Property professionals from across the South East have raised more than £20,000 for a charity that helps young people overcome barriers to careers in construction and the built environment.
The money was raised at the inaugural Savills Development Charity Ball 2026, held at Keble College in Oxford, which brought together 184 guests from across the property industry.
Organised by graduates and newly qualified surveyors from Savills development teams in Oxford, Reading, Sevenoaks, Guildford, Chelmsford and Cambridge, the event brought together developers, promoters, solicitors, landowners and consultants.
Funds were raised through ticket sales, a raffle and an auction hosted by Savills auctioneer Gary Murphy. The evening also featured entertainment from magician Paul Martin.
The proceeds will support Construction Youth Trust, a social mobility charity that connects young people with employers and opportunities in construction and the built environment. Its work aims to help young people overcome barriers to employment and explore the range of careers available across the sector.
Sarah Forrest, senior fundraising and partnerships manager at Construction Youth Trust, said the event provided an opportunity to showcase the charity’s work and highlighted the impact of collaboration with industry partners.
“Events like this make a genuine difference, enabling us to showcase our work empowering young people to overcome barriers and explore the breadth of opportunities available in the built environment sector,” she said.
Forrest thanked the Savills team and everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort, describing the evening as a celebration of partnership and opportunity.
Tom Lockwood, a surveyor in Savills’ Oxford development team and one of the event’s organisers, said the team was grateful for the support received.
“This was the first charity gala that we’ve organised as a team, and it was a great success,” he said.
