Fireside Chat

Canary Wharf Group

• 

  Alastair Mullens

  Alastair joined CWG in 2018, to establish the group’s Build-to-Rent platform, Vertus. He currently oversees Vertus’s day-to day activities, the groups residential leasehold management arm, Canary Wharf Residential Management Limited, and the groups Technology & Transformation function. Prior to this he spent nine years with Hamptons International & Countrywide Group based in London and Hong Kong. In his final role at Countrywide as National Director of Corporate PRS & BTR, he oversaw the successful delivery of the group’s operational management platform which included the delivery of The Cargo Building, Liverpool and Pomona Wharf, Manchester.

  Canary Wharf Group

  Managing Director - Residential

  Alastair Mullens

  Managing Director - Residential

  Canary Wharf Group

• 

  Sophie Goddard

  Sophie joined Canary Wharf Group as Director, Sustainability in December 2021 with responsibility to develop the strategy and champion the transition for the group. Sophie has previously led sustainability across the UK for the regional and specialist businesses within Balfour Beatty, the UK’s largest contractor. Sophie has also spent time in the retail industry where she led programmes to deliver sustainable outcomes in the Far East. With experience in a variety of roles and sectors, Sophie firmly believes that the private sector has a key role to play in responding to the climate crisis.

  Canary Wharf Group

  Director of Sustainability

  Sophie Goddard

  Director of Sustainability

  Canary Wharf Group

• 

  Jas Mann

  Jas specialises in mixed-use and residential projects, with extensive experience delivering large-scale schemes for leading developers and institutional funds. He has successfully managed some of the most complex masterplanning projects in the UK, ensuring outstanding client outcomes. His expertise spans across Build to Rent, Private for Sale, Super Prime, Affordable Housing, Senior Living and PBSA projects demonstrating a deep understanding of diverse residential tenures. Jas is also a member of G&T’s Residential sector group.

  Gardiner & Theobald

  Partner

  Moderator

  Jas Mann

  Partner

  Gardiner & Theobald

Fireside Chat

Dolphin Square

• 

  Erdal Kacar

  Erdal joined Dolphin Square in July 2021 as Managing Director, leading the repositioning of the iconic Dolphin Square Estate. In addition to overseeing the overall management of the estate, his role is instrumental in driving the design and development programme, as well as engagement with local government and key stakeholders. Under his leadership, Phase 1 of the programme has been successfully launched, maintaining strong occupancy levels and generating positive customer feedback across the estate. Prior to this, Erdal spent three years at ADDLiving as Operations Director and 6 years at L&Q and Head of Operations, where he oversaw leasing, property, and facilities management for their PRS/BTR assets nationwide.

  Dolphin Square

  Managing Director

  Erdal Kacar

  Managing Director

  Dolphin Square

• 

  Amit Mistry

  Amit joined Dolphin Square in December 2021 as Finance Director and has since expanded his role to Finance & Commercial Director. He has played a key role in the operational transformation of the business, successfully overhauling the finance function—including people, processes, reporting, and systems. As part of the broader transformation, his responsibilities now span all aspects of the commercial operation, including procurement, leasing, tenancy management, and marketing. Prior to joining Dolphin Square, Amit spent six years at Whitbread PLC in a range of finance and strategic roles, including Property Investment, Investor Relations, and Property Strategy. Notably, he jointly led the development and approval of a five-year property strategy for over 700 hotel sites across the UK.

  Dolphin Square

  Finance Director

  Amit Mistry

  Finance Director

  Dolphin Square

• 

  Mike Phillips

  Mike is UK editor of Bisnow. Before this, alongside three friends he bought pan-European property mag EuroProperty out of non-existence and re established it before selling the business to PropertyEU. Prior to that he was editor of Property Week, and has also worked for Estates Gazette.

  Bisnow

  UK Editor

  Moderator

  Mike Phillips

  UK Editor

  Bisnow

Finance and Investment in Build-to-Rent

Securing Returns and Navigating Market Dynamics in 2025

• 

  Cath Webster

  Cath joined in January 2023 to lead on increasing funds under management alongside the delivery of social impact, augmenting the existing fund management platform across high-quality affordable housing, private-rented residential and urban regeneration strategies. She was previously Executive Director for Strategy and Investment at property development and investment specialist Quintain. Cath has 30 years of real estate experience across private equity, fund management and investment banking. She has an MBA from INSEAD and is a Member of the BPF’s Affordable Housing Committee, a Member of the RICS and Co-Chair for the Creative Land Trust.

