We knew that there was huge amount of creativity and clever thinking within our industry, but that too often it hadn’t been given a chance to see the light of day. We wanted to help change that – and now, several months later, there is evidence to suggest that we have.

With the deadline for submissions now having passed, we have been sifting through the entries to draw up the shortlist. We have been impressed by both the quality and quantity of the ideas we have received.

In total we received around 70 original entries. From architects and planners, graduates to local councillors, think tanks to charities, the submissions came from right across the spectrum of our industry - and beyond. With ideas ranging from how to increase the supply of development land and streamline planning to property taxation, s106 contributions and developing regional talent pools, the diversity and creativity showed by the entries met and exceeded our expectations.

As we sift through each of the proposals and finalise the shortlist, I want to thank everyone who submitted their ideas, as well as our partners who have helped make the Award such a success, including Property Week, RICS and the BPF.

In the coming weeks I will be deciding on the ultimate winner of the inaugural £15,000 Lambert Smith Hampton Enterprise Award, together with our judging panel of Liz Hamson (Editor, Property Week), Melanie Leech, (CEO, BPF), Sir Edward Lister (Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff, Greater London Authority), Tom Bloxham MBE (Founder, Urban Splash) and Waheed Nazir (Director of Planning & Regeneration, Birmingham City Council).

It’s clear that a lot of insight, energy and imagination has been invested in the entries - and it means that we will have our work cut out in choosing just one winner.  

We plan to announce the shortlisted entries on Friday 30 October on our website and in Property Week magazine. It will be a great opportunity for us all to celebrate the property industry at its very best.