WISH Celebrates Double Win at National Housing Awards and a Live Podcast First in Manchester

The WISH North East regional board was honoured with the Independent Team of the Year award at this year's Housing Heroes Awards, recognising their outstanding commitment to championing women’s voices and creating inclusive spaces across the region. Their collaborative spirit and tireless advocacy have made a lasting impact on the housing sector and the communities they serve.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as Independent Team of the Year,” said Jayne Lawson, Chair of the WISH North East board. “This award reflects the collective energy, passion, and commitment of our board to championing women in housing across the North East. It’s a celebration of what we can achieve when we lift each other up.”

Adding to the celebrations, Hony Premlal, Chair of WISH London and Eldon Housing Association, was named Housing Association Woman of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards. Hony’s journey - from arriving in the UK with limited English to becoming a trailblazing leader and mentor - has inspired countless women across the sector. Her leadership, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to equity and inclusion continue to shape the future of housing.

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award,” said Hony. “My journey has been shaped by the incredible women who lifted me up, and I’m committed to doing the same for others. Representation matters - and I’ll continue to champion equity, inclusion, and the power of lived experience in housing.”

“Having been an intrinsic part of the WISH North East board, I couldn’t be prouder of the team’s well-deserved recognition,” said Crystal Hicks, WISH President. “Their passion and commitment are truly inspiring. And seeing Hony honoured for her leadership is a moment of real pride for all of us at WISH – her energy captures and embodies the values we stand for.”

The celebrations continued the following day with the first ever WISH Live Podcast, recorded at Dear Sailor in Spinningfields, Manchester. Hosted by Crystal Hicks and Helen Scott of Riverside and chair of WISH North West, the energy and passion of the sector carried through, where meaningful conversations and collective action took centre stage.

The live session featured Tracy Harrison, CEO of the Northern Housing Consortium, in a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and the future of housing. Held in the same venue as WISH’s annual networking gathering, the event brought together professionals from across the sector for connection, reflection, and a shared vision of progress.

“It was a real privilege to join the WISH Live Podcast and be part of such an energising conversation” said Tracy. “Creating space for honest dialogue about leadership, culture, and inclusion is vital - and WISH continues to lead the way in bringing people together to drive meaningful change.”

The annual WISH Summer Networking event completed the celebration later in the day at Dear Sailor, Manchester. As always, it was a fully booked event (with a long waiting list) packed with the vibrancy and exceptional atmosphere the network has come to expect. The WISH team, and kind sponsors, Novus Property Solutions, were thrilled to catch up with so many wonderful members and non-members from across the network, including from newest regions, WISH Ireland and WISH Scotland.

Jayne Entwistle, recently appointed Managing Director of WISH, was also in attendance at the awards. Her warm and engaging presence marked a significant moment in WISH’s journey, as she embeds into her role with a clear vision for the future and a deep commitment to inclusion and impact.

“It was inspiring to witness the energy and recognition at this year’s awards,” said Jayne. “Celebrating the achievements of our regional boards and leaders like Hony reminds us why WISH exists - to elevate women’s voices and create lasting change in housing.”

These moments reflect the heart of WISH: a network powered by purpose, driven by community, and committed to amplifying the voices of women in housing.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch the podcast live, you can view the recording here.