  Thriving Investments

  CEO

  Cath Webster

  CEO

  Thriving Investments

• 

  Ashley Perry

  Ashley Perry has over 10 years of experience in real estate consultancy, across UK, Ireland, Spain and Canada. Before joining Apache Capital, Ashley worked for European BTR Consultancy, LIV Consult, since 2018. Ashley held the position of Director, BTR Consultancy (UK) at LIV Consult with responsibility for consultancy services to clients in Europe with a client base including Private Equity, Local Authorities, and both Public and Private Developers. Ashley’s experience across both single and multifamily strategies helped to secure planning, funding and public support for thousands of rental homes across Europe. Prior to LIV Consult, Ashley worked at JLL in its Project and Development services team where he achieved RICS Chartered status as well as leading multi-disciplinary teams through complex and challenging projects. Ashley is also on the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Residential Council steering committee.

  Apache Capital Partners

  Acquisitions Director (Multifamily)

  Ashley Perry

  Acquisitions Director (Multifamily)

  Apache Capital Partners

• 

  James Kirimy

  James Kirimy is the Founder and CEO of DoorFeed, European operating platform for institutional investment in residential real estate. James’ professional career to date spans across Finance, Technology and Real Estate. James started his career in Strategic Acquisition Finance at Société Générale. He then joined Uber as an early employee and was responsible for launching the business in cities across the UK. He subsequently created and led the first team globally that transitioned Uber to electric cars. In 2019 he joined Spotahome, an online platform for mid-term rentals, as UK General Manager with 15,000 residential units under management.

  DoorFeed

  CEO

  James Kirimy

  CEO

  DoorFeed

• 

  Iain Murray

  Iain leads a team of specialist Operational Living Consultants and Research Analysts at Bidwells, based in its London office, with over 140 clients from the UK, Ireland and Spain. The team have worked on over 60k+ Rental Homes and Student Beds covering PBSA, Co-living, Build to Rent, Single Family Housing/Rental, Later/Senior Living and Retirement. Iain is considered a veteran of the Living sector adding it to his 38-year career. The past projects on his CV are considerable, over £8bn of schools and hospitals in the PPP market as a Partner at G&T, the Estates Rationalisation Project for HMNB Clyde (Faslane & Coulport), over 50 Care Homes both Developed and Operated, and a strong background in FM including a term as Chair of the Professional Institute for FM the now IWFM and Deputy Chair of Global FM. Iain entered the Rental Living Sector over a decade ago founding LIV Consult, alongside Graham Bates, and the LIV Group, before selling the business to Cortland in 2019. Bidwells acquired the Operational Consultancy Team in April this year. The team are known for their knowledge leadership in Operational Living and Iain is recognised as a subject leader and an accomplished speaker in the industry. He and his team have delivered advice on over £6.2bn of assets. Iain is Chair of the Association of Rental Living Scottish Hub, sits on their Strategic Group for the UK and is a member of the Whole Life Cost Hub. Iain is also a mentor for the ULI.

  Bidwells

  Head of Operational Living

  Iain Murray

  Head of Operational Living

  Bidwells

• 

  Andy Barnard

  Andy specialises in providing legal advice in relation to a wide variety of real estate projects. He works for a wide range of accommodation providers and investors including developers, central government organisations, Registered Providers, local authorities, contractors, joint ventures, banks and private equity houses. The accommodation projects in which Andy has been and is involved include build to rent, student housing, regeneration projects, affordable housing and key worker schemes.

  Trowers and Hamlins

  Partner

  Moderator

  Andy Barnard

  Partner

  Trowers and Hamlins

Sustainability in Build-to-Rent

Creating Greener Communities Without Compromising Value

• 

  Philip Hirst

  Philip Hirst is Greystar’s Director for Sustainability, Europe and is responsible for setting and implementing Greystar’s sustainability strategy across its business, assets, developments and operations throughout Europe. Prior to joining Greystar at the start of 2023, Philip gained 20 years’ experience creating, implementing, and communicating sustainability strategies across the UK, Europe, and Middle East and has over a decade of experience leading a team within JLL’s Sustainability Consultancy. Philip holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and a master’s degree in Real Estate Development & Investment. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a number of thought leadership publications around the topic of sustainability and been involved in a number of “industry firsts”, including some of the first social impact assessments of real estate and helping to establish new real estate impact investment funds.

