You will be amazed at how many entries highlight some great work, but sadly it cannot be recognised. I will be looking for fresh thinking, innovative approaches and not a ‘traditional’ approach.”
Dan Hughes, founder, Alpha Property Insight
“A clear articulation of the problem and the solution with evidence that supports this really helps. ROI numbers or client quotes, for example, really make things stand out. Judging awards is always a tricky process, especially when there are many high-quality entries. For me, the judging process is easier when there is clear evidence that the award entry has really gone above and beyond. I am always particularly drawn to entries that find new ways of doing things to improve the outcome.”
Shobi Khan, chief executive, Canary Wharf Group
“What stands out for me is a submission that presents clear business case and impact – either to the company, property or community. I will be looking at how firms embrace technology and/or EDI efforts.”
Jackie Sadek, director, Urban Strategy
“I like short, focused, streamlined submissions with clear bullets in plain English outlining why the applicant thinks their entrant is best-in-class. Less is more. I would urge people to be very selective, particularly on images. Massive CGIs clog up people’s kit and do not always add anything. And please be honest and sincere: any PR generic gobbledegook that could be about any scheme in the country will be spotted straight away. I have to say I always mark down any use of the words “vibrant” or “iconic”. Please do not be platitudinous. Try to think about the core values of the thing you are trying to promote. I will be commending any scheme that seems to be learning from and responding to the way the world has changed in recent years. Responding to the challenge of the climate change emergency is the obvious example. But there are others, such as the way working patterns have evolved since the pandemic, as well as the potential for technological enabling of people lives. And, of course, we will be looking for a genuine commitment to the ESG agenda.”
Charlie Green (pictured left), co-founder & president, TOG
“Detail stands out. You want to see that someone has considered for the submission, which tends to indicate there is real care for the work they do. It is then an authenticity that tends to come out, or not, as you read through the submission and that is a fundamental element. I am keen to find entries that stand out from the crowd and, with that, making a real difference in whatever area they are working in.”
James Raynor, chief executive, Grosvenor Property UK
“A description of why the proposal is unique or differentiated always stands out for me in submissions. I will be looking for entries that show a positive social contribution.”
John Woodman, chairman, Hollis
“Clarity and relevance always stand out. Submissions that are easy to read and relate back to the criteria are stand-out for me. It is not rocket science; each award category has criteria – a submission that shows they have understood those criteria is going to be in a stronger position than one that simply fills the word count. Our industry is awash with talent and innovation. A key thing for me this year is rewarding submissions that not only demonstrate excellence but have a focus on sustainability. We cannot escape that we are living in unprecedented times with global ambitions to be net zero; entries which demonstrate forward-thinking and consideration to our planet are the exciting ones for me this year to recognise.”
Jonathan Seal, chief executive, Regal London
“I always start by looking at the facts, so I am interested in cases where data and evidence is provided as part of the submission to provide a strong basis for a change in approach or a new initiative. I am hoping to see some true disruption, entries that are out of the ordinary – those that have reimagined a traditional approach.”
Emily Bohill, founder and managing partner, Bohill Partners
“I will be looking for examples of impact, detail from people about what difference the person has made, cross-referenced with others in the market. I want to see change-makers, people who are making a difference – bringing creativity, diversity and impact to the industry.”
Ola Alade, EG Future Leader and commercial estates manager, Hertsmere Borough Council
“Innovative ideas stand out for me. I would like to see ideas and people/companies that are pushing the envelope. I am also fascinated to hear about new sectors within property and successful integration of technology. I am looking for examples of technology implementation. I am also keeping an eye out for good examples of social value creation.”
Sue Brown, managing director, Real Estate Balance
“Transparency and authenticity make submissions stand out for me. I appreciate that real estate organisations are at different stages in their journey towards diversity – some are just starting out, while others are setting the standards for best practice. What stands out is when organisations are honest about what is working and where there is still work to be done. This takes courage and a willingness to change, but it is the only way we can work together to create an industry that is fairer, better-balanced and more equitable for everyone. Real Estate Balance is all about finding practical solutions to address real-world EDI challenges, so I will be on the lookout for the initiatives and organisations taking tangible actions and achieving measurable impact. While it is easy to talk about progressing EDI, making this a reality is much harder – so I want to celebrate those finding practical ways of challenging outdated norms and driving cultural change in our industry.”
Click here to find out more about all 21 categories and enter >>
Entries close at midnight on 20 May.
