Accelerating gender equality for Women in Property

Each year on International Women’s Day (IWD), we reflect on our unique position as a proudly female-owned and led business creating a workplace that works for women.  But today, in 2025, when it feels like the world is moving at a faster pace than we can control, it’s time to recommit to advancing gender equality.

The timely theme of this year’s IWD movement is ‘accelerate action’.  At Monks, we are proud of taking decisive actions that positively impact female empowerment.  For us, gender equality isn’t an aspiration; it’s the foundation of who we are.

 

A Proudly Female-Owned and Led Business

Monks Estate and Lettings Agents has been owned and led by Patricia Baila and Judy Bourne for over a decade.  With only 13% of estate agencies in the UK female-owned in 2023, Monks is a standout example of what can be achieved but we should not be the exception.

Monks proudly boasts a 100% female senior management team.  This is in stark contrast to an industry survey from 2024 that highlighted 70% of estate agency professionals are men, with 68% of senior roles held by middle-aged men.

 

A Workplace That Works for Women

At Monks, we are implementing gender equality. We actively ensure that our female staff can progress their careers equally to their male colleagues by removing stigma from part-time roles and non-traditional working hours.

We proudly offer flexible working to all staff with childcare responsibilities, ensuring that talented women don’t have to choose between their careers and their families.  We have a culture of promoting internally based on merit and performance, with opportunities for progression open to all.

We acknowledge the impact of the menopause on working life, providing support and understanding that enables our team to thrive at every stage of their careers. With 20 women and two men employed across the business, Monks is proving that women belong at every level.

 

Investing in the Next Generation in Property

In 2024, Monks made an intentional decision to offer apprenticeships to young women.  While national apprenticeship data from 2022/23 shows that placements are balanced (51.2% women vs. 48.8% men), male apprentices dominate construction and the built environment roles (92%).

With our strong focus on the New Homes sector, we see estate agency as part of both the construction and service industries. By offering apprenticeships to women, we are playing our part in shifting gender imbalances across multiple sectors.

 

A Future Where Gender Equality Is the Norm

The UK property sector is evolving, with women now representing around 40% of the workforce. However, senior positions are still disproportionately held by men. Monks is proud to be driving change, demonstrating that an estate agency can be female-led, flexible, and successful—all while supporting women to reach their full potential.

This International Women’s Day, we don’t just celebrate women in property—we are accelerating action to ensure they have the same opportunities, representation, and recognition as their male counterparts.

 

Read next:  About us  –  Careers with Monks  –  Meet the team

If you’re selling a property or hunting for a new home in Oswestry, there’s a good chance you’ll meet Sonia Jones.

Sonia joined Monks Estate Agents in June 2024 and her enthusiasm, warmth, and local knowledge have already made a fantastic impression.  As the leading estate agency in Oswestry, with more properties to show than any other agent, Sonia is kept very busy.

“I feel I am helping people plan their futures”, says Sonia about her job.  “With every viewing I could be introducing someone to their future home!”

A real people-person, Sonia makes viewings run smoothly for sellers and potential buyers.  Linking unique facts on each property with her expert local knowledge, Sonia takes her role seriously:  “I’m helping people take big steps forward in life, and it’s very positive!”

Born and raised in Oswestry, Sonia was a pharmacy technician and part of the Caxton Surgery family for close to 30 years.  An avid walker, she never tires of exploring the local area and can be found every week leading a group of dog-loving friends through Shropshire’s stunning countryside or up into the Welsh hills, which she insists rival the views of New Zealand!

Sonia has a keen eye for property and, when needed, can help buyers visualise how a new space can work.  She draws on her own experiences renovating a cottage in St Martins (whilst living on-site in a caravan with her young family for 13 months!) and designing her current home:  a beautifully converted barn, once a grain store, where the open-plan kitchen and living space is her favourite feature and heart of her home.

One happy client recently shared: “The lady who does your viewings is lovely and friendly, a credit to your business!”

