ARL Annual BTR Conference
7 November 2024
10:00 – 18:00 Conference & Awards
18:00 - 20:00 Drinks reception
Business Design Centre, Islington, London
Your opportunity to help elevate the rental living sector - be a part of the only conference designed to support and grow the BTR sector.
1
Design Challenge
3
Keynotes
3
ARL People Awards
6
In-depth Breakouts
40+
Exhibitors
500
visitors from the BTR sector
Actions not words
To view the schedule for the 2024 ARL BTR Annual Conference
This is your opportunity to help elevate the rental living sector –
be a part of the only conference designed to support and grow the BTR sector.
The 2023 Annual BTR Conference from the Association for Rental Living – formerly UKAA – was praised across the BTR sector as having the strongest content of all BTR conferences, addressing key issues to drive BTR forward and giving delegates the opportunity to be engaged in developing actions for the ARL and for the sector.
This year we focus on elevating rental living – to Government, policy makers, local authorities, consumers and across the wider BTR sector.
To view Actions from the 2023 Annual BTR Conference
The 2023 Annual Build to Rent Conference was a huge success
To view the schedule for the 2024 ARL BTR Annual Conference
What's on at the 2024 Annual Built to Rent Conference
Breakfast discussion (Invitation only)
08.30 - 10.00
The evolution of BTR
– the emerging role of short-term stays as a solution to the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Renters’ Rights Bill and the US Multifamily market are driving innovation in multiple ways, including the emerging threat of shorter tenancies. Join this invitation-only breakfast session to learn from key industry leaders how to turn this threat into an opportunity.
Welcome and opening comments
10.30 - 10.45
ARL CEO Brendan Geraghty opens the conference with updates on the work of the ARL in representing the rental living sector and how the ARL will continue to elevate the sector with central and local government, policy makers and consumers.
Morning compere
Jackie Robinson,
Head of Operations at Knight Dragon
Mary-Anne is founder of The Ringley Group who are UK wide Asset Managers, BTR Operators and Property Managers and provide a range of Professional Services and have circa £12Bn AUM. She is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Surveyor, and Strategic Adviser to the Housing Growth Partnership and advises full development lifecycle: underwriting, unit mix, efficiency, layout, mobilisation, lease-up, stabilisation and exit. She is a regular industry commentator and panellist on all things residential real estate including the building safety agenda.
Jackie’s career spans more than 25 years.
Presently the Head of Operations for Knight Dragon delivering one of London’s largest single regeneration projects, Greenwich Peninsula. Prior to this she was the Director of East Village, the first UK private sector residential BTR investment for Get Living with a portfolio of 2500 residential homes.
Previous experience includes High Street Retailing, Airport Retailing and Leisure including brands such as Waterstones, World Duty Free, House of Fraser and David Lloyd Clubs.
Afternoon compere
Grace Oyesoro,
Head of Operations at Quintain Living
Mary-Anne is founder of The Ringley Group who are UK wide Asset Managers, BTR Operators and Property Managers and provide a range of Professional Services and have circa £12Bn AUM. She is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Surveyor, and Strategic Adviser to the Housing Growth Partnership and advises full development lifecycle: underwriting, unit mix, efficiency, layout, mobilisation, lease-up, stabilisation and exit. She is a regular industry commentator and panellist on all things residential real estate including the building safety agenda.
Grace Oyebunmi Oyesoro is the Head of Operations at Quintain Living, overseeing the operation of 3,390 homes across eight build-to-rent (BtR) developments at Wembley Park (which will be the largest BtR development in the UK upon completion). With over 15 years of experience in sales, operations, finance, and management; she leads a team dedicated to customer service, retention, and financial performance. Prior to joining Quintain Living, Grace held various leadership positions within the residential and commercial property management sectors.
She is especially committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion within BtR serving as a member of the ARL’s EDI committee, as well as the Ops committee. Additionally, she is an Enterprise Adviser for The Careers & Enterprise Company, supporting careers programs at local schools and colleges. Grace believes in empowering the next generation and creating opportunities for all. Her professional journey over the past decade reflects her dedication to operational excellence and social impact.
Keynote 1
10.45 - 11.45
Elevating Rental Living – the future is now
The evolution in the Residential Rented sector, what does good look like, and what does the future hold under a new government?
Presentation and scene setting from
Simon Century,
Managing Director, Housing, Private Markets
Legal & General
Breakout 1
12.20 - 13.25
Preparing your asset for sale
– what’s in the data room?
What does a good data room look like? With BTR developments maturing and investors seeking to divest schemes, what are the critical data sets needed for acquiring investors to evaluate the attractiveness and value of BTR assets?
Mary-Anne is founder of The Ringley Group who are UK wide Asset Managers, BTR Operators and Property Managers and provide a range of Professional Services and have circa £12Bn AUM. She is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Surveyor, and Strategic Adviser to the Housing Growth Partnership and advises full development lifecycle: underwriting, unit mix, efficiency, layout, mobilisation, lease-up, stabilisation and exit. She is a regular industry commentator and panellist on all things residential real estate including the building safety agenda.
Lizzie joined Knight Frank in 2016 and leads a team of researchers dedicated to the Build to Rent Sector, delivering a large variety of bespoke research consultancy projects for developer, investor, operator and public sector clients.
