Q&A: Women working in property and retail
In the run-up to International Women’s Day, The Retail Bulletin spoke to women leaders about their views on working in the property and retail sector.
How have you seen the industry evolve for women since you first started your career?
Rachel Bradburn, Head of Leasing and Brand Relationship Director at Redical: “I’ve seen positive progress in family policies, particularly with enhanced maternity and paternity leave, allowing for a more balanced approach to childcare. However, these policies are not yet widespread, and unconscious bias around parental leave and caregiving responsibilities still persists.
“To drive lasting change, we must actively challenge traditional mindsets and ensure all parents have equal access to career progression and leadership opportunities.”
Never Miss a Retail Update!Lauren Hopkins, Associate Marketing Director, Peel Retail & Leisure: “When I began my career, it was the beginning of consumer spend shifting its focus to online – brands and shopping centres were seeking innovative ways to drive footfall in physical stores and counter the convenience of e-commerce.
“Since covid and beyond, we’re in what I think of as an ‘experiential era’. A pandemic hiatus saw attention pivot to virtual and digital spaces, but today, consumers crave emotion and sensory stimulation, consumers want to ‘feel something’. The physical store should be an interactive space with incredible customer service and a top-notch experience.
“With ‘tech-celeration’ and a social media-led world, technology is reshaping the retail experience, from biometric payments to AI-enhanced shopping, and consumers are all for it. As times change, the brands that embrace this will be the ones that thrive.”
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction, which focuses on taking swift and decisive steps toward gender equality. Do you think the industry is making meaningful progress in supporting women and achieving gender equality? If so, how? If not, what’s missing?
Lauren Hopkins, Associate Marketing Director, Peel Retail & Leisure: “Every year the awareness of gender equality grows and evolves, and within the property and Retail sector, I believe that there has been meaningful progress made in supporting women.
“The theme of #AccelerateAction is a great indicator of not only the foundation that has been built, but a reminder of the continued progress that needs to be made – as a sector we need to not sit still and continue to wholeheartedly embrace these positive steps.”
What is the best advice someone has given you as a woman in the sector?
Helen Atkinson, Marketing Manager at Metrocentre: “The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to not be afraid to speak up, have confidence in my ability and, most importantly, to just to be myself. I’ve worked with lots of strong women over the years and have learnt a lot from them, but equally, I’ve been lucky in that my male bosses have been really supportive and have helped me achieve my goals.
Stephanie Glendinning, Retail Relations Manager at centre:mk: “Don’t be afraid to use your voice and clearly communicate your opinions. It is important to ensure your values are at the heart of everything you do.”
What are your hopes for the next generation of women in property and retail?
Stephanie Glendinning, Retail Relations Manager at centre:mk: “My hopes for the next generation of female leaders are for them to continue to break down barriers in the industry. I hope they will be ambitious in their career choices and always believe that you can get to the very top through working hard and developing new skillsets.
Hannah Grievson, Property Director at Sloane Stanley: “I hope the next generation of women will have equal pay and be treated with the same respect as men. I hope that harassment of any type is no longer present in the workplace, and that women have increased flexibility with working practices to help balance their busy lives outside of work.
“Choosing between work and children should never have to be a compromise, and although progress is being made, it would be great to see this on a wider scale across the industry.”
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women in the property and retail industry?
Hannah Grievson, Property Director at Sloane Stanley: “Unconscious bias is still an issue that prevails, with women often ending up in less well-paid parts of the profession. For example, there are many women in estate agency and property management, but very few in investment and development where salaries are significantly higher. There is also a lack of women in leadership positions, with very few on the boards of most large companies.
“This has become more of a concern for me as I’ve got older, and now find myself looking around in meetings and noticing how very few women of my age are still working in a high-level position. There is more that can be done to encourage and inspire women into these roles, and a core part of this is education from a young age and building awareness that opportunities like this exist.”
Rachel Bradburn, Head of Leasing and Brand Relationship Director at Redical: “The lack of female representation at the executive and board level remains a significant challenge. While progress is happening, we have yet to reach the generation that has fully benefited from improved opportunities, experience, and visibility to secure these roles on an equal footing. Continued mentorship, networking, and advocacy will be crucial in supporting underrepresented talent and driving meaningful change in the industry.”
What do you think is the key to building a workplace where women thrive?
Louisa Dalgleish, Leasing Director at Outlet Shopping at The O2: “I think the key to a thriving workplace for women is the removal of pay discrimination and making an active effort to ensure that there are safe lines of communication where women feel confident enough to voice their concerns. Additionally, flexible working conditions are also hugely beneficial in supporting mothers when they return to work.”
Helen Atkinson, Marketing Manager at Metrocentre: “The key to building a workplace where women thrive is creating an environment of equality, respect, and support. Personally, I don’t want to be treated any differently from my male colleagues — I just want to be heard and have my opinions valued.
“At Metrocentre, we genuinely foster a culture of support and mentorship, taking steps to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to grow. For those with families, flexibility and understanding are essential to their success, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.”
What advice do you have for women who want to work in male-dominated fields?
Louisa Dalgleish, Leasing Director at Outlet Shopping at The O2: “I think being confident and assertive is key when working in a male-dominated field. This doesn’t need to be a personality trait, but having confidence in your ability and trusting your expertise and abilities is what will make a difference.
“Also, as women, we have different perspectives, and we should always tap into our own experiences and bring them to the table across our projects. Ultimately, it’s about leveraging your skills and staying true to who you are, and this will help pave the way for other women too.”