  Greystar

  Director, Sustainability

  Philip Hirst

  Director, Sustainability

  Greystar

• 

  Ushna Mughal

  Ushna Mughal is the Senior ESG & Community Impact Lead at Knight Dragon. After several years of working in international development, Ushna joined the built environment sector through Mace in 2015. She worked working on projects ranging from UCL New Student Centre, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Greenwich Peninsula Upper Riverside. In 2019, Ushna joined Knight Dragon and is responsible for delivering sustainability and social value strategy for Greenwich Peninsula development.

  Knight Dragon

  Senior ESG & Community Impact Lead

  Ushna Mughal

  Senior ESG & Community Impact Lead

  Knight Dragon

• 

  Alexander Esfahani

  Alexander joined Chapman Taylor’s Manchester studio in 2016 as part of the Feasibility team, predominantly focusing on the Residential and Mixed-Use sectors. He has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, with recent projects including Manchester Goods Yard which was successfully handed over in 2021. Alexander is passionate about creative design and has been instrumental in developing our sustainability strategy and a number of R&D initiatives. As the global head of Chapman Taylor’s Responsible Design Steering Group, he promotes and coordinates environmental principles and best practice within the company.

  Chapman Taylor

  Head of Sustainability, UK

  Alexander Esfahani

  Head of Sustainability, UK

  Chapman Taylor

• 

  Ammar Fahad

  Ammar Fahad is a seasoned Asset and Portfolio Management expert with over 8 years of experience driving performance across the US, EU, and LatAm markets. At Macquarie, he implemented advanced strategies to optimize portfolio returns. At GLL, he managed high-value assets and led major capex initiatives. Since 2024, Ammar has been fueling international growth at Alasco, leveraging his real estate acumen to shape and strengthen the product offering.

  Alasco

  Senior Key Account Manager - International

  Ammar Fahad

  Senior Key Account Manager - International

  Alasco

• 

  Guillermo Dekker

  Guillermo is a visionary leader at Evolution Sustainability Group transforming European commercial real estate to become efficient and cost savvy. He orchestrates the company’s European Union operations with a blend of expertise and passion for sustainability. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. His impressive career includes spearheading transformative projects for both the private and public sectors, such as the development of impact studies for the European Environment Agency (EEA). These studies have played a crucial role in shaping the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Guillermo’s in-depth knowledge of European sustainability standards and regulations ensures that his initiatives not only meet but exceed legislative expectations. Guillermo's knack for market expansion is well-documented, supported by his extensive network and strategic partnerships with influential sustainability organizations like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). His efforts are pivotal in fostering collaboration and driving business growth for Evolution Sustainability Group across Europe.

  Evolution Sustainability Group

  Managing Director EU

  Moderator

  Guillermo Dekker

  Managing Director EU

  Evolution Sustainability Group

Enhancing Operations for BTR Portfolios

Balancing Efficiency, Technology and Tenant Satisfaction

• 

  Freya Richard

  Freya joined Vertus, part of the Canary Wharf Group in 2019 following seven years at Knight Frank’s head office in London. Having started her career in residential leasehold management Freya then moved over to set up a new department within the residential division, focusing on management of residential portfolios. During this time, she set up all operational and letting functions of the business including the implementation of centralised lettings and property management systems, and subsequently oversaw the growth of the department into the build-to-rent sector, estates, and distressed portfolios. She worked with clients such as Greystar, Kennedy Wilson, Essential Living, Urbanest and A2 Dominion to launch and lease up buildings such as Pinnacle Tower, Exchange Gardens, Nin Elms Point and Camley Street.