Lizzie has extensive experience in utilising data in creative ways to produce new tools, datasets and market indicators for a nascent but growing sector. She is a key contributor to editorial reports, which commentate on market trends through a future-looking lens.
Lizzie has an MSc in International Real Estate & Planning and is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Natalie is a partner in the property team at Pinsent Masons and heads their build to rent practice. She acts for a range of investors and developers on large scale projects and has been active in the market for over 10 years. Natalie sits on the ARL Research and Policy committee and the BPF Co-living Committee.
Natalie is a partner in the property team at Pinsent Masons and heads their build to rent practice. She acts for a range of investors and developers on large scale projects and has been active in the market for over 10 years. Natalie sits on the ARL Research and Policy committee and the BPF Co-living Committee.
Corinne Stevens joined Lloyds Living (formerly Citra Living) as an Investment Director in January 2022 responsible for growing and building the residential portfolio through strategic acquisition.
Prior to joining the business, Corinne was Deputy Fund Manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments for 5 years responsible for the deal sourcing and analysis of residential acquisitions across three specialist residential funds totalling £1bn. In addition, she managed JLL to deliver the leasing and operational strategy for the built asset portfolio (750 units) in line with financial underwriting assumption. Prior to that she spent 14 years at the Grosvenor Group in various Senior Asset Management roles across both the PRS residential market and the commercial sector across London, Edinburgh and Liverpool.
Corinne read Land Management (BSc) at Reading University and is MRICS qualified.
Breakout 2
12.20 - 13.25
BTR assets – the new data engines
Moderated by:
Mary-Anne Bowring, Ringley
We explore the role of technology in asset management and the golden thread. How can data be captured from across the building to inform increased operational efficiency and customer experience?
Mary-Anne is founder of The Ringley Group who are UK wide Asset Managers, BTR Operators and Property Managers and provide a range of Professional Services and have circa £12Bn AUM. She is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Surveyor, and Strategic Adviser to the Housing Growth Partnership and advises full development lifecycle: underwriting, unit mix, efficiency, layout, mobilisation, lease-up, stabilisation and exit. She is a regular industry commentator and panellist on all things residential real estate including the building safety agenda.
Mary-Anne is founder of The Ringley Group who are UK wide Asset Managers, BTR Operators and Property Managers and provide a range of Professional Services and have circa £12Bn AUM. She is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Surveyor, and Strategic Adviser to the Housing Growth Partnership and advises full development lifecycle: underwriting, unit mix, efficiency, layout, mobilisation, lease-up, stabilisation and exit. She is a regular industry commentator and panellist on all things residential real estate including the building safety agenda.
With over 20 years’ experience in delivering FM systems across both the Facilities and Property Management sectors. Jon has a wealth of experience in aligning technology to deliver tangible benefit to the built environment from addressing the challenges of managing and optimising the workplace and improving upon the efficiency of real estate portfolios.
With over 20 years’ experience in delivering FM systems across both the Facilities and Property Management sectors. Jon has a wealth of experience in aligning technology to deliver tangible benefit to the built environment from addressing the challenges of managing and optimising the workplace and improving upon the efficiency of real estate portfolios.
With over 20 years’ experience in delivering FM systems across both the Facilities and Property Management sectors. Jon has a wealth of experience in aligning technology to deliver tangible benefit to the built environment from addressing the challenges of managing and optimising the workplace and improving upon the efficiency of real estate portfolios.
Niamh is ESG Director with Sigma Capital Group, a leading provider of institutionally invested build-to-rent (BTR) housing. She joined Sigma in 2020 after more than 30 years in education with experience in management and leadership roles. As ESG Director she prioritises people and the communities as the central focus for all engagement, partnerships, and activities. She is passionate about making a real and lasting impact, and believes strongly that people are the key to achieving all ESG goals present and future.
With over 20 years’ experience in delivering FM systems across both the Facilities and Property Management sectors. Jon has a wealth of experience in aligning technology to deliver tangible benefit to the built environment from addressing the challenges of managing and optimising the workplace and improving upon the efficiency of real estate portfolios.
Alex Minett – Head of Global New Markets and Partnerships, Veriforce and recent Partner with Considerate Constructors.
Alex has been an international health and safety consultant and supply chain risk management specialist for more than 20 years, operating across multiple sectors. His career highlights include working on health and safety for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, supporting the World Bank and other funders on one of the world’s largest solar farms in Benban, and initiating a zero
harm approach to safety at the Facebook Data Centre inside the Arctic Circle, northern Sweden. Alex was also responsible for embedding safe working practices for the construction and delivery of the Saudi Aramco Petroleum Polytechnic in Saudi Arabia.
Alex is now responsible for developing new products, services and markets for the Supply Chain risk management group. His reputation for strategic thinking and horizon scanning has seen him recently appointed to the international strategic advisory board at
Veriforce. In that role he is currently masterminding the group’s global ESG product strategy, working with customer, prospects and third party specialists around the world to develop a distinct approach to the challenge of managing ESG in the supply chain.
e are the key to achieving all ESG goals present and future.
Breakout 3
12.20 - 13.25
What can the hospitality sector teach us?
