Old Girl Rachael Hobbis (1993 - 2000), a Solicitor with Shakespeare Putsman LLP in Birmingham, has recently been chosen as Chairman of the Midlands Association of Women in Property. The appointment is for a year from March 2009 to March 2010 and Rachael is one of twelve new branch Chairman who  cover the Women in Property network, across the United Kingdom, in support of the new National Chairman, Joanna Embling of Cushman & Wakefield.

Taking on the role at an extraordinarily difficult time for the industry, Rachael is committed to providing practical support and value for members. She says, "The Association has always been about supporting and nurturing our members and each other and this ethos has never been more important than it is now. I am determined that we will offer practical help whenever we can."

Rachael has been a member of Women in Property for 3 years, working on the Committee since 2007. The Midlands branch is planning a full programme of professional, CPD and social networking events across the coming year including talks on the redevelopment of Coventry City Centre and New Street Station, waste management and sustainability. The Branch is also supporting a local charity Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer.