Judges

Alan is a founder member and CEO of the NLG, a networking group for property professionals in the Social Housing Sector which aims to improve standards through sharing of Good Practice, Engagement and Education. He is also an independent Leasehold Consultant specialising in training and specialist project work. In 2017, Alan was co-author of a multi-agency report "Working Together" aimed at improving the relationship between Managing Agents and Housing Associations in order to improve the experience of all customers on residential developments. Alan is a Fellow of the IRPM and Honorary Consultant to the FPRA, in which capacity he regularly advises members on all matters Leasehold.

Alan has over 20 years experience in sales and business development roles working in the UK, Germany and Austria. He is currently working on international fund distribution for an asset management house and European sales for a media and PR evaluation agency. He first lived in a leasehold property in 1999 has been a lessee since 2001 - over the last 20 years he has built up combined experience as an RMC Director across two boards, including time on each serving as Chairman. Alan's experience also includes membership of the ARMA Independent Regulatory Panel.

Belinda Bagnall is the founder of Flat Living and specialises in assisting many leaseholders and Directors with a range of issues they need assistance with. The recent relaunch of the Flat Living Magazine is recognised by many contributing industry professionals, and each month is focused on a new topical area within the leasehold sector.

With over 26 years of experience within the industry, Belinda is focused on contributing and supporting the sector with information, events and support and is also an honorary consultant for the FPRA (Federation of Private Residents’ Associations).

Bob Smytherman has been a committee member of the FPRA for over 10 years and became chairman in 2008, following the resignation of Muriel Guest-Smith after many years at the helm. He is currently a director of his own residents' association and has been since 1992, taking over as chairman in 1995 and was instrumental in removing a number of ineffective managing agents and along with his fellow RMC Directors has self-managed the Worthing estate since 2001 saving on agent's fees, which has enabled them to spend more on the block itself.

Caroline is the CEO of property marketing and communications agency, The Oracle Group. Oracle works on behalf of a variety of property related clients across London and the Home Counties, including some of the UK's top twenty house builders, leading housing associations, niche developers, landlords and property management companies. They are also involved with providing the PR and social media support for a number of trade associations, industry events and award ceremonies.

Cassandra is CEO and Founder of Property Management Legal Services. Cassandra is recognised for her knowledge and expertise in the property management sector, having twice been awarded the accolade of industry legend in the Property Management Awards. In particular, Cassandra is recognised for her experience and expertise in Tribunal matters, including service charge disputes, dispensation applications, RTM matters and appointment of manager cases. Alongside Justin Bates (of Landmark Chambers) and Rupert Cohen (also of Landmark Chambers), Cassandra represented the Property Institute (TPI) who acted as intervener in the Supreme Court appeal in Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Ltd and anr v Williams and ors. Aviva v Williams explores the impact of section 27A(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and whether a provision providing that the landlord may reasonably determine the tenant’s share of service charges in a residential lease is invalidated or affected by section 27A(6).

Ian is Director of Policy (Real Estate) at the British Property Federation (BPF) - the trade association for the property investment sector. He has been a long-term champion of Build-to-Rent, and was a member of the Government's Montague Review Group. Ian was formerly Head of Policy and Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce. He has also worked in banking and teaching, holds professional qualifications in finance and market research, and is a honourary Fellow of the IRPM.

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.

Mark Chick is a solicitor specialising in leasehold enfranchisement and a partner at Bishop & Sewell LLP where he is the head of the firm's landlord and tenant department. Mark has experience of advising on a wide range of issues relating to landlord and tenant, including property litigation, and is on the FtT frequent user panel. As ALEP Director and Executive Committee member, he provides strategic input particularly in the area of governance.

Neale was appointed to the Property Managers' Association Scotland Limited (PMAS) Council in 2020. The PMAS is the leading Association representing professional Property Factor firms in Scotland. He is also Managing Director of PMC Management and Lettings, which has offices in Aberdeen and Inverness. Having joined PMC in 2010, he has been instrumental in the growth of the company over the last decade, both within factoring and lettings. In March 2023, Neale became president of Property Managers Association Scotland.

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.

Mark is a Partner at Brethertons working closely with clients and stakeholders alike to completely understand and support them in achieving their strategic goals. With many years’ experience in property related fields Mark began his working life in estate agency in 1991 before moving into lettings. In 2005 Mark joined Brethertons, rising to Partner level in 2016. He focused on the leasehold sector, connecting clients with much needed legal support. Mark spent five years working for a national managing agent gaining essential experience on the front line before returning to his role at Brethertons in 2023. Mark is considered to be an all round property professional.