Moderated by:
Philip Camble, Whitebridge Hospitality
The hospitality sector has long been driven to deliver outstanding customer service and operational efficiency. So, what can the rental living sector learn to further elevate customer experience whilst streamlining operations?
Daniel Johansson is the Director of Development and Acquisitions of serviced apartment operator Cheval Collection, based in London at the group office.
Daniel was born and grew up in Sweden and subsequently lived in Spain, followed by hotel management studies in Switzerland, which was the springboard to his career in hospitality. He has more than 25+ years of international exposure and experience in luxury hotel, branded residential and serviced apartment developments including the UK, Europe, USA, Caribbean and the Middle East.
Daniel’s primary responsibilities are to set the global expansion strategy and to grow the portfolio across its three defined brands (Cheval Residences, Cheval Maison and MY Locanda) through Management Agreements as well as Acquisitions. Cheval Collection is operating in London, Edinburgh and Dubai with further openings in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Daniel Johansson is the Director of Development and Acquisitions of serviced apartment operator Cheval Collection, based in London at the group office.
Daniel was born and grew up in Sweden and subsequently lived in Spain, followed by hotel management studies in Switzerland, which was the springboard to his career in hospitality. He has more than 25+ years of international exposure and experience in luxury hotel, branded residential and serviced apartment developments including the UK, Europe, USA, Caribbean and the Middle East.
Daniel’s primary responsibilities are to set the global expansion strategy and to grow the portfolio across its three defined brands (Cheval Residences, Cheval Maison and MY Locanda) through Management Agreements as well as Acquisitions. Cheval Collection is operating in London, Edinburgh and Dubai with further openings in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Philip has gained extensive experience as both an operator and a professional adviser, and began his hotel career at Trusthouse Forte, where he held senior operational roles in hotels in London and was seconded to a hotel in Morocco. Professional positions have included Managing Consultant at PKF Hotels London in the 1990’s, Senior Manager at KPMG and a Partner of Cushman & Wakefield LLP in London. Philip has also run his own consultancy practice in Cyprus, working extensively in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. During his rich and varied career, Philip was also a founding director of a European hotel operator specialising in small luxury hotels.
In 2011, Philip and his fellow partners established Whitebridge Hospitality Limited, a specialist advisor for investors, developers and operators in the hospitality industry around the globe. During his career, Philip has worked with a wide variety of international operators, multinational institutions, governments and wealthy individuals around the world.
Philip has gained extensive experience as both an operator and a professional adviser, and began his hotel career at Trusthouse Forte, where he held senior operational roles in hotels in London and was seconded to a hotel in Morocco. Professional positions have included Managing Consultant at PKF Hotels London in the 1990’s, Senior Manager at KPMG and a Partner of Cushman & Wakefield LLP in London. Philip has also run his own consultancy practice in Cyprus, working extensively in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. During his rich and varied career, Philip was also a founding director of a European hotel operator specialising in small luxury hotels.
In 2011, Philip and his fellow partners established Whitebridge Hospitality Limited, a specialist advisor for investors, developers and operators in the hospitality industry around the globe. During his career, Philip has worked with a wide variety of international operators, multinational institutions, governments and wealthy individuals around the world.
MORICON Mysteryshopper assists investors, developers and operators optimise the experience when potential customers visit a property. We work across the property sector, from private rental operators, BTR, and student housing to single-family and later living homes. Our independent auditors report UK-wide on the critical brand touch-points during the viewing process, from their initial engagement to follow-up after a visit.
The client report combines service-driven standards and experience questions to measure the connection to and impact on the brand and the customer. This process de-risks the letting process at every stage of the development’s lifecycle and allows data-driven decisions to improve the customer experience continuously.
MORCICON Mysteryshopper trades as part of the award-winning MORICON Consultants Ltd, a London-based consulting firm that specialises in creating hospitality services, amenities and operational structures during a development’s pre-opening and mobilisation phase.
MORICON Mysteryshopper assists investors, developers and operators optimise the experience when potential customers visit a property. We work across the property sector, from private rental operators, BTR, and student housing to single-family and later living homes. Our independent auditors report UK-wide on the critical brand touch-points during the viewing process, from their initial engagement to follow-up after a visit.
The client report combines service-driven standards and experience questions to measure the connection to and impact on the brand and the customer. This process de-risks the letting process at every stage of the development’s lifecycle and allows data-driven decisions to improve the customer experience continuously.
MORCICON Mysteryshopper trades as part of the award-winning MORICON Consultants Ltd, a London-based consulting firm that specialises in creating hospitality services, amenities and operational structures during a development’s pre-opening and mobilisation phase.
Aneeta is an accomplished Sales and Property Management professional currently leading Leasing and overseeing operations at Corkfield Apartments in Birmingham for Native Residential Limited. She began her career in 2000 with InterContinental Hotels Group, advancing through various roles and building a strong foundation in operations and customer service. Following this, Aneeta transitioned into revenue management with Rezidor Hotels Group, where she developed expertise in strategic pricing, market analysis, and sales optimisation. She holds a BA Honours degree in Business Economics from the University of Birmingham and has undergone extensive training in advanced sales, customer relations, and business development strategies, with certifications from Dale Carnegie and Ultimate Training Solutions.