If you’re planning to buy or sell with Monks Estate Agency, rest assured that your viewings will be in Sonia’s safe hands. To arrange a valuation or viewing, email welcome@monks.co.uk or call 01691 674567.

 

Read next:  New homes  –  Selling your home  –  What makes us, us?

Bringing people and property together is what we do best, and there is no better way than joining forces with the best events in Shropshire.

From cooking with top chefs and admiring roof terrace gardens, to secret suppers and launching our own beer at the Shropshire Oktober fest (well, that last one’s not strictly true…), Team Monks are first to join in with the fun at the many events taking place in and around Shrewsbury.

Our signature flags were out in force at the Shropshire Oktoberfest recently, as we took on sponsorship of the toilets – or the to!lets as we like to call them.  Believe us when we say, our sponsorship makes Monks more and more popular with beer-drinkers as the night goes on!!

Charity fundraising is another element of our sponsorship programme, working with local causes and charities.  In October, our financial support of the Shrewsbury Secret Supper will raise funds for Self Help Africa, a Shrewsbury-based charity.  Earlier in 2024, Monks got behind Greg Wilshaw as he completed two marathons in two weeks to raise funds for Severn Hospice and Hospice UK.

We have a strong friendship with Shropshire Festivals who are changing the game in this area with their incredibly well-organised events that attract businesses and ticket-buyers from all of the county and beyond.  Showcasing the best of Shrewsbury means more people fall for our beloved town and the lifestyle it offers.

Monks are perfectly poised to bring people and property together.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  – Careers at Monks

Ethan Lee-Birch is a property professional with a Master Plan.

 

Now a qualified Member of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA), Ethan has taken the next step in what promises to be an impressive career in property.

Monks are advocates of professional qualifications in both sales and lettings departments.  Staff are encouraged to embrace the NAEA and Association of Residential Lettings Agents (MARLA) qualifications which demonstrate the company and the individual’s knowledge and industry expertise.  Members must complete training and pass relevant exams, commit to continuous learning, and adhere to the association’s code of conduct.

Born and raised in Oswestry, Ethan is deeply connected to the area and has ambitious plans.  His natural people skills have made him a standout professional in Oswestry’s busy property market.  He thrives on interacting with clients and brings fresh energy and positivity to the Monks office.

Modern estate agency relies on excellent images and Ethan enjoys photographing homes.  He is appreciative of the investment Monks has made in cutting-edge technology: “Tools like the Giraffe 360° camera mean we can capture the essence of a property and share it smartly with potential buyers”.

Ethan is mindful of the age distribution of his clients in Oswestry.  He understands the need to balance fresh, dynamic communications with the expectations of more traditional buyers.

He recalls a recent sale he handled for a more mature couple.  Despite the disappointment of multiple sales falling through over a prolonged period, coupled with ill health, they remained positive and “were an absolute pleasure to work with”.  Ethan’s ability to connect with his clients, keeping things in perspective and maintaining open communication, ensured the sale was finally successful.

Ethan’s personal life reflects his professional aspirations. He has hands-on experience with renovations and plans to buy a fixer-upper for himself and his fiancée Chloe, investing his time and effort into transforming the property and eventually starting a rental portfolio. With his daily work in lettings and sales, Ethan has valuable insight from both a buyer’s and landlord’s perspective.

Monks Estate and Letting Agents in Oswestry are proud to have Ethan Lee-Birch on their team.  Located on Church Street, Ethan is always ready to assist clients, whether they are buying, selling, or letting their property, and can be reached at 01691 674 567.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Welcome to Oswestry  –  Property search

We are delighted to introduce Jaynell Corner, our first Apprentice Estate and Letting Agent.

Monks is the first Estate Agent in Shropshire to take on an apprentice through the County Training Programme.  Based in our Shrewsbury office, 19 year old Jaynell applied for the position last June and stood out from all the applications we received.

A former student at Oswestry School, Jaynell went on to study Psychology, Criminology and Business at Ludlow College – subjects which will come in very useful for understanding client motivations and buying signals!

