2024 Speakers

Eric Chong

Director of Research, British Council for Offices

Eric Chong is Director of Research & Policy at the British Council for Offices, overseeing the research programme that advances best practice and insight across the office sector. Before relocating to London in 2023, Eric was Director of Capital Markets Research at Savills Hong Kong, advising global investors on strategy, due diligence, and market positioning across traditional and alternative sectors, including data centres, cold storage, and living. He previously held research roles at Cushman & Wakefield and JLL, leading analysis of Hong Kong’s residential and commercial property markets.

Laura Elias

Head of Planning Development, SEGRO

Laura Elias is Head of Planning Development at SEGRO, responsible for creating positive conditions for investment in new industrial, logistics and data centre development in the UK. Laura has extensive experience working with investment specialists, technical experts, policy makers and public sector stakeholders to enable the delivery of business space and infrastructure. She is passionate about creating sustainable, high-quality development that supports community investment, economic growth and the evolving needs of modern businesses.

Cllr Chanté Johnson

Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, London Borough of Waltham Forest

Cllr Chanté Johnson is the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy at the London Borough of Waltham Forest, she was elected to Waltham Forest Council in 2026.

Matthew Lloyd-Ruck

Associate Planning Director, re:shape

Matthew Lloyd-Ruck is Associate Planning Director at re:shape, a London-based living developer and operator focused on delivering high-quality housing and inclusive, mixed communities. Matthew joined re following more than seven years at Savills, where he specialised in planning and worked on some of London’s major regeneration and residential schemes. His experience spans complex planning strategies, urban development and housing delivery, with a particular focus on unlocking high-quality development in challenging market conditions. Matthew has played a key role in securing planning consents for significant residential schemes, including 428 rental homes in West Ealing for the John Lewis Partnership. He is passionate about creating successful places and enabling sustainable housing delivery.

Ananya Jain

Graduate Consultant, Arup

Ananya is an Urban Development and Mobility Consultant at Arup, working across transport, regeneration, and place-based growth. Since joining Arup in 2025, she has supported on major infrastructure and development projects across the UK including the British Library Extension, White Horse Reservoir, and the Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Corridor. Ananya holds an MSc in Building and Urban Design in Development from The Bartlett, UCL, and a BA in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge. She is passionate about helping cities and regions plan for inclusive growth through integrated and future-oriented infrastructure, transport, and economic development

Cllr James Slater

Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, London Borough of Camden

Cllr James Slater has represented Kentish Town North since 2022. A Labour and Co-operative Party councillor, he has served as Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden since May 2026. He also chairs the Euston Community Review Panel, and was previously the Associate Cabinet Member for Leaseholders. Alongside being a councillor, James works as a researcher.

Tom Glover

Skills & Growth Manager & Pan-London Hub Lead, Places for London

Nick Hornby

Director, Marchmont

Nick Hornby is a Director and Head of Development at Marchmont. He began his career in 2000 within the investment teams at Chesterton and Weatherall Green & Smith, before moving into property investment and development. In 2012, Nick joined Northridge Capital, a boutique property private equity firm backed by Middle Eastern investors, before moving into development with Investra Development. He has since worked across a range of sectors, delivering more than £500m GDV across student accommodation, build-to-rent, office and industrial developments. Nick joined Marchmont in 2019, where he leads the development management function and oversees the delivery of development projects from inception through to completion.

Charlotte Wills

Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Wates Residential

Charlotte Wills is Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Wates Residential, a leading developer contractor specialising in urban regeneration. She leads communications, public affairs and sustainability strategy across the business, supporting long term regeneration outcomes and embedding sustainability from strategy through to delivery. Prior to joining Wates, she worked in corporate affairs consultancies, delivering communications strategies for major UK organisations across the built environment. She brings a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, reputation management and strategic communications, and is focused on shaping places and partnerships that deliver lasting economic, social and environmental value.

Kirsten Lees

Managing Partner for Paris, Grimshaw

Kirsten is a highly accomplished architect with more than 25 years' experience delivering award-winning projects across a broad range of sectors. Her portfolio spans sports, culture, leisure, infrastructure and civic projects, notably the Wimbledon masterplan and remodelling of No. 1 Court, Curragh Racecourse, Istanbul's Arter Gallery and the Bath Rugby New Stadium. More recently, Kirsten has led major energy and infrastructure projects, including the North London Heat and Power Project and the ongoing Cringle Dock Waste Transfer Station, exploring how essential city infrastructure can be designed to celebrate its civic importance whilst delivering wider benefits for local communities. Kirsten is a trustee of the Grimshaw Foundation and is currently Managing Partner of Grimshaw’s Paris Studio. She received the WICE 2022 Best Female Architect award, with a special commendation as Most Distinguished Winner.

Beatrix Young

Director of Residential, Buckley Gray Yeoman

Beatrix Young is Director of Residential at Buckley Gray Yeoman, working across housing, regeneration and placemaking projects. She is passionate about creating homes, neighbourhoods and places that respond to local needs and deliver lasting value for communities. She has a particular interest in affordable housing, sustainability and retrofit, and serves on a number of Design Review Panels. She believes successful places are created through collaboration, long-term thinking and a clear focus on people.

Rob Horne

Blue Lights, Education and Research Lead, ARK Data Centres

Rob has worked in public sector IT for over 15 years. During this time, he has gained a wealth of experience in both hardware and software sales, asset recovery supporting the circular economy and also has experience of maintenance contracts within the data centre space. Rob joined Crown in September 2023 as a Client Engagement Manager where he specialises in developing relationships with public sector clients including those in higher education, local and central government, healthcare trusts and blue light services. During his time with Crown, Rob has thrived on establishing and maintaining client relationships and particularly enjoys the client facing aspect of his role.

Will Scott

Business Development Director, Amey Rail

Will Scott is Business Development Director for Amey Rail. He leads strategic growth initiatives across the rail sector, working with customers and partners to develop solutions that support infrastructure investment, operational performance and sustainable economic growth. He has extensive experience across the transport industry and is a strong advocate for the role of rail and public transport in connecting communities and enabling regional prosperity.

Gareth Baker

Director - Western Corridor, SEGRO

Gareth Baker is Director, Western Corridor at SEGRO, responsible for the company's industrial and logistics portfolio across the Heathrow market. Based in Slough, he leads strategic asset management, development and customer engagement activities across one of the UK's most important logistics locations. Gareth has extensive experience working with occupiers, investors and public-sector stakeholders on development, infrastructure and regeneration projects, with expertise in logistics and aviation-related real estate. He is passionate about creating sustainable, high-quality space that supports economic growth, investment, and the evolving needs of modern businesses.

Jeff Hughes

President, Sports & Entertainment, Cosm

Jeff Hughes is President of Sports and Entertainment at Cosm, where he oversees the company's Media, Venues, Programming, and Marketing functions, driving the division's long-term vision, strategic planning, and operational excellence. With deep expertise in sports, media, and technology and a track record of steering global organizations through major business transformation, Hughes joined Cosm to accelerate its growth across new domestic and international markets. Prior to Cosm, Hughes served as Chief Operating Officer at NEP, the world's largest provider of sports production and live event services, where he unified operations and delivered record revenue performance. Before NEP, he led the Digital Consumer Group at Fox, driving the company's digital evolution across Fox, FX, National Geographic, and Fox Sports, and launching its first direct-to-consumer product. Earlier in his career, he held C-suite positions at Omnifone and Sky, as well as leadership roles at IBM and PwC. Hughes earned his MBA from Clemson University and his bachelor's degree in political science from Texas Christian University.

Emily Cockle

Senior Development Manager, Willmott Dixon

A placemaking specialist, overseeing the successful delivery of transformational projects, with a career working in local government and the private sector. Emily was born in Winchester, where she lives now, and is passionate in supporting the Central South area. Emily specialises in brownfield, waterfront and community led regeneration. Securing the trust of customers, partners, stakeholders and community interests to help navigate a variety of key placemaking projects to their successful conclusion, bringing everyone along on the journey. Currently, Emily is co-creating an exciting vision for the regeneration of Weymouth, working alongside Milligan, Dorset Council and stakeholders. Within the Central South, Emily was instrumental in the delivery of the Solent Enterprise Zone, the creation of the Navigation Quarter and its incorporation in the Solent Freeport, and leading on Holes Bay, the largest brownfield site in the South West, for BCP Council. Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIHCM) and Associate of RICS. BA (Hons) in Social Policy with an MSc in Housing (Merit), with Professional Qualification.

Simon Lewis

Partner, Construction, Blake Morgan

Simon advises clients in relation to construction disputes. He has experience of resolving disputes through adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and Technology and Construction Court proceedings and acts for a range of employers, main contractors, developers and sub-contractors across a broad range of standard form and bespoke contracts Simon also advises clients on the practical steps available during construction and engineering projects to manage / avoid disputes, achieving their commercial objectives in a cost efficient manner.

Zaheer Ahmed

Apprentice (General Operative), John F Hunt

Zaheer is an Apprentice (Construction) with John F Hunt, due to start in early October. Before securing this opportunity, he completed a two-week industry placement at London Square, where he gained hands-on experience observing site operations, toolbox talks, and the responsibilities of a general operative. The placement helped him understand how a live site runs and confirmed his interest in progressing within the construction sector.He is focused on developing practical skills and contributing to major projects across London.

Saba Shakib

Programme Manager, Wellcome

Saba Shakib is Programme Manager for Wellcome, leading programme management, governance and delivery for a long-term programme focused on ensuring Wellcome's buildings on Euston Road support its mission, People and Place Strategy, and Museum Strategy. She has worked at Wellcome for over 14 years, delivering complex organisation-wide programmes spanning strategy, operations, people and sustainability. Saba has a scientific background and holds a PhD in Immunology.

Gary Bostock

Development Director, Platform4

Gary Bostock is Development Director at Platform4. He leads the Development team and is responsible for overseeing the delivery of development projects across the portfolio, supporting investment and governance processes, and working with industry partners and stakeholders to progress regeneration and property initiatives. Gary joined Platform4 in July 2026 and reports to the Interim CEO.

Alexandra Thorpe

Associate Director, CO-RE

Alexandra Thorpe is an Associate Director at CO—RE, a leading London-based developer renowned for delivering exceptional workspaces. Alex played a pivotal role in the development of Stonecutter, a landmark office building in the City of London, which achieved 100% pre-letting ahead of its completion in summer 2025. With a background in Construction Engineering Management and early career experience at Skanska, Alex brings deep expertise across all stages of the development cycle, with a particular focus on planning, design, and leasing. Her portfolio includes high-profile projects such as The Monument Building, 77 Coleman Street, and Stonecutter.

Cathy Francis

Director of New Towns, Infrastructure and Housing Delivery, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Cathy is Director of New Towns, Infrastructure and Housing Delivery in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (a jobshare with Lise-Anne Boissiere). She is passionate about community, place-making and improving outcomes for the most deprived communities. She has enjoyed a long career working across a number of government departments and was awarded a CBE in this year’s New Years Honours.

Anyi Hobson

Founder SEAM Advisory; Board Member, Royal Docks Enterprise Zone

Anyi is the founder of SEAM Advisory, which helps organisations link and meet at times competing environmental, social, cultural and financial commitments within complex governance frameworks. She is also a Board Member of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone in Newham. Anyi has delivered retail, office, residential, cultural, hospitality, heritage, mixed-use and regeneration projects in twelve countries and five languages for over 30 years. Her expertise draws on backgrounds in real estate asset management, financial services, retail, fashion, philanthropy and the arts. She applies proprietary frameworks, including the SEAMless Spaces System and the Experiential Dissonance Model, to enable inclusive spaces and places. She advises, speaks and writes on a range of subjects, including how embedding culture, inclusive design and green infrastructure into the built environment can drive commercial and social outcomes, as well as UK, EU and US sustainability frameworks.

Rory Weal

Head of the New Homes Accelorator London, Greater London Authority

Rory Weal is Head of the New Homes Accelerator London (NHA London), a Mayor of London-backed initiative that works with boroughs, developers, housing associations and public sector partners to accelerate the delivery of new homes across the capital, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). Rory leads a multidisciplinary team providing expert support on development, infrastructure, funding and delivery challenges that can stall housing projects. Through NHA London, he has worked with partners across the public and private sectors to unlock complex sites, bring forward housing schemes more quickly, and help increase housing supply in locations with strong growth potential. Rory brings practical insight into the challenges and opportunities of delivering homes on complex urban sites and the collaborative approaches needed to accelerate housing delivery at scale. Rory's role at NHA LDN gives him direct experience of supporting housing delivery on complex development sites across London, including many located alongside transport infrastructure and sites involving collaboration with infrastructure operators.

Caroline Richardson

Divisional Head of Social Value, Vistry Group

With over 23 years of experience in community development, Caroline has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Her work spans from establishing and shaping new communities to guiding existing ones through the complexities of regeneration, ensuring that residents feel heard, valued, and actively involved in the process. In their current role, they uphold Countryside’s commitment to Social Value by collaborating with residents, partners, and stakeholders to deliver impactful projects that foster resilience and sustainability within communities. Their expertise lies in supporting individuals through large-scale regeneration and development projects, ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout the journey. Passionate about creating thriving, sustainable communities, they specialise in delivering social value through innovative projects tailored to local needs. Caroline’s key strengths include building strong relationships, extensive experience in social housing, community development, customer involvement, and social value initiatives. At the core of their work is a deep commitment to empowering people and enhancing life opportunities. They understand the transformative power of Social Value and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities alike.

Stuart Harris

Chief Operating Officer, Milligan

Stuart is Chief Executive Officer at Milligan, where he oversees the company’s operations and leads a range of projects focused on town centre regeneration and the repurposing of assets. He is currently working with local authorities in Torbay and Dorset, as well as advising shopping centre owners on repurposing strategies. With over 30 years’ experience across the UK and Europe, Stuart has worked across the design, leasing, marketing and delivery of retail and leisure-led mixed-use developments. His experience spans retail, food and beverage, leisure, offices, hotels and residential, having overseen hundreds of occupier deals throughout his career. Previously, Stuart was a UK Board Director at Multi Development, where he was involved in the delivery of Victoria Square in Belfast and SouthGate in Bath. He was also a co-founder of Queensberry, helping to deliver major award-winning projects across the public and private sectors over a 10-year period. Stuart is passionate about regeneration and the positive impact that well-considered projects can have on communities. He also sits on the REVO Operations and Strategic Boards.

Ken Dytor

Founder and Chair, Thames Infrastructure Partners

Ken Dytor is Founder and Chair of Thames Infrastructure Partners, a UK-led infrastructure and regeneration platform bringing together investment, energy, digital technology and development expertise. He leads TIP’s Solent programme, working with regional partners to develop investable projects supporting economic growth and the energy transition. Ken was formerly Development Director at British Land and Deputy Crown Estate Surveyor at The Crown Estate. He is also a former President of the British Council for Offices and previously advised the Minister of Defence on sustainability. His career has focused on major regeneration, public-private collaboration and place-based investment, supported by extensive international relationships, particularly in China.

Ann Xu

Director, Portfolio Manager, CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund

Ann Xu is the Portfolio Manager for the CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund, responsible for portfolio management and overseeing the day to day running of the Fund. Ann has worked on the Fund since its inception and focuses on Impact/ESG strategy and implementation, executing transactions and delivering business plan objectives. Previously, Ann has also worked on CBRE UK Property PAIF where her responsibilities included transactions, asset management and ESG. Ann joined CBRE Investment Management in 2016. Prior to this, Ann was on the commercial graduate training program at Savills. Ann is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is also FCA approved, holding her Investment Management Certificate since 2019. Ann graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2014 where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Land Economy. Ann is a Certified Person under the FCA’s Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SMCR).

Pete Wilder

Head of Property and Operations, Oxford Science Enterprises

Pete Wilder is Head of Property and Operations at Oxford Science Enterprises. He leads property, facilities, health and safety, and IT services, including cybersecurity and business continuity. He oversees Grassroots, OSE’s incubator workspace; advises portfolio companies on their real estate needs; and represents OSE’s interests in the Oxford Property Partnership with The Crown Estate and Pioneer Group, helping create the space and infrastructure innovative companies need to grow. Before joining OSE in 2019, Pete was a Partner at Bidwells and held senior roles at JLL and BNP Paribas Real Estate. He holds a BA in French and Italian and a postgraduate diploma in Land Management.

James Townsend

Co-Founder and CEO, Kontor

James co-founded Kontor in 2014 after leaving CBRE, starting the business with little more than a laptop and mobile phone. He quickly became instrumental in WeWork’s European expansion while establishing Kontor as a leading advisor to London’s fastest-growing and most dynamic occupiers, including AI and fintech businesses such as Anthropic, Monzo, Deliveroo and Revolut. As Kontor has grown, James has expanded the team’s remit into a truly multidisciplinary real estate advisory business. Under his leadership, Kontor now advises businesses on their real estate strategies across London and internationally, while also representing some of London’s leading landlords and providing insight into occupier needs. James has built a growing team around an entrepreneurial culture, with a focus on challenging conventional approaches to the office market and exploring how the sector can better respond to the changing needs of occupiers.

Matt Slade

Operational Board Member and Retail Director, Quintain

Matt was appointed Quintain’s Retail Director in 2018. He is responsible for developing and delivering the vision and strategy for the continued growth of 500,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space at Wembley Park. This includes the asset and property management of the London Designer Outlet, the UK's first urban outlet centre, with its annual turnover of £92m and footfall of 7m. Matt joined Quintain in 2015 as Director of Commercial Operations, Wembley Park, where he developed and implemented a business plan for the London Designer Outlet Centre to effect stabilisation of the new retail asset and outperforming industry benchmarks. Prior to this, Matt held senior roles with Westfield, Chevron-Texaco and Debenhams. Matt is a very active member of Club Peloton, a cycling and real estate property charity, and promotes the achievements and culture at Quintain through networking events on and off the bike. Matt co-Chairs Quintain’s Future Insights Forum and Chairs the Quintain Charity Group.

Oliver Steele

Cities Studio Leader, Mott MacDonald

Oliver leads Mott MacDonald's Cities Studio, which focuses on placemaking and regeneration. The Cities Studio team bring together masterplanning and urban design, town planning and place economics expertise to deliver integrated urban development solutions. Before joining Mott MacDonald, Oliver worked in various roles in infrastructure planning and policy in both the Australian and UK governments where he gained two decades of experience.

Anna Devlet

Strategic Advisor on Social Value and Skills, The Crown Estate

Anna Devlet is Strategic Advisor on Social Value and Skills at The Crown Estate and a recognised leader in impact across UK industry. With over 20 years’ experience, she specialises in embedding social impact into real estate strategy to support planning, strengthen partnerships and deliver long-term commercial and social outcomes alongside pioneering affordable space models supporting enterprise, culture and local economies. Anna holds board roles for the Greater London Authority as Chair of the Talent Board for Construction & Built Environment, as well as being a long-standing trustee of New Diorama Theatre.

Fiona Morey OBE

Executive Principal, London South Bank Colleges Group

William Murray

Co-Founder, MurrayTwohig

William is a real estate strategist and developer specialising in large scale mixed-use projects. His expertise lies in the understanding and development of the foundations of the vision and of the critical strategic elements of a project’s success factors, and how they can be employed in both placemaking and development. In 2017, he set up MurrayTwohig with David Twohig to provide real estate consultancy and development services on complex, mixed-use projects. Since then, MurrayTwohig has advised and collaborated on over 500M sqft of property around the world, in Chicago, Toronto, San Francisco, Boston, Berlin, Dublin, and London. MurrayTwohig Developments is developing a 42-acre ex-naval base in Lee-on-the-Solent with Homes England and Patron Capital, and advising the DIO on another 42-acre disposal in Hampshire.

Malcolm Howting

Partner, Stace

Malcolm Howting is a Partner at Stace and leads project management teams and service delivery across the UK. With more than 25 years' experience in the built environment, he has delivered complex projects across a range of sectors and now leads Stace's Student Accommodation and Education sectors while also heading up the firm's Environmental Focus Group. Malcolm plays a key role in advancing Stace's sustainability agenda, helping clients and project teams respond to evolving environmental challenges and opportunities. Outside work, Malcolm is a trustee of the Phoenix Trust in Cambridge, which supports adults with learning difficulties by providing meaningful employment opportunities.

Stuart Syddell

Senior Partner, Stace LLP

Stuart Syddell is a Senior Partner at Stace LLP and a member of the Management Board, leading the Quantity Surveying team in the London office. With over 35 years at Stace, he has delivered major projects for leading industry clients across residential, Build to Rent (including HRBs), senior living, student accommodation, commercial, retail, leisure, healthcare, and sport. A Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a First‑Class degree from the University of Greenwich, Stuart is committed to supporting the next generation of surveyors, contributing to early‑career development and industry skills initiatives. Across his career, Stuart has built a reputation for combining technical excellence with a practical, people‑centred leadership style. His decades of experience, sector insight, and commitment to raising professional standards make him a valued contributor to industry discussions.

Alex Christopher

Director, Head of Planning, Turley

Alex is Head of Planning in Turley’s London office and has over 22 years of planning experience, which has been gained predominantly in London private consultancy. Alex primarily advises on mixed-use masterplan schemes in Greater London, with particular expertise in leading on high-density developments. He also has a strong track record in advising across multiple residential / alternative residential products including market, BTR, PBSA and co-living – as well as commercial and industrial developments. He currently sits on the British Property Federation Planning Committee.

Mark Westmoreland Smith KC

Planning Barrister, Francis Taylor Building

Mark’s practice focuses on nationally significant infrastructure projects and other strategic developments such as large-scale housing, urban extensions, waste management facilities, electricity generation stations, including renewables, and grid infrastructure, and transport projects as well as compulsory purchase orders, compensation and land valuation.

Alexander Booth KC

Barrister, Francis Taylor Building

Alexander Booth KC has a practice which encompasses all aspects of planning, infrastructure and compulsory purchase law. He regularly appears on behalf of private and public bodies in Examinations, Public Inquiries, the High Court and the Lands Tribunal; he has also appeared in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Overseas he advises clients in Commonwealth jurisdictions where his experience includes having successfully brought judicial review proceedings in the Turks and Caicos Islands and acting for the Government of Bermuda in both compensation and constitutional litigation. In 2024 he was appointed as a Recorder, and now sits in the Crown Court on the South Eastern Circuit.

Andrew Lunt

Lead Sponsor, Major Projects, Transport for London

Andrew leads on TfL's major investment projects, ensuring they deliver the right outcomes for London. His portfolio across Newham includes new DLR trains and major capacity enhancements, the Silvertown Tunnel, and the DLR Extension to Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside.

Louise Puddefoot

Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police Service

Louise Puddefoot is a Deputy Assistant Commissioner with the Metropolitan Police Service, responsible for Frontline Policing in London. She has extensive operational and strategic experience leading the policing of major events and community crime-fighting operations, working with partners across the public and private sectors to deliver these events and operations safely and ensure alignment of objectives. Louise leads initiatives designed to strengthen confidence within London’s residential communities and business districts, tackling business crime and organised criminality in Westminster, including the use of innovative technology such as Live facial recognition. Her work is focused on maintaining public confidence and ensuring that London remains a safe and attractive destination to live, work, and visit.

Toyin Omodara

Senior Strategic Planning Manager, Barking Riverside Limited

Toyin Omodara is Senior Strategic Planning Manager at Barking Riverside Limited, where he leads planning strategy for one of London's largest regeneration projects. He is currently overseeing the planning framework for the next phase of growth at Barking Riverside, including proposals to increase capacity to 20,000 homes alongside new town centre, commercial and community infrastructure. With over a decade of experience across London's public and private sectors, Toyin specialises in the delivery of complex urban regeneration projects, bringing together planning, infrastructure, viability and stakeholder interests to unlock sustainable growth at scale. Prior to joining Barking Riverside, he held strategic planning roles at the Greater London Authority and the London Borough of Hackney.