After a successful 19-year career in hospitality, Aneeta’s journey took a new direction as she transitioned into the Property Management sector, initially within Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). She quickly excelled in this field, moving into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector, where she has continued to thrive.
Since joining Native Residential Limited operating Corkfield Apartments, Aneeta has driven outstanding results, leading to Corkfield’s recognition with the Here Say – Best Build to Rent Community and Lead to Lease Journey award at the 2024 Homeviews Awards, just three months after opening. Corkfield now holds the top ranking among 34 developments in Birmingham on Homeviews and recently earned Apartment Development of the Year at the Insider Midlands Residential Property Awards. With her diverse expertise in revenue management, property leasing, and resident satisfaction, Aneeta is recognised as a standout leader in the BTR sector and continues to drive client satisfaction and business growth with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
Aneeta is an accomplished Sales and Property Management professional currently leading Leasing and overseeing operations at Corkfield Apartments in Birmingham for Native Residential Limited. She began her career in 2000 with InterContinental Hotels Group, advancing through various roles and building a strong foundation in operations and customer service. Following this, Aneeta transitioned into revenue management with Rezidor Hotels Group, where she developed expertise in strategic pricing, market analysis, and sales optimisation. She holds a BA Honours degree in Business Economics from the University of Birmingham and has undergone extensive training in advanced sales, customer relations, and business development strategies, with certifications from Dale Carnegie and Ultimate Training Solutions.
After a successful 19-year career in hospitality, Aneeta’s journey took a new direction as she transitioned into the Property Management sector, initially within Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). She quickly excelled in this field, moving into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector, where she has continued to thrive.
Since joining Native Residential Limited operating Corkfield Apartments, Aneeta has driven outstanding results, leading to Corkfield’s recognition with the Here Say – Best Build to Rent Community and Lead to Lease Journey award at the 2024 Homeviews Awards, just three months after opening. Corkfield now holds the top ranking among 34 developments in Birmingham on Homeviews and recently earned Apartment Development of the Year at the Insider Midlands Residential Property Awards. With her diverse expertise in revenue management, property leasing, and resident satisfaction, Aneeta is recognised as a standout leader in the BTR sector and continues to drive client satisfaction and business growth with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
Breakout 4
12.20 - 13.25
Elevating Design Challenge
Interactive workshop: Envisioning Mid-Market BTR – Beyond the Red Line
Led by:
John Badman, Gensler
The concept of the BTR development is changing, with residents using their apartments, amenities, and neighbourhoods with a new intensity and purpose. Yet the development and investment markets struggle with making the appraisal work for a BTR community given high staff levels and amenities required which subsequently results in a higher rent.
The outputs will be presented back to the Conference in the afternoon.
Catalina joined the Manchester studio in 2021 as an Architect supporting the Feasibility team. She brings a passion for successful placemaking to her work in the residential and mixed-use sectors.
She has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, including large residential developments, masterplans, offices, and listed building restorations.
Cat is also a Women in Property North West committee member with a strategic role as Inclusion Champion. For one day a week, she teaches a Masters of Architecture and Urban Design course at the Manchester School of Architecture.
In 2024, she completed a PhD in Urban Activation and Placemaking from Sheffield Hallam University.
Catalina joined the Manchester studio in 2021 as an Architect supporting the Feasibility team. She brings a passion for successful placemaking to her work in the residential and mixed-use sectors.
She has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, including large residential developments, masterplans, offices, and listed building restorations.
Cat is also a Women in Property North West committee member with a strategic role as Inclusion Champion. For one day a week, she teaches a Masters of Architecture and Urban Design course at the Manchester School of Architecture.
In 2024, she completed a PhD in Urban Activation and Placemaking from Sheffield Hallam University.
John is driven by a passion for making the home an integrated part of a wider mixed use neighbourhood in our towns and cities. With two decades dedicated to residential design across the UK and Europe, John strives to imbue spaces with inherent value and experiential richness. John’s expertise lies in bringing together the specialists from within, and beyond, the residential sector to develop rich and purposeful places that people not only live within, but also feel a deep sense of belonging. He has dedicated 12 years to developing, designing, and influencing over 20,000 Build to Rent homes across the UK and Europe. Actively engaged in various committees, forums, and insight groups, John frequently shares his insights at conferences and seminars, providing expert perspectives and trends on the design of lifestyle investment assets.
John is driven by a passion for making the home an integrated part of a wider mixed use neighbourhood in our towns and cities. With two decades dedicated to residential design across the UK and Europe, John strives to imbue spaces with inherent value and experiential richness. John’s expertise lies in bringing together the specialists from within, and beyond, the residential sector to develop rich and purposeful places that people not only live within, but also feel a deep sense of belonging. He has dedicated 12 years to developing, designing, and influencing over 20,000 Build to Rent homes across the UK and Europe. Actively engaged in various committees, forums, and insight groups, John frequently shares his insights at conferences and seminars, providing expert perspectives and trends on the design of lifestyle investment assets.
Michael is a UK Board Director at Chapman Taylor and leads the practice’s residential and hospitality sectors. He has developed in-depth knowledge of the Build-to-Rent (BtR) sector, focusing on exceptional design and maximising operational efficiencies.
