New BCO chair pledges to help professionals become industry leaders

A new chair has been appointed to the South West and Wales regional committee for BCO (British Council for Offices) NextGen, the membership group of the BCO that aims to help the next generation of professionals become future leaders.

In her new role, Frances Pearce, associate director at leading property consultancy JLL in Bristol, will be helping to organise a series of informative talks and networking events throughout the year that provide a platform for new talent to air their ideas.

Frances Pearce said: “Today’s professionals face numerous challenges in their journey to becoming industry leaders.

“Barriers to success can take the form of glass ceilings in organisations where there is a large proportion of senior colleagues or a lack of budget to fund employees’ attendance at networking and other events.

“Internal and external exposure is important in order to become a future leader so we are keen to ensure professionals are able to make the most of the opportunities out there.

“The good news is that the growth of social media has made it easier for people to share ideas at the touch of a button and, in some circumstances, it is breaking down hierarchical walls.”

Frances Pearce added: “At JLL, the current generation of professionals are encouraged to meet other professionals and get out into the market place. In my role for BCO NextGen I’m keen to reach more emerging professionals in the wider region and provide them with useful knowledge and advice to help them achieve their career goals.”

The first event chaired by Frances will be on 16 April in JLL’s offices at 40 Berkley Square, Bristol. Registration is from 5pm with the event starting at 5.30pm. Networking at the nearby Botanist will follow. The session will give an overview of the newly launched BREEAM 2014 Refurbishment and Fit-out scheme, which assesses the sustainability of non-domestic refurbishment and fit-outs.

Legal & General’s building at 740 Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Bristol, which is being marketed by JLL, is the first BREEAM design stage to be certified by the scheme in the country.