David Ellis

Director, Arup

Emma Howard Boyd CBE

Chair, National Heat Risk Commission

Caroline Pillay

Director of Development and Regeneration, L&Q

Caroline Pillay is Director of Development and Regeneration at L&Q, with over 25 years’ experience in the planning and delivery of large-scale, multi-phased urban regeneration and redevelopment programmes. Her portfolio spans housing, mixed-use schemes, education, senior living and specialist supported housing. A highly experienced Project Director and strategic advisor, Caroline has built a strong reputation for delivering complex public sector developments, with a focus on placemaking, social value and client-focused delivery. Previously a Senior Partner at Airey Miller, she spent eight years leading major regeneration programmes in partnership with local authorities. She also chaired the Councils Building Homes Forum, promoting collaboration and best practice in public sector housing. Caroline is a passionate advocate for innovation, inclusion and lasting social value in housing delivery.

David Williams

Senior Director of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) & Commercial Director, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus

David is a Senior Director of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) and the Commercial Director of the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus. David leads the team responsible for leasing across the 3.8m sq ft ARC portfolio, with a development pipeline of a further 5m sq ft. There are four campuses; Harwell, ARC Oxford, ARC West London (Hammersmith) and ARC Uxbridge. ARC is a Brookfield portfolio company specialising in science and technology real estate with a broad multi-disciplinary business, academic and public sector community spanning life science, health tech, deep tech, quantum and digital, space, energy, robotics and advanced engineering. Property sectors include offices, wet and dry laboratories, ‘tech boxes’, managed lab incubator and accelerators, bespoke ‘turn key’ D&B, and a variety of campus amenity spaces. David’s career spans almost 40 years, most of which has been in the science and technology real estate market, principally across the ‘Golden Triangle’ area as well as national project-led work. Before joining ARC, David had the privilege of co-founding a real estate practise in 2006, acquired in 2015. David is a Chartered Surveyor.

Craig Tabb

Director, DP9

Craig joined DP9 in 2007, following experience at EDAW (now Aecom) and Drivers Jonas (now Deloitte). He sits on DP9’s Executive Committee and Board. Craig also Chair’s the company’s Gender Steering Group and leads its social value strategy. Craig’s experience is wide ranging, but is mostly focused on high-profile complex projects, many involving large-scale masterplans and area regeneration. His expertise is in strategic planning – successfully securing permission for many of London’s largest development schemes, often also including new area / site- wide planning policy frameworks. In London, this includes projects, such as: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, Euston Station, Earls Court, Brent Cross Town, Wood Wharf and Old Oak Common. Craig is active with various industry organisations and is Chair of the NLA’s Planning Expert Panel.

Laura Miller

Head of Skills and Growth, Places for London

Laura is Head of Skills and Growth at Places for London, with responsibility for the design and delivery of education and skills programmes across TfL’s property development portfolio. She has led the establishment and expansion of the Places for London Skills Academy, creating a network of onsite Skills Hubs, embedding skills provision within major developments and creating scalable pathways into employment. Prior to joining TfL, Laura held senior roles in skills policy and strategy within the built environment sector, including shaping provider strategies nationally at CITB and leading regional sector skills strategies across London and the South East. She brings extensive experience in building cross-sector partnerships to address skills challenges and support long-term workforce development.

Matthew Abbott

Development Director, Canary Wharf Group

Matthew Abbott is Development Director at Canary Wharf Group, where he leads major refurbishment, retrofit and adaptive reuse projects across the Canary Wharf estate, including the transformation of HSBC’s HQ at 8 Canada Square. He has over 20 years’ experience in property and development, with a particular focus on the delivery and evolution of large-scale, complex urban projects. Prior to joining Canary Wharf Group, Matthew held senior development roles at Almacantar and iQ Student Accommodation. He also sits on Southern Housing’s Development & Asset Committee.

John Mulhaire

Head of Transport Planning, Momentum Transport Consultancy

John is a transport planning professional with over 18 years' experience and an academic background in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. Having worked in Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, he has extensive experience advising private and public sector clients across a diverse range of development and infrastructure projects. John is Director & Head of Transport Planning at Momentum Transport Consultancy, leading the Transport Planning business unit and responsible for its operational performance and continued growth. His experience is centered on major development projects across Central London, whilst also providing strategic oversight and Project Director leadership on projects throughout the UK and Ireland. He works with a diverse client base across the residential, commercial, mixed-use, logistics, education and infrastructure sectors, combining technical expertise with commercial leadership, client relationship management and strategic project delivery.

Nick Brindley

Partner, Newmark

Nick Brindley is a senior Planning Partner in the Planning and Development team at Newmark. He has 30 years' post qualification experience working as a private sector planning consultant across London. He leads teams working across strategic development projects throughout London and in all sectors and is heavily involved in policy formulation and influence across London for Business LDN, the BPF and London Property Alliance.  Market leading projects that Nick is particularly proud of include advising Grosvenor on their strategic office, residential and place-shaping redevelopment at South Molton Triangle in the Oxford Street District, advising Derwent London on their major office developments in Baker Street, and for Urbanest's leading education and student housing developments in Canary Wharf, Waterloo and Battersea.

James Taylor

London Principal Lead, Woods Bagot

James Taylor is a Principal at Woods Bagot and Chair of the firm’s London studio. As an architect, he has a reputation for delivering large-scale office buildings in London and working heritage contexts, with his current major project being 85 Gracechurch Street, a new 30-storey tower which will incorporate unparalleled destination amenities for both occupiers and the public. As well as offices, James has designed award-winning schools, university buildings and residential projects. Driving the London studio forward with creativity, knowledge and energy, James nurtures a collaborative working environment focused on client experience and project outcomes. He is passionate about the experience of work and enabling people and teams to succeed in their own goals. As part of his role, James is Woods Bagot’s Global Workplace Architecture Leader, enabling connections and sharing innovation in our office projects for the benefit of clients worldwide.

Samantha Bain-Mollison

Head of Retail, Places for London

Since May 2024, Sam has looked after the retail at Places for London. A portfolio valued at over £700m, made up of over 1,000 retail businesses, she is responsible for delivering the 10 year business strategy, building and leading a multi-disciplinary team of asset managers, new business and property managers to deliver long term sustainable revenue as well as Places for London’s net zero carbon transition. Key parts of the estate include transformative projects in Victoria, Baker Street, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel. Prior to her current role, she was at Shaftesbury PLC on the Strategy and Operations Executive Committee, having joined the company in 2011 as Retail Director until March 2023 looking after a portfolio covering 16 acres in the West End. She qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 2007 and during her career has specialised in the Central London retail sector, branding, curating and managing thriving and sustainable long term retail destinations including Carnaby, Soho, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Chinatown.

Freddie Hill

Head of Development, Berkeley Group

Freddie Hill is Head of Development at Berkeley Homes Oxford & Chiltern, where he leads the acquisition, planning and optimisation of mixed-use residential schemes and oversees the design and delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects across the Southeast. Since joining Berkeley as a graduate in 2016, Freddie has gained extensive experience in complex development and regeneration projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working closely with public and private sector partners. Freddie has played a key role in the delivery of Horlicks Quarter, helping to transform the historic Horlicks Factory site in Slough into a new neighbourhood that has provided over 600 homes to date. He also leads Slough Central, Berkeley’s vision to transform Queensmere Shopping Centre into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, creating new homes, jobs and public spaces while acting as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Slough town centre. The proposals include up to 1,600 homes alongside commercial, leisure and cultural spaces, connected green public areas and new routes linking Slough Station with the High Street. Alongside this redevelopment, Freddie oversees the ongoing management and long-term strategy for the Observatory Shopping Centre. Collectively, this work builds on Berkeley’s significant investment in the town and underlines its long-term commitment to Slough, strengthening local connections and creating lasting benefits for the community.

David Christie

Head of Growth and Masterplanning, Transport for London

David joined TfL in 2008 and has been Head of Growth and Masterplanning since 2023. He leads TfL’s work to unlock new homes and jobs across the city and support the delivery of the London Plan through the integration of transport and land use planning. Alongside GLA colleagues, David co-leads a joint City + Place Unit for the Mayor, focused on London-wide economic, transport and growth strategy and enabling successful place-based regeneration and delivery in priority locations across the city. His work includes securing funding sources for transport schemes linked to new development. In previous roles David developed TfL's approach to scenario planning which was critical to the organisation's approach to recovery after the pandemic. He also led demand forecasting for TfL and has worked on many of the key strategic transport and land use questions facing the capital. From 2010 to 2018 David was a councillor in a London borough and has non-executive experience in the housing and development sector. His first degree was in Mathematics and he holds an MSc in Transport.

Forogh Rahmani

Director, Local London

Forogh Rahmani is Director of Local London – the borough-led sub-regional partnership representing the nine northeast and southeast London boroughs. Since joining in February 2025, Forogh has led an ambitious vision and programme of sustainable and inclusive growth to attract investment, unlock infrastructure, support local businesses and boost good work. Previously Head of Strategy for employment and skills at the GLA, and most recently Director of Growth at the Hertfordshire Growth Board, Forogh has a wealth of experience in local government and has led a number of regional economic, growth and inward investment strategies and multimillion-pound programmes.

Tim Rettler

Area Manager, City + Place Unit, Greater London Authority

Tim has over 20 years of experience in urban design and regeneration. In the City + Place Unit he is responsible for the GLA’s work with TfL and south London boroughs to deliver place-based initiatives and growth strategies. He is leading city-wide regeneration investments including the Civic Partnership Programme as well as driving forward the Mayor’s agenda to improve London’s high streets and help local economies to thrive. Tim holds a Master in Architecture and is an alumnus of the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD. He is a regular lecturer and visiting critic at universities in the UK and abroad.

Kirsty Moseley

Partner & Deputy Managing Director, LCA

Kirsty serves as the Deputy Managing Director of the Corporate & Consumer division at LCA. She is a team leader with 15 years’ experience in corporate affairs and media relations within the property sector. Kirsty specialises in building and protecting corporate brands through strategic counsel, narrative development, proactive storytelling, media profiling, and industry and political network development and influence. Supporting clients to enter new markets, attract investment, launch services, and through periods of significant change. She is motivated by business-critical output for her clients and the outcomes for the communities her clients operate within. With a degree in human geography, Kirsty has always been fascinated in the role the built environment plays towards social change. She believes in the power of effective communication to foster responsible and sustainable futures and serve as a force for good.

Chris Barton

Director for Local and International Growth, Department for Business and Trade

Chris is the Director for Local and International Growth in the Department for Business and Trade, responsible for promoting economic growth across UK nations and regions by supporting local and international business opportunities.  He joined the UK civil service in 1998, after 5 years as an economics teacher.  Over this period, he has worked in a wide range of domestic and international-facing roles in departments for business, energy, trade, Foreign Office and No10.  Recent positions have included Director Multilateral & EU Trade (2016-2019), Bilateral Trade Relations (2019-20), UK-EU Trade negotiations (2020-21), His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe (2021-2025). 

Cllr Sagal Abdi-Wali

Leader, London Borough of Camden

Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali is the new Leader of Camden Council and the borough’s first Black woman to hold the role. A lifelong Camden resident, Sagal arrived in the borough as a child refugee after her family fled war-torn Somalia. Raised and educated locally, she has spoken about Camden being a place of sanctuary and opportunity, experiences that continue to shape her values and approach to public service, including helping to lead Camden’s work towards achieving Borough of Sanctuary accreditation in 2024. First elected as councillor for Camden Square in 2022 and re-elected in 2026, Sagal has built a strong reputation as a committed community leader focused on fairness, inclusion and delivering for residents. Before becoming Leader, she served as Cabinet Member for Better Homes, leading on housing, estates and landlord services, with a particular emphasis on resident participation, housing standards and improving services for tenants and leaseholders. Sagal’s leadership is rooted in listening to communities and ensuring the council works for every resident. As Leader of the Council, she is focused on tackling inequality, strengthening public services and building a Camden where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Matthew Steenhoek

Executive Director of Development, Europe, Lendlease

Matt is the Executive Director Development, Europe providing development leadership for three of Lendlease’s major urban regeneration projects in London: Euston Station, Stratford Cross, and Elephant Park. Matt was previously Development Director in the US with Lendlease, working across four major urban regeneration projects ($15B) in Silicon Valley, California. Prior to joining Lendlease, Matt developed over five million square feet of mixed-use product across 15 projects over 20 years in Washington, DC. The most notable of which is The Wharf, a $3.6B global award winning, waterfront regeneration in the heart of DC where he was the Project Director. Matt has a background in urban planning and architecture, he is passionate about the craft of city building.

Philippa Bancroft

Senior Manager, Public Land, Greater London Authority

Philippa is a Fellow of the RICS with 20 years’ experience in the housing and regeneration sector, mostly working in London. She currently leads the Greater London Authority’s Public Land team. The team are delivering three key work streams: collaborating with public landowners in London to look for estate efficiencies and release land for housing; promoting and unlocking small sites for small builders/developers creating diverse opportunities and building collaboration across the housing delivery functions of Mayor’s GLA Group. She has been a trustee of the RICS’ benevolent fund, LionHeart, for the past six years and been Chair for the last two.

Adam Hawksbee

External Affairs Director, M&S

Adam leads External Affairs at M&S, with responsibility for engaging with national, local, and devolved governments and preparing the business for changes in policy, regulation and tax. He was previously Deputy Director of the centre-right think tank Onward and Head of Policy to Sir Andy Street as Mayor of the West Midlands. He holds a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he also spent time as a Research Fellow at the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

Sophie Goff

Associate Director, NLA

Sophie is an Associate Director at NLA and a built environment communications specialist, leading communications strategy across NLA’s major initiatives including Opportunity London, the London Real Estate Forum, the London Festival of Architecture and its flagship research programme. Sophie works closely with senior leaders, partners and policymakers to shape narrative, positioning and engagement around London’s built environment. She specialises in translating complex policy, investment and sector issues into clear, compelling stories that resonate with government, investors, industry and international audiences, supporting meaningful dialogue and impact on the global stage.

Ivan Jovanovic

Director, Sustainability and Environmental Design, Atelier Ten

Ivan’s career spans over 25 years and includes a diverse range of projects around the world from pavilions to city scale masterplans. He is leading Atelier Ten sustainability and environmental design team in London and together with Atelier Ten’s MEP engineering team they deliver exemplar projects with high environmental performance and quality, regenerative and climate resilient design, innovation and circular construction. He is a regular speaker at international events around the world, tutor and lecturer at universities and engaged in task groups that are developing industry standards in the UK (e.g. UKGBC Advancing Net Zero Carbon Task Force) as well as RIBA Awards jury member. His is currently leading the team on Hunnu Smart City masterplan in Mongolia, LSE Bankside student housing development, 99 Bishopsgate tower in City of London and an adaptive reuse of old Debenhams store in Oxford Street into modern office (The M Building).  

Rebecca Hall

Senior Architect and Passivhaus Designer, Tate + Co

Rebecca is committed to sustainable design and regenerative architecture. Bolstering Tate + Co’s offer and ethos, her experience spans a range of services and sectors including Retrofit, Education and Residential. She is a passionate advocate of quality, affordable housing. Working alongside Jerry Tate, Founder and Director here at Tate + Co, Rebecca has recently been appointed Design Lead - Housing and is jointly responsible for the strategic and creative direction of this key sector. Within this capacity, Rebecca has represented the practice at various property and housing conferences and has contributed to a number of national debates.

Jerry Tate

Founder and Director, Tate + Co

Jerry founded Tate + Co in 2007 and maintains a central role at the practice. He is driven by his desire to generate creative, pragmatic and unique solutions for each project that have a positive impact on our built and natural environment. Jerry is influential across all projects, ensuring design quality is paramount. Jerry is an active member of the construction industry community and is a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. He is frequently invited to lecture, notably at Education Estates, the Carpenters Fellowship and Ecobuild, as well as contribute to architecture, design and specialist sector publications. He has taught at Harvard University, run a timber design and make course for the Dartmoor Arts organisation and was Regnier Visiting Professor for Kansas State University’s Architecture School in 2021/22. In his spare time Jerry is involved with a number of charities and is a trustee at the Grimshaw Foundation as well as a Governor at Cranleigh School.

Fiona McArthur

Social Value Lead, Skanska UK

Fiona McArthur is Social Value Lead at Skanska UK, with more than 12 years' experience delivering social value, skills, employment and community investment programmes across major construction projects. She leads the development and implementation of social value strategies that create measurable outcomes for local communities and is passionate about creating opportunities that connect local people with employment, skills and education pathways. Fiona has played a key role in shaping Skanska’s social value approach and advancing best practice across the sector. She is particularly interested in the role the built environment can play in tackling inequality, supporting social mobility and creating thriving, resilient communities that benefit long after construction is complete.

Peter Holden

Chief Executive, KKCG Real Estate UK

Peter leads KKCG Real Estate UK and its investment, development and asset management activities. He brings more than 25 years of international real estate experience to the role, as both a developer and institutional investor. Before joining KKCG Real Estate Group, Peter was Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Private Real Estate Asset Management at Partners Group, where he oversaw a portfolio of core+ and development assets. In his career, he has also held senior roles at Round Hill Capital, Arcadis, Hines and BAA plc.

Alison Coutinho

Head of Development Advisory Services, Mace

Alison Coutinho is Head of Development Advisory Services at Mace. With a foundation as a practising architect, academic and developer, Alison brings a unique blend of design acumen and strategic advisory to her work, specialising in unlocking development opportunities and building thriving communities through long-term placemaking.  Her portfolio highlights her proficiency in navigating the complexities of the development cycle, from inception through to completion. Passionate about systems-led approaches, Alison champions a more intelligent, outcome-focused way of safeguarding design quality by aligning ambition with deliverability from the outset. By front-loading commercial insight, she helps clients avoid costly and time-consuming design optioneering, while taking communities and stakeholders on a shared journey that balances aspiration with realism intentionally, transparently and creatively.

Alan Walsh

Operations Director, Brentford Football Club

Alan Walsh is Operations Director at Brentford FC, leading the strategic and day-to-day operation of the club's facilities, stadium infrastructure and matchday environment. He oversees operational planning, health and safety, facilities management, grounds operations and capital improvement projects, ensuring the efficient delivery of football, commercial and community activities across the club. Working closely with senior leadership, Alan drives operational excellence, risk management, and continuous improvement to support Brentford FC's sporting and business objectives.

Marie Hickey

Director, Commercial Research, Savills

Marie leads Savills Central London and Global Cross-Border Retail Research, bringing over 15 years of expertise across the real estate landscape. She works closely with both landlords and brands, with a particular focus on the dynamic interplay between global macro trends, shifting consumer behaviours, and the evolution of prime retail environments globally. Her approach is future-focused and deeply rooted in data-driven insights, enabling clients to anticipate emerging opportunities and navigate potential challenges in an ever-changing retail landscape.

Alexander Morris

Development Director, BGO

Alexander has worked in Central London Office development for 30 years and joined the BGO team  in 2019 to lead Welput’s development initiatives, which have included planning applications for over 1 million sq ft. This includes 105 Victoria Street, where Alexander has led the development on behalf of Welput, overseeing the project from planning through to delivery, with a particular focus on design, construction and ESG. Prior to joining the Firm, Alexander was UK Head of Design & Construction at Tishman Speyer, responsible for delivering 1.7 million sq ft in the City of London and Westminster, including the European headquarters for Goldman Sachs. Other notable projects include 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) for Swiss Re and the Millennium Wheel (London Eye) for David Marks and Julia Barfield. Alexander has overall responsibility for Welput’s Asset Management and Development Management maintainig a key focus on driving ESG ambitions across the funds portfolio.

Catrin Sharp

Head of Communications & Partnerships, Platform4

Tom Duff

Investment Director, Henley Investment Management

Tom is an Investment Director within the Investment Team and is responsible for deal origination across Europe. He joined Henley in 2019. Prior to Henley, Tom spent seven years at Catalyst Capital, a pan-European investment fund focused on cross-sector real estate. Tom has been involved in transactions totalling in excess of £1bn across all asset classes, including developments and loan-to-own strategies. Tom holds an MSc in Real Estate Investment from Henley Business School.

Natasha Valladares

Head of Energy Transition, Greater London Authority

Natasha Valladares is the Head of Energy Transition at the Greater London Authority, overseeing decarbonisation and retrofit in London to improve the quality of buildings and homes, reduce bills for Londoners and make savings for the public sector. With a background in housing delivery and policy across regional and local authorities, Natasha is also on the board of a housing association that provides both general needs and specialist housing, where her role focuses on development, finance and reducing inequality.

Brian Kelly

Senior Development Manager, Aberdeen

Brian Kelly is a Senior Development Manager in Aberdeen's Direct Real Estate team with over 30 years' experience delivering major direct development, refurbishment and repositioning projects across the UK and Europe. His work spans the full development lifecycle, including feasibility, planning, construction delivery letting, disposal and asset repositioning, with experience across office, residential, retail, logistics and industrial sectors.

Mel Flaherty

Deputy Editor, Property Week

Mel Flaherty is deputy editor of Property Week, where she has worked for almost 4 years as part of a 30-plus year career in business-to-business journalism, initially in the leisure and hospitality industries. As well as assisting in the day-to-day running of the Property Week website and weekly print edition, she leads the editorial side of the brand’s Inspiring Diversity in Property and AI Insight campaigns.

Evan Reynolds

Head of V7 Living, V7

Evan leads the V7 Living business, where he is responsible for originating and delivering residential investment and development opportunities across the UK. A full lifecycle developer with over 15 years' experience, Evan is a chartered surveyor with expertise spanning acquisition, planning, funding, delivery and asset management. He has experience across all major real estate sectors, with a particular focus on residential-led, mixed-use development and has been involved with the delivery of more than 1,000 homes and over £1 billion of gross asset value (GAV). Prior to joining V7, Evan was Development Director at Lincoln Property Company and previously held development roles at Kier Property, and Hanbury Properties.

Anja Kristina Köhler

Head of Sustainability, EDGE

As Head of Sustainability at Edge, Anja Köhler leads the company’s environmental and social sustainability strategy across all operating countries, including oversight of ESG reporting. With a background in architecture, she combines technical expertise with close collaboration to embed sustainability into every project. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams to translate complex sustainability topics into practical, impactful solutions. Her ultimate goal is to help create future-proof buildings that deliver lasting value for both people and the planet.

Jaime Buckley

Group Development Director, The Hyde Group

Jaime Buckley is Group Development Director at Hyde, responsible for delivering large diverse development Programme spanning affordable housing, mixed-use development, large regeneration sites and strategic partnerships across London and the South East. With more than 20 years' experience across the sector, she has built her career on bringing together partners to unlock opportunities, attract investment and deliver long-term development outcomes. Her experience spans land, planning, development and delivery, with a strong focus on collaboration and partnership-led growth. Jaime is passionate about the role planning and partnership can play in shaping successful places. She believes sustainable growth requires a long-term vision, clear policy frameworks and strong collaboration between local authorities, developers, housing providers and communities. Her focus is on creating well-designed neighborhoods that deliver high-quality homes, social value, environmental sustainability and opportunities for future generations. Jaime is working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and a range of partners to help realise a shared vision for one of London's significant regeneration opportunities, demonstrating how partnership can unlock growth and create thriving communities for current and future generations.

Stacey McAdie

Senior Digital Connectivity Lead, South London Partnership

Stacey is currently the Digital Connectivity Lead for South London Partnership where she work to support the 5 South London Boroughs in their journey to driving digital infrastructure investment & connectivity for all. Prior to working for Local Government, Stacey held positions within CityFibre, Openreach, Capita and Virgin Media enabling connectivity solutions to Public Sector across the UK.

Trevor Dorling

Director Digital Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich and CEO, DG Cities Ltd

Mark Camley

Executive Director Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, LLDC

Mark joined the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) in 2012, where he led the successful reopening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the largest new urban park in the UK for over a hundred years. He led the design of South Park and directed the opening and operation of the Park and its venues, including the London Aquatics Centre, ArcelorMittal Orbit and Copper Box Arena. The Park achieved Green Flag status a year ahead of schedule and has welcomed over 30 million visitors. Mark also manages the wider LLDC estate, including residential, commercial and retail properties, and leads crisis management across the estate. Previously CEO of The Royal Parks, he led investment and maintenance programmes and introduced major events including Winter Wonderland. His international experience includes leading procurement for the redesign of Gorky Park in Moscow, a peer review of Sydney’s Centennial Parklands and advising on new urban parks in the Middle East.