Jaynell impressed us with her maturity and positive attitude. She brings valuable experience to the role coming from a family of property entrepreneurs.

“Meeting so many new people has been the highlight so far, everything is so busy, and interesting!” said Jaynell about her first few days in the role.

County Training is one of the largest providers of training in Shropshire, offering a vast range of vocational courses and qualifications to school and college leavers who are looking to develop their skills and experience ready for employment.

Visit our careers page if you are interested in working at Monks.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Welcome to Oswestry  –  Property search

We are always proud to grow the team from within – and as our Oswestry branch goes from strength to strength we are delighted to announce the promotion of Beth Griffiths to Branch Manager/Valuer.

Beth is a qualified Member of the National Association of Estate Agents and with over 8 years experience in agency has sound knowledge of the local property market and values.

Beth has an incredible relationship with her clients and continuously receives stellar reviews on her levels of customer service.

To contact Beth, call 01691 674 567 or email beth.griffiths@monks.co.uk

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Welcome to Oswestry  –  Property search

Co-owner and Director of Monks Estate and Lettings Agency, Judy Bourne has reinforced her commitment to the Oswestry community by becoming a Director of Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District).

 

The Oswestry BID is an independent organisation working for the collective benefit of businesses in the town centre and local industrial estates.  They provide a clear, strong voice speaking on behalf of local businesses to help win funding in key areas.  Together, they have the network and experience to deliver the projects that grow out of this.

Judy is passionate about making Oswestry a successful place to live and work.  As an established business woman and much-like local personality, Judy brings honed leadership skills and a wealth of experience to the BID team.

 

“As a business owner, employer and supporter of the town, I am excited to be involved in BID and the delivery of the Second Term plans. 

Oswestry has a strong sense of community and a hard-working, diverse mix of businesses who really pull together. 

I am proud to be part of the Oswestry BID directorship who are committed to making this town the best place for businesses to thrive and for residents to live safely and happily.”

 

Judy and the team at Monks play a vital role in this network with their open lines of communication to the local community.  As the leading local estate agent in Oswestry, Monks talk directly to the residents living in and moving into the town.

With their prominent offices on Church Street, the Monks team are a familiar sight around Oswestry.  Monks employ local staff with expert knowledge of the property market and of local life in Oswestry.  Playing an active role in the community and its future success is at the heart of Monks’ ethos.

Oswestry BID is now in its second term and continues to build on its vision for Oswestry:  to be recognised regionally & nationally as a great place to live, work, shop, relax and be entertained; and to be a national destination of choice for business investment and a high performing centre for business growth.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Welcome to Oswestry  –  Property search

Claire Williams OBE, former deputy team principal of the Williams Formula One racing team, gave an inspirational talk that we are taking back to the pits with us.

We are now brimming with fabulous new ideas, but most importantly, these conferences ensure the team stays up to date with pending changes to legislation.

Whether you are selling or renting, Monks are your friendly PropertyMark-protected agent 💚

Read next:  Patricia’s vision  –  An empowered workplace  –  Careers

Respected local estate agent Kate Goddard has re-joined Monks bringing her plentiful experience and luminous personality to our three offices.

 

Six years ago, Kate worked in our Shrewsbury office, qualifying as a Member of the National Association of Estate Agents.  When the opportunity arose to move to a prestigious national chain of agents, Directors and Co-owners Judy Bourne and Patricia Baila encouraged Kate and fully supported her decision.

 

To the credit of all parties, this positive relationship meant the door was always open for Kate to return to Monks.  A proficient and empathetic agent, Kate radiates knowledge gained meeting clients and colleagues from Chelsea to Chester and selling a broad mix of homes with every associated conveyancing challenge.

 

Shropshire-born, Kate began a former career in hospitality management at Shrewsbury’s iconic Armoury, part of the Brunning and Price gastro-pub chain.  With her natural ability to connect with people, Kate led successful teams in delivering first-class and memorable dining experiences.  This customer-centric approach suited Kate’s intuitive move into property sales. Reputation and recommendations are built on positive lasting impressions and Kate inspires confidence in her clients and colleagues alike.

