Women in Estate Agency (WiEA) has announced significant changes to its board and the introduction of new regional champions.
The organisation bids farewell to two long-standing board members, Lucy Noonan and Ellie Hall, acknowledging their instrumental contributions to WiEA’s growth and success to date. Both are stepping down to focus on ventures within their own businesses.
In another shift on the senior team, WiEA co-founder Liana Loporto-Browne will take a year-long hiatus from the board to dedicate her attention to her expanding estate agency business.
Loporto-Browne, who co-founded WiEA with Clare Hughes in 2020 as a Facebook group, has been a driving force behind the group’s profound positive influence on the estate agency industry.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve on the board of Women in Estate Agency and witness firsthand the remarkable progress we’ve made in championing women in our industry,” Loporto-Browne stated. “I look forward to continuing to support WiEA’s vital work from a different capacity during this hiatus, and I am excited to see the organisation continue to thrive during this time, but rest assured, I’ll be back very soon.”
In a move to bolster its leadership, WiEA is set to welcome two new individuals to its board: SJ Taylor, and Kelly Gardener. Kelly Gardener will transition from her role as chair of the Regional Champions to a one-year secondment on the board.
SJ Taylor, operations manager at GreenhouseOS, has over 20 years’ experience in the sector. She will be joining nine industry experts and entrepreneurs to make up the full WiEA board:
• Clare Hughes – WiEA Co-Founder and Independent Property Agent
• Verona Frankish – CEO, YOPA and WiEA Chair
• Clare Yates – Owner, CY Training Works
• Kirsty Franks – Owner, Frank Marketing
• Amy Shields – Commercial Director, Smart Compliance
• Iain McKenzie – CEO, The Guild of Property Professionals
• Simon Brown – Founder, The ESTAS Group
• Catherine Perry – Compliance Director, YOPA
• Kyla Irwin Williams – Head of Accounts, Paramount Properties.
Verona Frankish, chair of the WiEA Board, commented: “We are incredibly excited to welcome SJ and Kelly to the Women in Estate Agency board. Their collective experience, passion, and vision will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact. We are confident that their leadership will help us achieve even greater strides in supporting and elevating women within the estate agency sector.”
Expanding its reach across the UK, WiEA has also announced new Regional Champions. Evelyn Foster will now lead WiEA initiatives in Scotland, while Rachel Leigh will champion the group in The Lakes. These regional champions are crucial for expanding WiEA’s network, supporting local communities, and organising regional events and networking opportunities.
Clare Hughes, WiEA co-founder and independent property agent, said: “I see firsthand the incredible impact WiEA has on connecting and empowering women, and men, at a local level. We are thrilled to welcome Evelyn and Rachel to the Champions group. Their dedication will undoubtedly strengthen our community and help even more women access the support and opportunities WiEA provides.”
WiEA’s calendar for the coming year:
+ WiEA Charter: An initiative encouraging commitment to inclusivity, leadership, and excellence within the sector.
+ The WiEA Pod: A newly launched podcast featuring candid conversations and inspiring career paths.
+ WiEA Leadership Training: Specialist training offering essential leadership tools.
+ WiEA Conference 2026: Scheduled for March 5th, 2026, promising an experience focused on empowerment, community, and positive change.