  Vertus

  Director - Leasing & Operations

  Freya Richard

  Director - Leasing & Operations

  Vertus

• 

  Tim Holden

  Director (Operations)

  ProperTies living

• 

  Hayley Wills

  With c 20 years experience in the sector I joined JLP in October 2022 to head up the development of their BTR operating platform. I am responsible for defining and developing the end-to-end operational strategy for JLP’s Build to Rent schemes. I manage all aspects of JLP’s Build to Rent operations, from resident experience and leasing to team development and maintenance management. I am dedicated to optimising operational standards and enhancing resident satisfaction as well as helping to shape and influence our future schemes and developments.

  John Lewis Partnership

  BTR Operations Lead

  Hayley Wills

  BTR Operations Lead

  John Lewis Partnership

• 

  John Coddington

  John Coddington is a senior leader with over 17 years of experience in residential property management and asset management. John is currently Head of Residential at JLL, oversees a portfolio of 2,000+ homes and leading a team of 35+ professionals. Throughout his career, John has managed diverse residential portfolios for prestigious clients, including Lendlease, Berkeley Homes, Shaftesbury Capital, and The Wellcome Trust. His expertise spans build to rent, single family housing, block management, institutional PRS, and landed estates. John's strengths lie in strategic asset management, financial optimisation, and operational excellence. He has a proven track record of implementing transformational projects, mobilising complex schemes, ensuring compliance, and enhancing customer experience across large-scale residential portfolios. With experience in both client-side and agency roles, John offers comprehensive insights into the residential sector. His leadership skills and deep industry knowledge enable him to deliver exceptional results, maximising the value and performance of residential assets while creating thriving communities.

  JLL

  Head of Residential - Property & Asset Management

  John Coddington

  Head of Residential - Property & Asset Management

  JLL

• 

  Jon Hammond

  Jon Hammond is Head of Build to Rent at Zero Deposit, where he leads strategy and partnerships across the Build to Rent sector. With extensive experience in launching innovative services across the residential property and financial services industries, Jon plays a key role in developing solutions tailored to the needs of institutional landlords and their residents. He is passionate about modernising the rental experience, championing innovations that improve customer satisfaction, enhance affordability, and support long term accessibility for renters across the UK.

  Zero Deposit

  Head of Build to Rent

  Jon Hammond

  Head of Build to Rent

  Zero Deposit

• 

  James Cannon

  CRO

  Zutec

• 

  Jessica Gillingham

  Jessica is the CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency focused on raising the profile of transformative technology solutions across the global hospitality, lodging, and living sectors. Abode sits at the heart of the developing intersection between work, life and play in real estate and hospitality and partners with the brands playing a lead role in this transformation. A regular industry speaker, author, and adviser, Jessica is also the host of the Pillow Talk Sessions podcast.

  Abode Worldwide

  CEO

  Moderator

  Jessica Gillingham

  CEO

  Abode Worldwide

Built to Last: The Future of Innovation and Development in BTR

Meeting the Needs of the Modern Renter Through Thoughtful Design and Amenities

• 

  Dan Curtis

  Based in Leeds, Dan oversees Telford Living’s origination efforts for new living opportunities with a particular focus on the regional markets. Using extensive knowledge of the UK build-to-rent sector he leads our negotiation, due diligence and investment strategies for these opportunities to ensure Telford Living delivers top performing assets to its partners. Prior to joining Telford Living, Dan was a founding member of Cortland’s UK team and helped deliver c. £750m of multi-family assets to their portfolio. As a veteran with over 22 years of military experience he has served globally across a wide range of tasks in the defense sector and so brings a wealth of additional skills to the investment team.

  Telford Living

  VP, Development Investment

  Dan Curtis

  VP, Development Investment

  Telford Living

• 

  Thomasin Renshaw

  Renshaw leads the design, development, delivery and customer care teams at Pocket Living. Pocket is an innovative developer delivering homes for local Londoners on modest incomes at a 20% discount to market prices. Renshaw is also non-executive director of Broadway Living RP, Ealing Council’s subsidiary delivering council housing. Previously, she led Grosvenor’s major two-acre mixed-use scheme in Mayfair: the South Molton Triangle. Prior to that, she was development director for Muse, where she led large, complex, mixed-use urban regeneration projects in London and the Thames Valley. Renshaw graduated from UCL (BSc Astrophysics) and the University of Reading (MSc Surveying). She is a Fellow of RICS.

