Judges

Alan is a founder member and CEO of the NLG, a networking group for social housing property professionals focused on improving standards through good practice, engagement and education. He is also an independent Leasehold Consultant, specialising in training and specialist project work. He has held numerous senior positions in 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. Alan is a Fellow of the TPI.

Alan brings valuable insight and perspective shaped by his real-life experience as a leaseholder and lessee, making him 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 his experience as an RMC Director, former member of ARMA’s Independent Regulatory Panel, and as a TPI trainer, Alan 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 has been a committee member of the FPRA for over 15 years and became Honorary Chairman in 2008, bringing 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.

Debra, Founder and CEO of SAY, has 25+ years in residential property. Based in London, she leads the SAY team providing strategic operational advice for living assets across the UK, Europe, and UAE. Honoured as 2024’s Residential Property Personality by Property Week, Debra also holds non-executive roles and champions sustainable, economically viable community development.

Recently 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.

Mairéad is a Senior Specialist at RICS where she leads on work relating to property agency and management. With a long career in residential real estate Mairéad has previously worked in the housing association sector in policy and external affairs and on the Board at Innisfree Housing Association. Currently reviewing the framework of the RICS property standards, Mairéad also represents RICS on a number of groups including the Technical Support Group to the Commonhold Council, the steering group for Homebuying and Selling Group, the Construction Industry Council’s Housing Panel and the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team Material Information Steering Group.

A 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.

Nic Shulman is the Founder of News on the Block (www.newsontheblock.com), the UK’s leading publishing and events business for the apartment building management industry. He is also author of Being a Leaseholder - The Essential Guide to Owning a Flat. By background, Nic is a solicitor and holds law degrees from King's College London and New York University.