The Portsmouth Property Association (PPA), now in its 107th year, has named Sau-Wan Lai as Chair, with Stacey Read confirmed as Deputy Chair following its AGM.

It is believed to be the first time that both roles have been held by women concurrently since the organisation was founded in 1920.

Lai, co-founder of commercial property firm Wheeler & Lai, becomes only the fifth woman to hold the position.

She said: “I’m Portsmouth through and through, and passionate about people, property and, of course, Portsmouth.

“The PPA is the voice of property in the city region – it’s also a privilege to be able to work alongside amazing peers who also give up their time to give back to members, to the community and to charity.

“I’m conscious of the weight of history which comes with the chain, with me being the fifth woman to hold the post and for Stacey and I to be the first women to hold Chair and Deputy Chair at the same time.”

Beyond property

As part of tradition, Lai has selected three local charities to support during her tenure: The Elizabeth Foundation, Endometriosis South Coast and Ripple Suicide Prevention.

Lai added: “If raising awareness is the least I can do to help others, it feels like a privilege to be able to choose all these organisations… which, whilst local in their beginnings, have a resounding wider impact.”

The PPA represents a wide cross-section of the property sector, including estate agents, surveyors, conveyancers and brokers, and aims to promote collaboration and economic growth across the Portsmouth region.