  Pocket Living

  Chief Development Officer

  Thomasin Renshaw

  Chief Development Officer

  Pocket Living

• 

  Robert McDonnell

  Robert is the Fund Manager of the UK Private Rented Sector Fund and is also responsible for sourcing and delivering residential investment opportunities in the UK and Ireland for aPER, a pan-European residential fund. Robert sits on the AREF’s Residential Working and the British Property Federation Build to Rent London Engagement Group. Robert has 21 years of experience, having joined abrdn in 2007, and has worked in the residential team since October 2016. Previously he was a Fund Manager for a Swedish corporate pension fund. Robert graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Land Management from University of Reading. He is a qualified Chartered Surveyor (MRICS).

  Aberdeen

  Residential Fund Manager

  Robert McDonnell

  Residential Fund Manager

  Aberdeen

• 

  Rosie Anna Callanan

  With eight years’ experience in the commercial furniture sector, Rosie brings a unique blend of expertise across residential and bespoke product design — with a focus on Living sector developments. As a Consultant Manager within the TFP Living division at The Furniture Practice, she leads the delivery of large-scale, sustainability-focused FF&E projects , taking a consultative and client-first approach. Rosie has a deep understanding of the diverse requirements across the Living sectors. She stays closely connected to emerging design trends shaped by innovation and sustainability, enabling her to develop tailored furniture solutions that meet the needs of forward-thinking developers across the UK.

  The Furniture Practice

  BTR Consultant Manager

  Rosie Anna Callanan

  BTR Consultant Manager

  The Furniture Practice

• 

  Ayna Azhigali

  Ayna is registered architect in the UK and Russia. She brings a wealth of experience in design, planning, project management and implementation within the hospitality, residential and mixed use development sectors. Ayna believes people’s lives can be made better through architecture. Her approach to architecture in thoughtful, considered and continuously ensures her design is not only aesthetically beautiful but functional and commercially successful. In her free time Ayna enjoys painting and sculpting.

  HKR Architects

  Director

  Ayna Azhigali

  Director

  HKR Architects

• 

  Niki Kyriacou

  Niki Kyriacou is Sector Lead at NHBC, where she oversees client engagement and activity within the Build to Rent (BTR) market. With over 20 years’ experience in property and communications, she brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to relationship management and business development. Her work includes leading initiatives such as BTR Innovators that reflect NHBC’s commitment to sector excellence and collaborative growth. Prior to NHBC, Niki held senior roles at Property Week, where she specialised in partnerships, campaign strategy and event development. She played a key role in shaping flagship residential property events including RESI and the RESI Awards, and led initiatives such as RESI Trailblazers and Joint Victories, designed to spotlight emerging talent and successful public-private collaboration. Niki also served on the board of the NSPCC, where she helped raise awareness and funds for Childline through industry events –demonstrating her belief in the power of property to positively impact communities. As a mentor, Niki draws on her experience in leadership, communications and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about supporting others in navigating career transitions, building confidence and developing a clear sense of purpose. Outside of work, she enjoys reformer pilates, reading, exploring Mediterranean cuisine – often inspired by her Greek-Cypriot heritage – and her role as a mum to two teenage sons.

  NHBC

  Sector Lead

  Moderator

  Niki Kyriacou

  Sector Lead

  NHBC

Single-Family Housing: A Driving Force in BTR

Exploring the Growing Appeal of Suburban BTR Developments

• 

  Natasha Virani

  Operations Director

  Leaf Living

• 

  Rob Gill

  With more than 20 years' experience in the property sector, Rob has a proven track record of project and development management. Since joining the team in 2018, he has utilised his experience in the pre-construction phases of projects to drive site identification, acquisition and planning for Casa by Moda's early schemes, with construction set to begin on its first sites in Q1 2022. As Head of Acquisitions for Casa by Moda, Rob is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a targeted 5,000 new single family homes in the UK by 2025, with a combined GDV of £1bn.

  Moda Living

  Head of Acquisitions

  Rob Gill

  Head of Acquisitions

  Moda Living

• 

  Dan Valenzano

  Dan Valenzano is Senior Partner of GREYKITE, and a member of the firm's Executive and Investment Committees. He is responsible for leading investment and portfolio management activities across GREYKITE's funds. Dan was previously a Managing Director and Head of European Value-Add Transactions at PATRIZIA, and served on the Management Committee of PATRIZIA’s global real estate business. Prior to joining PATRIZIA, Dan was a Principal at TPG in the European real estate group, leading several platform investments across various asset classes. Dan previously worked as an Investment Manager at Benson Elliot Capital Management, and he began his career in the Real Estate & Leisure investment banking group at UBS in London.

