Gropers gala is no surprise, say property industry chiefs

A number of property bosses on Thursday said they were appalled but not surprised that members of their industry made up a significant share of those attending the controversial Presidents Club charity dinner.

Bosses running estate agents, regeneration experts and FTSE 250 development companies were among those that told the Evening Standard of their upset this week.

The Financial Times reported that of 21 tables at the black-tie event last week, 10 were sponsored by property groups. The newspaper said that some hostesses at the event were subjected to lewd comments and groped.

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation said: “I and the BPF condemn the behaviour reported as unacceptable, on behalf of our member companies across the breadth of the property industry.”

Gerry Hughes, the chief executive of agent GVA said he “was not surprised to see the real estate sector feature”. He added: “What happened is a total disgrace and may be a wake-up call to move beyond rhetoric on equality and diversity.”

Becky Fatemi of London estate agent Rokstone said: “The industry is divided between a younger generation who behave correctly, support development of women and do not tolerate sexism, homophobia and racism, and sadly an older generation where some hold views and tolerate behaviour which is totally inappropriate in the modern business world and society.”

Alex Lawrie, a PR specialising in real estate, said: “Go to any property industry event and it’s a sea of men in either grey suits or black ties. Women and other minorities remain few and far between.”

Shaftesbury’s Brian Bickell said: “Leaders need to set an example of behaviour that reflects the culture of their organisation.”

Jon Di-Stefano at Telford Homes, said: “You can only hope this being exposed leads to positive changes from anyone involved.”