If my career in the property business has been a journey, then I would say its been bit like the Dakar Rally," says Louise. "A male dominated environment, fast and furious at times, with a few hairpin bends to negotiate and many potholes to avoid, but the finishing line is now in sight. Its been a pretty successful journey and Im enjoying every minute."

Back in 1989 Louise had just started year one of a Masters degree in Strategic Management at Brunel University in West London but she was persuaded by her late father Denis to help him for a few hours a week with the administration of his new business.

"Denis was a hard working, hard living, salt of the earth Londoner who started out with nothing, worked every hour and went without to send my brother Chris and I to the best schools," says Louise.