Leading residential block management specialist Watson is celebrating after three key members of its team were named finalists in the prestigious 2026 Property Management Awards. The nominations emphasise the firm’s long-standing dedication to high professional standards, building safety, and resident-first service across the UK.
The annual Property Management Awards, running for 17 years, celebrate excellence across the residential leasehold sector, recognising individuals and organisations making a positive difference to the property industry.
The three Watson colleagues who have been shortlisted are: Senior Property Manager Kath Simpson, for the award of Regional Property Manager of the Year. Property Manager Megan Moore is nominated for New Property Manager of the Year. Business Development Director Ian Omant is listed for Business Development Manager of the Year.
For Watson – a firm regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and accredited by The Property Institute (TPI) – the recognition comes as the UK residential sector faces unprecedented legislative evolution.
With over 200 years of heritage, Watson has consistently evolved to protect and enhance property values, transforming from its Yorkshire origins into the UK’s first employee-owned property managing agent. As an accredited provider in an unregulated industry, the firm combines deep heritage with modern technology to deliver transparent, safety-first governance.
Watson’s triple shortlisting highlights key individual contributions across three vital operational areas:
Kath Simpson – Regional Property Manager of the Year: with over 21 years of block management experience, Kath has made a major impact across Watson’s North East portfolio. Her nomination reflects her proactive leadership in building safety and fire compliance, along with her practical approach to resolving complex leaseholder issues and supporting colleagues across the company.
Megan Moore – New Property Manager of the Year: after joining Watson’s Customer Service team in 2023 and progressing to Property Manager in late 2024, Megan achieved a Level 3 Distinction with The Property Institute (ATPI). Her shortlisting recognises her rapid professional growth, technical skill in overseeing complex building safety works, and exceptional resident relations.
Ian Omant – Business Development Manager of the Year: transitioning from Managing Director to Business Development Director, Ian has spearheaded Watson’s strategic expansion into Build to Rent, Later Living, and New-Build sectors. Focusing on responsible, sustainable growth, his collaborative approach has secured around 500 new units in target regions over the past year.
Commenting on the shortlistings, Amy Bishoprick, Managing Director at Watson, said:
“To have three colleagues shortlisted across such different categories is something we are incredibly proud of. Kath, Megan and Ian each bring distinct strengths to Watson, but what they all share is a genuine commitment to doing the right thing for our clients and residents.
“Property management can be demanding, and the work that makes the biggest positive difference isn’t always the most visible. These nominations recognise the expertise, hard work, and determination that go into solving complex problems, protecting residents, and building lasting relationships.
“I am delighted to see their hard work and dedication recognised by the industry, and everyone at Watson wishes them the very best of luck at the awards ceremony.”
Headquartered in Leeds, Watson manages developments across York, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, and the wider region, supporting clients through complex Right to Manage (RTM) transitions and Building Safety Act compliance.
The Property Management Awards are organised by the trade publication News on the Block. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 19 November 2026, at City Central, Honourable Artillery Company, London.
