BPF Spotlight Series - BPF Futures
Kicking off 2025 with a bang, our first BPF Spotlight of the year features BPF Futures Vice Chair and TFT Building Surveyor Emily Brodie. In the spotlight, Emily shares what the network is up to, her highlights from 2024 and what’s in store for the year ahead. Over to you, Emily:
❓What is BPF Futures, and how did you get involved?
🗣️BPF Futures is a free to join, UK-wide network for property professionals in the first ten years of their career. It’s got over 2,400 members and focuses on four key pillars: influencing, learning, mentoring and networking. The idea is that today’s early-career professionals are tomorrow’s senior leaders, so it’s all about building connections and giving people opportunities to shape the future of the industry.
I’ve been Vice Chair of the Futures Advisory Board (FAB - great name, right?) since 2021. When I joined, there was a real push to grow the network in Scotland. At the time, there were only 39 Futures members in Scotland, and no events were being held there. Fast forward to now, and we’ve got 283 members in the country, plus a regular calendar of events, thanks to the efforts of my fellow board members.
❓What was your highlight of 2024?
🗣️That’s a tough one because there were so many great moments! But if I had to pick, I’d say the site tour of the Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh. It felt like the perfect mix of everything BPF Futures is about. We got to explore a stunning new building - Scotland’s first vertical distillery - hear from one of our members who worked on the architectural team and then wrap it up with networking at the incredible rooftop bar, sponsored by one of our corporate contacts.
If I’m allowed a second highlight, I’d mention how many BPF Futures members came to the SPF Annual Dinner last year. It’s always a fantastic night, and it was great to see so many taking advantage of the special discount for Futures members that allows junior professionals to attend.
❓BPF Futures had a record-breaking year last year. What’s in store for 2025?
🗣️Absolutely, we did, and you can expect more of the same - just bigger and better! More events, more members, more mentorship opportunities and more regional representation. We’ve got ambitious plans for 2025, so watch this space!
❓How can people get more involved with BPF Futures this year?
🗣️The first step is to make sure you’re a member so you can get invites to all our brilliant events.
We’re also making some changes to the FAB next year. Some of our current board members are reaching the end of their ten years, and we’re reshaping things a bit to better serve the membership. Keep an eye out for our open call for new board members in the new year - we’d love to have you on board!
