Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women. As well as celebrating the achievements of women within society, it also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Burns & Webber and our sister company, Curchods, have grown as a company over the last 80 years, from a single branch to one of the most successful estate agents in the South of England, with a network of 21 branches throughout Surrey and South West London. As a result the workforce has inevitably expanded and changed over this time.

Today, Burns & Webber and Curchods are incredibly proud to have a dedicated, combined workforce of 186 employees, 55% of which are female – pretty impressive for an industry that has long been male dominated!

Ranging from part time to full time, from Secretary’s and Negotiators to Branch Managers and Department Heads, we asked nine of our female employees about their personal experience working for the company and why they love their job.

Lois Waters, Head of Property Management & Lettings Compliance

“I have run a successful Property Management department for Curchods and Burns & Webber for over four years. Whilst some days can be challenging I thoroughly enjoy my job, working with an excellent team that is 80% female. We all look out for each other whilst working hard to ensure the best level of service is provided. I have never felt like being a women has held me back whilst working for this great company.”

Kate Inchbald, Secretary at Burns & Webber Cranleigh

“In my branch there are three women to one man (poor him!) so I certainly feel part of a company which appreciates that women work hard and get the job done, and we do. Women are good team players and the team spirit is one of the reasons I love my job.”

Carolyn Jones, HR Manager

“One of the main reasons I love my role is the variety it offers; no two days are the same, from supporting our people though onboarding and during employment, compliance with legislation, utilising new technology, to navigating our way through challenging situations and the resultant impact on the company and employees – of which the most recent has been the Covid-19 pandemic and the huge impact it’s had on both our personal and working lives! It is a delightful company to work for and they really care about their people. I don’t feel that I am treated any differently being a woman in the business and that to me is positive as people are treated as individuals, irrespective of gender.”

Victoria Yates, Senior Negotiator at Curchods New Malden

“Property has been a male dominated industry for so many years so it is good to work for a company that does nothing but empower the women working for them. I thoroughly enjoy working for Curchods, I always feel equal to my colleagues and I enjoy our mixed gender environment.”

Rebekah Kinnaird, Lettings Coordinator

“Working for Curchods and Burns & Webber means no day is exactly the same! I get on well with my colleagues and have made good friendships. I had support and help when I moved house recently and Curchods and Burns & Webber have since allowed me more flexibility with working remotely which has allowed me to have a better work life balance, something that is incredibly important.”

Amy Patfield, Lettings Manager at Burns & Webber Guildford

“Burns & Webber ensure opportunities are available regardless of gender, allowing no limit to what we as women can achieve. It makes me proud to work for a company who have such strong females, who are highly skilled and dynamic and who influence each other. All of our successes should be an inspiration to each other.”

Natasha Grant, Sales Negotiator at Curchods Esher

“I’m a new member to the Curchods team, but already very proud to be a part of it. I have been supported at every stage of my journey so far to feel capable and responsible and I’m looking forward to being just as successful at my job as anyone else in the company!”

Jo Selwood, Secretary at Curchods Kingston

“I feel very fortunate to have worked for a company for over 20 years where I feel respected and valued and given all the support I need to achieve my best!”

Helen Blair, Financial Controller

“I have worked for Curchods for almost 4 years now and I am proud to work for them. I love my job because everyone shares the same vision and professional outlook alongside a genuine desire for staff wellbeing and humour.”

Each year International Women’s Day has a theme and 2021’s is ‘Choose To Challenge’ or for those who want to get involved on social media, #ChooseToChallenge. You can find out more about International Women’s Day by visiting their website below.