Smruti Patel

Development Manager (South), London Square

Smruti Patel is a Development Manager at London Square, one of London's leading residential developers. Drawing on a background spanning planning, policy and development, she works across complex projects from early-stage site identification and strategy through to planning, investment and delivery. Her work focuses on unlocking challenging urban sites and creating places with long-term purpose and value. Smruti has a particular interest in placemaking, activation planning, urban economies and sustainable growth, and is passionate about the role development can play in shaping successful places, supporting local economies and creating destinations that people actively choose to be part of.

Mark Williams

Director, Central London Forward

Mark joined the CLF Team as Director in January. He has worked across local and regional government in London, and the private sector for a global infrastructure consultancy. He has worked on a range of infrastructure projects including decarbonisation, new rail and social housing. He specialised in devolved government and transport projects for his MSc from UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning.

Kirsten Dunne

Head of Programmes, Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, Greater London Authority

Kirsten leads the Space for Culture Team at the Mayor of London's Office. The team works to ensure that culture, creativity and community are hardwired into the fabric of our city, by protecting, creating, improving and promoting the many types of space that make up London’s rich cultural ecosystem. The team is responsible for the delivery of Creative Enterprise Zones, including the London Made Me pop up & business development programme, Creative Land Trust, Culture & Community Spaces at Risk, Fourth Plinth and Public Art Commissions, as well as new cultural infrastructure including East Bank and Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield and supporting cultural organisations and businesses to find appropriate space – often in partnership with developers and emerging places across London. Kirsten was a founding board member of London's Creative Land Trust and Margate's Creative Land Trust and led the team that placed the first statue of a woman in Parliament square. She has been Chair of the Board of PEER and of Southwark Park Gallery.

Muniya Barua

Deputy Chief Executive, BusinessLDN

Muniya Barua is Deputy Chief Executive at BusinessLDN. She leads our Policy, Campaigns and Communications team, with responsibility for our impact, influencing, thought leadership work and membership. She supports our CEO John Dickie in the running of the business and has responsibility for developing the overall business strategy. She was previously Managing Director of Policy and Strategy, and before that she ran our Corporate Affairs team. Before she joined BusinessLDN, Muniya’s previous senior roles include as Managing Director of Corporate Affairs at the award-winning public and communications agency Newington Communications and at the business lobby group, the CBI, where she held the roles of Director of Corporate Communications and Head of News. Muniya began her career as a business reporter at the Liverpool Daily Post before going on to produce news bulletins for ITV News London, CNN and the BBC. Muniya is senior independent governor at London Metropolitan University and serves on its people, finance and resources committee, its remuneration committee and its reputation group. She was previously a trustee at the Campaign for Better Transport.

Matthew Chamberlain

Founding Director and Director of Strategy, Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt

Matthew is a founding director of Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt. He has over 20 years’ experience across a range of sectors, having worked on multiple large-scale residential and commercial schemes, and smaller community projects. Matthew brings an understanding of new and innovative construction techniques, and a focus on continuous improvement to each project. He is currently leading a number of mixed-use projects, using his cross-sector experience to develop responsive designs for buildings within urban contexts. Matthew established and chairs the Reading Design Review Panel and has also mentored at the Royal College of Art, as well as teaching at Reading and Portsmouth Universities.

James Raynor

Chief Executive, Grosvenor Property

James has overall responsibility for Grosvenor’s international property activities, which invest directly in the UK and Canada and back local likeminded property investment partners globally. Until 2025, James was CEO of Grosvenor Property UK, which owns and manages the business’ historic holdings in London’s Mayfair and Belgravia, a regional portfolio of prime city centre offices and a private credit business. James joined Grosvenor’s Paris team in 2004, where he led Grosvenor's international fund management activity. He was then appointed Chief Executive of Grosvenor Property Europe in 2013 before his appointment to Grosvenor’s UK property business in 2020. Prior to this, James was the Senior Director of European Real Estate at Royal Bank of Scotland in Paris and a Non-Executive Director of Nordisk Renting in Sweden. James is a Chair of the Westminster Property Association and sits on the BPF’s Policy Committee. He was previously a board member of the New West End Company and INREV. He was educated at the Universities of Greenwich and Lille, France.

Jo McDonagh

Managing Director, London Square

Responsible for the delivery of all London Square sites in the northern region of Greater London, including major mixed use regeneration schemes delivering homes of all tenures. Jo joined London Square at the height of the pandemic in 2020 as Sales and Marketing Director. She was promoted to Group Sales and Marketing Director the following year, leading the team to achieve record results during a most challenging period in the market.

Louise Shea

Director of Cyber & Information Security, Buro Happold

Louise Shea is Director of Cyber & Information Security at Buro Happold, leading cutting edge consultancy services to safeguard the built environment and urban development projects. With over 25 years’ experience across the public and private sector, including leadership roles at Lockheed Martin UK and the Met Police Cyber Crime Unit, she has driven resilience frameworks across multiple environments. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security, Louise is passionate about protecting the built environment from digital threats.

Hannah Milne

Managing Director, Real Estate, The Crown Estate

Hannah Milne joined The Crown Estate in January 2011, and sits on the Group Leadership team as Managing Director, Real Estate. Hannah leads The Crown Estate's Real Estate business, with a remit to manage The Crown Estate’s urban workplace, residential and lifestyle portfolio, delivering vibrant and sustainable places across the country, as well as excellent service and innovative solutions for our customers. She leads a team which manages a diverse portfolio across the country, which includes London’s Regent Street and St James’s, retail parks, shopping centres, business parks, and logistics properties with a Capital Value of around £8.4bn. Hannah joined The Crown Estate in 2011 and most recently led the Regional business. She has over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry spanning a broad range of activities, including strategy, portfolio management, investment and development. Previously with Knight Frank and BNP Paribas, she has over 20 years' transactional experience in the capital markets. She is a chartered surveyor with a MA from Cambridge University in Modern Languages.

Pip Prongué

Executive Managing Director, Wates Residential

As Executive Managing Director for Wates Residential, Pip is passionate about delivering high-quality homes through strong partnerships with local authorities, housing associations, and institutional investors. She is committed to working collaboratively to accelerate housebuilding and creating sustainable communities. Pip brings decades of experience in the real estate sector, specialising in joint ventures, large-scale mixed-use regeneration, and strategic partnerships. Before joining Wates, she was Managing Director for London and the South East at Bouygues UK where she played a key role in delivering large-scale, high-profile housing schemes. Since joining Wates in January 2025, Pip has been focused on strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones, leading a team set to deliver over 10,000 homes in the next five years.

Steve Mudie

Director, Head of Facades, Turner + Townsend alinea

Steve is the Head of Facades Partner at Turner + Townsend alinea. He joined private practice from the facade industry in the summer of 2001, having acquired over 20 years’ experience in that field. Steve’s role and that of his Team at TTa is to provide high level strategic cost and procurement advice, assisting in setting façade cost plans, thereafter, inputting true value engineering thoughts throughout the iterative RIBA Work Stage process. Steve and his Team are well known for and preeminent in setting up and assisting in the delivery of many successful façade design assist PCSA’s, de-risking the project and enabling certainty to all parties, including moving directly to contract award with the façade PCSA contractor. Steve is well known in the industry and his knowledge of facades, the facade market and close working relationships forged over many years is why his related advice is specifically sought by many of TTa’s leading clients. Equally, Steve’s collaborative approach to working with architects, façade consultants, the wider consultant teams and main contractors is vital to successful procurement and project delivery.

David Thornley

Partner, exigere

David is a partner and board member at exigere, bringing 35 years of experience across the property and construction industry in London, Europe and the Middle East. Before joining exigere, he spent a decade leading AECOM’s London cost management team and commercial sector, having previously been an equity partner at Davis Langdon. With more than 25 years of experience in the London commercial property market, David has led major Grade A developments, landmark refurbishments and headquarters fit outs for clients including Derwent London, Landsec, British Land, GPA, Citi, Morgan Stanley, Marks & Spencer and Apple. David is known for building strong, enduring relationships and guiding complex projects from inception to completion. He also leads exigere’s sustainability working group, helping to shape the business’s approach to sustainability across its operations and client services.

Janneke Verkerk

Europe Sustainability Lead, Permasteelisa Group

Janneke Verkerk is the Environment Lead for Europe at Permasteelisa Group. With over a decade of experience spanning building physics and sustainability, she specialises in life cycle analysis, carbon accounting, embodied carbon optimisation, and net zero strategy. In her role, Janneke develops bespoke strategies to meet rigorous sustainability requirements. She ensures each bespoke façade carries high environmental standards, starting with optimal material selection and thermal modelling, right through to factory waste reduction, pioneering innovative engineering solutions for a sustainable built environment.

Matt Quinn

Managing Director, Journey

Matt Quinn is Managing Director at Journey, the multidimensional experience agency, where he leads positioning and growth strategy. As a strategist and thought leader in the experience economy, he has spent his career helping cities, cultural institutions, developers and destinations create experiences that drive deeper human connection and long-term commercial value. His work spans landmark projects across culture, entertainment and real estate in London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Abu Dhabi.

Ben Gardner

Structural Engineer (Materials Scientist), Heyne Tillett Steel

Ben is an Associate Materials Scientist specialising in sustainable materials for the built environment. He plays a key role in HTS+, Heyne Tillett Steel’s in-house research and innovation initiative, bringing his unique expertise, optimism, and commitment to sustainability to the team. With ten years’ experience as a researcher and materials scientist, Ben has worked for acclaimed engineering and architecture practices and contributed to a broad range of international projects, ranging from large-scale urban masterplans to retrofits of historic buildings and interior fit outs. Ben brings a materials science perspective to sustainability challenges and enables closer collaboration with suppliers and innovators from the materials sector. In the context of increased industry focus on carbon counting, he advocates for a balanced, big-picture approach to sustainability and regenerative design. This includes circularity, longevity, ecological impact, wellbeing, and social sustainability, as well as decarbonising the domestic and global economy.

Younha Rhee

Director, Atelier 10

Younha is a Director leading the Environmental Design Team at Atelier Ten’s London office. Over her 18 years with the firm, she has specialised in developing strategic sustainability frameworks and delivering complex institutional, cultural, commercial, mixed-use, and masterplan projects across the globe. As a benchmarking practice leader at Atelier Ten, Younha has been leading the integration of multiple benchmarking systems—including BREEAM, LEED, and WELL—into design and construction processes, utilising these systems as effective design frameworks. Her portfolio includes projects such as creating a bespoke sustainability brief for British Land, managing the site-wide sustainability management plan for the Chelsea Barracks project in London (Europe’s first LEED Neighborhood Development Platinum project), and completing Space House, London’s largest Grade II listed commercial building to achieve BREEAM Outstanding. Recently, she has been deeply involved in refurbishment projects in London, focusing on applying circular economy principles and net zero carbon emissions targets.

Anthea Harries

Asset Management Director, Related Argent

As Head of Assets, Anthea directs the overall management and curation of King’s Cross, London’s 67-acre creative quarter. King’s Cross is widely recognised as the most successful urban redevelopment in a generation and one of Europe’s best-known multi-use destinations. It is HQ to global tech giants including Facebook, Google and Universal Music. King’s Cross is also home to University of the Arts London, Central St Martins and a mix of world class global and independent retail, fashion and food and beverage brands. Prior to leading King’s Cross, Anthea was at The Crown Estate where she was responsible for creating and delivering the strategic vision that transformed St James’s.

Ben Oram

Head of Technical, Buckley Gray Yeoman

Ben is Technical Director at Buckley Gray Yeoman Ltd, and oversees technical matters within the practice. He is also the founder and chair of the ATLG, The Architectural Technical Leads Group, a forum for architects and designers to discuss technical issues, share knowledge and resources, and drive improvement in the UK construction industry. Ben is part of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Task and Finish group developing the CLC guidance with the Building Safety Regulator focused on streamlining the Building Control Approval process for Higher-Risk Buildings, Ben also sits on governance group of the PFKG (Passive Fire Knowledge Group) a not-for-profit collaborative group of Tier 1 Contractors and Trade Associations, and the Industry Competence Steering Group Sector Led Group 12 competence framework group developing competence standards for those working in the passive fire protection industry.

Rob Smith

Co-founder and Managing Director, Material Index

Rob Smith is the co-founder and Managing Director of Material Index, a business that enables large scale material reuse via its marketplace platform and suite of circular economy services, from pre-demolition audits to material passports and waste tracking. Rob is a chartered engineer by background with 10 years experience in technical engineering roles, project management and operational leadership, as well as, 8 years as a property developer of mid-sized residential and commercial developments in Manchester and Cumbria.

Peter O’Brien

Director Regeneration and Growth, London Borough of Hounslow

Peter came to LB Hounslow in late 2023 where he leads on the borough’s placemaking and economy work. This includes positioning and promoting the borough to translate growth into opportunities for our residents, developing investable propositions to steer our places to be greener and more liveable, and working across the council to make sure our assets serve our communities efficiently and effectively. Before that, he was Assistant Director at LB Haringey where he led on estate regeneration and growth area delivery. His early career was as an Economist Planner at Llewelyn Davies delivering master planning and policy/research consultancy for clients across the UK.

Charlotte Bowen

International Business Development and Account Management, Commonplace

Charlotte Bowen is the Private Sector Lead for England and Ireland at Commonplace, the UK’s top digital community engagement platform. With over a decade of expertise in PropTech, she has driven growth for numerous proptech and plantech solutions, excelling in data-driven community engagement, regeneration, development activation, and social impact.

Stephen Workman

Technical Director and Residential Sector National Lead, AtkinsRéalis

Stephen is a Technical Director and Residential Sector National Lead at AtkinsRéalis. The range of work within the AtkinsRéalis portfolio covers a broad spectrum from small brownfield infill schemes to large, high rise, complex mixed use regeneration schemes. AtkinsRéalis work across all RIBA stages and cover most residential sub sectors. Stephen is also involved in the development of AtkinsRéalis MMC affordable housing development arm EDAROTH and the implementation of the Building Safety Act into the business.

Adam Baranowski

Director, CBRE

Adam Baranowski is a real estate sustainability strategist specialising in net zero carbon, climate resilience and ESG regulation, with 13+ years at the intersection of assets, investors and policy. As Director at CBRE Adam leads the UK Decarbonisation service line, working across teams and global service lines to turn decarbonisation ambition into practical solutions for institutional investors, asset owners and managers. Previously at the Better Buildings Partnership, he led climate action and investment programmes for senior decision-makers responsible for £340bn+ of real estate. He sits on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Technical Steering Group and has previously advised SBTi, CRREM and GRESB as part of its development and technical oversight committees.

Leigh-Sara Timberlake

Group CEO, Business South

Leigh-Sara Timberlake is Group CEO at Business South, having been a key part of the organisation since 2008 and taking the helm in 2020. She is passionate about championing the Central South region on a national and global stage, advocating for investment, good growth and business opportunities. Under Leigh-Sara’s leadership, Business South has grown into an independent and influential business engagement organisation, connecting leading employers across the region to promote the Central South and champion its economy. She leads a dedicated team focused on strengthening the region’s profile, attracting and retaining talent, and supporting its ambitions as a nationally and internationally recognised location for investment, business and growth.

Jack Brewster

Development Director, Canary Wharf Group

Jack is a Development Director with nearly 20 years’ experience of delivering complex and high value mixed use projects in London. He has worked for CWG for the past three years, leading the delivery of Wood Wharf Phases 2 and 3 and is also responsible for the One Eden project, a c550,000sqft refurbishment of one of the most prominent office buildings on the Canary Wharf Estate. Prior to that he worked at Grosvenor for 16 years, working on a range of development projects within a sensitive heritage and stakeholder context.

Marigold Wilberforce

Head of Property, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

Marigold Wilberforce brings a strategic public-sector perspective to the development and stewardship of major sports, leisure and green-space assets within the 26-mile Lee Valley Regional Park. With more than 25 years’ experience across leasing, commercial property, asset management and strategic landholdings in the UK and Europe, Marigold brings a practical, commercially focused approach to projects that deliver economic and social value. Her work spans major sports and leisure assets, including Olympic legacy venues, with a focus on improving wellbeing, supporting local communities and creating lasting value from the Park’s extensive assets.

Frank Blande

Head of Sustainability, GPE

Frank Blande is Head of Sustainability for GPE plc, a FTSE 250 Real Estate Investment Trust specialising in development and investment of property in central London. Frank works across the business with a particular passion for our development activities and works on the company’s sustainability strategy, reporting against key KPIs on embodied carbon and energy intensity to ensure GPE remains firmly on its net zero carbon journey. Previously, Frank was Associate Director at Cushman & Wakefield and also Senior Sustainability Manager at Multiplex.

Cllr Steve Tuckwell

Leader, London Borough of Hillingdon

Steve Tuckwell is the Leader of the London Borough of Hillingdon, a key West London gateway for investment, connectivity and growth. He was elected to the council in 2022 and became Leader in 2026, having previously held the Cabinet portfolio for Planning, Housing and Growth. He served as Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and as a Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department for Trade and Industry, bringing national economic and policy insight to his role. Steve has led a clear pro-growth agenda, focused on unlocking regeneration opportunities, accelerating housing delivery and supporting business expansion across the borough. Working closely with investors, developers and strategic partners, he is committed to ensuring Hillingdon remains open for business and well positioned to capitalise on its strategic assets, including Heathrow and major infrastructure investment. His leadership prioritises delivery, partnership and creating the conditions for long-term, sustainable economic growth.

Alexandra Notay

Chief Executive Officer, The Housing Forum

Alexandra Notay became CEO of the Housing Forum in January 2026. She is an internationally recognised expert and strategic advisor on housing, placemaking and ESG. She has over 20 years strategic advisory and investment experience having worked extensively across five continents. In August 2024 Alex took over the chair of the Radix Big Tent Housing Commission from Dame Kate Barker and was the lead author on its first report. Until July 2024 she was Placemaking and Investment Director at Thriving Investments, the fund and asset management arm of Places for People Group, overseeing a UK-wide residential strategy. In January 2025 Alex was awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). In October 2023 she won Residential Leader of the Year at Property Week’s inaugural Inspiring Women in Property Awards.

Tony Clements

Chief Executive, LB Ealing

Emily Samoluk

Senior Sustainability Manager, British Land

Having amassed a degree of experience working for a contractor, Emily is now focused client side with British Land incorporating that knowledge into more robust and effective sustainability strategies from project feasibility right through to practical completion and Handover. Emily works directly for British Land’s development arm, overseeing the implementation of British Land’s Sustainability Brief for Our Places on a number of development projects including 2 Finsbury Avenue, Canada Water, Broadgate Campus and Regents Place. This involves driving success in areas such as embodied carbon, operational efficiency and NABERS Design for Performance, delivery of sustainability certifications and circular economy. More recently Emily has been driving material reuse on projects, including initiatives around buildings as material banks and incorporating higher levels of reclaimed materials. Emily is also specialising in the sustainable impact of fit outs and is driving British Land’s new policies around this

Rossella Nicolin

Head of Sustainability, Laing O’Rourke.

Rossella Nicolin is Head of Sustainability for Europe at Laing O’Rourke. An award-winning chartered engineer with more than 15 years international experience in the construction sector, Rossella has led major projects’ design and delivery across UK, Europe, Asia and USA. Rossella has key executive responsibilities for the Europe Hub sustainability function, covering operations, projects and key strategic initiatives.

Fraser Rumble

Project Director, Stace

Fraser has extensive experience in project management, employer's agent and contract administration roles across the built environment sector. Since joining Stace in 2014, Fraser has delivered projects for a wide range of public and private sector clients across the property and construction industry. As a member of Stace's Environmental Focus Group, Fraser helps drive the company’s carbon reduction initiatives and brings practical experience in building decarbonisation, material reuse and low carbon construction. He works closely with clients to identify opportunities to improve environmental performance while delivering commercially successful developments.

Nicholas Murphy

Project Director, Stace

Nicholas joined Stace in 2003 as a Graduate Building Surveyor and transitioned into project management after achieving RICS chartership. He specialises in the delivery of regeneration, residential, infrastructure and mixed-use developments, providing project management, employer's agent and contract administration services across the built environment sector. With more than 20 years' experience, Nicholas has worked with a diverse range of public and private sector clients, leading complex projects from inception to completion. His experience also includes sustainability-focused initiatives such as the Rightsizer concept for Meridian Water, which explored adaptable, low-carbon construction methods and circular economy principles.

Alex Crampton Smith

Senior Acquisitions Executive, Native Land

Alex has over ten years of experience in the commercial real estate market, with a strong focus on investment and development in Central London. He started his career at DTZ, before moving to CBRE's Central London Capital Markets team, where he spend almost six years. After that, he worked at the office developer Edge, before joining Native Land as a Senior Acquisitions Executive. At Native Land, Alex is responsible for sourcing and executing acquisition opportunities that align with the company’s continued expansion and strategic objectives. Alex holds the CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in Investment Management (IMC) and an MSc in Real Estate from the University of Reading.

Penny Halliday

Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace, Islington Council

Penny is a regeneration, development and commercial property professional with extensive experience across local government, real estate investment and the housing association sector. She has led complex mixed use regeneration and new build development programmes involving major investment, strategic infrastructure, commercial property portfolios and the delivery of thousands of new homes. Penny specialises in creating commercially robust development and asset management strategies that deliver long term economic, social and environmental value. Passionate about inclusive growth and sustainable development, she works collaboratively with public and private sector partners to unlock investment, optimise assets and create thriving places, she has hands on experience embedding circular economy principles, material reuse and sustainable asset management into regeneration and commercial development projects, helping to balance commercial performance with environmental responsibility and lasting community benefit.

Rebeca Guzmán Vidal

Co-Founder, Curate

Rebeca Guzman Vidal is co-Founder at Curate Real Estate, a next-generation real estate platform specialising in mixed-use repositioning, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Rebeca is a specialist in retail real estate strategy with international experience. She began at CBRE Spain before moving to London, advising luxury brands on store acquisitions and later working on some of the capital’s most prestigious estates. A placement at CBRE Hong Kong broadened her global perspective, before joining Chelsfield as Head of Retail Strategy for The Olayan Group’s portfolios in London, Paris and New York. She later repositioned Royal London Asset Management’s Bond Street holdings — now known as Mayfair Quarter — and co-founded Bridgemont, a real estate asset and development manager set up by the former Chelsfield leadership team.

Jon Knowles

Managing Partner, Cogent

Jon is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Project Manager with 30 years of commercial property experience in the UK and Europe. After a successful career in a larger multi-disciplinary practice, he left a senior position to set up Cogent in 2017 and is their Managing Partner. Cogent, now a team of 21 with 5 equity partners, have established themselves as a boutique partnership specialising in Project management and Technical Due Diligence, advising on varied transactions and delivering new build and refurbishment projects, across various asset classes, both in the UK and Europe.

Tom Branton

Development Director, Earls Court Development Company

Tom has delivered major cultural venues for London including the Bridge Theatre at One Tower Bridge and Brixton House Theatre. He has played a key role in cultural-led destinations such as South Bank, Waterloo and TRX, Kuala Lumpur. At Earls Court he leads the cultural and destination strategy, shaping a new neighbourhood through programmes like the BBC Earth Experience and Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular. He sits on the Hammersmith & Fulham Cultural Compact, chairs the borough's Destination Partnership, is a judge for the Earls Court International Film Festival and is an NLA Expert Panel Member for Culture.

Will Bell

Partner, exigere

Will has extensive experience delivering complex, multi-award-winning and sustainable new build and refurbishment projects. As a partner at exigere, he focuses on major commercial office and mixed-use schemes, with a portfolio that includes Hill House, n2, 1 Triton Square, 50 Finsbury Square, Holden House, the Network W1 and White Collar Factory.

Paul Gold

Managing Director, Kontor

Paul Gold has been shaping London’s office market for nearly 25 years. He founded BDG in 2007 (later BDG Sparkes Porter), building a reputation for advising on major office developments and leasing. In 2019, spotting the shift toward more flexible and customer-centric workspace, Paul launched Hedge Real Estate. The business quickly became a pioneer in the sector and, in 2023, was acquired by Kontor — cementing its position as the go-to advisor for London’s most progressive asset owners, developers, and occupiers. Today, Paul and Kontor work across all of London’s submarkets, delivering workspace solutions that span the full spectrum of occupier needs. Clients include leading asset owners such as Derwent London, GPE, The Crown Estate, British Land, Landsec/MYO, Fora, RLAM, The Pollen Estate, and WeWork, as well as fast-growth occupiers like Monzo, Deliveroo, Revolut, and some of the most exciting US AI companies scaling in London.