 

Behind Kate’s passion for property is a love of architecture and history.  Fascinated by homes passed down through generations, she feels the lucky residents are only ever custodians of a building.  An admirer of period features, Kate favours an Edwardian pile.  At this stage in her property journey however, Kate shares a newly built home with her husband and daughter.  “Judy’s influence must have rubbed off on me!” she jokes.

 

Kate values the power of a strong team around her and believes that recruiting is first and foremost about personality.  “Personality always shines through”, she says.  And with Kate firmly back in our team, we agree!

 

Read next:  Patricia’s vision  –  An empowered workplace  –  Careers

Monks are super proud Greg Wilshaw who completed TWO marathons in TWO weeks raising funds for TWO charities.

The Brighton Marathon was on Sunday 7^th April, followed by the London Marathon on Sunday 21^st April 2024.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Meet the personalities  –  Property search

From setting the standard as Shropshire’s leading estate agency, to readiness for a regulated industry, Patricia Baila draws on her impressive international career in her vision for Monks.

 

Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Patricia determined early that she would become a businesswoman.  “Growing up, I used to visit my grandfather’s and father’s businesses.  My dad bought me a phone and note pad and I used to spend hours watching him work and having long conversations with my imaginary clients!”

 

A degree in Business Administration followed with holidays spent gaining practical experience.  Patricia still makes time to revisit her first employers in her hometown where she worked part-time and learnt to value trust and relationship building.

 

Drawn to international opportunities, Patricia saw perfecting the English language as essential and, in 2000, moved to the Lake District to study at the University of Lancaster.  Returning to Spain she excelled working for an export company with high-net-worth clients based across Spain, France, UK and Ireland, and Lebanon.

 

When Patricia entered real estate, she discovered the industry is all about the people:  guiding clients through the largest financial transactions of their lives.  With that role comes responsibility, a duty to be honest and empathetic, and accountability to manage the transaction with knowledge and expertise.

 

It is this level of professionalism that Patricia is insistent on instilling into the practice and culture of Monks.  Her mission is to counter the sometimes-stereotypical view of estate agents and to build a business based on honesty and transparency, expertise and responsibility.

 

Patricia has a particular interest in developing people.  She leads Monks’ Continuous Personal Development programme which offers staff appraisals, career planning and support in gaining industry qualifications.  Patricia is herself a qualified Member of the National Association of Estate Agents.  Monks’ practice of promoting from within and offering family-friendly policies has created a loyal workforce and a positive culture of female advancement.

 

“We always say to our team that if they want to grow within Monks, the sky is the limit!“

 

A positive attitude and a can-do approach drive Patricia’s optimistic outlook on life.  With a smile on her face, she believes there is a solution to every problem.  Mindful of her well-being, Patricia balances hard work with enjoying live music, a glass of red wine, walking in the hills, and visiting her family in Spain.

 

Patricia is pro regulation of the UK property industry, as in many other countries.  Government regulation by licensing would ensure estate agents abide by a set of guarantees and requirements, receive official training, and are regulated by an Ombudsman with accountability through law.

 

Under Patricia’s guidance, Monks is primed to lead a regulated and licensed industry and remain the leading estate agency in Shropshire.

 

Read next:  Meet the Personalities  –  What makes us, us  –  Careers

On #IWD we can celebrate the many achievements of our female-led business.  However it is the knowledge that gender equality and female empowerment are firmly engrained in our culture and in our practice that we truly value.

 

Monks is a self-funded business, owned and led by women, and with 80% female employees.  Judy Bourne and Patricia Baila bought the business to become Directors and Co-owners in 2014.  For context, in 2022 just 18% of the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises with employees were led by women*.

