Landlord Mandy wins global award

NRLA member Mandy St John Davey MBE has been named on a list of the world’s top 10 self-made women entrepreneurs by global tech giant Microsoft

The South Wales landlord and property investor is joining an elite group of businesswomen from around the world, predominantly from America and Canada.

In putting her in their list of women to watch in 2026, Microsoft noted that Mandy is recognised as a serial entrepreneur, inspirational leader, and trailblazer in her field.'

It caps a remarkable series of achievements for Mandy, who was awarded an MBE in 2023 for her services to working women and her role as national Chair of Women in Property, from 2019 through to 2020.

As the first woman from Wales to serve in the role, she has championed the importance of female role models and networks and is passionate about breaking down barriers for women in the sector.

Raising each other up

"When I started 30 years ago there weren't many female role models," she said. "I think it's really important to see women achieve and break down some of the barriers for those coming after us. I'm a real believer in holding your hand down and pulling the next person up, making sure you always leave your ladder down."

Mandy built her property portfolio after being forced to leave corporate employment due to ill health 25 years ago. Starting with small terraced properties in need of renovation and refurbishment, she continued to grow her business, buying new builds before expanding her business through purchases in Canada and Cyprus.

Beyond her own business success, Mandy has volunteered as a mentor for The King's Trust and serves as a Welsh Government construction role model. She has been involved in research at Oxford Brookes University on implementing mentoring schemes in companies