  GreyKite

  Senior Partner

  Dan Valenzano

  Senior Partner

  GreyKite

• 

  Jonathon Hogg

  Jon leads the Real Estate Investment Team at Knights having joined the Company in 2015 and has extensive experience of dealing with the acquisition of high-value property portfolios. His experience includes acting for Developers in the acquisition of sites and advising on the setting up of developments for unit sales and he now acts primarily for one of the largest investment managers in the UK, with a particular focus on the single family housing sector.

  Knights PLC

  Partner

  Moderator

  Jonathon Hogg

  Partner

  Knights PLC

Build-to-Rent Leadership Outlook

Perspectives from Industry Leaders on Market Evolution, Challenges, and Long-Term Growth

• 

  Dan Batterton

  Dan Batterton head of the Build to Rent Fund at LGIM Real Assets responsible for the design and execution of fund strategy. Dan has over 20+ years’ experience in the property sector and his exceptional understanding of portfolio strategy have been utilised to design L&G’s long-term acquisition and operational strategy for the sector. He leads the specialist BTR team at L&G that is currently delivering around 5,000 new BTR homes. Joining Legal & General in February 2007 as Business Development Manager, Dan’s responsibility was to create new fund ideas and identify areas of business growth within LGP. Previously Dan was an Associate Director at IPD Ltd where he was responsible for the UK portfolio analysis service to a collection of major institutions. He spent 9 years at IPD analysing drivers of historic fund performance and discussing strategies that will influence future returns. Whilst at IPD he also developed IRIS, IPD’s forward looking income and risk analysis service.

  LGIM Real Assets

  Head of Build to Rent

  Dan Batterton

  Head of Build to Rent

  LGIM Real Assets

• 

  Mike Keaveney

  Michael Keaveney is Director of Land and Development at Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord.  He has overall responsibility for the delivery and growth of Grainger’s BTR development pipeline. Michael has over 30 years of hands-on real estate and development experience. His expertise includes management of complex residential-led mixed use developments across the whole development lifecycle from identification and acquisition through to town planning, funding, construction, marketing, operation and exit. Prior to joining Grainger, Mike Keaveney was Development Director at Concord London Developments Ltd, where he led on the acquisition of the Moxon Street car park site in Marylebone, W1 from Westminster City Council and was instrumental in the joint venture with Brookfield to develop out the 50-storey residential tower and affordable housing blocks at Principle Place in London EC1. Mike’s early career was at Osprey PMI (part of Franklin + Andrews; now Mott MacDonald) where he was an Equity Partner and Board Director responsible for the London Office of Osprey PMI and its Commercial Development projects in the UK prior to moving to Ridgeford Developments Ltd and W1 Developments.

  Grainger plc

  Director of Land and Development

  Mike Keaveney

  Director of Land and Development

  Grainger plc

• 

  Rick de Blaby

  Rick is focused on growing Get Living’s platform across the UK through creating new build to rent neighbourhoods that are changing the way we live and rent in cities. Rick has 40 years’ experience in development and investment in both the residential and commercial sectors, with a particular interest in regeneration and design. Prior to Get Living, Rick was CEO of United House Group and prior to that, CEO of MEPC. Rick is Non-Executive Chairman of Miller Developments, Non-Executive Director of Altitude Real Estate, Non-Executive Director of Curo Housing Association and Chairman of the Kinetic Foundation Charity.

  Get Living

  CEO

  Rick de Blaby

  CEO

  Get Living

• 

  Clare Johnson

  With over 20 years of experience in property management across the living sector having worked for both leading operators and a specialist house builder and brownfield developer, Clare Johnson is a recognised leader in the Build to Rent (BTR) sector. She has developed a deep understanding of how to optimise BTR communities, working strategically with investors and developers to drive operational efficiencies while maintaining an exceptional resident experience. Clare has built extensive expertise across leasehold and asset management, with a strong focus on portfolio management, student accommodation, and BTR. Now, as Centrick’s Director of Build to Rent and Asset, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring these developments thrive - balancing commercial success with resident satisfaction to foster long-term occupancy and community stability. A member of the Institute of Property Management and a holder of the Level 4 BTR Qualification, Clare combines industry-leading knowledge with a hands-on approach to deliver high-performing, resident-centric BTR communities.