 

Investing in people is key to Monks’ success.  In the last 12 months three female staff have been promoted, reflecting Monks’ policy on the advancement of women.  Beth Griffiths achieved her MNAEA Level 3 qualification in February 2024 and was promoted to Senior Sales Negotiator along with a male colleague.  Monks follow a policy of equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.

 

As part of Monks’ recruitment, we offer Continuous Personal Development training and annual performance appraisals.  This focus on helping staff to grow within the business appealed to Beth who moved from another local agent: “I knew that Monks valued training and career progression, and this was one of the reasons I joined them.”

 

“As employers, we understand women have a difficult journey to get where they are now and we want to support them through their process.  We always say to our team that if they want to grow within Monks, the sky is the limit!”  explains Patricia Baila.

 

Lucinda Thompson, MARLA and MNAEA, is a perfect example of growing within the business.  She started her career at Monks as a Letting Negotiator in May 2015 and became part of the Senior Management Team three years ago.  During this time, Lucinda was supported through her qualifications, became a member of ARLA and NAEA, got married, and had a daughter.  “It is great to see families grow as part of Monks!” smiles Patricia.

 

Monks is proud to offer family-friendly policies to all staff.  We employ seven mothers and three grandmothers who all balance child-care commitments with their jobs.

 

Monks’ practice of female advancement extends to supplier diversity and networking with other female-led businesses.  Monks trusts the services of Sarah Ridings at Ellis-Ridings Mortage Services.  We work regularly with Anna Kayiatou at Dutch Living.  Carlie Birch, Director at Penguin Electrical, is a long-standing supplier.

 

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

 

* According to data from the Government’s annual Small Business Survey.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Careers at Monks

Congratulations to James Archer and Beth Griffiths on passing their Propertymark Level 3 qualifications and being promoted to Senior Sales Negotiators.

 

Monks are very proud of the hard work and commitment James and Beth have shown to achieve this promotion.  The equivalent in demand to an A-level, Propertymark advises 120 hours of personal study time is dedicated.  Those 5 meaningful letters which illustrate their experience and dedication – MNAEA – are now proudly secured to their signatures.

 

Monks support the continuing professional development of all our staff to maintain high professional standards and to further improve the quality of service offered to our clients.  Propertymark is the UK’s specialist awarding organisation offering industry-recognised qualifications in property.

 

Monks believe in growing from within and both Beth and James have been promoted to Senior Sales Negotiator in recognition of their dedication to property.

 

Based in our Oswestry office, Beth has working in property since 2016.  She joined Monks knowing that the management team valued training and career progression.  Beth be reached at 01691 674 567 or by emailing beth.griffiths@monks.co.uk.

 

James has worked for Monks for three years in our Shrewsbury office.  He is available for all enquires in the Shrewsbury area on 01743 361 422 or by emailing james.archer@monks.co.uk

 

When choosing Monks as your estate agent you can feel confident in the hard-working attitude, experience and qualifications of our team.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Careers at Monks –  Property search

When you ask Anne Marie Taylor about Wem her eyes light up. “Kind, friendly, genuine, helpful and a diverse mix of characters… Wem grows on you!!”

 

Anne Marie has insider knowledge of the Wem property market.  She moved here 10 years ago, first deciding to rent and get a feel for the area, then buying her home from the owner after just 12 months. Wem hasn’t disappointed, delivering the perfect work and life balance, and even enticing her jet-set daughter to settle nearby.

“In Wem you get so much more house for your money”, explains Anne Marie. “And it is so well connected, especially by rail.  11 minutes into Shrewsbury with a £5 return ticket, and trains all evening!”

Anne Marie’s in-depth knowledge of Wem’s property stock means she can quickly match homes with prospective buyers or renters.  There are plenty of bungalows within walking distance of essential amenities, ideal for retirees.  There are grand period properties and detached homes down winding lanes for high-end buyers.  She knows the appeal of newly built homes and the draw of pre-loved properties in need of some TLC (and can recommend good local tradespeople to help!).

It’s the diversity of people she meets, and understanding their unique requirements, that Anne Marie says makes her job in Wem so interesting.

