At Buxton Real Estate, supporting women in the industry isn’t just a focus on International Women’s Day—it’s embedded in the company’s culture every day. From mentorship to leadership, Buxton is committed to fostering an environment where women not only succeed but thrive. 

The real estate industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with more women stepping into leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping the future of property. “Real estate was once a bit of a boys’ club, with many women pigeonholed into administration and support roles,” says Emily Whitehead, Associate Director and Sales Manager at Buxton. “Now, women are not only present in sales—they are truly valued and respected. More women have stepped up into prominent positions, leading high-performing teams and even business ownership.” 

Melissa Heatherington, a Sales Consultant at Buxton, echoes this shift. “It’s been inspiring to see women take on leadership roles and bring fresh ideas and perspectives that enrich the industry. However, there’s still work to be done to ensure women are fully supported, especially those balancing work with family life.” 

The journey to leadership is unique for everyone, and for some, it requires taking a leap of faith. Melissa herself transitioned into real estate after a 22-year career in the entertainment industry. “It was terrifying stepping into a new industry as a mature mum with two kids,” she shares. “But I’ve been lucky to have amazing leadership and mentors who have given me the confidence to grow. That level of support makes all the difference.” 

Mentorship is critical in fostering female talent, something Buxton actively promotes. Sophie Kennedy-Rush, Business Development Manager at Buxton, highlights the importance of peer-to-peer support. “I’ve personally reached out to women across our network when I’ve needed guidance, and the response has always been open, honest, and encouraging. Every quarter, we celebrate strong female professionals on stage for their successes, and I think what’s most incredible is how these women continue to lift each other up.” 

Recognising that real change requires collective effort, Buxton is taking a proactive step in fostering gender equality through the launch of the Insight Exchange. Designed to champion equality, support the next generation of industry leaders, and drive real progress, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for change within Buxton and set a new benchmark for the industry. 

Through thought-exchange, empowering events, and advocacy, the program will provide opportunities for growth, mentorship, and leadership development. Inspiring speakers, workshops, and meaningful discussions are designed to drive action—not just conversation. With dedicated ambassadors shaping the program and acting as changemakers, Buxton is committed to evolving this initiative alongside its network and community, ensuring long-term impact. 

Buxton Real Estate’s goal is to drive lasting gender equality in real estate, ensuring women are championed at every level—from sales to leadership. By breaking down barriers, amplifying female voices, and expanding mentorship opportunities, Buxton is setting a new industry standard where diversity is the foundation of success. 

The path to leadership is evolving, with more women emerging as Directors, particularly in traditionally male-dominated areas like Property Management. “While Sales Directors are common, Property Management has historically faced barriers,” Sophie explains. “Now, we’re seeing more women step into ownership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and a stronger balance of voices to the table.” 

Sophie herself has broken barriers, recently being named National Business Development Manager of the Year at the prestigious PMP Awards. “This award isn’t just a milestone—it’s a testament to years of resilience, learning, and surrounding myself with a team that supports me every step of the way,” she says. “My goal is to now help mentor the next generation of BDMs within Buxton, ensuring they have the same opportunities to rise and succeed.” 

So, what does the future look like for women in real estate? According to Emily, the trajectory is only upwards. “Women will continue to lead and inspire. We’re already seeing more female-led businesses and high-performing teams run by women. The next decade will be about breaking even more barriers and ensuring that leadership opportunities are accessible to all.” 

Melissa, Sophie, and Emily agree that the future is bright for women in real estate. As Sophie puts it, “The industry is evolving, and it’s amazing to see women shaping that change. We’ve only just scratched the surface of what women can achieve in this space.” 

Buxton Real Estate’s dedication to championing women goes beyond just one day a year. It’s a commitment to building an inclusive, progressive industry where women feel empowered, valued, and ready to shape the future.