  Centrick

  BTR Director

  Clare Johnson

  BTR Director

  Centrick

• 

  Richard Stonehouse

  Richard founded Victus Real Estate in January 2024 with the vision to create the pre-eminent investment advisory business across the living sectors. Victus focuses on institutionally owned residential assets and supports developers, housebuilders, investors and other stakeholders on the entire lifecycle from purchasing/selling land through consultancy aimed at optimising value and performance, development funding and trading of income producing buildings. Prior to founding Victus, Richard was Managing Director and Principal at Avison Young leading the Residential Capital Markets business and prior to that at JLL where he led the Affordable Housing Investment and Residential Investment businesses and was previously a Director within the EMEA Capital Markets business focused on advising International investors across the European region. Richard has a long track record of providing broad and client centric advice to a variety of clients across the living sectors, leading on complex transactions across the development, acquisition, disposal and funding of Build to Rent, Co-Living , later living, student housing and all manner of affordable housing. Richard leads on the business’ advice across the Multifamily, Single Family and Co-Living spaces.

  Victus Real Estate

  Director & Co-Founder

  Richard Stonehouse

  Director & Co-Founder

  Victus Real Estate

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  Samantha Dorricott

  Having spent six years in-house where Sam led a legal team in the Midlands, South West, and Home Counties, Sam specialises in residential development with a particular focus on partnerships housebuilding. Sam has acted for housebuilders on a number of high-value acquisitions from private landowners, Homes England, and local authorities. Sam also specialises in structuring onward sales to housing associations and build-to-rent providers, whether by way of JV partnerships or development agreement structures.

  DAC Beachcroft

  Senior Associate

  Moderator

  Samantha Dorricott

  Senior Associate

  DAC Beachcroft

Presentations

• 

  Michael Swiszczowski

  Michael joined Chapman Taylor in 2016 to strengthen the practice’s residential expertise. He joined the UK Board in 2022 and continues to take an active in role in developing the practice’s residential and hospitality sectors across the UK business. He has experience working on award-winning residential projects, with a particular focus on Build-to-Rent, student accommodation, hotels, serviced apartments and modular construction. Michael is a regular speaker at residential and property conferences where he articulates Chapman Taylor’s design approach and skill-sets. He is also an RIBA-elected member of the Regional Council for RIBA North West. Areas of expertise: Residential / Build-to-Rent / Student Accommodation / Hotels

  Chapman Taylor

  UK Board Director

  Michael Swiszczowski

  UK Board Director

  Chapman Taylor

• 

  John Bushell

  John has led the design of some of KPF’s most notable and innovative projects. John’s approach is rooted in detailed analysis of the context, on each project he builds consensus across diverse expert teams and seeks to promote design that is authentically sustainable and inclusive. His unique design solutions include Chapter London Bridge, a landmark student housing development and The Bermondsey Project, where he led the detailed masterplan for a major regeneration project featuring more than 1,500 BTR homes. An authority on a range of architectural subjects, John is part of New London Architecture’s Sounding Board and has represented KPF at lectures and conferences around the world. His work has been recognised by multiple awards.

  KPF

  Principal

  John Bushell

  Principal

  KPF

• 

  Billy Kontoulis

  Billy has been a key figure at ASK4, a leading provider of managed Internet services, since 2009, playing a pivotal role in expanding ASK4’s presence beyond the UK, helping to establish operations in 12 European markets. His deep understanding of both the technical and commercial sides of the business has allowed him to build lasting relationships with clients and partners while identifying new opportunities for growth. In 2024, Billy took on the role of UK & Ireland Sales Director and joined ASK4’s Executive team. In this role, he is focused on accelerating growth across these key markets, leading with a customer-first mindset and a commitment to delivering exceptional service and value.

  ASK4

  UK & Ireland Sales Director

  Billy Kontoulis

  UK & Ireland Sales Director

  ASK4