Declan McCafferty

Partner, Grimshaw

Declan is an experienced and creative architect with over 20 years’ experience across a broad range of sectors, including transport, masterplanning, workplace, cultural and residential schemes. Since becoming a Partner in 2012, he has helped to consolidate Grimshaw’s reputation for designing rail and transit hubs. Declan’s work includes leading the redevelopment of Reading Station, the architectural design concept for London Bridge Station, as well as the design of Euston Station for HS2. His work includes the planning of commercial and residential over-site developments including the current Paddington oversite development for Places for London (PfL) and Helical.  He is also currently leading the design for La Défense station in Paris as part of the western section of line 15 of the Grand Paris Express network. As a recognised leader in the industry Declan drives the design of infrastructure to bring forward it’s inherent co benefits: as a catalyst to regeneration and as the civic heart of sustainable towns and cities. He has written guidance standards for the design of railway and surface transport facilities and wrote TfL’s guidance for the urban and public realm design of railway, bus, and tram stations.

Marie-Julie Gheysens

Managing Director, Ghelamco

Hilary Sayers

Strategic Lead – City Centre Growth, Manchester City Council

Hilary Sayers has over 30 years’ experience in local government in Greater Manchester, mainly in urban regeneration, policy and partnership working. Hilary works on the delivery of a number of high profile schemes within the city including Mayfield, Former Central Retail Park, Piccadilly, and Northern Powerhouse Rail, and other major rail schemes affecting the city centre.

Matt Oakley

Head of EME Commercial Property Research, Savills

Deborah Heenan

Chief Executive Officer, Populo Living

Deborah is the Chief Executive Officer of Populo Living, building new homes in Newham, East London, on behalf of Newham Council. Newham is one of London’s most exciting, diverse and fastest growing boroughs; Deborah and the Populo Living team are committed to providing more homes that are affordable and high quality places that will stand the test of time. Her career ranges from Strategy Director for a major residential developer, to advising the former PM on Housing Policy, to delivering large scale residential schemes directly. Deb is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Wales, Trinity St David.

Olivia Harris

Chief Executive, Dolphin Living

Olivia was appointed as Chief Executive of Dolphin Living in April 2017. Previously, Olivia was Finance Director at Dolphin Living, providing financial and commercial oversight on a wide range of property and related projects, including debt and fund raising. Olivia is a Chartered Accountant and has worked for more than 25 years in the property industry. Olivia is a Director of our Registered Provider, a trustee at LandAid, a governor at Whitgift School and a past Chair of the Westminster Property Association.

​Holly ​Harrington ​​​

Senior Development Manager, GPE

Guy Taylor

Director, Savills

Guy Taylor began his career over 30 years ago as a London leasing agent, advising landlords on commercial properties. He went on to support clients with development design and lettings across commercial real estate, working for and on behalf of a number of large, reputable companies. Today, Guy works with London’s Great Estates, spanning commercial, rural, and residential disciplines. He is involved with estates including The Crown Estate, Grosvenor, Cadogan, and Howard de Walden, among others. Based predominantly in London, he also spends part of his time in Oxford, working with Oxford and Cambridge Colleges. In his current role at Savills, Guy focuses on collaboration and empowerment, enabling colleagues across the network to work effectively with the Great Estates of London.

Sharon Giffen

Head of Design, The Earls Court Development Company

Sharon Giffen has over 20 years of architectural experience leading world class design on large masterplans and mixed-use schemes. Prior to her current role as Head of Design for The Earls Court Development Company, where she is leading on the masterplan and building design proposals for the iconic 40-acre site, Sharon was part of Transport for London’s Commercial Development team, championing design quality through to delivery on a large portfolio of sites across London. Previously, she spent 14 years at Foster + Partners leading ambitious architectural proposals on regeneration and infrastructure projects around the world.

Luke Kelly

Project Director, British Land

Luke has over 15 years’ experience working across a range of sectors, with a principal focus on commercial workspace, science, and technology. Luke has a proven track record of delivering high quality workspace product, having delivered over 1.5 million sqft of workspace in British Land’s workspace-led campuses, alongside currently leading the delivery of a Tower reposition in the City and the West End.

Jonathan Rose RIBA

Director of Masterplanning, Prior + Partners

As Director of Masterplanning at P+P, Jonathan is delighted to chair the West London Regional Park panel at LREF this year. Through a major new partnership initiative, London is growing it’s boldest new park in a generation, weaving together nature, culture and communities across West London. One big living landscape to connect us all. Transforming how the city evolves, re-setting our relationship with nature, creating opportunity through collaboration are constant drivers in Jonathan’s work. Currently including London’s most significant large scale masterplan at Thamesmead Waterfront, where London’s New Town Centre will balance nature with riverfront living for up to 15,000 new homes at district scale. Other live projects include city centre regeneration in Birmingham, anchored by new markets and new civic urban spaces at Smithfield, combining local placemaking with re-naturalised streets and dense mixed-use urban development. Jonathan combines an inter-disciplinary, multi-practice approach to creating successful new places, resolving complex design challenges from the deeply held view that social and environmental drivers lie at the heart of long term value creation and holistic, sustainabledevelopment.

Joanna Wilson

Sustainability Lead, Fletcher Priest Architects

Joanna is the Sustainability Lead at Fletcher Priest Architects. Her background in design research and as an Architect in the healthcare sector inform her holistic approach to sustainability. Her role sits across the scales of Fletcher Priest’s work in urban design, architecture and interiors. She uses systems thinking to inform project and practice level strategies, as well as working closely with the practice’s research team to help drive innovation. Joanna has a particular interest in the circular economy and recently authored the Material Reuse Guide and Catalogue; bringing together collaborative industry and project-based research into a replicable process and toolkit for developing and implementing material reuse strategies.

Lloyd Preston-Allen

Project Manager – Regeneration & Place, Landsec

Lloyd leads on regeneration and place at LandsecU+I and responsible for the development management and delivery of several mixed-use projects across the regeneration portfolio. Lloyd is architecturally educated, having studied at The Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, LMU. He is a Board Member of YADA, the Young Architects and Developers Alliance, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Expertise spans a variety of sectors, including commercial, residential, mixed-use, and culture-led schemes. He is inspired by initiatives that are truly focused upon improving planetary health, creating social cohesion, building communities, and delivering genuine socio-economic value for all.

Duncan Campbell

Executive Director, Atelier Ten

Duncan joined Atelier Ten as a Director in 2023. He is a creative building services designer with over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry working on projects at a range of scales and across many sectors. Duncan is a design focussed engineer specialising in using an indepth technical background to assist clients and architects in delivering their vision for a project. His strong communication skills and passion for good engineering enable him to lead his team effectively and ensure a thoughtful and considered approach to design.

Charlotte D’Ancey

Senior Construction Underwriter, Zurich Insurance

Charlotte D’Ancey is a Senior Construction Underwriter at Zurich, working on construction projects across the globe. She has headed up the LEG CAR Group since January. This is a sub-group of the London Engineering Group (LEG) focusing on Construction All Risks (CAR) exposures. They meet on a bi-monthly basis and run several working groups that concentrate on topics such as emerging construction methods, challenging areas in the market, and impacts of market developments. These groups develop practical guidance, insight documents and they regularly host seminars with industry experts to present, helping members deepen their technical knowledge and share insights.

Robbie Epsom

EMEA Head of Sustainability - Senior Director, CBRE

Harry Cliffe-Roberts

Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse Leader, Studio Director, Principal, Gensler

Harry is an architect with a vision for design and innovation at all scales — a drive that he applies in his role as Studio Director in Gensler’s London office and Global Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse Leader. Over his 11 years at Gensler, he has led a team of architects focused on the repositioning of existing buildings and many key projects across London, including Cargo and The Acre. His broad range of abilities span from initial concept development to the delivery of demanding and complex projects, pursuing quality through end-to-end involvement. Harry has grown a deep and specialised skillset in repositioning and adaptive reuse, energising the whole studio team with his personable and pragmatic approach. Harry’s passion and excellent people skills equip him to both spearhead project coordination with consultants and collaborate closely with clients, identifying opportunities for them to innovate within the market. He received his RIBA Part II and III qualifications from the Architectural Association and The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL) respectively.

Iain Bleakley

Associate - Facade Engineering, AKT II

Iain Bleakley is an Associate in AKT II's Envelopes team with 15 years of facade engineering experience across a wide range of buildings, materials and systems. He was Facade Engineer on the Chancery Rosewood Hotel, where AKT II delivered structural and facade design and where he was instrumental in developing the strategy for retaining and improving the existing facade. A materials enthusiast and the team's in-house sustainability lead, he is currently working on an art gallery in Nevada and a biophilic office scheme in Holborn. He is also part of this year's Constructivist Regenerative Design Lab cohort, investigating regenerative design principles, systems thinking, and what it means to reimagine building envelopes for a lower-carbon future.

Amy Doherty

Head of FaçadeCare, UK, Permasteelisa Group

Amy Doherty has worked in the façade industry for four decades, with a career spanning everything from design to project management and aftercare. Since 2005 she has been Head of FaçadeCare in the UK for Permasteelisa Group, leading a team that specialises in façade maintenance, cleaning and refurbishment. She has in-depth knowledge of all types of cladding and glass specifications, scientific approaches to the detection of issues before they escalate, and coordinating teams working safely at height. She has extensive experience of refurbishment and renovation, including of listed buildings, working closely with architects, designers, engineers and installation experts. Her philosophy? Maintain, repair, replace.

Alex Fell

Director, Howells

Alex is interested in exploring solutions to the multiple issues which the construction industry, and the wider world, faces as we strive to deliver more responsible and intelligent places. He is focused on designing buildings that respond to the climate, extinction, and the housing crises, but which are also beautifully crafted and create great places for people to live and work. At Howells, he has been putting this into practice through his involvement in projects across workplace, housing, and placemaking sectors. This includes Canary Wharf's floating public realm at Eden Dock, the nearby adaptive retrofit of 650k sqft of office space at 10 Cabot Square, and our new masterplan for 3,500 homes as part of a vibrant new town centre for Edgware.

Hans Jansen

Lead Concept Designer, Permasteelisa Group

Hans Jansen has been designing façades for over 20 years. As Lead Concept Design, he is responsible for initial design concepts at pre-tender, working closely with clients, architects and design teams, and ensuring conceptual direction is maintained during testing, production and final project delivery. He has delivered design solutions for iconic buildings internationally, including The Shard, London Bridge Place, 425 Park Avenue in New York and Project Twenty One in Stockholm. In recent years, Hans has developed a particular interest in circular façades, helping to pioneer new techniques that minimise resource consumption and reduce waste generation, from design inception to deconstruction.

Dee Corsi

Chief Executive, New West End Company

Dee Corsi is Chief Executive of New West End Company - a Business Improvement District (BID) solely focused on representing and keeping the West End thriving.   It keeps West End streets clean and safe, promotes world-class experiences, provides trusted data and insight, and makes the case for policies that support growth. Between 2026 - 2031, the BID is investing £60 million to make the district stronger, safer and even more competitive.   Established more than two decades ago, today New West End Company’s 800+ membership includes the most respected names in global retail, leisure, culture, hospitality, property, offices and business.   Together with local partners - including Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police, and the Mayor of London - New West End Company is proud to shape the district its members thrive in.

Jules Pipe CBE

Deputy Mayor, Planning and Regeneration, Greater London Authority

Jules Pipe is the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service. He is working on key priorities for the Mayor, including: major regeneration projects across the capital, providing young people and adults with the skills they need for their careers, ensuring London’s infrastructure needs are delivered to benefit all Londoners, and leading on revising the London Plan. Jules has unrivalled knowledge of London government, becoming the first directly elected mayor of Hackney in 2002 and serving as Chair of London Councils from June 2010 to July 2016.

Howard Dawber

Deputy Mayor for Business & Growth, Greater London Authority

Howard was appointed Deputy Mayor for Business and Chair of London and Partners in December 2023. Before joining the Mayor’s team, Howard worked in business for thirty years, spending 17 years as Managing Director for Strategy of the Canary Wharf Group. At Canary Wharf, Howard was involved in the development of the Elizabeth Line and supporting the 2012 Olympic Bid and Olympic Legacy as well as commercial inward investment projects in tech, health and life sciences, and financial services. He has been an active member of business organisations including Business LDN, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TheCityUK and the London Property Alliance. He is a trustee of “The Line” art walk along the River Lea. Formerly Chair of the East End Community Foundation (2013-2022) he is now a patron of the charity, and a patron and former Vice-President of UK Youth. Howard was Chair of the Business Advisory Board for the University of East London School of Business and Law and has been a visiting lecturer at the School. Howard was a Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party and is the Chair of Labour Friends of Bangladesh and Labour Friends of USA.

Katherine Fleming

Chief Operating Officer, London HQ

Phil Park

Senior Digital Transformation Consultant – Cityscape Digital, MaxQ Consulting

Phil is a specialist in real-time architectural modelling, immersive technology, and workflow optimisation. With 9 years of experience in the architecture sector, he works at the intersection of design, data, and technology - helping developers maximise the potential of their sites through fast, flexible, data-rich visualisation. In collaboration with MaxQ, he manages the technology used in workshops - importing architectural data into Unreal Engine, building interactive 3D models, and enabling immersive VR experiences. He works closely with clients and developers to ensure financial and spatial data is clearly communicated. At Cityscape, he oversees production workflows and drives tool adoption for better efficiency and quality.

Jamie Smith

Development Director, Related Argent

Jamie joined Related Argent in 2017 to lead the development of its first Build to Rent (BtR) scheme, Author King’s Cross, which opened in October 2023. He currently leads the residential development at Brent Cross Town which will comprise 6,700 homes. Jamie has spent 20 years working in London development with a focus on large-scale residential and urban regeneration projects.

Sophie Rosier

Director, Head of London Mixed Use, Savills

Sophie Rosier is Head of London Mixed Use at Savills, where she leads the London Development Consultancy team. With more than 15 years’ experience, she has established herself as a specialist in complex urban projects and large-scale mixed‑use developments across the capital. Sophie advises many of London’s major development companies, landowners, PRS operators and institutional investors, building long‑term partnerships grounded in strategic insight and a deep understanding of evolving market dynamics. Her work spans both public and private sectors, with a particular focus on shaping credible delivery strategies that balance commercial viability with long‑term placemaking objectives. Sophie’s expertise covers the full development lifecycle - from land assembly and masterplanning through to product differentiation, investment positioning and exit strategy. She is known for her ability to navigate multi‑stakeholder environments, mitigate risk and unlock value in challenging urban contexts with a pragmatic, solutions‑driven perspective.

Tom Copley

Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Greater London Authority

Tom is Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, overseeing the Mayor's affordable homes programmes and investments in housing delivery. He also oversees the Mayor's work to improve the private rented sector, support the delivery of community-led housing, commission services to support rough sleepers and victims/survivors of domestic abuse, and on building safety. He sits on the board of Barking Riverside Ltd, which is transforming the site of a former power station into a vibrant community, with ambitions to deliver 20,000 homes along with transport and other infrastructure in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. Before becoming a Deputy Mayor he was an elected member of the London Assembly, serving as a London-wide List Member for eight years, including as Chair of the Assembly’s housing committee. He also served as a councillor on Lewisham Council, representing Sydenham. He is a trustee of New Diorama Theatre, and a former trustee of Humanists UK.

Amy Casterton

Business Development Director, ES Global

Amy leads the growing international Business Development team at ES Global. ES GLOBAL is a lead contractor for major events and projects around the world, designing and delivering relocatable architecture and structures; with its head office in East London and staging hub in the Midlands, it also has branches in the US, Japan, France, Australia and the Middle East. ES Global was an official supplier to the Paris2024 Games and has delivered four pavilions for the World Expo 2025 in Japan. Amy’s experience in the private and public sector spans senior roles at Homes England, ES Global Brazil, the Premier League and in the UK Civil Service.

Tim Debets

Lead Concept Designer, Permasteelisa Group

Tim Debets is one of Permasteelisa Group’s Lead Concept Designers. He has 20 years’ experience in the façade industry and is highly skilled as a designer and engineer. In his current role he translates technical and commercial requirements into strategic design concepts that are creative, innovative, sustainable & cost-effective. He has expertise at the early design stage, and enjoys seeing projects through from concept to completion. He has worked on many landmark buildings, including Varso Tower in Warsaw, Poland, the tallest building in the EU.

Jalal Fitoury

CEO for Europe, Permasteelisa Group

Jalal Fitoury is a dynamic leader with global experience and a proven track record in transforming businesses into high-performing organisations. Jalal has held several executive leadership positions in organisations across mainland Europe, UK and North America. As CEO of Permasteelisa Group in Europe, he leads an organisation with 1,500 colleagues, giving clients and partners access to our talent pool across the continent, delivering enhanced capability, capacity, flexibility, and value.

Ruth Shilston MBE

Global Discipline Lead, Mott MacDonald

Ruth Shilston MBE leads specialist engineering input on major projects and is Mott MacDonald’s Venues and Major Events Lead for UK and Europe. With over 20 years’ experience, including London 2012, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Anfield, and Brentford Community Stadium, she advises clients on creating sustainable, resilient, and commercially successful venues. An advocate for women’s sport, she recently led the engineering input for the Women’s Super League’s women’s football stadium design guidelines. As multi-disciplinary design consultants, Mott MacDonald works with venue owners, operators, and developers to deliver venues that are integrated into their cities and support long-term prosperity for local communities.

Richard Katz

Director, Deloitte

Rich is a Director in Deloitte’s Infrastructure & Real Estate Team in London, where he focuses on the strategy and delivery of multi-disciplinary projects and major programmes, including large infrastructure and regeneration schemes. Rich has particular interest and experience in sports and entertainment-led regeneration, and advises clients on how sport and entertainment assets can catalyse wider growth and placemaking objectives. He is experienced in town planning and development management, programme management, placemaking and stakeholder engagement. Rich has worked with a range of public and private clients in a variety of sectors and geographies including London, the wider UK and internationally.

Tom Sleigh

Chair, Planning & Transportation Committee, City of London Corporation

Tom Sleigh is Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, overseeing planning in the UK’s leading financial district. He previously chaired the Corporation’s £4bn Investment Committee and serves on the Board of the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority, bringing extensive experience in planning, regeneration, governance and major development.

Tom Stoneham

Development Director - Design, HUB

Tom is Development Director – Design at HUB, responsible for leading some of the company’s most complex developments through every stage of the development lifecycle, from design and planning to funding and delivery. As a fully qualified architect, Tom believes in the power of design to create places that deliver long-term value for cities, communities and investors alike. Tom is currently leading several major projects across London, including Cornerstone, which sees the pioneering transformation of an office building on Beech St which sits alongside the Barbican, into a co-living scheme with shared amenities. At Elephant and Castle, he is overseeing plans for Chords, a mixed-used development that includes a new community health hub alongside 695 co-living homes and social housing. Tom also plays a key role in elevating HUB’s design strategy, ensuring creativity and sustainability are at the core of every project.

Samantha McClary

Chief Executive, British Council for Offices

Samantha McClary has more than two decades of experience in the UK real estate sector. She spent the first 24 years of her career as a journalist and editor and in May this year was appointed as chief executive of the British Council for Offices, a key industry body representing the workplace sector and the diverse set of players that bring this vital element of the UK built and business environment to life. Sam is best known in the industry for being a fierce champion and challenger to the real estate sector, utilising her platform to help showcase the good that real estate can and does do for people, planet and UK PLC while poking the sector to continue to improve in key areas such as diversity and inclusion, environmental and societal impact and technological advancement.

Gavin Hall

Director of Planning and Head of Southampton Office, Savills

Gavin has worked at Savills since 2003, having previously worked in Southampton City Council’s Regeneration and Design teams. He specialises in complex mixed-use regeneration, particularly waterfront and infrastructure projects, working with both public and private sector clients. Gavin has played a key role in regeneration across Southampton and the wider region, including Ocean Village Marina and the award-winning Centenary Quay, as well as improvements to Red Funnel’s marshalling yards on the Isle of Wight and the planning application for the extension to Southampton International Airport’s runway. He also supports the University of Southampton’s residences programme. Gavin is Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s Planning and Transport Committee, a Non-Executive Director on the board of Business South and chairs its Regenerate South Action Group. Gavin was elected a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute in 2002, has been an RTPI APC Assessor and is the outgoing national RTPI Graduate Pathway Leader for Savills.

Katie Stewart

Executive Director - Environment, City of London Corporation

Katie Stewart is the Executive Director Environment at the City of London and is responsible for helping sustainably develop the Square Mile’s built environment, as well as managing the City’s highways, waste and public protection services and the 11,000 acres of green spaces for which the City has responsibility within and beyond its boundaries. She also is the President of the Association for Directors for Economy, Environment, Planning and Transport (ADEPT), and a co-chair of the ADEPT Southeast Board. With 19 years of local government experience, previously having served at Executive Director and Director level for place services at Surrey and Kent County Councils, Katie started her career in local government in economic development in Leeds and York.

Andrew Cox

Director of Climate and Strategic Programmes, LB Hounslow

Andrew is the Director of Climate and Strategic Programmes at the London Borough of Hounslow. He has responsibility for overseeing the delivery of the council’s activity in response to the Climate Emergency which the council declared in 2019 with a focus on three key areas – decarbonisation of council operations to achieve net zero by 2030; influencing a reduction in wider borough emissions; and, making the borough resilient to the impacts of climate change. His key strategic focuses over the next year are to ensure that robust and financially viable plans are developed to achieve net zero by 2030; to establish the most appropriate commercial model(s) to secure the investment that will enable delivery at pace of the council’s whole borough climate ambitions; and, to develop a Climate Change Resilience Plan.

Christopher Wagland

Contract Director, Property Management, JLL

Chris brings over 15 years of property management expertise across Central London offices and mixed-use estates in the City and West End. He has successfully managed high-profile developments including 105 Victoria Street and Regents Wharf for Bentall Green Oak, whilst delivering services for major institutional clients such as Aberdeen Standard Investments, AXA, British Land, and LaSalle Investment Management. Recognised for his occupier-focused approach and effective leadership, Chris specialises in best-in-class modern property management for complex portfolios. His experience spans managing transitional arrangements, implementing operational efficiencies, and providing strategic advice to future-proof assets, making him particularly adept at handling multi-faceted commercial and mixed-use developments.

Jehan Weerasinghe

Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration, Brent Council

Jehan leads Brent’s award-winning planning, regeneration and capital build programme, alongside its assets, sustainability and public realm services. He joined Brent in 2025, bringing an award-winning track record in place-shaping and over 23 years’ experience across housing, public realm and community development. He has led major capital and regeneration projects across London and held senior roles including Regional Operations Director at L&Q, Managing Director of Glasgow Housing Association and Executive Director at Riverside Group (One Housing). He has also worked in central government and the private sector, including IBM Global Services. Jehan was drawn to Brent by its ambition, diverse cultural heritage and success in affordable housebuilding. He has also served as a governor at two West London schools and as a trustee of the Green Action Trust, an environmental charity in Scotland.

Annette Davis

Principal Whole Life Carbon Officer, Westminster City Council

Dr Annette Davis is the Principal Whole Life Carbon Officer at Westminster City Council, where she leads work to embed whole life carbon assessment and circular economy principles into planning and development through initiatives such as the PACER digital platform and Retrofit First policy. A former practising architect with a PhD specialising in the circular economy, life cycle assessment and industrialised construction, she has extensive experience spanning professional practice, research and higher education. Annette is passionate about using applied research and practical solutions to drive sustainable change across the built environment.

Adam Challis

Global Director – Strategic Insights, JLL

Adam is Global Director, Strategic Insights at JLL. His role brings together a best in-class team covering insight, analytics and client advisory as part of a 500+ personnel global structure. The team covers all real estate sectors to provide solutions for investors and corporate occupiers. Adam also works internally to drive business line and corporate strategy. Adam’s experience spans over 20 years of real estate advisory with both public and private sector clients. He is regularly cited in national and international media as a commentator on the factors that shape real estate markets. He provides public policy advice, with a particular focus on the role of real estate as a catalyst to sustainable prosperity in cities. Adam holds an MBA from London Business School, an MSc Urban Regeneration from the Bartlett, University College London and BA Economics from Western University (London, Canada). Outside of JLL, he sits on the Philanthropy Advisory Committee at Shelterbox and is Board Chair at World Habitat.  