Michael has been a driving force behind the studio’s ambitious and transformative approach to residential and Build-to-Rent design, consistently elevating the practice’s internal design culture and the wider industry.
He has extensive experience working on award-winning residential projects, with a particular focus on Build-to-Rent. He was instrumental in establishing the vision and leading the design for Eda, a BtR scheme in Salford that has won numerous prestigious awards since its opening in 2023.
Michael is a regular speaker at residential and property conferences, where he articulates Chapman Taylor’s design approach and expertise. He is also a RIBA-elected member of the Regional Council for RIBA North West.
Michael is a UK Board Director at Chapman Taylor and leads the practice’s residential and hospitality sectors. He has developed in-depth knowledge of the Build-to-Rent (BtR) sector, focusing on exceptional design and maximising operational efficiencies.
Michael has been a driving force behind the studio’s ambitious and transformative approach to residential and Build-to-Rent design, consistently elevating the practice’s internal design culture and the wider industry.
He has extensive experience working on award-winning residential projects, with a particular focus on Build-to-Rent. He was instrumental in establishing the vision and leading the design for Eda, a BtR scheme in Salford that has won numerous prestigious awards since its opening in 2023.
Michael is a regular speaker at residential and property conferences, where he articulates Chapman Taylor’s design approach and expertise. He is also a RIBA-elected member of the Regional Council for RIBA North West.
Keynote 2
14.25 - 15.25
Investment in the 21st Century – is there a paradigm shift?
A keynote presentation by Yolande Barnes into what the rental living sector needs to supply, how we supply it and how to counter obsolescence.
Presentation by
Yolande Barnes
Professor of Real Estate, UCL
Yolande is a practice professor who spent 33 years researching property markets in industry before joining UCL as Chair of the Bartlett Real Estate Institute in 2018. As head of World Research at Savills, she took a global, cross-sector view of real estate and became increasingly interested in very long run trends.
Her work at UCL is deliberately unfocussed, looking at the combination and interaction of disruptive trends in demographics, finance, technology, society, the environment, and governments in changing global real estate. She believes that real estate, meaning land and everything attached to it, is at the heart of sustainability. Understanding real estate value in all its forms is therefore essential to solving the wicked problems and grand challenges of the 21st century. To this end, she sees as imperative the communication of knowledge and the activation of partnerships between academia and industry.
Yolande is a practice professor who spent 33 years researching property markets in industry before joining UCL as Chair of the Bartlett Real Estate Institute in 2018. As head of World Research at Savills, she took a global, cross-sector view of real estate and became increasingly interested in very long run trends.
Her work at UCL is deliberately unfocussed, looking at the combination and interaction of disruptive trends in demographics, finance, technology, society, the environment, and governments in changing global real estate. She believes that real estate, meaning land and everything attached to it, is at the heart of sustainability. Understanding real estate value in all its forms is therefore essential to solving the wicked problems and grand challenges of the 21st century. To this end, she sees as imperative the communication of knowledge and the activation of partnerships between academia and industry.
Breakout 5
15.25 - 16.30
The evolution & professionalisation of the BTR sector Led by Lesley Roberts, Monogram Living
Be on the inside in a unique session that gives you the opportunity to listen in to a Chatham House roundtable discussion of sector leaders, led by Lesley Roberts, on how operations in BTR is evolving. The discussion will cover everything from the evolving role of third-party operators to the emerging skills and qualifications needs for the sector in the future.
Pre-registration only.
Lesley plays a pivotal role in the acquisition, development and delivery of Monogram Living’s £1 billion national BTR portfolio. Her main remit is the creation of the BTR investment and operational strategy across both the single and multifamily developments for the business. Working in close collaboration with internal teams and external providers, she is responsible for the performance and profitability of single and multifamily assets while also delivering a leading customer experience across the entire proposition.
With a property career spanning over 20 years, Lesley has extensive high-level expertise with both the BTR and PRS sectors and has, for some time, been at the heart of shaping the UK’s Build to Rent sector as Chair of the Association for Rental Living (ARL). Prior to joining Godwin’s Monogram Living vehicle, she served as a Partner at Allsop LLP and CEO of Allsop Letting and Management, where she advised developers and institutional investors on the acquisition, design, build and operation of large-scale BTR portfolios. A member of the British Property Federation’s (BPF’s) living sector board, Lesley has toured internationally studying rental communities and was instrumental in the concept and creation of the ARL’s BTR Best Practice Guide launched in 2022. She was previously Chair of Soho Housing Association and held Director roles at Pinnacle Places, Young Group, and City Living London.
Lesley plays a pivotal role in the acquisition, development and delivery of Monogram Living’s £1 billion national BTR portfolio. Her main remit is the creation of the BTR investment and operational strategy across both the single and multifamily developments for the business. Working in close collaboration with internal teams and external providers, she is responsible for the performance and profitability of single and multifamily assets while also delivering a leading customer experience across the entire proposition.
