Smashing ceilings (literally!): successful property developer awarded MBE

Award-winning businesswoman, landlord and property developer Mandy St John Davey has been awarded an MBE for Services to Working Women.

Mandy who lives in Aberdare in South Wales, is a well-known property developer and champion of women in business, particularly in property and construction.

She said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and humbled that I have received it for supporting working women.

“Throughout my own career I have worked in mainly male dominated industries, the last 25 years within property and construction where in the early days there were very few role models. For the majority of that time I had to figure things out for myself.”

Mandy has held various voluntary roles as she’s built her property portfolio designed to encouraged and support women in construction, property and in the wider business community. She was a member of Women in Property for many years, becoming their national Chair in 2019, and has worked with the Welsh Government and the Prince’s Trust.

“I am grateful for the opportunity I had in the role as national Chair for Women in Property which gave me a platform to continue to support women in property at a more strategic level. To help and support other women in business has just become a natural thing for me to do,” Mandy said.

“Whether that is through school outreach programmes, raising awareness around finance for young girls, encouraging children and young women to aspire to a career in the construction industry. Nurturing them within their chosen careers, and when the time comes and they reach the top of their game, the all-important thing, is to help retain them.”

For Mandy, the work goes on to tackle the unfairness which still exists between men and women at work.

“In 2024, and with a UK construction skills shortage, it’s more important than ever to inspire and encourage young females into the industry. However, we still need to continue tackling issues such as the gender pay gap, the pensions gap, unconscious bias and to continue to strive for fairness and equality for all women, within any industry.”

Mandy is one of many caring people honoured in the second Honours list in the reign of King Charles III. The MBE, which stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire awards behind a CBE and an OBE. It is awarded for an outstanding contribution or service to the community which has had a significant, long-term impact.

“When the letter arrived marked On His Majesty’s Service. The Cabinet Office, I must have read it a dozen times, and then checked it again to be sure. Keeping this secret from my family and friends for several weeks has been difficult, but this has to be one of the greatest honours of my life and I am delighted,” Mandy said.

* Photograph provided by Abigail Lewis Photography, Mountain Ash, Aberdare