Sarah Longthorpe

Director of Regeneration, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council

Sarah is a member of the corporate team at Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and leads on the investment and sustainable growth agenda for the borough, oversees a large commercial investment portfolio and is responsible for the delivery of major projects. Experienced in place making and regeneration underpinned by a solid foundation of land and property skills gained over 25 years of working in a Local Authority environment, Sarah’s work focuses on enabling delivery, working closely with public and private sector partners. Sarah is experienced in setting up and operating joint ventures and commercial trading entities. Sarah remains committed to raising the profile, maximising opportunities and driving forward the Council’s ambition for regeneration across the borough.

Tom Ardron

Principal Sustainability Officer, Westminster City Council

Tom Ardron is an architect and sustainability professional with experience spanning architectural practice, local government and academia. He currently works as a Principal Sustainability Officer at Westminster City Council, where he supports climate action, retrofit, circular economy initiatives and net zero ambitions across the built environment. Tom's expertise combines public policy, programme leadership and building decarbonisation, supported by research at the University of Cambridge on scaling home energy retrofit. He is also a member of the NLA NextGen Committee, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive built environment sector.

Nyasa Comber

Director, Scott Brownrigg

Based in Scott Brownrigg’s London Studio, Nyasa is a Studio Principal and Head of Residential, Mixed Use and Hospitality. She joined the practice in 2012, working across its Cardiff and London Studios, before relocating to New York in 2018 for three years to help establish the practice’s US operation with Crown Architecture. Nyasa leads multidisciplinary teams delivering complex urban developments, large-scale masterplans and high-density residential communities across the UK and internationally. Her experience spans the full development process, from long-term masterplanning strategies through to the delivery of individual buildings and destinations. A strategic thinker and accomplished communicator, Nyasa has delivered high-profile residential, mixed-use, hospitality, education and commercial schemes. Her work combines design excellence with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and creating places that respond to evolving social, economic and environmental needs.

Kevin Valentine

Group Managing Director, Knights Brown Construction

Kevin Valentine is Group Managing Director at Knights Brown, leading the company’s strategic direction, growth and commitment to safe, responsible delivery. A civil engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in construction and civil engineering, he is passionate about developing people, strengthening culture and delivering complex projects with confidence. Since joining Knights Brown in 2013, Kevin has progressed from Divisional Director to Managing Director and, in 2025, Group Managing Director. He has played a key role in the growth of the independent, engineer-led business. Kevin also serves as Chair of CECA Southern (2026–2028) and sits on the CECA Chairs Strategic Forum. He is a strong advocate for skills development, apprenticeships and creating opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals.

Cath Shaw

Chief Executive, London Borough of Barnet

Cath is Chief Executive of Barnet Council, responsible for housing, growth and a range of other services. She is a director of the joint venture with Argent Related to deliver Brent Cross Town, and recently stepped down from the Development and Thamesmead Committees of Peabody Trust where she was previously a Board Member. Cath convenes a group co-ordinating Borough input into London’s economic future, and chairs the West London Economy and Skills Directors Group. She joined Barnet in 2013 from Harlow Council, prior to which she was a senior civil servant.

Ashley Perry

Acquisitions Director, Multi-Family Housing, Apache Capital Partners

Ashley Perry has over 10 years’ experience in real estate consultancy across the UK, Ireland, Spain and Canada. Before joining Apache Capital, he worked at European BTR consultancy LIV Consult, where he was Director of BTR Consultancy (UK), advising Private Equity, Local Authorities and public and private developers. Ashley’s experience across single and multifamily strategies has helped secure planning, funding and public support for thousands of rental homes across Europe. Previously, he worked at JLL in its Project and Development Services team, achieving RICS Chartered status and leading multidisciplinary teams through complex projects. Ashley is also on the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Residential Council steering committee. Ashley holds leadership positions at the Association for Rental Living (ARL) as Chair of the Investor & Lender Forum, whilst also chairing the Urban Land Institute (ULI) UK Residential Council.

Daniel Rafferty

Head of ESG, Stanhope

Dan is Head of ESG at Stanhope where he's responsible for embedding sustainability across all of its activities. He leads Stanhope's ESG strategy spanning design and construction, asset management, investment activity, and corporate governance. Dan is a chartered engineer (CEng, MIMechE) and prior to joining Stanhope, led the design and delivery of new developments across various sectors within Arup’s Building Engineering group.

Prof Sadie Morgan OBE

Senior Advisor, NLA

Professor Sadie Morgan OBE is a designer and built environment specialist whose career spans creative practice, public advocacy, and board level leadership, with a consistent focus on design quality and social equity.

Ellie de la Bedoyere

Deputy Director, New Towns, Department for Communities and Local Government

Barry Winterton

Divisional Director, Mott MacDonald

Barry Winterton is Cities Portfolio Lead at Mott MacDonald, specialising in the delivery of major sports, leisure and placemaking projects across the UK. With experience supporting stadium developments, training facilities, community sports infrastructure and wider regeneration schemes, he is passionate about using sport as a catalyst for economic growth, social value and long-term place transformation. Barry works with public and private sector clients to unlock investment, create vibrant destinations and ensure that sports-led development delivers lasting benefits for local communities beyond the sporting venue itself.

Cllr Sarah King

Leader, LB Southwark

Darren Parker

Executive Director of Development, LLDC

Darren serves as the Executive Director of Development at the London Legacy Development Corporation, overseeing the development programmes at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This project is one of the most significant urban regeneration initiatives in the UK and Europe. Darren's portfolio includes major development, joint ventures, and regeneration projects aimed at creating vibrant new neighbourhoods with a blend of residential, commercial, and social infrastructure, totalling a gross development value of £3.3 billion. With 20 years of experience in urban development, investment, and housing delivery, Darren has a proven track record of executing award-winning projects recognised for their design excellence and collaborative approach. His previous roles include serving as a regeneration director for a housing association, a councillor, and the chair of a local development trust. Darren is passionate about how thoughtful design, regeneration, and community engagement can improve places and enhance residents' quality of life.

Stephen Haynes

Executive Director for Growth & Prosperity, Southampton City Council

Stephen is Executive Director of Growth and Prosperity at Southampton City Council, where he leads over 600 staff and manages a £60m net revenue budget and £500m+ capital budget. His portfolio spans regeneration and economic development, transport and planning, employment and skills, culture and tourism, corporate assets, sustainability and net zero. Stephen is responsible for delivering some of Southampton’s biggest priorities, including the city centre masterplan, one of Europe’s largest regeneration opportunities. He is focused on ensuring growth delivers great homes, high-quality employment and skills pathways, community-led places and inclusive opportunities for residents. He is also leading the devolution agenda with the Chief Executive. Previously Strategic Director of Economy, Regeneration and New Homes at the London Borough of Hackney, Stephen oversaw the delivery of almost 2,000 new homes, nearly half of which were genuinely affordable.

Kat Hanna

Interim Director of Strategy, Oxford Street Development Corporation

Kat Hanna is Interim Director of Strategy at Oxford Street Development Corporation. She has worked in London’s built environment sector for 15 years and is an experienced strategist and commentator on urban affairs. Prior to OSDC, Kat led the London office of a global real estate consultancy, and has held roles spanning masterplanning, policy and research.

Cllr Muhammed Butt

Leader, LB Brent

Cllr Butt has lived in Brent all his life. He is a father of three, and his wife is a Brent registered child-minder. Born in Central Middlesex Hospital and schooled in the borough, he has represented his home ward Tokyngton since 2006. He has been named as one of 36 BAME people among the UK's 1,000 most powerful by Operation Black Vote and The Guardian. Cllr Butt is passionate about strengthening relations within Brent’s communities, to make the diverse borough more resilient and equipped for the future. First elected as Leader of the Council in May 2012, Cllr Butt has prioritised creating good jobs for local people, protecting the most vulnerable residents, and supporting the construction of new council homes. Under Cllr Butt’s leadership Brent has seen, and continues to see, unprecedented levels of physical regeneration in areas such as Wembley Park, Alperton and Kilburn; which in turn is helping to unlock substantial social value. Through innovation and technology, Brent Council is transforming into the 21st century borough its residents deserve. Cllr Butt is determined to ensure that, through training and skills, and investment in the local economy, the long-term benefits of progress are felt far and wide. Cllr Butt also represents Brent on the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation Board and works with the West London Alliance to strengthen the prosperity of the west London region. Most recently, he has been appointed to the London Councils Executive, becoming portfolio holder for Community Safety, representing the interests of all London Boroughs.

Jane Groom

Vice-Chair, LCA

Jane is a respected senior voice and well-known figure in the London property world. She leads complex, high-profile projects with a focus on regeneration, housing, and urban development in London and the South East. With a client base which spans international investors, major housing and commercial developers, RSLs and government bodies, Jane has extensive knowledge and experience across the sectors. Her first-hand knowledge of government and her expansive network across the capital’s boroughs and the GLA, enable her to expertly guide projects from strategy development to delivery. Before joining LCA, Jane was chief communications adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister for many years, as well as Head of Communications at the Golden Jubilee Office where she worked closely with the Director of Communications at Buckingham Palace.

Alex Hatt

Head of Regeneration (Interim), LB Tower Hamlets

Chris Fletcher

Development Director, Grainger

A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Chris joined Grainger in July 2011 following 6 years at a major, international architect’s practice. Having worked on many high profile, complex schemes in the UK and Australia, Chris specialises in the planning and delivery of high value projects. Since joining Grainger, Chris has procured and delivered approximately £175m of construction; across various residential typologies ranging from low to high density, strategic sites and tall buildings. Beyond his involvement at a project level, Chris is a member of Grainger’s Sustainability, Health & Safety and Development Boards.

Tom Southall

Assistant Director Property and Investment, Portsmouth City Council

Tom Southall is Assistant Director of Property and Investment at Portsmouth City Council, where he leads regeneration, strategic asset management, commercial property investment and development, and the optimisation of the council’s extensive property portfolio. With 20 years’ experience spanning property strategy, public sector investment and development, Tom plays a key role in shaping Portsmouth’s approach to regeneration, financial sustainability and place-based growth. He specialises in balancing commercial opportunity with public value, supporting major capital programmes and enabling the council to reinvest in services that benefit residents. Working closely with the private sector, external partners and politicians, Tom is committed to using public assets to unlock regeneration, strengthen the local economy and deliver long-term value for Portsmouth.

Dinah Bornat

Director, ZCD Architects

Dinah leads on housing, urban design and engagement in the office. A leading expert in child-friendly cities, she has published research and contributed to books and journals, and is an advisor to local authorities and developers. She has given talks at New London Architecture, Urban Design London, the London Development Conference, Homes England, GLA, Festival of Place and many others. ​Dinah is a former Mayor's Design Advocate for the Mayor of London, a Design Review Panel member for Harrow, Hounslow and Brent councils, Quality of Life Foundation Associate and Design Council Expert.

Alex Goodwin

Associate Director, Flint Global

Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC

Planning Barrister, Francis Taylor Building

Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC (known universally as "AFU") practices in planning, environmental and compulsory purchase law. He specialises in Housing, Regeneration, Minerals, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Energy, Waste, Renewables and all aspects of Compulsory Purchase. Andrew is identified as a Leading Silk in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, He is described as "A well-prepared barrister who fights for his clients. He has a very impressive brain" and is "a name to turn to for big planning inquiries."

Rosa Rogina

Associate Director, Place Partnerships, NLA

Rosa is Director of the NLA’s annual London Festival of Architecture and leads our NLA Collaborate place consultancy; working with partners in London and internationally to develop and deliver innovative ‘test and learn’ strategies and activations through round tables, charettes, architectural design competitions and installations in the public realm.

Rob Krzyszowski

Director of Planning, LB Haringey

Rob is the chief planner at the London Borough of Haringey and also has responsibility for services such as climate & sustainability, transport & active travel and building control Rob has worked across a range of London boroughs and has held leadership roles in the RTPI, particularly in chairing the England Policy Panel until recently Rob has led on diversity issues in the profession, having co-founded and co-chaired Planning Out, a network for LGBT+ planning professionals, for 2 years and worked on diversity matters with the RTPI, the Construction Industry Council and Future of London

David Joyce

Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration, LB Tower Hamlets

Camilla Siggaard Andersen

Founder, Occasio Insights Ltd

Having studied Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Arts in Denmark and at McGill University in Canada, Camilla joined the urban quality consultancy Gehl in Copenhagen and New York where she managed placemaking projects and led the development the Open Public Life Data Protocol. While in Copenhagen, Camilla also taught Strategies for Urban Liveability at DIS. Camilla moved to London in 2018 to work as a lead designer in Arup Digital Studio, a multi-disciplinary strategic and UX design team, before joining Hassell at the beginning of 2021, where she worked as Practice Lead for Landscape Architecture until 2024. She is the founder of Occasio Insights, an architecture & design consultancy.

Paul McLaughlin

Senior Development Manager, Finsbury Infrastructure

Paul McLaughlin is a Senior Development Manager at Finsbury Infrastructure, where he leads the expansion of the European data centre portfolio. With 14 years of experience in clean energy and infrastructure across the UK and Ireland, he has scaled Lightsourcebp’s solar and storage pipeline in Ireland to 3GW and delivered major energy-from-waste projects with Viridor and KKR. A Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Paul brings extensive expertise across digital infrastructure, solar, energy storage, energy-from-waste, and biogas. Skilled in planning, regulation, and stakeholder engagement, he is committed to driving sustainable growth and advancing the energy transition.

Philip McDermott

City Energy Transformation Lead, E.ON

E.ON is leading the energy transition, providing smart, sustainable and personalised solutions for customers at home, in business and across entire towns and cities. Phil McDermott isresponsible for developing strategic, long term partnerships with local authorities, cities and regions – to drive the energy transition. Phil has over 20 years of experience at E.ON, delivering innovative business solutions and looking at developing entire sustainable cities across the UK, working alongside electric vehicle charging, lighting and grid, new connections, energy management and district heating teams. E.ON’s aim is to improve people’s lives and the transformation of cities is at the heart of its strategy. In approaching the UK’s 2050 net zero target, E.ON are helping thousands of businesses take control of their energy, delivering sustainable energy solutions to help residents businesses cut costs, reduce energy waste, and meet their sustainability goals.

Arthur Kay

Board Member, Transport for London, Museum of the home, Fast Forward 2030

Lisa Sharkey

Partner, Poppleston Allen

Lisa is a Senior Partner at Poppleston Allen and has specialised in alcohol licensing for over 30 years. She has been with Poppleston Allen since its inception; serving as Managing Partner between April 2018 and December 2024. Lisa has experience in all sectors of the industry from pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to the more complex matters surrounding late-night licensing, particularly in cumulative impact areas in London. There isn’t much in the way of licensing that Lisa hasn’t experienced. This is reflected in Lisa’s Band 1 ranking in Chambers & Partners legal guide and her Leading Individual status in the Legal 500.

Robert Murphy

Investment Property Group, City Surveyor’s Department, City of London Corporation

Robert has been with the City of London Corporation since March 2023 and is responsible for managing all of the City’s circa £4.3 billion investment property portfolios, in some 320 properties and 1.7 million square metres (City Fund, City’s Estate and City Bridge Foundation) which are within Central London across a range of asset classes, including offices, retail, industrial and residential. Robert is part of the City Surveyor’s Senior Management Team. Robert plays a key strategic role in a number of the City’s key transformational projects, including the Museum of London relocation to Smithfield Market, London Wall West and the Market Consolidation Programme.

Emma Fryer

Director, Public Policy Europe, CyrusOne

Emma leads CyrusOne’s public policy activity in Europe and is represents the company’s interests in the policy dialogue in multiple jurisdictions. In addition to advocacy she also supports community engagement initiatives and educational outreach. Emma has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing this growing sector, from power provisioning to public perception and is recognised for her thought leadership and clarity of expression. Emma sat on the Board of the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact from 2021-2022 and was appointed to the Infrastructure Mason’s Advisory Council in 2021. She is a judge on several international award platforms.

Stephen Meleady

Director, Building Services, Stantec

Stephen is a chartered mechanical engineer with over 18 years’ experience in engineering consultancy across the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. He leads the European data centre sector team at Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering. His experience includes designing, commissioning, and managing the delivery of projects across a range of sectors including mission critical, advanced manufacturing, commercial, and mixed-use. His goal is to understand the client and invested parties’ key drivers and make sure that projects are delivered on programme, in accordance with project requirements, and within budget. He provides clients with a single point of contact to ease communication and co-ordination across multi-disciplinary teams, ultimately making services work more cohesively and efficiently together.

Jane Hughes

Managing Associate, Trowers & Hamlins

Jenny Obee

Information and Digital Technology Director, Related Argent

Jenny is the Information and Digital Technology Director at Related Argent, the developer behind some of Britain’s most successful mixed-use places, including the King’s Cross Estate and Brent Cross Town. She is an experienced IT, Information Management and Digital professional, with expertise in the design and implementation of IT, Operational Technology, Digital and Data strategies for the built environment. Her sector experience spans real estate and property development, asset management, local government, the regulatory sector and central government.

Mike Hood

COO, Landsec

Mike is an experienced developer with a strong track record in delivering complex design, development, and construction projects – often through partnerships between the public and private sectors. He leads Landsec’s Capital Projects division, which integrates all aspects of project delivery across the business. This includes both major and smaller-scale developments, as well as project management, engineering, and maintenance. The division also houses Landsec’s Sustainability team, ensuring that sustainable value creation is embedded in the design and delivery of Landsec’s places for customers and communities alike.

James Bowman

Associate Director, Point 2

James is an Associate Director at Point 2 with extensive experience advising on rights of light and daylight/sunlight matters for major development schemes across London. His portfolio includes projects such as 8 Bishopsgate in the City, Canada Water Dockside in Southwark, Tribeca in Camden, and 1 Victoria Street in Westminster. James specialises in rights of light negotiations, strategically managing risk on complex schemes and large-scale infrastructure projects. He also brings significant expertise in daylight and sunlight assessment, guiding developments from the design stage through to securing planning consent.

Rebecca Taylor

Managing Director, Long Harbour

Rebecca is the Managing Director of Long Harbour’s Multifamily business overseeing investment, development, operations and the senior leadership team. Since joining Long Harbour in 2015, Rebecca has deployed over £1bn of equity and leads on the LHMF JV which is a £1.5bn partnership with PSP Investments and OTPP. Rebecca has over 18 years’ experience in development and investment having worked in projects in Australia, UK, Ireland and UAE. Prior to joining Long Harbour, Rebecca spent eight years at Laing O’Rourke working in their property and investment team, projects included their offsite housing solution and a number of PFI/PPP deals. She holds an undergraduate degree in Nuclear Medicine from the University of Sydney and a Masters in Property Investment. She is the Chair of the BPF BTR Committee, is the Co-Chair of the UKAA Midlands Hub.

Tamsin Ace

Director, East Bank

In September 2023, Tamsin became the first Director of East Bank, the UK’s newest cultural and education quarter on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London. East Bank is made up of London College of Fashion, UAL, UCL East, Sadler’s Well’s East, V&A Storehouse and Museum and BBC Music Studios (which is set to open in late 2026/ early 2027). As Director of East Bank, Tamsin is leading initiatives involving the partners and local community to develop a programme of creative, educational and innovative activity for everyone who visits, lives and works in east London. The aim is to maximise collective potential, delivering world-class culture and education, and ensuring that the 2012 legacy thrives in ways unmatched by any other host city. Prior to joining East Bank, Tamsin held a number of leadership roles, most recently Head of Cultural Programming at London College of Fashion. Tamsin’s previous experience also includes her role as Director of Creative Programmes and Collections at the Museum of the Home, where she introduced a new cultural strategy as part of the organisation’s transformation programme. She spent 12 years at Southbank Centre, eventually becoming Head of Public Programming, with responsibilities including curating an ambitious programme of annual festivals and special projects. In her time at Southbank, she collaborated with

Dan Okey

Head of Regional Development, Great Western Railway

Dan is a transport planner with 30 years’ experience in transport strategy and development planning, with a career that has spanned private and public sectors. He has a background in town planning and interest in creating well designed, sustainable places. Dan is a senior leader at GWR, where his role is to engage the railway’s stakeholders and communities to promote joined up, sustainable travel. Dan is proud to have been part of GWR’s journey through several transformations since 2013 and delighted to find there is still so much enthusiasm amongst partners and communities to engage, with much hope for the future!

Luke Wainwright

Construction Director, CO—RE

Luke is the Construction Director at CO—RE having spent all of his professional life within the Central London commercial development arena. Personal highlights include 10 Fenchurch Avenue, a significant redevelopment for Generali Real Estate pre-let to M&G and Lansdowne House, for Audley Property, the future headquarters for Blackstone. Luke is passionate about project teams, their behaviours and promoting collaboration. He is both organised and measured.

Dan Ward

Development Director, Stanhope

Dan Ward is a Senior Development Director for schemes in pre-development and delivery, joining the team at Stanhope in 2012. He has over 15 years’ experience in the construction and property industry, working in design, construction and development management. Dan has a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and a master’s degree in Real Estate Investment and Finance. At Stanhope he has worked on the Low Carbon Workplace fund, Bloomberg’s Stirling Prize winning headquarters and our recently completed tower, 8 Bishopsgate. Dan also supports the wider business by leading on the management of Stanhope’s Trade Contractor supply chain and is currently working on 1 Undershaft.

Edward Mayes

Executive Director, Development, Lendlease

Ed is the Project Director for The Silvertown Quays Project for The Silvertown Partnership, a joint venture between Lendlease Europe and Starwood Capital. Ed has over 20 years experience in the property industry at senior positions in client and consultancy organisations, both in the UK and aboard.

Farrah Hussain

Head of Development, Countryside Partnerships

With over a decade of experience in urban planning and development, Farrah brings deep expertise in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and liveable communities. As Head of Development at Countryside Partnerships, she leads multidisciplinary teams delivering high-quality mixed-use schemes across London. Farrah holds a master’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, complemented by a strong foundation in architecture and design. She has collaborated closely with engaged community members and local stakeholders to ensure that local labour and social value are embedded in every project—recognising that meaningful development extends beyond bricks and mortar. In her current role, Farrah oversees the full development lifecycle, from site identification and acquisition through planning and design to construction and final delivery.

Emma Jefferson

Director of Partnerships, RIOS

With over 30 years of experience in business development and influencer relations in the built environment sector, Emma Jefferson is Director of Partnerships at RIOS, a leading global design agency. In her role, she leverages strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities to connect, collaborate, and influence stakeholders across industries ranging from media and live events to property and construction. Emma is also passionate about public speaking, media relations, and social value delivery, and enjoys sharing her insights and expertise with diverse audiences and platforms.

Neil Jervis

Partner, RedLoft

Neil has spent the past 22 years at Red Loft, assisting many Registered Providers, Local Authorities and ALMOs delivering varied regeneration and development projects and providing strategic and operational advice. Prior to joining Red Loft, Neil worked for Family HA and the Housing Corporation gaining project management skills, regeneration experience and a solid understanding of Affordable Housing Policy, funding and development processes. Whilst at Red Loft, Neil has worked for some of the largest developing RPs including L&Q, Peabody, and The Guinness Partnership, as well as a number of Local Authorities such as Islington, Hounslow, and Hillingdon, providing Senior Development Consultancy Services, and mixed-use regeneration projects. Neil manages a number of client relationships and staff forms part of our Management Team which helps oversee the delivery of multi-service consultancy contracts with Affordable Housing Developers.

Lucy Mclean

Investment Manager, Imperial College

Lucy is an Investment Manager at Imperial College London, the world-leading university specialising in STEMB. Since joining in 2024, she has been involved in managing Imperial’s endowment property interests and delivering projects such as Victoria Industrial Estate building the university’s innovation ecosystem at Old Oak.

Susan Johnston

COO, The Southbank Centre

Susan Johnston is the Chief Operating Officer at Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts centre, where she leads on operational strategy across venues including the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery. With extensive experience in both the cultural and broadcast sectors, Susan has held senior roles at Somerset House Trust, ITV plc, and BBC Children in Need. Her work focuses on building sustainable, resilient institutions that champion creativity and cultural accessibility.