With a property career spanning over 20 years, Lesley has extensive high-level expertise with both the BTR and PRS sectors and has, for some time, been at the heart of shaping the UK’s Build to Rent sector as Chair of the Association for Rental Living (ARL). Prior to joining Godwin’s Monogram Living vehicle, she served as a Partner at Allsop LLP and CEO of Allsop Letting and Management, where she advised developers and institutional investors on the acquisition, design, build and operation of large-scale BTR portfolios. A member of the British Property Federation’s (BPF’s) living sector board, Lesley has toured internationally studying rental communities and was instrumental in the concept and creation of the ARL’s BTR Best Practice Guide launched in 2022. She was previously Chair of Soho Housing Association and held Director roles at Pinnacle Places, Young Group, and City Living London.
As Investment Director at Goodstone Living, I am responsible for developing and managing the company’s real estate investment activities, funds management and investor relations. This includes oversight of all aspects of the investing life cycle from origination and transaction management through to portfolio management and eventual sale.
Having joined Goodstone at its inception, I have worked closely with our board and shareholders to create our first fund, create a development portfolio of c1,300 units and am now focused on securing new pipeline with key partners to continue the business growth as we look to deploy further funds into the UK living market.
Prior to Goodstone, I worked for Nuveen as Fund Manager on a range of pan-European retail, PBSA and living ventures, working with a variety of development and operating partners.
As Investment Director at Goodstone Living, I am responsible for developing and managing the company’s real estate investment activities, funds management and investor relations. This includes oversight of all aspects of the investing life cycle from origination and transaction management through to portfolio management and eventual sale.
Having joined Goodstone at its inception, I have worked closely with our board and shareholders to create our first fund, create a development portfolio of c1,300 units and am now focused on securing new pipeline with key partners to continue the business growth as we look to deploy further funds into the UK living market.
Prior to Goodstone, I worked for Nuveen as Fund Manager on a range of pan-European retail, PBSA and living ventures, working with a variety of development and operating partners.
Michael Herrington joined Related Argent in April 2022 as the Director of BtR Operations. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President for Related Management Company overseeing a portfolio of 20 luxury rental and condominium buildings with over 10,500 units located in New York City, Boston, Chicago, and the District of Columbia. A property management professional with over 20 years’ experience, Michael also served as the Director of Business Operations for Related Management Company, overseeing the induction of more than 30 sites into a newly established property management company. A graduate of Stephen F Austin State University, Michael is a Certified Property Manager and an accredited member of Institute of Real Estate Management. He is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York and the Bronx/Manhattan Board of Realtors. Prior to joining Related Management, he was an Executive Director with Brookdale Living Communities in Raleigh, NC.
Michael Herrington joined Related Argent in April 2022 as the Director of BtR Operations. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President for Related Management Company overseeing a portfolio of 20 luxury rental and condominium buildings with over 10,500 units located in New York City, Boston, Chicago, and the District of Columbia. A property management professional with over 20 years’ experience, Michael also served as the Director of Business Operations for Related Management Company, overseeing the induction of more than 30 sites into a newly established property management company. A graduate of Stephen F Austin State University, Michael is a Certified Property Manager and an accredited member of Institute of Real Estate Management. He is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York and the Bronx/Manhattan Board of Realtors. Prior to joining Related Management, he was an Executive Director with Brookdale Living Communities in Raleigh, NC.
Mary-Anne is founder of The Ringley Group who are UK wide Asset Managers, BTR Operators and Property Managers and provide a range of Professional Services and have circa £12Bn AUM. She is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Surveyor, and Strategic Adviser to the Housing Growth Partnership and advises full development lifecycle: underwriting, unit mix, efficiency, layout, mobilisation, lease-up, stabilisation and exit. She is a regular industry commentator and panellist on all things residential real estate including the building safety agenda.
Grace Oyebunmi Oyesoro is the Head of Operations at Quintain Living, overseeing the operation of 3,390 homes across eight build-to-rent (BtR) developments at Wembley Park (which will be the largest BtR development in the UK upon completion). With over 15 years of experience in sales, operations, finance, and management; she leads a team dedicated to customer service, retention, and financial performance. Prior to joining Quintain Living, Grace held various leadership positions within the residential and commercial property management sectors.
She is especially committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion within BtR serving as a member of the ARL’s EDI committee, as well as the Ops committee. Additionally, she is an Enterprise Adviser for The Careers & Enterprise Company, supporting careers programs at local schools and colleges. Grace believes in empowering the next generation and creating opportunities for all. Her professional journey over the past decade reflects her dedication to operational excellence and social impact.
Sowgol is the Managing Director of Way of Life, a top 3 National Built-to-Rent (BTR) platform providing bespoke residential lettings and management to a portfolio of over 1,600 homes across the UK. Sowgol ensures that Way of Life provides efficient building management and professional customer services through a multi-skilled team of people.
Sowgol is the Managing Director of Way of Life, a top 3 National Built-to-Rent (BTR) platform providing bespoke residential lettings and management to a portfolio of over 1,600 homes across the UK. Sowgol ensures that Way of Life provides efficient building management and professional customer services through a multi-skilled team of people.
Sowgol is the Managing Director of Way of Life, a top 3 National Built-to-Rent (BTR) platform providing bespoke residential lettings and management to a portfolio of over 1,600 homes across the UK. Sowgol ensures that Way of Life provides efficient building management and professional customer services through a multi-skilled team of people.
