Oxford: Laura Gorman named Women in Property chairman

Laura Gorman, a senior associate in the real-estate practice at top 50 law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper, has been named chairman for Women in Property, Thames Valley branch.

Gorman takes the regional role for the national property and construction industry lobbying and networking organisation from March 2020, for one year. Women in Property creates networking opportunities, expands professional knowledge and lobbies for change for women working within the property and construction industry.

Based in the firm’s Oxford office, Gorman specialises in commercial property work across a range of sectors including education, retail, leisure, industrial, renewable energy and life sciences. She advises on a range of real-estate matters, including acquisitions and disposals, transactional landlord and tenant matters, property development, real-estate financing and property aspects of corporate transactions.

In her forthcoming year as chairman, Gorman will help develop the work Women in Property has been doing across the country; mentoring women at all stages in their career, and addressing workplace issues such as flexible working patterns, supporting women returners and mental wellbeing. Gorman has been a member of Women in Property for two years and has been active on the regional committee.

She said: “Great strides have been made in this industry, but we know there is still lots of work to do to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, champion role models and achieve a more balanced workplace. Through Women in Property we are able to use our influence to help businesses make cultural change, which is good for everyone. This could include anything from running events that focus on wellness, to training women to confidently have their say during panel discussions, to expanding industry know-how through workshops and site visits. Women in Property gives women in the industry a voice and the power to influence this change.”

Simon Knott, Oxford real-estate partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper, said, “We are thrilled to congratulate Laura on her new appointment as Chairman for Women in Property in the Thames Valley. This is a fantastic opportunity and I am excited to see Laura help make progressive change throughout the industry. She is a real asset to the team at Penningtons Manches Cooper, and I am sure she will commit the same dedication and work ethic to Women in Property this year.”