Inclusion is the real winner at annual South West Property Awards

Karl Brown at the South West Property Awards

A Bristol commercial property lawyer behind a drive for more inclusion and diversity in the South West property market has been recognised for his achievements at an industry award ceremony.

Karl Brown, a partner and commercial property specialist with law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, founded and launched the Bristol Property Inclusion Charter in 2019 – the first city property inclusion Charter in the UK. Karl also chairs the Bristol Property Inclusion Commission, which oversees the progress of the charter as well as being the inaugural Chair of Clarke Willmott’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group.

Shortlisted for the Diversity Property Champion of the Year category at the South West Property Awards, Karl ended up winning the key award of the evening – Property Personality of the Year – for his work on inclusion and social mobility.

Mike Ribbeck, editor of South West Business Insider, said: “Karl is known across the industry for his work but is also completely committed to helping to change the industry for the better.

“He has been instrumental in making the Bristol Property Inclusion Commission a force to be reckoned with in the city and the region. His work with the Law Society has also made a real difference and encouraged people from all backgrounds to come into the industry.

“This year he also landed a place in the South West Business Insider’s Property Power List for the first time.”

Stephen Rosser, chief executive of Clarke Willmott, said: “We are immensely proud of all Karl has achieved in the Bristol business community and within the commercial property sector.

“This latest accolade is truly well-deserved and is a testament to Karl’s dedication to driving diversity and inclusion in the Bristol property sector – a hugely important task which we at Clarke Willmott are incredibly passionate about.”

At Clarke Willmott Karl specialises in the acquisition and disposal of development land. Karl also has extensive experience in acting for developers on sales to housing associations.

The South West Property Awards celebrate the achievements of the people, businesses and organisations which have designed, funded and managed the built environment in the region. Held at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre, the evening honoured the South West’s commercial property and construction sector.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.