Leigh Baker
Sales Director, FM Services
Arcus FM
You make your own luck, but a little preparation helps.
Young Leader of the Year 2026 finalists announced
Accelerating change for the workplace
Emerging Workplace Leaders is the peer-led community for early-career workplace and FM professionals. We connect people, celebrate them, and give them a platform, including the PFM Young Leader of the Year Award.
Shannon · Principle
Jack · Sodexo
Abi · DOC Cleaning
Leigh · Arcus FM
4 finalists
Winner announced 4 Nov
2004Where our story starts
2007Young Leader award launched with PFM
50%+More 2026 entries than usual
42026 finalists
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Finalist Evening at GS1 UK on 6 October. The winner will be announced at the PFM Awards on 4 November 2026, The Brewery, London.
See the finalistsAbout EWL
A heart-centred community for workplace and FM professionals
Our mission is to create a community and platform that enables emerging workplace leaders to connect and accelerate their personal and professional growth.
We do it through events, awards, the #ChatFM podcast and collaboration across the sector. We help emerging leaders connect, grow and lead with authenticity, break down barriers and shape the future of our industry.
- Connected
- Growth
- Humbled
- Fun & Energetic
- Fiercely Open Minded
Our story
- 2004
Young Managers Forum set up through the Facilities Management Association.
- 2007
Partnered with the PFM Awards to launch the Young Leader of the Year Award.
- 2012
Joined forces with The Building Futures Group.
- 2016
Became a self-funded, independent forum.
- 2019
Relaunched as Emerging Workplace Leaders, with a renewed focus on membership, inspiration and giving back.
- 2026
Our biggest award year yet, and the launch of our first industry report with Zest, Hidden in Plain Sight.
PFM Young Leader of the Year 2026
Meet your finalists
The Young Leader of the Year Award recognises the next generation of FM leaders, generally aged 35 and under. This year we had over 50% more entries than usual. Six shortlisted leaders presented to the judges, and four made the final.
Shannon Berry
Head of Sustainability
Principle Cleaning Services
Design. Production. Construction. Operation. End of life.
Jack Darragh
Operations Manager, Student Living
Sodexo
I didn't fall into Facilities Management. I chose it.
Abi Richards
National Account Director
DOC Cleaning
Outsider by background. FM by choice.
- SummerEntries open, with over 50% more than usual
- 14 SeptemberSix shortlisted leaders present to the judges at UKTV
- 6 OctoberFinalist Evening at GS1 UK, 60 Bishopsgate
- 4 NovemberWinner announced at the PFM Awards, The Brewery, London
2026 judging panel: Rachel Heaton (GS1 UK), Sophie Donald (Zest), Claudia Halabi (EWL) and Roderick Miller (UKTV). Thank you to Rod and UKTV for hosting presentation day, and to GS1 UK for hosting the Finalist Evening.
With
EWL × Zest industry report
Hidden in plain sight
FM doesn't have an opportunity problem. It has a visibility and storytelling problem.
- 01Recognition has to start with our own people.
- 02The barriers to joining FM are perceived, not actual.
- 03The sector is talking to itself, while young people look for real career stories on TikTok, Instagram and AI tools.
Sign up by: 25 OctoberEarly access: 30 OctoberGeneral release: mid-November
Get early access#ChatFM podcast
Stories from the people shaping FM
Conversations with the people shaping the future of business and facilities management, on diversity, technology, AI, careers and leadership. Hosted by Sophie.
- 15Coaching and mentoring in FMwith Louisa Clarke
- 14#ChatFM is back!with Stuart Cooper
- 13The education of FMApril 2021
- 11FM in unusual placesNovember 2020
- 8Ex-military and FMwith Matt Corner
- 7YLOTY past winners catch-upAugust 2020
- 5Recruitment in FMwith James Fitzpatrick
Hall of fame
Young Leader of the Year winners
Since 2007, the award has recognised the people who went on to lead our industry.
- 2026Announced 4 NovemberPFM Awards, The Brewery
- 2025Patrick ReidVINCI Facilities
- 2024Hanieh BazarganBGIS
- 2023Ellie O'ReillyJLL
- 2022Tom MartinSodexo
- 2021Edward WickPenguin FM
- 2020Mohammad HassanMitie
- 2019Roshan DeshmanyaCBRE
- 2018Kristian TrendSodexo
- 2017Candy HollingumISS
- 2016Tom CornerMitie
- 2015James BradleyMitie
- 2014Alex MurphyISS
- 2013Reyana SearleNG Bailey
- 2012Antony LawMitie
- 2011George WeekesBalfour Beatty
Get involved
Be part of the next generation
Whether you're new to the workplace sector or helping to shape it, there's a place for you at EWL.
Join the community
Come to our events, meet peers across FM and the workplace, and grow your network and your confidence.
Follow on LinkedInEnter Young Leader of the Year
For FM professionals generally aged 35 and under. You'll need:
- A 500 to 1,500 word story covering your journey, achievements and goals
- Three high-resolution photos
- The entry form on the PFM Awards website
Partner with us
Host an event, sponsor the award or support our research. Help us make FM a more visible, healthier and more awesome sector.
Email the team