Chair of WIRP

Nicola Broomham is a Director at deverellsmith, one of the UK’s leading property recruitment firms. She brings over two decades of real estate expertise. As a key figure in the industry, Nicola’s insight extends to global real estate players, with an extensive network and deep insights into the real estate market. Hailing from a property-oriented family, Nicola embodies a direct and results-driven approach. Her journey began in estate agency for 10 years, before she moved into recruitment and established Broomham Recruitment in 2020, focusing on improved recruitment practices. This company was acquired by deverellsmith in 2022 where Nicola remains in a leadership role. Nicola is passionate about improving the real estate sector for all, with better opportunities for women, attracting talent into the sector and evolving the industry in a positive way for all those working in it. Beyond work, Nicola embraces her roles as a wife, mother of three, and avid gin enthusiast. 

Regional Representative – Gloucestershire

Shannon Smith is a Regional Lettings Manager for Andrews Property Group and has been in the property sector for 7 years. She is Level 3 Qualified in Property Practice & Advice and is passionate about helping landlords maximise their investments whilst providing a good quality home for prospective tenants.

Sector Lead – Estate Agency

Alice Bullard is Managing Director at Nested, one of the UK’s leading self-employed estate agencies. Her journey with Nested commenced in 2017 when she joined as a Sales Associate, following five years of experience at Countrywide. Demonstrating her exceptional dedication and leadership skills, Alice ascended to the role of Managing Director in 2022. 

Within the estate agency sector, female leadership is notably underrepresented. Alice is deeply committed to changing this and wants to see more opportunities opening up for women who are eager to build successful careers in the property industry.

Regional Representative – London Estate Agency 

Ellie studied Illustration & Fine Art and exhibited internationally, receiving residencies and awards, including a Jerwood prize. She also worked in opera and lectured at Chelsea art school for many years.

A chance meeting with Rex when viewing a house changed her path, and they soon began investigating how they could combine their skills to create a new type of estate agency.

These days, Ellie brings her entrepreneurial spirit to her role as Director of New Business, overseeing valuations. Her passion for gender politics and equality within the industry is currently playing out in a campaign called Dear Sirs – a move to eradicate the commonplace salutation within the legal and property professions.

Married to Rex, Ellie lives with their two girls in a ramshackle bungalow in rural Wiltshire

Sector Lead – Later Living

Susan has been a senior leader in corporate, independent and start-up estate agencies for 15 years. She completed an MSc in People & Organisational Development in 2021 with a focus on organisational structures, strategy, purpose and leadership development.  She is now an industry consultant as well as the Founder of Turners Oak – an estate agency and consultancy specifically supporting older homeowners and their families as they navigate the uniqueness of a move in later life.

Susan has been vocal with her constructive criticism of the gender pay gap in estate agency, specifically in the upper quartile of our organisations, and champions the research that suggests it is a symptom of systemic issues that need to be addressed in order to make significant progress.

Regional Representative – Yorkshire & Humbers

In my most recent role, I’ve had the pleasure of working in the property and financial services sector since 2010. I’ve got a decade of experience under my belt as a supplier to the lettings industry, too!

Not only do I love my role but I’m also a regional ambassador for Agents Giving. I’m really passionate about giving back to the community and making the property sector better for everyone, and especially about creating more opportunities for women.

When I’m not working, I love spending quality time with my husband and our two beautiful daughters. I’m all about a good staycation, and there’s nothing better than winding down with a good book and a glass of my favourite wine.

Regional Representative – Bristol & Bath

Hannah House is the Head of Corporate Client Services and Block and Estate Management for Andrews Property Group. With a career in the property industry that began in 2007, Hannah has established herself as an industry expert in residential lettings and property management. She brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to her role, ensuring exceptional service for corporate clients and effective management of block and estate portfolios.
Hannah’s leadership is characterised by her dedication to inspiring her team and creating a collaborative and empowering work environment. She is passionate about mentoring her team members, helping them achieve their highest potential, and creating a culture of continuous improvement and success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hannah is deeply involved in community projects and initiatives that aim to create a positive social impact. She believes in a holistic approach to success that extends beyond the workplace.
Outside of her professional commitments, Hannah is a mother, wife, and triathlete, she balances her time between family and personal pursuits. Weekends often find her engaged in running, cycling, open water swimming, or hiking in the forest or along the coast.