Vinita Dhume

Director – Masterplanning & Urban Design, Savills

Vinita joined Savills in 2022. She has over 25 years of experience in urban regeneration and housing renewal, masterplanning and community engagement.   Vinita’s multidisciplinary training and experience allow her to work across varying contexts and scales. Her collaborative approach integrates planning, landscape and architecture. She brings a broad breadth of knowledge on complex urban regeneration processes. She places a particular emphasis on a people-centred approach to designing places which are inclusive, resilient and liveable. Her work goes beyond the confines of spatial issues alone – with an emphasis on delivering long term value and sustainable placemaking. Through genuine community and stakeholder engagement, her work has focused on several large-scale residential and mixed – use masterplanning schemes and town centre commissions, and design guides and codes. She has also contributed to several urban research projects and actively strives to draw this knowledge into design and implementation. Vinita is a member of several design review panels within London and a co- chair at Westminster DRP and Tower Hamlets QRP, and a member of the Urban Design Group.

Ceri Smith

Director General, Office for Investment, Department for Business and Trade

Ceri Smith is Director General, Office for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The Director General for Investment is the Chief Executive of the Office for Investment, a joint unit reporting to the Department for Business and Trade, HM Treasury and Number 10 Downing Street. The Office for Investment (OfI) works across government to land top-tier investment into the UK. From April 2021, he was Director General, Strategy and Investment at the Department for International Trade (DIT). He joined DIT after 8 years at UK Government Investments where, among other things, he set up the British Business Bank, and led on the government’s shareholder interests in Channel 4, the Land Registry, Homes England and the Ordnance Survey. He was a Non-Executive Director at the British Business Bank and a Non-Executive member of the Homes England Board. Ceri previously spent almost 20 years across a range of economic policy roles in HM Treasury and the Business Department, in Brussels with the Foreign Office and with the DTI’s Small Business Service.

Andrei Martin

Partner, PLP Architects

Andrei Martin is a Partner with over 20 years of experience in residential, life-science, commercial and master planning projects in the UK, Europe, USA, China and the Middle East. He is a co-founder of PLP Labs – PLP’s design research platform that operates at the intersection of people, technology, and the planet.

Cllr Claire Holland

Chair, London Councils

Louise Ioannou

Head of Workspace UK, HB Reavis

Louise Ioannou is the Head of Workspace for HB Reavis UK, with over 15 years of experience within client services and the workspace sector. Since joining HB Reavis in 2017, Louise has played a central role in leasing, client-facing activities and communication activities across the company’s UK projects, including 33 Central, 20 Farringdon Street, Bloom Clerkenwell, One Waterloo and Worship Square. She was promoted to Leasing Manager in 2021 and became Head of Workspace in 2023, taking on responsibility for all HB Reavis’ client offerings, including traditional leasing, managed space, and in-house co-working HubHub.

Carol Lynch

Chief Executive, Construction Youth Trust

Carol is CEO of Construction Youth Trust and is passionate about the Trust’s mission of helping young people access the fantastic career opportunities the Built Environment sector has to offer. Having started out working life as an engineer in the Built Environment herself, she is particularly passionate about opening up opportunities to young people who have traditionally been under-represented in industry and those facing barriers to working life. Construction Youth Trust reaches thousands of young Londoners every year and, as a charity, is deeply committed to our vision of a world where all young people can achieve their full career potential and thrive at work, regardless of their background.

Murtaza Bukhari

Director for UK & Europe, Samsung

Murtaza Bukhari is Samsung’s Director for UK & Europe, leading large-scale Strategic Partnerships. With a background in management consultancy, Murtaza has spent over 13 years at Samsung driving growth across Enterprise B2B and building long-standing C-suite relationships. He heads Samsung’s large customer business sector, with a particular focus on construction, major regeneration projects, and sustainable green developments.

Nicky Wightman

Director of Emerging Trends, Savills

As Director of Emerging Trends at Savills, Nicky is an advisor, communicator and mentor. Her work explores the interaction between physical and digital worlds, the creation of community and culture and the potential for impact and innovation. She has recently been working with a Savills team and a wide range of collaborators to explore the important relationship between food eco-systems and people, place and planet. As a speaker, content creator and thought leader, Nicky is keen to amplify creative ideas and to find positive solutions to global and local challenges.

Ethan Liu

Trainee Surveyor, Core Five

Ethan Liu is a trainee surveyor undertaking a degree apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying at Core Five, a leading cost consultancy firm. Originally planning to pursue a career in finance after studying Economics, Maths and Further Maths at sixth form, Ethan discovered his passion for construction through programmes run by Construction Youth Trust. As a practical learner, he felt that a traditional university route wasn’t the right fit and chose instead to embark on a degree apprenticeship in construction with CYT’s support. Ethan has now been working as a QS for two years and has enjoyed the experience of seeing projects evolve from planning through to construction and the final product.

Jon Howlin

CEO, The Skills Centre

Jon Howlin, CEO, leads The Skills Centre team in delivering its mission to transform lives and creating social value by delivering local opportunities to local people. With over 17 years’ experience in strategy, operations and business development within the education and construction skills sectors, Jon brings a passion for training that provides learners with the best opportunities in their fields. Under his leadership The Skills Centre has developed a range of training courses and syllabuses that meet employer needs, working with partner organisations, local authorities, and policy makers across the UK to help fill a growing skills gap in the construction industry.

Duncan Lamb

Chief Growth Officer, EvaluateLocate

Duncan has worked in the property sector for more than 20 years firstly as a journalist and then as a consultant to a wide range of businesses across the sector. He is Chief Growth Officer of EvaluateLocate - the groundbreaking spatial intelligence app which index rates the economic vitality of every UK location from postcode district granularity outwards. In the face of diminishing lease lengths and security of income, it addresses property’s growing need to take into account wider economic & demographic factors when assessing investment and development opportunities. It is used by investors, developers, portfolio managers and consultants to assess existing assets and the viability of repurposing and repositioning.

Michelle McGrath

Executive Director, Shaftesbury Capital

Michelle is responsible for management of the Group’s property portfolio including asset management, investment, leasing and marketing, and is a member of the Executive Committee. Michelle was previously on the Board of Capco and has significant financial and real estate experience having joined Capco in 2014 undertaking a number of senior roles across the business. Michelle is an experienced Corporate financier and was previously at UBS Investment Bank, advising companies across the UK listed real estate sector. External appointment: Westminster Property Association

Tom Goodall

Chief Executive, Related Argent

John Bushell

Principal, KPF

Design Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox, John has achieved critical acclaim for his innovative and distinctive commercial and mixed-use buildings around the world. Drawing on KPF’s global expertise, John has incorporated the tenets of mixed-use design into high-profile projects in London including One Crown Place in Hackney; DAMAC Tower in Nine Elms; and South Bank Tower in Southwark, the transformation and expansion of a 1970’s office block. NLA Expert Panel member for the Tall Buildings programme #NLATallBuildings NLA Awards Expert Assessor for Working Category

Peter George

Strategic Director of Economy & Sustainability, Ealing Council

Rob Samuel

Head of UK Development, AXA Investment Managers

Rob Samuel as UK Head of Development. Based in London, Rob will manage the full breadth of AXA IM Alts’ UK multi-sector development programme. Rob has over 25 years of development and multi-sector experience in London and the wider UK, delivering high quality customer focused buildings designed to maximise value, and joins AXA IM Alts from the mixed use regeneration of Battersea Power Station (“BPS”), where he served as Chief Development Officer. Prior to BPS, Rob spent 12 years at FTSE 100 property company British Land, latterly as Head of Office Development. A Chartered Surveyor, Rob started his career at Knight Frank before moving to Orbit Developments.

Kristy Lansdown

Managing Director (Development), Crown Estate

Kristy joined the Crown Estate as Head of Development in September 2022, to lead the Development Strategy for the London portfolio, including Regent Street and St James’s. Kristy previously worked at Lendlease Europe for 17 years holding a number of roles, most recently as Project Director for two of Lendlease's flagship projects. These included; Elephant Park, a mixed use neighbourhood of c.3,000 homes, and The International Quarter London, a 2.5m sqf workplace destination on the doorstep to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. Kristy brings an array of expertise having worked on the design, planning and delivery of a variety of large-scale projects across residential, workplace and retail uses, with a passion for public realm and placemaking outcomes.

Gunjan Parik

Director of the Transport Programme, C40

Gunjan Parik is Director of the Transport Programme at the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, where she leads global efforts to support mayors and city governments in delivering ambitious climate action. Her team provides technical policy assistance, peer learning, stakeholder engagement, and research across public transport, active mobility, vehicle electrification, and Zero Emission Areas. They collaborate with academic institutions, consultants, and data partners to strengthen evidence, generate new insights and increase ambition in cities.

Adam Yousef

Head of Economics, Greater London Authority

Adam Yousef is Head of Economics at the Greater London Authority, the governing authority for the Greater London region in the UK. He leads the delivery of evidence-based policies to shape London’s economic priorities. Previously, he headed the economic modelling team at the Government of Ontario, Canada, where he led and supported COVID-19 recovery programmes and fiscal policy development. During his PhD, he also advised the European Commission on fostering growth and prosperity in the EU and its neighbouring regions. Adam is also a Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge, an advisory member of the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations and a member of the Strategy Board of Chief Economists and Heads of Profession at the UK’s Government Economic Service. He holds a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Cambridge, a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Oxford, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Joe Kerby

Regional Head of Land and Development, Willmott Dixon

Joe is Regional Head of Land and Development for Willmott Dixon’s London and East Region, covering North London Boroughs. He sits within Willmott Dixon’s Development Solutions team, offering a turn-key approach through all RIBA Stages to both Public and Private sector customers, with the ability to act in a Development Management capacity. Having worked client side within Public and Private sectors that have been in both profit and social driven environments, Joe is able to offer services such as land, technical and planning management, assistance with funding, cost-engineering, and value creation - all from a very early stage in the design and development process and across a range of sectors. With a customer focus, Joe helps bring forward high quality developments as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough

Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Westminster City Council

Councillor Geoff Barraclough was first elected as a councillor for Maida Vale Ward in 2018, where he has lived for over 20 years. He works in financial technology and advises start-up businesses. Before becoming Cabinet Member, he was the Labour spokesperson on planning and business. Portfolios include: Business Support and Economic Development; Employment; Town Planning; Planning Policy; Place-Shaping including Oxford Street; North Paddington programme; Smart City and Digital Connectivity; Broadband; Planning Functions, Building Control and street naming; Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106; Westminster Adult Education Service and Skills.

Antonia Jennings

CEO, Centre for London

Antonia is Chief Executive Officer at the Centre for London. She joined in September 2023, from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies. Prior to joining the team, Antonia worked in numerous charities, think tanks and campaigning organisations promoting new economic thinking. She has expertise across progressive local economic development, deepening democracy and sustainable economics. Antonia holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Politics and Communications, and a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She is Chair of the board of Rethinking Economics.

Kye Taylor

Head of Engineering & Preconstruction, Multiplex

Kye is a highly experienced, passionate, structural engineer leading the Multiplex Engineering function. Since beginning his career in 2005, he has worked across the UK, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. With a Master’s of Engineering in Structures, Kye specialises in high-rise buildings, low-carbon materials and structures, and is a leading voice in pioneering ReUsable Steel.

Naisha Polaine

Executive Director of Growth, London Borough of Barnet

Naisha Polaine is an experienced leader in urban development and regeneration, with over 20 years of success in delivering high-profile development projects and growth strategies across the UK. In her current role as Executive Director of Growth at Barnet Council, one of the capital's largest boroughs, she leads one of London's most ambitious development and regeneration programmes, which will deliver 44,000 homes alongside sustainable new communities.

Jenna Browning

Associate Director – Water, Arup

Jenna is a chartered civil engineer with 17 years' experience in sustainable water design and strategy. She leads delivery of multidisciplinary flood risk management schemes from strategy and business case development through to construction. Her collaborative approach drives better outcomes for nature, our clients and the communities they serve.

Neil Hook

Property Development Director, Places for London

Katie Clemence-Jackson

CEO, UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard

Katie is the CEO of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and leads the development, delivery, and future planning for this important industry initiative. She engages with industry stakeholders to support the Standard’s implementation, secure alignment with other initiatives and schemes, and deliver Net Zero Carbon transformation across the UK. In her role as Chair of CIBSE’s Sustainability Group, Katie co-ordinates a broad range of sustainability experts to raise awareness of emerging sustainability topics and reflect CIBSE’s insights as part of multi-disciplinary conversations.

Dame Karen Buck

Chair, OPDC

Dame Karen Buck is a former labour parliamentarian, she resented Westminster North (formerly Regent’s Park and Kensington North) for 27 years. A champion of housing and the rights of renters, Dame Karen was behind a private member’s bill that led to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and has dedicated her career to improving the lives of residents in her former constituency, advocating for communities and campaigning for decent homes. As Chair of OPDC, Dame Karen is responsible for spearheading the delivery of tens of thousands of affordable homes and jobs in the capital’s largest brownfield development site.

Hayley Rees

Managing Director, PIC Capital

Hayley Rees is Managing Director of PIC Capital, sourcing and managing the long-term purposeful investments PIC requires in order to pay the pensions of its current and future policyholders. This includes investments in urban regeneration, residential property and infrastructure assets.  Hayley joined PIC in 2019 from L&G Retirement where she was Head of Direct Investments and previous to this ​Barclays, originating and executing infrastructure assets.

Charles Owen

Head of Asset Management, Regent Street, The Crown Estate

Charles Owen is an accomplished Central London property professional with over 20 years of experience in asset and portfolio management. As Head of Portfolio Management for the Regent Street portfolio at The Crown Estate, Charles is responsible for overseeing 4.4 million sq ft of prime retail, office, leisure, and residential property in one of London’s most iconic destinations. In addition to his role at The Crown Estate, Charles serves on the Board of the New West End Company, representing over 600 businesses across 80 streets in London’s West End, helping to shape the strategic direction of one of the world’s leading retail and leisure districts. Prior to joining The Crown Estate, Charles was Property Director at Shaftesbury PLC, where he led the Covent Garden portfolio, accounting for a third of the company’s holdings. Earlier in his career, he worked in Fund Management at Grosvenor, where he was responsible for asset managing several dominant town centre shopping centres.

Elizabeth Rapoport

Director, Polygon Place Strategy

Elizabeth Rapoport is a cities and built environment specialist with over 20 years of experience in government, consultancy, academia, and the charitable sector. She is a partner at Living Places and the founding director of Polygon Place Strategy. Elizabeth has served as Assistant Director of Strategy for Homes England and Director of Research for the Urban Land Institute Europe. She chairs the London Surface Water Strategic Group and is a Non-Executive Director at Graven Hill Village Development Company and Publica Community Interest Company. Elizabeth holds a doctorate in Urban Sustainability and Resilience from University College London.

Andy Roe

Non-exec Chair, Building Safety Regulator, MHCLG

Andy Roe the Chair of the Building Safety Regulator, joined the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in January 2002 as a firefighter, serving at every rank before being appointed as London Fire Commissioner in January 2020.

Jo Bacon

Partner, Allies and Morrison

An architect who has worked on an extensive project range from a classroom building to a 40-storey tower, Jo is managing partner at Allies and Morrison. She led the collaborative team on 100 Bishopsgate, a highly complex project comprising a tower and neighbouring buildings and public realm in the City of London; and currently leads the delivery of major projects for the practice at Elephant & Castle and London Victoria. She is a RIBA and AA Trustee and has been shortlisted for AJ’s Woman Architect of the Year. NLA Expert Panel member for the Tall Buildings programme #NLATallBuildings

Dan Labbad

Chief Executive, The Crown Estate

Dan Labbad was appointed to Chief Executive of The Crown Estate in December 2019. The Crown Estate is an independent commercial business set up to act in the long-term national interest and returning all its profit to UK Government. This has totalled over £4 billion in the last ten years. Prior to The Crown Estate, Dan held a number of senior positions at the global property and infrastructure group Lendlease, including Group Chief Operating Officer and the dual roles of Chief Executive Officer, International Operations and Chief Executive Officer, Europe. Dan has actively championed sustainability and technology throughout his professional life, having previously served as a director of the Green Building Council of Australia and as Chairman of the UK Green Building Council. In addition to his role at The Crown Estate, Dan is a non-executive director of Raspberry Pi Holdings plc.

Diana Foxlee

Director of Sky Spaces, Sky

With a background in finance and languages, Diana has spent the last eight years leading teams across Sky’s property function. As Director of Sky Spaces, she is responsible for creating inspiring spaces for colleagues to work, connect and thrive across 25 UK sites and 4 sites overseas. Leading the way in workplace sustainability, Diana’s team are continually finding ways to reduce energy consumption, waste and single use items, making a fundamental contribution to Sky’s net zero ambition. Outside of work, Diana loves spending time outdoors walking, running, cycling and fundraising for a small, rare disease charity.

Alan Bainbridge

Director of BBC Workplace, BBC

Alan Bainbridge, Director of BBC Workplace, leads a team of 25 professionals overseeing 800 outsourced staff and 150+ UK locations. With over four decades of experience in construction, property and facilities management, his involvement in flagship schemes from PFI, retail, commercial and media has given him a breadth of understanding that spans the entire supply chain, from owner to occupier. At the BBC, Alan has led the landmark deliveries of the award-winning MediaCityUK in Salford, and the new BBC Wales headquarters in Central Square, Cardiff. As a passionate advocate for the transformational power or property, Alan prioritises the expertise of construction professionals over product sales and is committed to using the best in British manufacturing and fabrication to support this.

Richard Meier

Co-founder and CEO, Stories_

Richard is focussed on the delivery of projects, people and corporate strategy at Stories. ​ Richard is a chartered planning and development surveyor (MRICS) and holds a masters in Engineering from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge and a Property Law & Valuation degree from Cass Business School. ​ Richard holds a number of other prominent roles in the industry and his community: Non-Executive Director, Cambridge University, Property Board, Chairman of Bybrook Pre-School, Wiltshire and Former Vice-Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Ushma Samani

Principal Development Manager, Network Rail

Ushma Samani joined Network Rail as Principal Development Manager for Major Projects in 2018. She leads on Network Rail Property’s landmark projects, located in strategically and operationally complex environments, with focus on land value capture through planning gain, land assembly and bringing together strategic stakeholder partnerships and engagement. Ushma has a private sector background specialising in mixed-use urban regeneration; practicing as an architect, then trained as a chartered surveyor, moving in-house to Westfield Ltd before joining Network Rail Property. She has recently ended her tenure as expert advisor to the Design Council and regularly speaks at industry events.

Hannah Noble

Director - Place Advisory, Avison Young

Hannah has 18 years’ experience providing residential and mixed-use development consultancy advice across the public and private sectors.   Hannah is a Director within the London Place Advisory directorate at Avison Young. Providing advice for both mixed use, and sole residential projects, Hannah specialises in unlocking development opportunities throughout the process of land assembly, design, product differentiation and exit strategy for London based regeneration projects. Developer clients vary from first time developers through to experienced developers, local authorities, and housing associations. Hannah works closely either with colleagues, or as part of a multi-disciplinary team assessing development options for sites across London testing viability, development scenarios and delivery options, including partner procurement, to minimise development risk and deliver affordable housing.   Hannah is a Fellow of the RICS, Committee Member of Women in Property, and an English Channel Swimmer.

Henrietta Nowne

Development Director, Landsec

Henrietta Nowne is Development Director at Landsec, one of the UK’s leading real estate developers. She is spearheading the creation of Mayfield, Manchester’s new green city district. With over 15 years of experience in regeneration, including the transformation of Deptford Market Yard, Henrietta is passionate about designing places that put people first, boost biodiversity, and celebrate community spirit. All of this is central to delivering one of the country’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects. Let me know if you need anything else.

Brahm Lategan

Digital Buildings Lead, Buro Happold

Brahm Lategan is Digital Buildings Lead at Buro Happold, with 24+ years designing and delivering digital systems across the built environment. A recognised thought leader in operational technology integration, he has architected enterprise platforms for global portfolios spanning commercial real estate, healthcare, science & technology and critical infrastructure. His career includes founding a systems integration firm, delivering strategic solutions for global retailers, technology companies, asset managers and infrastructure owners. Brahm champions cybersecurity as the sector's critical challenge, regularly speaking and writing on digital building integrity, digital transformation strategies, and the urgent need for cyber-resilient infrastructure. His hands-on experience spans both system design and security incident response across live building operations.

Killian Hurley

Chairman, Mount Anvil

Killian co-founded Mount Anvil in 1991. He’s part of the fabric of development in London and the reason we’re all-in in this great city, as well as coining the phrase “Two ears one mouth, you should use them in that proportion” which you’ll hear frequently across our offices. He’s on Munster Rugby’s commercial advisory board and will brave a sea swim at temperatures that others baulk at.

Matt Davies

Head of Economic Development, Royal Docks Team

Matt Davies is an experienced regeneration and economic development specialist with more than 20 years of insight working across the public, private, and third sectors, principally in east London. He currently leads the Royal Docks Team’s Economy work, overseeing a programme of initiatives focused on placemaking, enterprise support, skills and inclusive growth in the Royal Docks. He has worked in similar roles in Enfield, Haringey (Tottenham) and Hackney. His work focusses on the intersection of place, economy, and creativity. Throughout his career, Matt has worked to connect communities, public institutions, and private enterprise to unlock shared value and long-term resilience, particularly in underinvested parts of London. He has a deep understanding of the city’s socio-economic landscape and a proven ability to translate complex policy goals into real, visible change.

Rokhsana Fiaz

Mayor, Newham Council

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE has served as Executive Mayor of Newham since May 2018.  She is portfolio lead for Inclusive Economy, Strategic Housing, Culture and Youth Power.  She is also London Council’s Data and Innovation lead, co-chair of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone and chairs Local London’s Growth and Recovery Board. She was awarded the OBE for services to Black and Minority Communities. 

Emily Loquidis

Associate Director, Sustainability and Decarbonisation Advisory, AECOM

Emily is an industry thought leader on low carbon design, promoting a whole lifecycle approach that considers both embodied carbon through LCA studies along with operational efficiency of the built environment. She works with clients to develop decarbonisation strategies across estates and portfolios through digital applications and visualisation tools. She has written for industry publications, speaks regularly at industry events and served as a technical expert regarding decarbonisation She is employed as an Associate Director of sustainability at AECOM, one of the largest design, sustainability, engineering, and consulting firms and has 17 years of experience in the sustainability field.

Rachel Sayers

Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

As a partner at FCBStudios, Rachel’s focus is one of putting the challenges of our changing world at the heart of our design work. Rachel is pursuing our zero carbon and biodiversity goals through two current projects which address issues of regeneration and reconnection with the natural world: Bristol Zoological Gardens new site and the emerging Eden Project Scotland, on a former gasworks site in Dundee.

Liz Mason

Director of Planning, Canary Wharf Group

Alan Bainbridge, Director of BBC Workplace, leads a team of 25 professionals overseeing 800 outsourced staff and 150+ UK locations. With over four decades of experience in construction, property and facilities management, his involvement in flagship schemes from PFI, retail, commercial and media has given him a breadth of understanding that spans the entire supply chain, from owner to occupier. At the BBC, Alan has led the landmark deliveries of the award-winning MediaCityUK in Salford, and the new BBC Wales headquarters in Central Square, Cardiff. As a passionate advocate for the transformational power or property, Alan prioritises the expertise of construction professionals over product sales and is committed to using the best in British manufacturing and fabrication to support this.

Rob Sloper

Head of Mixed-Use Development, Landsec

Rob Sloper, Head of Mixed-Use Development at Landsec, has over 20 years’ experience delivering major regeneration and mixed-use schemes across the UK, creating places that are both commercially robust and socially meaningful. Over this period he has worked extensively with public-sector partners to assemble underutilised land into cohesive masterplans and with leading education institutions to deliver developments that foster innovation and community. Known for balancing provenance with fresh thinking, Rob firmly believes well-designed, carefully curated environments drive economic growth, cultural vibrancy and ultimately create places that can stand the test of time.

