Hony Premlal MBA, CIHCM, a pioneer in the UK’s social housing sector, has been named Woman of the Year at the prestigious Women in Housing Awards 2025, recognising her outstanding leadership, impact, and tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion across the industry.
Born in a small village in Kerala, South India, Hony arrived in the UK in 1993. From those early days as a front-line housing worker, she has risen to become a Managing Director, Chair, and now Founder and CEO of Hony Premlal Consultancy, providing executive mentoring, leadership development, and strategic housing consultancy across the sector.
Judges praised Hony’s “truly inspiring” journey, highlighting her roles as Chair of Eldon Housing Association and WISH (Women in Social Housing) London, and her commitment to championing diverse voices and driving inclusive leadership. Her optimism, integrity, and authenticity have made her a role model for women and ethnic minority professionals in housing and beyond.
“A moment I’ll never forget 🤩 – honoured, humbled, and inspired to keep driving change.” – Hony Premlal
Driving Change Across the Sector
In 2024 alone, Hony delivered 23 keynote speeches, launched the High Tea with Hony podcast spotlighting women leaders, and led initiatives aligned with Black History Month and the UN campaign to end violence against women. Her active involvement with CIH, NHF, and sector publications, alongside mentoring emerging leaders, reflects her commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
“Social housing is not just a sector; it is a vital part of our communities. It shapes lives, provides stability, and fosters growth,” Hony shared, reaffirming her mission to raise the profile of housing, promote it as a career of choice, and ensure the sector reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
A Leader with Purpose
Hony’s consultancy clients benefit from her proven ability to strengthen corporate governance, drive organisational culture change, and enhance operational effectiveness across complex housing environments. Her leadership extends to her voluntary roles as Vice Chair of Somerset Co-operative Community Land Trust, CIH Regional Group Member, and as a mentor with the Housing Diversity Network and WISH, demonstrating her dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.
As a Chartered Institute of Housing Vice Presidential candidate, Hony continues to advocate for visibility, equity, and excellence within the housing sector, showing that with resilience, hard work, and a commitment to authentic leadership, change is possible.
Celebrating an Inspiring Achievement
The Woman of the Year Award not only celebrates Hony Premlal’s remarkable personal journey but also her relentless pursuit of better housing outcomes for all, her championing of women’s leadership, and her unwavering commitment to a more inclusive, thriving sector.
Congratulations, Hony, on this well-deserved recognition. The housing sector is stronger, braver, and more inclusive because of your leadership.
Announcement of the winner: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2142297922928690