Carina Ackrill is a dynamic leader and co-founder of Centrick, one of the UK’s largest independent property solutions providers. Since it was founded in 2005, Centrick has grown into a prominent player in Build to Rent (BTR), Single-Family Housing (SFH), and property management. The company oversees more than 27,000 homes across the country, with a focus on transparency, ethics, and innovative service delivery.
Carina’s vision has been instrumental in Centrick’s success, particularly through her advocacy for professional development. She founded the Centrick Academy, which delivers bespoke training programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of property professionals. This commitment to growth extends beyond her company, as Carina actively promotes continuous education and best practices throughout the property industry.
Carina’s leadership extends to her work as a Trustee of Reconnected, a charity that has helped over 160 homeless individuals find permanent housing and employment since 2013. Her advocacy for the housing market’s vulnerable sectors reflects her broader mission to advance social responsibility within the industry.
Oscar Kingsbury is an Executive Director and Portfolio Manager at PGIM Real Estate, based in London.
Oscar has over 15 years of real estate investment management experience, with a specialism within the residential and long-income sectors.
Oscar joined from PfP Capital (now Thriving Investments), a residential fund manager. Oscar led PfP Capital’s investment team, deploying funds into the emerging single-family housing sector.
Prior to PfP Capital, Oscar was an investment manager at Liberty Living, a c.£2.2 billion student accommodation business with c.25,000 operational student beds located throughout the UK and Europe. During his time with business, Liberty Living was acquired by CPP Investments and more than doubled its AUM.
To date, Oscar has transacted on over £3 billion of real estate assets.
Oscar is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he sits on The Association of Real Estate Fund’s Residential Investment Committee and The Association of Rental Living’s Single-Family Housing Committee.
Oscar Kingsbury is an Executive Director and Portfolio Manager at PGIM Real Estate, based in London.
Oscar has over 15 years of real estate investment management experience, with a specialism within the residential and long-income sectors.
Oscar joined from PfP Capital (now Thriving Investments), a residential fund manager. Oscar led PfP Capital’s investment team, deploying funds into the emerging single-family housing sector.
Prior to PfP Capital, Oscar was an investment manager at Liberty Living, a c.£2.2 billion student accommodation business with c.25,000 operational student beds located throughout the UK and Europe. During his time with business, Liberty Living was acquired by CPP Investments and more than doubled its AUM.
To date, Oscar has transacted on over £3 billion of real estate assets.
Oscar is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he sits on The Association of Real Estate Fund’s Residential Investment Committee and The Association of Rental Living’s Single-Family Housing Committee.
A dynamic leader who knows that great companies are built by great people. She has shaped success stories across retail and hospitality, through a knack of spotting potential- both in business and people. Passionate about creating workplaces where teams can thrive, whilst driving the kind of results that make stakeholders smile.
Think as her as part strategist, part people champion, and all about making business growth an exciting journey for all involved.
A dynamic leader who knows that great companies are built by great people. She has shaped success stories across retail and hospitality, through a knack of spotting potential- both in business and people. Passionate about creating workplaces where teams can thrive, whilst driving the kind of results that make stakeholders smile.
Think as her as part strategist, part people champion, and all about making business growth an exciting journey for all involved.
Breakout 6
15.25 - 16.30
Housing delivery at a price.
Moderated by
Simon Scott, JLL
With no silver bullets, what can be done to improve housing delivery? The new government has ambitious targets for new housing over this Parliament, and the BTR sector is well-placed to play a significant part in delivering additional homes. But what are the key leavers to increasing supply?
Simon Scott leads the JLL Living Capital Markets Team covering sectors including Build to Rent, Student Accommodation, Co living, Retirement Living, Healthcare as well as the Living Funding team. Based in London, he has over 25 years’ experience across multiple transactional disciplines.
Simon spent 12 years working in the Residential Investment team at Savills where he was eventually appointed as the Head of Residential Investment. He has experience structuring affordable housing investment deals but most of his time was spent
working with developers and investors in the student accommodation sector. Upon leaving Savills, Simon was appointed to the board of Watkin Jones as Investment Director, gaining considerable experience in the acquisition, structuring and
subsequent disposal of investment opportunities both in student and residential investment.
Simon was subsequently appointed as Chief Development Officer at CL Serviced Apartments, an Oaktree Capital Management backed platform. His responsibilities at CL Serviced Apartments included identifying suitable development opportunities and
overseeing their planning and subsequent delivery. Under his leadership, eight development sites were secured, with further sites acquired through the corporate acquisition of the Serviced Apartment Company (SACO).
Simon joined JLL in November 2015 and spends
the majority of his time focused on the residential investment market. He worked with ECE on their purchase of nearly 2000 residential units from Dandara and Quadreal on their purchase of the
Realstar portfolio two of the largest transactions seen in the residential investment market over recent years.
A chartered surveyor Simon is also on the Residential Council of the BPF.
Simon Scott leads the JLL Living Capital Markets Team covering sectors including Build to Rent, Student Accommodation, Co living, Retirement Living, Healthcare as well as the Living Funding team. Based in London, he has over 25 years’ experience across multiple transactional disciplines.
