Rachel Houghton named finalist for two Inspiring Women in Property Awards

We're delighted to share that Rachel Houghton, managing director of Business Moves Group, has been named a finalist in two categories at this year's Inspiring Women in Property (IWiP) Awards: Woman of the Year – Commercial, and Leader of the Year – Commercial.

It's fitting recognition for someone who has spent nearly two decades proving what leadership in commercial workplace change can look like. Here are some of the reasons that Rachel has been named a finalist.

Exceptional leadership

Rachel has led BMG as managing director since 2008. As the female leader of the UK's largest independent business in commercial workplace change, a sector that remains largely male-dominated, she's built her approach without an existing model to follow. What she's built instead, over eighteen years, is a track record in commercial performance, in people development, and in changing what leadership in this industry looks like.

Sustainable growth

That track record includes steering BMG to a turnover of £16.5m with a 7.2% profit margin, underpinned by 80% repeat business, delivered during what has been a demanding period for the sector. Alongside that commercial performance, Rachel has overseen succession planning within key regions and strengthened BMG's operational leadership capability, sustaining financial discipline and investment in people at the same time.

A clear strategic direction

Rachel's strategic vision has translated into real partnerships and platforms this year. She secured a partnership with Iron Mountain, integrating workplace delivery with asset management and information governance. She has also driven BMG's expansion within the Office Moving Alliance (OMA), connecting clients to a vetted global network spanning 75+ partners across 350+ markets in 30 countries, and continues to develop AssetLOOK, BMG's proprietary platform giving clients real-time asset tracking and carbon reporting. BMG operates with externally verified carbon reporting and a net zero target for Scopes 1 and 2.

A people first approach

Rachel's approach to inclusion goes beyond policy. She has introduced decentralised, local recruitment across regional operations and champions a "potential over experience" philosophy, creating visible pathways from entry-level roles into leadership. Through the IWFM mentoring programme, she supports individuals stepping into more strategic roles, focused on confidence, commercial thinking and stakeholder engagement. She has also taken a proactive and personal stance on women's health in the workplace, funding access to specialist HRT clinics where needed and creating an environment where conversations about menopause and hormonal health are openly encouraged.

"Under Rachel's leadership, BMG has grown into a highly professional and trusted organisation, known for its consistency, quality and ability to deliver in complex environments. She combines strong commercial focus with a genuine commitment to her people. She is an exceptional leader and a credit to the sector."

Michelle French, co-founder at CAMA Asset Store

Industry thought leadership

Rachel has published work in the Financial Times, Facilitate and FMJ, using that platform to shape thinking across the wider sector, and was previously named Transport and Logistics Businesswoman of the Year. Being shortlisted for two categories at this year's IWiP Awards is the latest marker in a career built on proving that a values-led, female-led independent can set the standard and grow on its own terms.

Congratulations to all the IWiP Awards finalists! Winners will be announced on 22^nd September.

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