Matt Mason

Head of Innovation & Urban Skills, The Crown Estate

Matt heads up innovation at The Crown Estate, a company acting in the national interest across its diverse portfolio of land, urban centres and the seabed. As part of his role, his current areas of interest include decarbonisation of heritage buildings, renewable energy technologies, sustainable construction, urbanisation, nature recovery and urban nature, social equality and supporting UK cleantech innovation. Prior to joining The Crown Estate, Matt spent 15 years leading on strategy and innovation in the Banking and FinTech industries, from working on corporate innovation and new ventures to founding an SME lending start-up. Matt is also a Strategic Board Member at the Digital Twin Hub, a multi-sector Industry and Catapult Network partnership housed at the Connected Places Catapult, which is focussed on the role that digital twins can play in the future of our built and natural environments.

Steve Platts

Director of Planning and Growth, LB Southwark

Planning and Growth maintain Southwark’s £20 billion plus inward investment programme ensuring it delivers maximum benefits to our residents and businesses. Working across planning, economic development, regeneration and property the directorate enables the delivery of 1,000s of new homes and jobs with the social infrastructure required to ensure that the growth is good and does not have a negative impact on our environment.

Laura Citron OBE

Chief Executive, London & Partners

Laura is CEO of London & Partners, the growth agency for London. Our mission is to create economic growth that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive. We drive investment, innovation and entrepreneurship and make London a brilliant destination for visitors and Londoners. Laura is proud to lead the teams behind flagship brands including Visit London, Let’s Do London, Grow London, London Tech Week, MedCity London, DotLondon and Opportunity London. Since Laura became CEO, London & Partners has created 42,500 jobs and added £1.9bn to the London economy. As a civic leader, Laura brings people together to create partnerships for good growth. Before joining London & Partners, Laura led the global Government & Public Sector Practice at WPP, the FTSE 100 global leader in marketing and communications. She advised governments around the world and trained future global leaders at the Blavatnik School of Government (Oxford) and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public (Singapore). Laura is passionate about social enterprise, endlessly curious about businesses and growth, always learning on leadership and inclusion, and is, unsurprisingly, a very proud Londoner. Laura was awarded an OBE for services to the London economy in June 2024.

David Cheshire

Regional Sustainability Director, AECOM

David Cheshire is a Director at AECOM, specialising in sustainability in the built environment. David is the author of Building Revolutions, a RIBA Publications book that explains how to apply the circular economy to the built environment. The hierarchy proposed in Building Revolutions is referenced in the latest London Plan consultation and he is currently working with the GLA to implement the Circular Economy Statement Guidance. David has just published a second edition titled a Handbook to Building a Circular economy, with new case studies and insights.

Tim Gledstone

Senior Partner, Squire and Partners

Tim Gledstone is Senior Partner at award-winning architecture and design practice Squire & Partners. Since joining in 1998, Tim has taken a leading role in the design direction of the practice and has delivered numerous prestigious developments of varying scales in the UK and internationally. Leading a team of architects, illustrators, interior designers and model makers, Tim’s creative input continues to shape the direction of the practice. Notable projects include the RIBA National Award-winning refurbishment of The Department Store, a residential complex located within the Albany Marina masterplan in the Bahamas and the sensitive restoration and extension of the iconic Grade II-listed Space House in Covent Garden. Tim is an active speaker at built environment events and regularly acts as a judge for various design awards. Outside of his work at the practice, Tim is a Trustee of GreenShoots Foundation and Art Academy London. He is also a board member of the Brixton Business Improvement District and Design Ambassador for Computer Aid International and Article25.

Sir Christopher Haworth Bt

Chair, Gateway 14

Chris has been involved in development and investment for many years. Having been a partner and head of the commercial division at Carter Jonas, where he advised The Crown Estate on major development opportunities, he now chairs a number of LATCOs. These include CIFCO, an investment company with a commercial portfolio of £100m set up by Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils, and Gateway 14, a company set up by Mid Suffolk DC to acquire and develop 156 acres in Suffolk. He chaired the East Midlands Development company until it was subsumed into the East Midlands Combined Authority, and sits on the board of Freeport East.

Stephen Pearson

Director of Investment, Canary Wharf Group

Julia Barfield

Founding Director, Marks Barfield Architects

Founding director of Marks Barfield Architects (MBA) together with husband and partner David Marks and originators and creative entrepreneurs behind the design and realisation of the London Eye and BA i360, Brighton. MBA has won 80+ awards for design, innovation and sustainability. Projects range from the Kew Treetop Walkway, Art fund winning Lightbox, Woking and Cambridge University Training school. Current projects include a visitor’s centre in the Seychelles, and the UK’s first green Mosque, Cambridge. Julia chairs of the RIBA National Awards Panel and is on LLDC Quality Panel.

Lisa Fairmaner

Head of London Plan, GLA

Lisa heads up the London Plan team at the Greater London Authority, recently completing engagement on the next London Plan. She’s previously led planning teams in central and suburban London, including Westminster, Kingston, Southwark and Newham in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics. Responsibilities have included planning for some of the UK’s most iconic places and high-profile challenges, and delivery of major environmental projects and cycle infrastructure. She began her planning career in New Zealand, where she worked on major urban extension and authoring a key report on the impacts of climate change.

Caroline Daly

Barrister, Francis Taylor Building

Caroline was called to the Bar in 2013 and is consistently ranked as a top planning junior in Planning Magazine’s annual law survey. She is also ranked in both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. Caroline specialises in compulsory purchase and compensation, infrastructure and planning. She acts for and advises central and local government, landowners, developers, private individuals, utilities companies and community interest groups. Notable clients include National Grid, Network Rail, Thames Water, Birmingham Airport and the City of London Corporation.

Drew Roche

Engineering Manager - Development, The Crown Estate

Drew Roche is an engineering professional with a background in MEP consultancy and a longstanding commitment to sustainability in the built environment. His experience spans net zero carbon towers, energy audits, major redevelopments, retained façade projects, plant replacement, net zero carbon pathways, maintenance audits and decarbonisation implementation. Working across development teams, capital expenditure programmes and operational environments, Drew brings a broad perspective to the technical and commercial challenges involved in improving building performance. Drew’s current work is focused on decarbonisation, NABERS and circularity, with a particular interest in how circular economy principles can be applied to the MEP sector. He is passionate about identifying practical opportunities, building networks and supporting the wider industry shift towards reuse at scale.

Lucy Dunn

Senior Digital Place Engagement Manager, West London Alliance

Lucy Dunn leads digital place, digital infrastructure and inclusion programmes for the West London Alliance. She works with the seven West London boroughs, telecommunications providers, government and community organisations to improve digital connectivity across West London and ensure that investment in digital infrastructure delivers meaningful benefits for residents and businesses. Her work spans broadband and mobile infrastructure, digital inclusion and collaborative innovation, with a particular focus on using technology to tackle inequalities, support economic opportunity and create more connected, resilient communities. From securing investment in connectivity and shaping regional digital strategies to developing practical initiatives that help residents get online, her focus is on turning digital transformation into better outcomes for people and places.

Richard McCarthy

Chief Operating Officer, Scott Brownrigg

Richard is based in Scott Brownrigg’s London Studio, where he is a Board Director and Chair of the practice’s Global Development Team. He works across the practice’s international portfolio, with a particular focus on business development, strategic growth and the sharing of expertise across its global studios. An architect by background, Richard has extensive experience in the design and delivery of high-density residential and mixed-use developments. His work focuses on finding simple, considered solutions to complex urban challenges through collaborative design. Richard has worked on a range of residential and mixed-use projects in the UK, as well as supporting the practice’s international growth, including its US operation. He has also judged the RESI Awards and regularly lectures at The Bartlett, UCL, on the future of digital twins and their role in the built environment.

Cllr James McAsh

Leader, London Borough of Southwark

James has been the councillor for Goose Green, in East Dulwich, since 2018 and he is now the first ever Green Leader of Southwark Council. Previously, he spent ten years as a primary school teacher in Brixton, and as an active trade unionist. Alongside my responsibilities as Leader, he also leads the council’s transport work - he is determined to create safer, cleaner and greener streets for the people of Southwark.

Mark Williams

Deputy Chief Executive, HOLBA

Mark has been at Heart of London Business Alliance for nearly 6 years, originally leading the destination marketing team, and now as Deputy Chief Executive. Mark leads on the strategic delivery in relation to the West End as a destination, including international marketing and cultural event campaigns, development of the cultural, tourism, ENTE and placemaking strategies, the data and insights team, and the inward investment programme. As part of this role, he sits on the London Tourism Advisory Board. Prior to working at Heart of London, Mark had a 17 year career working in the field of events and evening night time economy venues in London, Manchester and internationally.

Lorraine Casey

Regional Managing Director, Lovell Partnerships Ltd

Lorraine Casey is Regional Managing Director for Lovell Partnerships’ London region, bringing 27 years of construction industry experience and a strong commercial foundation developed across leading Tier 1 contractors. Her career began in 1999 as an estimator, progressing through senior estimator and associate director roles before moving into pre‑construction leadership. This breadth of experience now underpins her strategic and operational oversight of the London region.

Debbie Jackson Hon FRIBA

Executive Director - Regeneration, Economy and Planning, City of Westminster

Debbie has over twenty five years’ experience in London’s public sector, gained in local authorities and at the GLA where she led on several high-profile Mayoral programmes including the Good Growth Fund, Crowdfund London, Skills for Londoners Capital Fund and Good Growth by Design. In her current role at Westminster City Council, Debbie has responsibility for a wide range of outcomes including the delivery of high-quality housing, a vibrant economy with opportunities for all and places workers, visitors and residents can delight in. Across her career, Debbie has led on the delivery of projects and programmes at all scales and of all types – from infrastructure to community gardens, from policy to procurement to projects. Debbie’s biggest achievements are the teams she leads, taking pride in enabling the talent and development of others to promote better outcomes for Londoners.

Nic Durston

Chief Executive, South Bank Employers Group

Nic Durston is Chief Executive of South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG) and South Bank BID. His career spans urban regeneration, culture, heritage, education, and the built and natural environment. He has held senior roles at the National Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Groundwork and the Westway Trust. He is currently Chair of British BIDs, and Deputy Chair and external governor of Morley College London. Having worked, lived and studied in London for 40 years, Nic combines deep knowledge of the city with a long-standing commitment to partnership-led regeneration, economic growth, culture and community engagement.

Tessa Devreese

Built Environment Lead, ReLondon

Tessa Devreese is a circular economy practitioner working across the built environment sector. Her work has focused on the policy levers, supply chains, and ownership structures that shape how cities use, reuse, and manage materials. She currently leads the Built Environment Programme at ReLondon, working with policymakers, researchers, and industry partners to develop the policies, physical infrastructure, and digital systems needed to accelerate circular practices in construction. Previously, she advised city governments on climate and just transition approaches to the construction sector at C40 Cities.

Shravan Joshi MBE

Senior Advisor, CT Group

Shravan Joshi is a senior adviser at CT Group, advising clients around the world on political strategy within Real Estate and Infrastructure. He is an elected Member of the City of London Corporation for Bishopsgate Ward since 2018, and is a former Chair of Planning & Transportation. He presently serves as Deputy Chairman of the City’s Investment Committee and is Lead Member for SME Growth. He also holds a seat on the Policy and Resources Committee, as well as several other roles within the City Corporation, Livery companies, charities and community bodies.

Iain Milligan

Director of Network Development & Infrastructure, VodafoneThree

Iain was appointed as Network Development and Infrastructure Director at VodafoneThree in June 2025, following his tenure as Chief Network Officer at Three UK. Bringing nearly 20 years of industry experience, Iain led the performance and strategic expansion of Three’s network, including the continued rollout of 5G and the enhancement of connectivity for both consumers and businesses nationwide. During his career at Three UK, Iain held several senior leadership roles, including Director of Service Operations and Assurance, where he was instrumental in shaping the company’s operating strategy and driving the performance of its technology functions.

Elliott Saunders

Senior Development Executive, Helical

Elliott joined Helical in January 2024 as a Senior Development Executive focusing on the joint venture sites with Transport for London. Prior to joining, he held Director roles at Third London Wall and Avison Young leading a variety of central London commercial schemes including Helical’s Kaleidoscope. In addition to his development role, Elliott sits on Helical’s Sustainability Committee and is part of the Corporate Health & Safety Team.

Tina Jadav

Area Manager - West London, City + Place Unit, GLA

Tina Jadav is Area Manager for West Regeneration and Growth Strategies at the Greater London Authority. With a background in architecture and over a decade at the GLA, she has extensive experience leading regeneration and placemaking programmes, working with boroughs, developers and community partners to deliver sustainable growth and improve places across London.

Michael Foster-Smith

Development Director, Tishman Speyer

Michael is a Development Director with 15 years’ experience working on commercial, pharmaceutical and residential developments both in London and the North of England, leading and managing complex stakeholder environments. Michael has worked on over 2 million sqft of developments, most notably the masterplanning of a biopharmaceutical production facility for GSK and the delivery of a European HQ for an American Investment bank in the City. Recently, Michael has delivered the over-station development of Angel Square in Islington for Tishman Speyer and is currently working on the repositioning of a mixed-use asset in the West End.

Thomasin Renshaw

Managing Director, UK Development, Greystar International

Thomasin Renshaw is a Managing Director and leads the UK Development and Construction teams. Thomasin leads the development strategy and execution of all BTR and PBSA developments across the UK. This includes Pearl Yard in Bermondsey and One Medlock Street in Manchester. Before joining Greystar, Thomasin served as Chief Development Officer at Pocket Living, Director of Development (Head of South Molton Triangle) at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland and Development Director at Muse. She has over 20 years of experience leading complex residential and mixed-use regeneration projects across London and the UK. Thomasin holds a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from University College London and a Master of Science in Surveying from the University of Reading. She is a Fellow of RICS (Planning and Development). 

Darren Rodwell

Strategic Advisor of Inclusive Growth, Inclusive Growth Consultancy

Darren Rodwell is the founder of Inclusive Growth Consultancy, Mayoral Regeneration Adviser to the Mayor of Newham and Chair of the Housing Board at The London Society. Until recently, he served as Chair of the Harlow Investment Board. He is also the author of Building Communities. Previously Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Darren led major housing, regeneration and inclusive-growth programmes, established Be First and BD Reside, and founded Opportunity London. Today, he works with councils, businesses, investors, developers and communities to ensure growth delivers affordable homes, jobs, skills and lasting benefits for local people.

Gwyn Richards

Planning and Development Director, City of London Corporation

Gwyn Richards has been the Planning and Development Director in the City of London since April 2020. Prior to this he was the Assistant Director (Urban Design) in the City of London from 2014. Gwyn leads the Planning and Development Division of the City of London’s Environment Department including overseeing Development Management, Policy and Strategy, Urban Design, Partnership and Engagement and Building Control where he oversees tall building policies, digital and microclimatic modelling work as well as overseeing negotiations on all major new tall building schemes in the City of London Gwyn, (who has worked for the City Corporation since 2007) previously worked in a senior planning officer capacity for Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and was until recently on the New London Architecture’s Expert Panel on Tall Buildings and has extensive experience of speaking at UK and international conferences on tall buildings as well as the author of numerous articles. He has over 30 years of experience in planning, almost all within inner London Planning authorities.

David Gandler

Chairman, Gandler Sports Group and Majority Owner, Leyton Orient FC,

David Gandler is an entrepreneur, investor, and executive in technology, media, and sports. He co-founded Fubo in 2014 and served as CEO until 2026, growing it into North America’s sixth-largest pay-TV provider. He is majority owner of Leyton Orient FC, was co-owner of Paris FC until its sale to the Arnault family office in 2025, and serves on the Newsmax board.

Alina Gheorghiu-Currie

Director of Heat Networks, Vattenfall

Alina leads Vattenfall Heat UK’s delivery of large-scale, low carbon heat networks in London. With 20 years' experience across renewable infrastructure investment, finance, and social impact, she has worked alongside project developers, public agencies, investors, funders and more. Alina is passionate about using low carbon infrastructure to deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment.

James Masini

Principal, Inner Circle Consulting

James leads Inner Circle Consulting’s work on residential development and is an experienced town planning and housing professional. He has an excellent track record of leading and enabling major regeneration projects and programmes across London; bringing together a range of built environment stakeholders in delivering residential, commercial and community-led initiatives. As a hyper-collaborative convener of place, James works with clients to create a shared understanding ambition that considers how the whole housing system will respond to growth in order to serve the community at large.

Jo Dimitri

Senior Programme Manager, National Trust

Jo is the specialist delivery lead for the National Trust’s collaborative work in London and the South East to tackle inequitable access to nature, culture and heritage. Over 15 years with the Trust, she has led partnership and transformation initiatives such as the Roundhouse and Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham and infrastructure projects at Attingham Park in Shropshire and Croft Castle in Herefordshire, bringing together public, private, charity and community organisations to create lasting social and environmental impact. Before joining the National Trust, Jo worked at the Natural History Museum leading major engagement projects including the Ice Rink and Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and managed government investment into museums across the Midlands, South West and London. She began her career delivering large-scale events across the UK. Jo is also a Trustee for the National Park City Foundation, a global movement making cities greener, healthier and wilder.

Cllr Keith Prince

Leader, London Borough of Havering

Keith Prince is Leader of Havering Council and London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, a role he has held since 2016. With over three decades of public service, he has served as a councillor in both Havering and Redbridge, including as Leader of Redbridge Council. A lifelong local resident with deep roots in east London, he brings decades of experience in local government and public service. Throughout his career, he has focused on championing residents, strengthening communities, and delivering practical improvements in areas including transport, policing, and local services.

Doug Drewniak

Principal Sustainability Manager, Willmott Dixon

Doug Drewniak is a sustainability practitioner at Willmott Dixon, driving improvements in building performance and net zero delivery. With a decade of experience, he provides technical support across Passivhaus, near-zero and net zero carbon projects from design through to post-occupancy verification. A certified Passivhaus designer, Doug leads the delivery of Energy Synergy®, Willmott Dixon's CIBSE award-winning post-occupancy performance optimisation service. Doug is a member of the Passivhaus Trust Technical Panel and Education Steering Group, contributed to the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, and continues to support its Pathfinder programme.

Sarah Banham

Head of Community, Sustainability and Public Affairs, Battersea Power Station Development Company

Having worked on Battersea Power Station for over 20 years, and a Battersea resident herself, Sarah Banham oversees the project’s extensive community, sustainability and public affairs programmes. Within her role, Sarah works closely with local and national government, as well as community organisations, to ensure the project has meaningful and long-term impact locally, and to strengthen its connections across the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Mathew Evans-Pollard

Managing Director, Hadley Property Group

Mathew joined Hadley as Managing Director in 2024 and sits across both the Executive and Operational Boards, strengthening operational structures, steering high-impact projects and shaping long-term partnerships with the public sector and major capital providers. His current focus includes 980 Great West Road, Hadley's 13-acre redevelopment and retrofit scheme on Hounslow's Golden Mile, now progressing towards start on site. He holds a key role in the Golden Mile Developer Forum, which brings landowners together with local businesses and organisations, the borough and the wider public sector. The Forum was convened to support the vision for the emerging Golden Mile district. His background spans the private and public sectors, including senior leadership roles at Deloitte LLP, where he served as Partner and Group Head of Development & Assurance. His track record is defined by leading roles on some of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration schemes.

Robin Bosworth

Digital Lead, Local London

Robin is Digital Lead for Local London, the Sub Regional Partnership covering nine Boroughs in North East, East and South East London. Robin uses his commercial expertise to assist local authorities in funding applications, procurements, and service delivery planning. Robin has over 30 years telecommunications industry experience and has a detailed insight of product developments, service provision, procurements and operator strategies. This includes all aspects of business strategy and planning, procurement, product and service positioning and strategic marketing. He has undertaken successful assignments for leading fixed and mobile telecommunications operators, new service providers, equipment vendors, financial institutions, broadcasters and content providers worldwide.

Anna Mansfield

Director, Publica

Anna Mansfield is a Director at Publica and has held a senior position since its establishment. She is responsible for overseeing the practice’s research, policy, masterplanning and infrastructure projects and shaping the strategic direction of its work and research. Anna has extensive experience developing area strategies for complex urban sites with multiple stakeholder interests, both in London and internationally. This includes her leadership of the large-scale strategy for the future of the Oxford Street District. Her research expertise spans areas including child-friendly cities, the evening and night-time economy, infrastructure planning, and community facilities. She has recently led a research project for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, delivering the Community Facilities Needs Assessment for the Infrastructure Planning team and the Evening and Night Time Strategy for Coventry. Anna has provided strategic advice on design and integrated masterplanning to a wide range of public and private sector clients, including the GLA, TfL, City of London, Westminster City Council, British Land, Land Securities, Capital & Counties Properties Plc, Great Portland Estates Plc, Helical Plc, Northbank BID, and community groups including Queen’s Park Community Council. Anna was an inaugural member of the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Advisory Panel (IAP) and serves as Chair and panel member for design review panels in the London Boroughs of Bromley, Havering, and Redbridge and is a member of NLA’s Evening and Night TimeEconomy Group. She is an external examiner and speaks widely across academic and professional forums.

Rob Wall

Assistant Director (Sustainability), Real Estate: UK

Rob joined Real Estate: UK in 2021 and leads the organisation’s work on sustainability and development. He has previously led policy teams in a number of business bodies, including the CBI and the National Housing Federation. Rob started his career in the Civil Service and has worked in policy and operational roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office.

Anna Godleman

Head of Sustainability, Barnet Council

Anna Godleman is the Head of Sustainability at Barnet Council, leading the borough’s strategic response to climate change and adaptation. BarNET Zero, Barnet’s acclaimed sustainability programme, focuses on local climate solutions achieved through collaboration and partnership. Anna holds a PhD focused on decentralised energy systems and chairs the Local Government Association’s Sustainability Action Network.

Liam Shrivastava

Mayor, London Borough of Lewisham

Liam was elected as Lewisham’s first Green Mayor in 2026. Prior to this he served as a ward Councillor for New Cross Gate, a scrutiny Chair and as Leader of the Opposition. His administration has pledged to deliver 1,000 affordable homes, make Lewisham a Right to Grow borough, and establish a Popular Assets Commission to support common ownership of public assets like community centres and pubs. Liam has a professional background in communications, racial justice and migration and is a fierce proponent of the Bakerloo Line extension.

Anna Rose

Director of Consulting, Space Syntax

Anna is Director of Consulting at Space Syntax, leading projects across a wide range of scales and sectors in London and the UK. Her international work focuses on projects in central Europe and the US. She has extensive experience advising private and public sector clients on spatially complex development, masterplanning and public realm projects. Her work focuses on optimising spatial connectivity to support human interaction, walkability, safety, conviviality and wider urban sustainability. Anna regularly collaborates with partners across architecture, transport planning, landscape design, urban design, urban economics and sustainability to help create the spatial conditions for healthy, thriving places. As a member of the Academy of Urbanism, the LDN Collective and as a Design Council Expert, Anna advocates for evidence-based, human-focused and outcome-oriented design.

Domonic Egan

Managing Director, McLaren

As Managing Director - Commercial Offices at McLaren Construction, I lead the delivery of complex, high-value commercial developments across London and the South East. With extensive experience in construction, development, procurement, and operational leadership, I am passionate about creating high-performing teams that deliver exceptional outcomes for clients. My focus is on building trusted relationships, driving innovation, managing risk effectively, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, sustainably, and to the highest standards of quality. Throughout my career I have worked across a broad range of landmark commercial office developments, overseeing projects from pre-construction through to completion and handover. I believe successful projects are built on collaboration, transparency, strong leadership and a relentless commitment to client success.

Anthony Peter

Development Director, Head of Infrastructure & Public Realm, Related Argent

Anthony is responsible for the public realm and infrastructure team at Related Argent. He is also currently co-leading the mixed-use St Pancras Hospital development (in conjunction with King’s Cross Group) and is responsible for overseeing the completion of all remaining development activities at King’s Cross.

Emily Wilson

Commercial growth and strategic partnerships specialist,

Emily Wilson is a commercial growth and strategic partnerships leader with a proven track record of driving revenue, building high-value relationships and delivering sustainable growth across complex, relationship-led organisations. With a background spanning commercial strategy, business development and stakeholder engagement, Emily specialises in identifying new opportunities, building trusted relationships and turning strategic partnerships into measurable commercial outcomes. She is known for connecting people, influencing senior decision-makers and creating collaborative approaches that deliver long-term value. At Ninety Four Group, she focuses on building genuine connections and developing a deep understanding of the needs of clients across both the public and private sectors. Through strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement and active industry involvement, she works to identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure Ninety Four Group continues to respond to the evolving needs of its clients in a challenging and changing landscape.

