JUDGING PROCESS FOR ACE AWARDS 2026
The judging panel consists of senior property professionals who are entirely independent of The Property Institute (TPI). Their decisions will be final, and TPI Team will not be involved in any part of the judging process.
Judges will base their decisions on the criteria outlined for each category, looking for clear examples of good management and /or practice that have delivered meaningful improvements in the lives of leaseholders.
Judges will also withdraw from any discussions where a conflict of interest arises. Please note, not all advertised awards will necessarily be presented if the judges determine that the required criteria have not been met.
KEY DATES & DETAILS:
| Shortlisted entrants announced | May 2026 |
| Winners and Highly Commended entries revealed | ACE Awards 2026 Dinner and Ceremony – Friday, 19 June 2026 |
| Complimentary ticket | Each shortlisted entry will receive one complimentary ticket to the event. Where a ticket has already been purchased prior to the shortlist announcement, a refund will be offered. |
MEET THE JUDGES:
Introducing the ACE Awards 2026 judging panel.
-
Alan Wake
FTPI AssocRICSCEO, National Leasehold Group (NLG)A founder member and CEO of the NLG, a networking group for social housing property professionals, Alan focuses on improving standards through good practice, engagement, and education. He is also an independent Leasehold Consultant, specialising in training and specialist project work, and has held numerous senior positions within Housing Associations.
In 2017, he co-authored the multi-agency report Working Together, aimed at strengthening relationships between managing agents and housing associations to improve customer experience. He is a Fellow of the TPI.
-
Alan Walker
Bringing valuable insight and perspective shaped by real-life experience as a leaseholder and lessee, Alan is a trusted and respected voice within the sector. He also moderates at TPI’s Annual Conference, contributing informed and balanced discussion on the future of residential management.
Through experience as an RMC Director, former member of ARMA’s Independent Regulatory Panel, and as a TPI trainer, he has a strong understanding of professional standards and governance. His commitment to improving how the sector engages with communities continues to drive meaningful, lasting improvements in residential management.
-
Bob Smytherman
Chairman, FPRAA committee member of the FPRA for over 15 years and Honorary Chairman since 2008, Bob brings long-standing experience and leadership to the organisation.
He has been a director of his residents’ association since 1992 and Chairman since 1995. Alongside fellow RMC Directors, he led the removal of ineffective managing agents and has successfully self-managed the Worthing estate since 2001, generating savings that have been reinvested into the building.
-
Jeff Platt FRICS FTPI
Managing Director, Section 20 LtdRecently retired, Jeff is a former Chairman and Chief Executive of the IRPM and has spent over 25 years developing professional qualifications, standards and training in the property management sector. He is a Fellow of the RICS with more than 40 years’ experience in commercial and residential property management.
Since 2003 he has run his own consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on leasehold management and training. He has authored key RICS guidance, chairs the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), acts as an expert witness, and is a well-known conference chair and speaker, noted for his wit and irreverence.
-
Joe Goss MTPI
Head of Sales, Fixflo - Block ManagementHead of Sales for Fixflo’s Block Management sector, Joe brings a strong operational background as a full TPI Member with a decade of experience working as a block manager between 2010 and 2020. During this time, he also led the early stages of resident engagement for one of the UK’s first major ACM re-cladding projects.
Since spearheading Fixflo’s growth in the Block Management sector following the first lockdown in 2020, he has remained focused on developing new technology that simplifies property management and helps keep buildings safe.
-
Julian Davies MRICS MFPWS MPTS
Managing Director, EK GroupA chartered surveyor with extensive experience in the property industry, Julian has played a central role in shaping both his practice and the wider development of building surveying over the past decade. As founder and Group Leader of Earl Kendrick, he has led the business with a practical, entrepreneurial approach, embracing new ways of working while maintaining a strong commitment to continuing professional development.
Under his leadership, the practice has grown into a multi-disciplinary national group, recently celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, known for long-standing client relationships, regular speaking engagements, and his status as a Freeman of the City of London.
-
Louise Bell
Director – Mix Use, Say Property Consultants LtdAn experienced Property Asset Manager with over 18 years in the property industry, Louise is a member of the RICS. She specialises in property and asset management across residential and mixed-use estates, with particular expertise in landlord and tenant matters, service charge management, and estate and building operations.
Louise has partnered with a wide range of clients, including Stanhope, EcoWorld London, Related Argent, Westminster City Council, Canary Wharf Group and Linkcity. She also sits on the BPF’s Residential Committee and is an APC Assessor for the RICS.
-
Mairéad Carroll
Associate Director, Residential Standards, RICSSenior Specialist for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the department for Professional Practice and Development, Mairéad’s remit covers residential agency and management, including regulation of property agents, material information, service charges, commonhold, and leasehold reform.
Mairéad represents RICS on the steering committee of the Home Buying and Selling Group and the Digital Property Marketing Steering Group, among other roles, and is also leading RICS’s work to develop a stock condition survey code of practice for social and affordable rented housing.
-
Mark North
Partner, Brethertons Solicitors LLPA Partner at Brethertons, Mark works closely with clients and stakeholders to understand their needs and support them in achieving their strategic goals. His career in property began in estate agency in 1991 before moving into lettings, and he joined Brethertons in 2005, becoming a Partner in 2016.
Mark specialises in the leasehold sector, connecting clients with essential legal support. After five years with a national managing agent gaining frontline experience, he returned to Brethertons in 2023 and is regarded as a well-rounded property professional.
-
Nicolas Shulman
Founder, News on the BlockFounder of News on the Block, Nic Shulman leads the UK’s leading publishing and events business for the apartment building management industry. He is also the author of Being a Leaseholder – The Essential Guide to Owning a Flat.
By background, Nicholas is a solicitor and holds law degrees from King’s College London and New York University.
-
Shabnam Ali-Khan
Partner, Russell CookeBeginning her career in residential leasehold at the Leasehold Advisory Service, Shabnam worked there for 14 years and qualified as a mediator before moving into private practice in 2015. She is currently a Partner at Russell-Cooke, a top 100 law firm, and brings almost 25 years’ experience in the leasehold sector.
Shabnam works closely with a number of industry bodies, including ALEP, the FPRA, and The Property Institute, is a regular speaker at industry events, and has written extensively on leasehold and leasehold reform for publications including Estates Gazette, The Negotiator, and The Sunday Times.
-
Sinead Campbell
Branch Direct, Flat LivingWith over 10 years’ experience in the leasehold sector, Sinead Campbell was recently promoted to Branch Director, with responsibility for overseeing Flat Living. Flat Living specialises in supporting leaseholders and directors with a wide range of issues, and Flat Living Magazine is recognised by many industry professionals for its monthly focus on key topical areas within the leasehold sector.
Drawing on more than a decade in the industry, Sinead is committed to contributing to and supporting the sector through information, events and ongoing guidance.
Accreditation