Anne Marie enjoys listing Wem’s surprisingly varied amenities. There is Yoga in the Townhall, as well as BYO-wine Movie nights.  A theatre with drama groups for all ages.  Local fresh produce and craft markets.  A delicious new patisserie.

For families, Anne Marie points out the local schools and popular scouts, brownies and clubs which offer holiday activities.  She has met many young couples returning to Wem to raise their families and emphasises again the value for money.

It’s clear that Anne Marie likes to help people and she cares about getting it right.

Read next:  Property search  –  About Wem  –  What makes us, us?

Inflated moving costs, high-interest mortgages and ever-increasing property prices are all conspiring to keep tenants in situ for longer.  If managed correctly, this brings benefits for landlords and for tenants.

 

So what should landlords be doing during a long tenancy?

• Support tenants to access the right energy tariffs. With increases in energy prices and changes to tariffs, it is important that tenants can move to the provider that works for them.  As they are not the property owner, they may be unsure about changing providers or be unable to change without the correct paperwork.  Talk to your tenants about their energy usage patterns and support a move if necessary; you could save them a pretty penny and earn favour.

• Check safety certificates are up-to-date.  With a rolling tenancy, it’s easy to lose track of when certificates were last issued.  Gas supplies need checking annually; electricity every five years.  An EPC report is valid 10 years, and even though the Landlord reform bill has not made achieving E-rating or higher a legal requirement, it is still good practice to provide an environmentally-sound building.

• Build a good relationship.  Over time, a positive relationship can grow between tenant and Landlord.  Communicating your long-term plans for the property can make tenants feel settled.  In turn, they will be more likely to give a lengthy notice period if they do have plans to move on.  Both parties gain security.

• Property maintenance. Whilst it is important to schedule regular visits to inspect your investment, if you can establish good routes of communication with tenants, they will likely flag up any issues within a good time frame. Furthermore, long term tenants are more likely to invest in your property.  This could be fresh decorating or improving the garden.

• Wear-and-tear reduced.  Tenants planning to stay for several years will cause less incremental damage as they care for their home’s ongoing appearance.  This could be looking after carpets or employing a regular cleaner.  This can reduce the inevitable wear-and-tear costs at the end of a tenancy.

• Schedule annual rent reviews.  Having a long-term tenant shouldn’t mean that you miss out on current market rates.   Finding a new tenant at a higher rent needs to be weighed against the losses of a void period and agency fees.  Suggest to your existing tenant a smaller increase than market levels and you both win!  Of course, this will be seen more positively if you are already addressing the points above!

Monks provide a Full Management Service and can handle all the above on your behalf.  If you have any specific requirements, we’re happy to adapt our services to suit them.  Our role is to represent the Landlord and to maximise your investment.

Contact Monks’ Lettings Manager, Lucinda Thompson for details.

 

Read more:   Full management service  –  Let only  –  Our 5-step process

Beth Griffiths and the Oswestry team received this glowing customer review which epitomises what Monks’ service levels are all about.

 

“I am very happy that I chose Monks to sell my house.  Beth Griffiths provided a dedicated, professional and personable service from beginning to end.  I felt looked after throughout the whole process.

I chose two agents, and Monks rose above.  The level of communication and overall service I received reflected the dedication they had to sell my house.  There was never a time when I felt they lacked anything in respect of a high standard of service and professionalism.

Beth guided and oversaw the whole process and along with colleagues beside her whose efforts I appreciate, brought together what was a smooth, positive and stress-free process.

I am enthusiastic in recommending Monks without hesitation.”

 

At Monks we pride ourselves on being a people-centred business that operates with the highest integrity.  The business attracts like-minded, loyal and committed people who strive to exceed their customer’s expectations.  Our ethos can be refined down to HOME:  Honest, Original, Motivated and Empathetic.

Recent reviews and local recommendations are so important when selecting an Estate Agent you can trust.  Well done Beth for leading by example.