Matt Twist KPM

Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitian Police Service

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist KPM leads Frontline Policing for the Metropolitan Police Service, overseeing more than 20,000 officers and staff responsible for local policing, public protection, and specialist crime across London. His remit includes driving performance improvement across frontline policing, managing complex risk, and delivering large‑scale organisational transformation – ultimately to build trust, lower crime and raise standards. With a policing career spanning nearly three decades, Matt has held a wide range of senior operational and strategic roles across the Met and nationally. He has led complex change programmes including Command & Control transformation and Central Estates and served as Gold Commander for London’s policing response during the Covid‑19 pandemic. He has also held national leadership roles within Counter Terrorism Policing, with national responsibility for CT Protect and Prepare. As Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations from 2022, he oversaw the policing operation of the Coronation of HM King Charles III and led the MPS response to significant protests, most notably linked to the Israel / Gaza demonstrations. He was also the MPS lead for Firearms and the government‑led Accountability Review. As AC for Frontline Policing since Dec 2024, Matt has led significant structural change within the business group and crime performance improvement. Matt works closely with government, London partners, and business leaders to support London’s safety, confidence, and economic vitality. He currently serves as Chair of the NPCC Performance Management Coordinating Committee and was awarded the King’s Police Medal in the 2025 New Year Honours for distinguished service.

Tim den Dekker

Partner, Lignum Risk Partners

Tim den Dekker is a Partner at Lignum Risk Partners, a consultancy specialising in overcoming problems around insurability for sustainability pioneers. He is an architect and actuary who specialises in low carbon construction and strategic risk advice. Tim is also a Senior Associate and Sustainability Lead at architectural practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios where he co-founded the Part Z proposals to regulate embodied carbon in the built environment

Abby Crisostomo

Head of Green Infrastructure, Greater London Authority

Abby Crisostomo is the Head of Green Infrastructure at the Greater London Authority. She leads a team to develop policies and run programmes to deliver London’s greening and nature ambitions. Prior to this role, Abby was the project director at the Environment Agency for delivery of Thames Estuary 2100, London and the Thames Estuary’s world leading climate adaptation strategy for tidal flood risk. Abby has also been Head of Climate Adaptation and Sustainable Development at the Greater London Authority; led sustainable design and construction projects for KLH Sustainability, including London Olympic Park legacy projects; and worked on environment and social policy and planning in the US at the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Chicago’s Metropolitan Planning Council. She also founded and previously chaired CIWEM’s SuDS and Water Reuse Policy Leadership Group.

Bernard Heersche

Executive Development Director, EDGE

Bernard Heersche is Executive Development Director responsible for Edge’s developments in the UK. Edge entered the London market in 2019 with its first acquisition: EDGE London Bridge. Over the past years, Bernard has helped to establish the office in London and is now working on a number of high-profile developments including EDGE Liverpool Street and EDGE Shaftesbury. On all projects he is pushing innovation and design to deliver some of the most sustainable and forward looking offices in London. Bernard has a background in architecture and worked at British Land before joining Edge in 2018.

Alice Sewell

Investment Director, Imperial College London

Alice Sewell, Investment Director at Imperial College London, leads on real estate investment activity for the University and its Endowment Fund. She co-leads WestTech London and has a focus on creating a new significant innovation cluster at Old Oak, including major planning, development, and transactional activity. Previously, Alice spent seven years at Savills.

James Cooksey

Chief Executive, Old Park Lane Management

James joined Old Park Lane Management in August 2021 as Chief Executive. Prior to this, James spent 12 years at The Crown Estate, latterly in the role of Managing Director of London, responsible for The Crown Estate’s holdings in Central London portfolio valued at around £8bn. With over 25 years’ experience in real estate and fund management, James is a qualified Chartered Surveyor as well as having passed the full IMC. James is a Board member of both the Westminster Property Association and Heart of London Business Alliance as well as a Trustee for the Creative Land Trust.

James Saunders

Chief Executive Officer, Battersea Power Station Development Company

James joined Battersea Power Station Development Company as CEO in April 2026, following 18 years at Quintain where he served as Commercial Director, COO and CEO. During his six years as CEO, James led the transformation of Wembley Park from an events destination into one of London’s most successful mixed-use neighbourhoods, as well as the UK’s largest Build to Rent estate. Earlier in his career, James held senior marketing roles at The Cloud Networks and Coca-Cola Great Britain.

Christina Calderato

Director of Strategy, Transport for London

Christina is the Director of Strategy at Transport for London. During her time at TfL, Christina has worked across a diverse range of policy areas and led the team that developed the current Mayor’s Transport Strategy. In her current role, Christina leads teams responsible for strategy and policy, analysis and local engagement which inform improvements to London’s transport networks; enabling future growth, improvements to air quality and increasing sustainable travel options.

David West

Founding Director, Studio Egret West

David is a partner in Studio Egret West, and an urban designer specialising in urban visions and strategic frameworks. David has worked on diverse projects all over the world, working on large-scale international masterplans at Atkins. Having set up SEW with Christophe Egret in 2004, David has pursued a passion for delivering place specific strategies and solutions.

Steven Crutchley

UK Development Director, IJM

Steve oversees IJM’s developments in the UK. IJM Corporation Berhad is a listed company on the Bursa Malaysia, Malaysia’s stock exchange, and in the UK, it owns and operates its own mixed-use developments across the office, hotel, residential, infrastructure, industrial and retail sectors. IJM also invested into JRL Group at the beginning of 2025. Current IJM schemes on site include a 455 bedroom 4* hotel with 79 apartments and new infrastructure at Tower Gateway DLR station, directly overlooking the Tower of London, a 380,000 sq ft Grade II office refurbishment in Finsbury Circus, and a 550 home redevelopment of the former Shredded Wheat factory in Welwyn Garden City. Looking ahead, IJM has an active planning pipeline of major office and residential projects, including over 1,000 residential homes through its 50/50 joint venture partnership with Platform4, known as Innova.

Susanne Maguire

Head of Property Development, Places for London

Susanne Maguire is Head of Property Development with over 10 years’ experience delivering complex residential, mixed-use and transport-integrated developments across London. Since joining Transport for London’s Property Development team in 2016, she has led major over-station development and Build to Rent projects, managing partnerships, complex stakeholder relationships and high-value real estate transactions. She is currently leading the development of Places for London’s Campus Strategy and the strategic partnership with Platform 4.

Mayor Forhad Hussain

Mayor, London Borough of Newham

Mayor Forhad Hussain was elected Mayor of Newham in May 2026. A lifelong Plaistow resident, he attended local schools before studying at Newham Sixth Form College (NewVic) and going on to read Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London. Mayor Hussain currently lives in Plaistow with his young family. Mayor Hussain served as a Labour councillor for Plaistow North from 2010 to 2018, holding senior roles including Cabinet Member for Commercial Opportunities, Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, and Chair of the Audit and Pensions Committee. Alongside his public service career, which has included roles in the NHS, education and infrastructure, Mayor Hussain previously worked as a Principal Consultant helping to deliver the Lower Thames Crossing project. An ECB Level 2 cricket coach, Mayor Hussain has supported grassroots cricket and community initiatives across east London through work with Essex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board Trust. As Mayor, he is focused on delivering cleaner and safer streets, improving housing services, supporting young people and families, and ensuring local people's voices shape the future of Newham.

William Newton

Chief Executive Officer, WiredScore

William Newton is CEO of WiredScore. He joined WiredScore in 2015, bringing the globally recognised certification for technology in real estate to the UK, specifically working with the then Mayor of London to establish WiredScore as the capital’s official digital connectivity rating scheme. Since then, William has led WiredScore’s global expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, bringing outstanding connectivity to over 9 million people across 40+ countries. He also led WiredScore’s entry into the smart building arena with the launch of SmartScore in 2021. In March 2026, WiredScore was acquired by Meter, the global enterprise networking company. The acquisition brings the global standard for in-building connectivity together with the infrastructure that delivers it, all with the aim of strengthening international adoption of best-practices in digital building performance. William continues to lead WiredScore as CEO, and the WiredScore and SmartScore certifications remain independent global standards. William began his career at McKinsey & Co, before moving to work in the Cabinet Office and then in the No 10 Policy Unit in 10 Downing Street.

Rosie Day

Chief Strategy Officer, Westminster Property Association

Rosie is Chief Strategy Officer at Westminster Property Association (WPA), the membership body representing the real estate sector in the City of Westminster. Bringing together the area’s major property owners, investors, developers and professional advisers, WPA champions Westminster as a world-leading place to invest, work and do business - providing a strong collective voice for the sector.

Simon Burnett

Partner, Head of London Development, Deloitte

Simon leads the Development Advisory practice at Deloitte. He has over 20 years’ experience in providing development focused agency, funding and strategic consultancy advice. Simon specialises in advising clients on major real estate development projects and programmes, including many of the largest regeneration schemes across the UK involving the creation of joint ventures / partnership structures. Within the Transport sector, Simon has extensive experience advising on the funding and financing of new transport infrastructure through innovative funding mechanisms, examples including Crossrail 1 and 2, Bakerloo Line Extension and West London Orbital.

Benjamin Koslowski

Senior Associate and Research Lead, Fletcher Priest Architects

Benjamin is a designer and researcher with a PhD in Communication Design from the Royal College of Art. He is the Research Lead at Fletcher Priest Architects, developing strategic approaches to design challenges across all scales from interiors, to architecture and urban design. This involves engaging with clients, users, stakeholders and collaborators to drive innovation. Some of Ben’s recent work has focused on urban activation and the ways in which buildings meet the ground to create welcoming places and engaging experiences.

Mark O’Brien O’Reilly

Barrister, Francis Taylor Building

Mark was called to the bar in 2021 and is a leading barrister with a growing reputation for experience and skill beyond his call. He is ranked as one of the top junior planning barristers in the country in Planning Magazine’s annual law survey. Mark specialises in planning, infrastructure and compulsory purchase/compensation work. He appears before a broad range of courts, tribunals and planning inquiries. He acts for a broad range of clients ranging from developers, renewable energy companies and landowners to local residents. He also has extensive experience of acting for, and advising, central government and local government including for many London boroughs.

Jamie Chapman

Student Ambassador, The Skills Centre

Jamie Chapman began his career in construction at the age of 21 after discovering The Skills Centre and seeking advice on how to enter the industry. With their support, he booked his CSCS test and secured employment with a formworks company, where he spent 10 years building his trade skills and gaining further qualifications with the help of a Skills Centre assessor. Following redundancy, Jamie explored his next steps and enrolled on a programme at the Southwark Construction Skills Centre focused on employability and employer engagement. When asked to share his knowledge with fellow learners, his ability to communicate and guide others was quickly recognised by staff, who encouraged him to apply for a tutor role. Jamie successfully transitioned into teaching and now delivers two bootcamps at the very place where his construction journey began. Since stepping into this new path, he has achieved his AET Level 3 in teaching and is working towards his TAQA assessor qualification, continuing to develop his skills while inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.

Tim Reid

Customer Relationship Director, NHBC

Tim is a highly experienced property and communications professional with a wide range of experience across the property sector. His responsibilities at NHBC centre on relationship management with NHBC’s traditional builder customers, as well as a wider group role, overseeing a team of NHBC’s sector heads within the living sector markets with sector focus on Build to Rent, housing associations and local authority engagement. Prior to NHBC, Tim worked in a public relations and communications agency environment, most recently for five years with Four Communications Group, starting as a director, and then promoted to managing director, whilst also sitting on the company’s board. Before that, Tim spent eight years at Chime Communications where he rose from account manager to managing partner in less than five years, to head up the business’s property arm, Good Relations Property, also sitting on the Good Relations Board. Other roles have included RICS and L&Q Group.

Cllr Louise Brett

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, London Borough of Ealing

Cllr Louise Brett is the Labour Deputy Leader of Ealing Council and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, representing North Hanwell ward. As a member of Ealing's Cabinet, she leads on housing policy and services, with responsibility for housing strategy, homelessness and temporary accommodation, housing management, estate services, private sector housing, and the delivery of new genuinely affordable homes across the borough. Having grown up in council housing herself, Cllr Brett understands first-hand the difference that a safe, secure and affordable home can make to people's lives. Alongside her role in Ealing, Cllr Brett is the Northwest London sub-region lead on the London Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme Board, working with boroughs and partners to strengthen collaboration, share best practice and improve outcomes for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Cllr Brett is a strong advocate for high-quality council housing, homelessness prevention and the delivery of genuinely affordable homes, and is committed to ensuring that Ealing and London remain places where everyone has the opportunity to build a stable and secure future.

Richard Ford

Partner, Pinsent Masons

Richard is a Partner at Pinsent Masons who specialises in planning and built environment digital delivery of Smart Projects and Cities, marrying (1) digital twins for masterplanning, construction and asset management ; (2) data stores for places; (3) consumer interfaces including social media, apps, websites and branding/sponsorship; and (4) data trusts for towns and cities.

Austin Casey

Chief Executive, Culture Mile BID

Austin has a strong track record in the regeneration field having worked in the sector for over 20 years and co-founding Primera Corporation. His key specialism is stakeholder engagement, developing deep and lasting relationships with public and private sector organisations in metropolitan areas across the UK and internationally, in particular helping to pioneer and develop the Business Improvement District (BID) model in the UK. Over two decades Austin has built the portfolio of business partnerships that Primera oversees across Central London. His expertise lies in creating sustainable, agile business vehicles that can deliver an effective programme of activity addressing both business and community priorities. More recently Austin has led the successful BID ballot campaigns in the City of London including the Eastern City BID, Fleet Street BID and the Culture Mile BID, where he currently serves as CEO. Austin places great importance on working in a collegiate way to deliver effective partnerships. He has a proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams to deliver required outputs within tight budgets and timeframes.

Michael Clark

Design Director, Hadley Property Group

Michael Clark is Design Director at Hadley Property Group, leading the masterplan for 980 Great West Road, a project he returns to after overseeing the original design of the GSK headquarters. An architect and urban designer, he brings extensive experience delivering major regeneration schemes across the UK and internationally. With expertise spanning both design and technical delivery, Michael coordinates five architectural practices to realise a more sustainable, connected future for the site. He will share insights into the retention strategies and circular economy principles shaping a development of this scale.

Katie Parkinson

Legal Director, Trowers & Hamlins

Katie’s experience includes drafting, advising on and negotiating construction contracts, consultancy agreements, facilities maintenance agreements and ancillary documents across projects of varying size and complexity for contractors, private developers, state government and local government. Katie returned to the United Kingdom in late 2023 having spent five years working in the construction and projects team at a law firm, Maddocks, in Melbourne. Prior to moving to Australia, Katie spent 5 years working as a lawyer for a Tier 1 construction law firm in London. In London Katie acted for private developers, pension funds and financiers on residential and commercial developments in and around London.

Cllr Festus Akinbusoye

Deputy Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Westminster City Council

Festus Akinbusoye served as Police and Crime Commissioner from 2021 to 2024, overseeing a £140 million budget, having previously served as a Special Constable. He has spent years giving back to his community as a YMCA trustee, a further education college governor and a mentor to young people in alternative provision schools and in prisons. An entrepreneur for over 20 years, Festus started his business in London, growing it from his parents’ council flat into a company that now employs 40 people across the UK. He is passionate about public safety, supporting young people and helping local businesses succeed.

James Stoll

Director of Asset Management, Cadogan

James Stoll is Director of Asset Management at Cadogan, appointed in January 2023. He brings 17 years of experience in London-focused, mixed-use property asset management. Prior to joining Cadogan, James was Head of Asset Management at Capco, where he led the strategic oversight of the Covent Garden portfolio. His earlier career at Savills included responsibility for The Crown Estate’s Regents Park portfolio and the Welcome Trust’s South Kensington assets. James is recognised for his expertise in long-term value creation, placemaking, and operational strategy across complex urban estates. He plays an active role in industry leadership as a member of the British Property Federation (BPF) Retail Board and serves as Chair of the Knightsbridge Partnership Property Steering Group, contributing to the evolution of retail and public realm initiatives in central London.

Colin Ainger

Partner, HTA Design LLP

Colin is a Partner and Project Director at HTA, with over 25 years’ experience in the housing sector. He leads design teams in the delivery of complex housing projects. His experience spans estate regeneration, build to rent, and suburban and rural extensions across the UK.

Linda Thiel

Partner, White Arkitekter

Linda Thiel is a Partner and architect at White Arkitekter and the founder of their London studio. With her Swedish background, her work embodies a Scandinavian approach to designing homes and neighbourhoods to meet the growing challenge of urbanisation. Her experience range from urban development, residential and mixed-use projects. With emphasis on quality living, she pursues the values of high-quality public space to provide the foundation for long-term sustainable solutions and places. Linda is a Design Review Panel member for OPDC, Ealing and Watford. Projects in the UK include the Gascoigne Estate in Barking London, Climate Innovation District in Leeds, as well as a Town Centre Vision for Slough.

Louise Phillips

Deputy Director of Regeneration and Infrastructure, NHS North East London

Louise is an experienced senior leader in the NHS, committed to improving population health and wellbeing through innovative service design and strategic, system-wide collaboration. With a strong track record across primary, community, and secondary care, she offers extensive expertise in health policy, transformation, and strategic planning. As a specialist in social infrastructure, urban development, and regeneration, Louise embeds the social determinants of health into planning and delivery to drive equity and improve outcomes. A credible and inclusive leader, she has successfully led complex change programmes in partnership with patients, carers, communities, and system stakeholders.

Sally Jones

Head of Europe, Swift Connect

Sally Jones is an accomplished FTSE100 executive with a broad range of experience in property and technology. Currently a Board Member of Network Rail’s Property Board, Sally also worked for 13 years in senior roles at British Land where latterly she was Head of Strategy, Digital & Technology and a member of the Executive Committee. Instrumental in its entry into new property sectors and the adoption of innovative building technologies, Sally also has extensive proptech experience through her exec and board roles, and a background in finance and consumer goods.

Damian Fennell

Co-Founder, MaxQ Consulting

Damian specialises in strategy, creative solutions and process optimisation. He has 18 years’ experience working in London Real Estate tech across most sectors for blue chip clients on the highest profile sites. Before RE he had a successful career in fine art and sculpture. He is outcomes-focussed and motivated by the transformation of every project from good into outstanding. While his career has spanned office, residential, science parks, retail, culture and masterplanning, he is particularly passionate about urban regeneration and reinvention of existing assets. Having been instrumental in the founding of challenger art school Art Academy London back in 2000, Damian is now chair of the board of trustees and helped it establish its new HQ campus at Triptych next to Tate Modern.

Liz Burnett

Development Consultant, MaxQ Consulting

As Development Consultant Liz is responsible for driving creative solutions and process optimization according to the exacting requirements of the client and project. Before MaxQ Liz had a successful career in private architectural practice spanning more than 15 years, where she built substantial experience across multiple sectors and all RIBA project stages. Leading large cross-disciplinary teams has allowed Liz to gain invaluable insight as to the complex challenges faced by the Construction and Real Estate sector. As a residential specialist she is passionate about aligning exemplary design with commercial viability to produce socially and economically sustainable development.

Justin Manson

Director – Project Management EU, SNHA

Jennifer Peters

Assistant Director for Planning, Design and Sustainability, LB Ealing

Jennifer Peters is a senior leader and Chartered Planner with significant experience working in planning, housing and regeneration policy development and implementation. She has worked at the local and regional level in London and the North East of England. At the Greater London Authority she led on the development of the 2021 London Plan, which includes ambitious policy in a range of areas including affordable housing, zero carbon, housing standards, urban greening and active travel. With a focus on Good Growth, as well as leading on Planning and Urban Design, at Ealing Council she plays a lead role, working across the council and with stakeholders, in delivering the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy, and has also led on Transport, Highways and Parking.

Aušra Vankevičiūtė

Chief Executive Officer, Staticus

Aušra Vankevičiūtė is the CEO of Staticus, one of the largest façade contractors in Europe. Since taking the helm in 2019, she has driven the company’s international growth while placing innovation and sustainability at its core. Under her leadership, Staticus has pioneered low-carbon façade solutions, adopted Agile ways of working, and expanded its global reach. In recent turbulent times, Aušra has guided the company to resilient growth, backed by a clear strategy, disciplined execution, and a strong focus on empowering people.

Patricia Brown MBE Hon FRIBA

Director, Central

Patricia’s strategic advisory and non-executive work spans disciplines, sectors and geographies. The common thread is connecting: ideas and possibilities, places and people, opportunities and ambition, focused mainly on improving cities and places, creating better experiences for people and prospects for business. Her work has been a significant catalyst in urban change, beginning in 1990’s London when she utilised the private sector’s interest, especially real estate partners, to be active stewards in improving London’s liveability and urban quality, which she saw as fundamental to London’s economic competitiveness. She has led game-changing initiatives, including landing BIDs into the UK, and championing tangible action on public realm, with measures such as Legible London. She sits on a range of profit and not-for-profit boards and is a strategic adviser to a range of land owners, developers, local authorities and infrastructure bodies, as well as chairing a variety of partnership boards.

Akanksha Soni

Senior Reporter, Estates Gazette

Rebecca Wardle

Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Rebecca has over 20 years' experience in the real estate sector working on all aspects of residential development and regeneration projects for both public and private sector organisations. She has a diverse client base and acts for developers, housebuilders, contractors, registered providers and local authorities. She specialises in real estate acquisition and sales, transaction structuring, development, regeneration, joint ventures and partnerships and has particular expertise in student accommodation and build to rent projects. She advises on the real estate aspects of development financing having acted for numerous clients seeking funding solutions. Rebecca has advised on numerous large scale projects with particular recent highlights including advising Vistry Group on their joint venture projects at Brunel Street Works in Canning Town with MTVHA and the GLA and Pudding Mill Lane with the London Legacy Development Corporation, Wates Group on their joint venture regeneration schemes in Harrow and Havering and Westminster City Council on their Church Street regeneration project.

Nick McKeogh Hon FRIBA

Co-Founder & Chief Executive, NLA

Nick leads the NLA’s culture and values; fostering key relationships; developing new business areas & partnerships. He leads on the annual London Real Estate Forum and is Co-chair of the Opportunity London Partnership.

Jessica Tsang

Programme Manager, Small Sites Small Builders, Greater London Authority

Jessica’s career has focused on enabling human scale regeneration and opportunities for self-determination and agency within the built environment for those normally excluded by market conditions. For 10 years Jessica delivered award winning meanwhile use projects as a Project Director with Meanwhile Space CIC. Moving from there Jessica spent 2 years managing London’s Community Housing Fund for the Greater London Authority. Jessica now manages the GLA’s Small Sites Small Builders programme unlocking surplus public land and supporting house builder diversification and innovation in the sector.

Charles Moran

Founder and Director, CMA Planning

Charles is the founder and director of CMA Planning - a specialist planning consultancy that advises a range of developers, housebuilders, operators and investors. Over the last decade Charles has secured over 200 major planning permissions in London, representing over 15Msqft, including some 15,000 new homes. He has advised on 55 projects shortlisted for the New London Architecture Awards, of which 7 were commended and 17 were winners, along with three projects shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. Charles is also the founder of BODE an SME developer, and holds client side roles at Scape & Morro - a specialist student housing and co-living developer and operator - and Latreal - a specialist science and tech developer.

Emma Hatch

Head of Development, Places for London

Emma is Head of Development at Places for London, Transport for London (TfL)’s property company. Emma leads on projects with significant land interface with Network Rail and boroughs. Working between our property sectors on multi-use town centre regeneration opportunities, which enable the delivery of integrated transport hubs. Specialising in partnerships, Emma’s experience establishing and working in joint ventures with house builders, developers and housing associations has given her first-hand insight into making these projects a success. She also seeks to strengthen collaboration with development partners and other public sector bodies - for example championing an educational engagement programme to help improve the inclusivity and diversity of the built environment sector.

Fred Drabble

Planning Director, Shaw Corporation Limited