Diversity

Building a culture at Birchwood

Birchwood Real Estate Capital is the new lender on the block. Founder Lorna Brown and director Kate Tovey tell Daniel Cunningham why being a female-led business will help the firm to stand out.

The data on diversity

Although diversity in Europe’s real estate debt industry is difficult to quantify, data on the wider property industry show there is a long way to go.

Diversity in RE finance, part 6: Fair promotion creates access to senior roles

LaSalle’s Amy Klein Aznar says company culture is crucial when it comes to increasing diversity.

Diversity in RE finance, part 5: Retention is as important as the hire

Executive search specialist Ghada Sousou believes companies need to create diverse cultures to attract diverse workforces.

Diversity in RE finance: Part 4: Social class is a barrier

Brookland’s Nassar Hussain says a focus on socioeconomic background is essential to promoting diversity.

If you are serious about diversity, consider taking these steps

Real estate debt leaders told us how gathering data, examining company culture and conducting targeted outreach are important milestones in creating diverse organisations.

Diversity in RE finance: Part 3: Speak up, and listen

Emma Huepfl, chair of CREFC Europe, says the industry can learn from people’s lived experiences.

Diversity in RE finance: Part 2: Flagging opportunities through outreach

CBRE’s Clarence Dixon says employers need to let people from minority groups know that opportunities exist for them.

Diversity in RE finance: Part 1: Intent through targets

In the first of a six-part deep-dive into diversity in the property debt industry, BentallGreenOak’s Jim Blakemore discusses his firm’s hiring target.

Inclusivity in real estate finance will take more than good intentions

Urgent issues around diversity and inclusion were discussed at CREFC’s London conference last week. The industry’s challenge is how to take meaningful action.