Next-generation workplace culture recognised alongside influential leadership
AN EDINBURGH property firm has secured two places on the shortlist for a major UK awards programme celebrating leadership, inclusion and the development of future talent across the property industry.
Ralph Sayer is the only Scottish company shortlisted for “Next Generation Employer of the Year” at the Property Week Inspiring Women in Property Awards 2026.
Head of Estate Agency, Tzana Webster, has also been named a finalist for “Leader of the Year- Residential Small”, placing her among a select group of women recognised for their impact on the UK residential property sector.
Ivan Ralph, Chief Executive Officer at Ralph Sayer, said: “These two shortlist places tell one connected story about the culture we are building and the people driving it forward.
“Creating opportunities for talented people to learn, take responsibility and shape their own careers is central to the way we operate. Tzana embodies that approach through her leadership, her support for colleagues and the fresh ideas she brings to estate agency.
“Being shortlisted is fantastic recognition, but what makes me most proud is why we’ve been recognised. These nominations reflect a culture where people are recruited for their potential, not just their CV, where careers are built from the ground up, and where leadership is measured by the opportunities you create for others.
“To be the only Scottish business shortlisted for Next Generation Employer is something everyone at Ralph Sayer is incredibly proud of.”
The Next Generation Employer of the Year category recognises property businesses which go beyond standard workplace support to create strong learning, development and career advancement opportunities for early-career professionals.
Founded in 2022, Ralph Sayer has grown from a team of six to more than 40 people working across legal and estate agency services. Its award nomination recognises the firm’s commitment to creating genuine career opportunities for people from non-traditional backgrounds through Modern Apprenticeships, mentoring and tailored development pathways.
Rather than recruiting solely on qualifications or previous industry experience, the business focuses on attitude, aptitude and potential.
Several colleagues who joined without property or legal experience have since progressed into specialist client-facing roles, including property valuation, sales negotiation and legal careers, with progression built around everyone’s strengths rather than rigid job descriptions. The firm’s open-plan culture gives apprentices and trainees direct access to senior leadership, creating an environment where responsibility, mentoring and professional development form part of everyday working life.
Tzana’s individual shortlist recognition reflects her wider contribution to the Scottish residential property sector through commercial leadership, industry advocacy and developing the next generation of property professionals.
Alongside leading one of Edinburgh’s fastest-growing solicitor estate agency teams, she has helped mentor colleagues into senior client-facing roles, contributed to the successful delivery of the Craigiehall Meadows regeneration project and played a leading role in securing the ESPC’s first paid estate agency representative on its Board.
Historically, ESPC Board representation had been solicitor-led, despite estate agents working at the forefront of the residential market. Recognising how the industry has evolved, she helped bring together firms across Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and the Borders to campaign for governance that better reflected the modern property sector.
She has also become a recognised public voice for residential property, using social media and public engagement to make the housing market more accessible, explain complex property topics and connect people with the homes, history and communities around them.
Beyond the industry, Tzana mentors’ young people through MCR Pathways and has led community initiatives including a Hedgehog Awareness campaign featured on STV, reflecting her belief that leadership extends beyond commercial success.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “I’ve always believed leadership is about opening doors for other people. Whether that’s helping a colleague build a career they never thought possible, bringing the industry together to challenge outdated thinking, or helping the public better understand the property market, it’s about creating opportunities and making a positive difference.
“It’s incredibly special to be recognised alongside so many inspiring people from across the UK. I’m proud that this nomination reflects not just commercial success, but the importance of mentoring others, embracing new ideas and helping move our industry forward.”
The Inspiring Women in Property Awards celebrate individuals and organisations making a positive impact across the UK property industry, including through leadership, innovation and diversity and inclusion.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 22 September 2026.
The double shortlist follows Ralph Sayer’s recent recognition as a finalist in the Growth Strategy category at the British Business Awards 2026.
For more information about Ralph Sayer and its services, visit https://ralphsayer.com/.
This article is provided by the news agency Deadline News Limited and published here with permission.
