WiP appoints North West chairman

The North West branch of the Association of Women in Property has announced Claire Beaumont as its new chairman.

Beaumont is associate partner at Laytons Solicitors and been a member of WiP for six years. She is replacing architect Lisa Raynes as chairman for the remainder of this year and 2012.

Raynes will remain heavily involved with the branch and takes on the role of website and events coordinator.

The North West branch of the Association of Women in Property aims to promote, encourage and support women working in the property and construction industry. The branch has around 200 members from sectors including finance, planning, architecture and law.

Beaumont made her inaugural speech to members during an annual dinner event which was held in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Builders.

She is now one of the 12 WiP chairmen who collectively cover the Women in Property network, across the UK, in support of the national chairman, Monique Royle.

Beaumont said: "This is an exciting time for me and the branch, membership is increasing and members seem to be optimistic about the year. Networking is a key part of WiP so I am keen to keep members interacting by offering good quality events to boost the opportunity to meet, connect and do business."

Beaumont will be supported by new deputy chairman Sarah Atta from the public affairs consultancy Lexington Communications North.

At the annual dinner, Beaumont outlined her plan for a year of events and seminars including the student awards national final, mentoring programme and member's only site visits such as the recent event at Manchester's Civil Justice Court.

Beaumont added: "I am keen to extend links between the branch and women who are currently out of the industry either on maternity leave or due to redundancy as this can leave some feeling out of the loop. I see the branch as playing an important role by providing a support network to women by offering an opportunity to maintain valuable links and contacts for business development and to continue to learn and progress through our educational seminars, site visits and key speaker season."

WiP said the annual dinner collected over £2,500 through a prize raffle which was split between local charities Forever Manchester and Francis House.

• Membership and event details can be found on the Women in Property website