Simon spent 12 years working in the Residential Investment team at Savills where he was eventually appointed as the Head of Residential Investment. He has experience structuring affordable housing investment deals but most of his time was spent
working with developers and investors in the student accommodation sector. Upon leaving Savills, Simon was appointed to the board of Watkin Jones as Investment Director, gaining considerable experience in the acquisition, structuring and
subsequent disposal of investment opportunities both in student and residential investment.
Simon was subsequently appointed as Chief Development Officer at CL Serviced Apartments, an Oaktree Capital Management backed platform. His responsibilities at CL Serviced Apartments included identifying suitable development opportunities and
overseeing their planning and subsequent delivery. Under his leadership, eight development sites were secured, with further sites acquired through the corporate acquisition of the Serviced Apartment Company (SACO).
Simon joined JLL in November 2015 and spends
the majority of his time focused on the residential investment market. He worked with ECE on their purchase of nearly 2000 residential units from Dandara and Quadreal on their purchase of the
Realstar portfolio two of the largest transactions seen in the residential investment market over recent years.
A chartered surveyor Simon is also on the Residential Council of the BPF.
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.
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.
Waqar has worked for the L&Q Group for more than 27 years and was appointed as Group CFO 2008.
His priority has been to develop a management culture across L&Q that aims to optimise our social objectives by adopting a commercial approach to all areas of operations as well as taking measured risk to maximise investment in growth.
Waqar has supported L&Q in taking on commercial activities, strategic joint ventures, and vertical integration in both operational and development functions to generate significant financial strength to maximise our social impact. During his time at L&Q the organisation has grown from owning and managing 20k homes to now over 100K homes. Waqar has led on L&Q’s ambitious development plans that is now building over 4000 homes per annum. This has been accompanied by a new treasury strategy that maximises the Group’s borrowing capabilities that now stand at over £6 billion.
Furthermore, he has led on the creation of Metra Living, L&Qs £1.5 billion London based BTR subsidiary for which he is the Executive Chair.
Waqar has further supported the L&Q Foundation in creating long-term sustainable partnerships with other like-minded charities investing in the social fabric of the areas we work in.
Waqar also sits on the boards of the National Housing Federation and is a trustee of the national homeless charity, Crisis.
Breakout 7
15.25 - 16.30
Employee wellbeing at the heart of BTR
Moderated by
Audra Lamoon, Livewire
The BTR sector has a huge focus on resident wellbeing, but what about the people who devote so much energy to providing a great customer experience? This session will take a deep look at operational staff and explore ways to ensure their mental health and wellbeing gets the attention it needs.
With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the hospitality industry across three different countries, Audra brings a wealth of experience to clients who are embarking on new ventures or seeking to stabilize struggling assets. Regardless of the location or nature of the property, whether it be residential, retail, hotels, resorts, or any other hospitality establishment, Audra provides invaluable advice on enhancing the guest experience and delivering personalized services. Some of her esteemed clients include The Walt Disney Company, Atlanta Braves, Hines, Greystar, Hammerson, North American Properties, Majid Al Futtaim, Al Futtaim and CBRE.
Known affectionately as The Chief Happiness Officer, Audra’s dedication to fun-filled learning and her lifelong passion for connecting with people has allowed her to collaborate with exceptional clients who truly prioritize the experiences of their employees, 3rd party partners, and customers. By truly understanding your unique qualities and strengths, Audra is able to guide you towards finding and operating within your genius zone.
With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the hospitality industry across three different countries, Audra brings a wealth of experience to clients who are embarking on new ventures or seeking to stabilize struggling assets. Regardless of the location or nature of the property, whether it be residential, retail, hotels, resorts, or any other hospitality establishment, Audra provides invaluable advice on enhancing the guest experience and delivering personalized services. Some of her esteemed clients include The Walt Disney Company, Atlanta Braves, Hines, Greystar, Hammerson, North American Properties, Majid Al Futtaim, Al Futtaim and CBRE.
Known affectionately as The Chief Happiness Officer, Audra’s dedication to fun-filled learning and her lifelong passion for connecting with people has allowed her to collaborate with exceptional clients who truly prioritize the experiences of their employees, 3rd party partners, and customers. By truly understanding your unique qualities and strengths, Audra is able to guide you towards finding and operating within your genius zone.
Amanda Rennie is Operations Director for Moda Living’s rental neighbourhoods across the UK, overseeing onsite teams and operations across the portfolio. Amanda is responsible for bringing the Moda experience to life for all our residents by creating the optimal teams, environments and standards, whilst fostering our unique culture every day. Amanda was previously General Manager at The McEwan, Moda Living’s first build-to-rent neighbourhood in Scotland.
Coming from a hospitality background, Amanda has spent 10 years as a Hotel Manager, helping grow the citizenM brand and developing future Hotel Managers. She joined Moda in 2021 and boasts the fact that after spending most of her career making people feel like they were at home in a hotel, she now helps to make people who are at home feel like they live in a hotel.
Amanda Rennie is Operations Director for Moda Living’s rental neighbourhoods across the UK, overseeing onsite teams and operations across the portfolio. Amanda is responsible for bringing the Moda experience to life for all our residents by creating the optimal teams, environments and standards, whilst fostering our unique culture every day. Amanda was previously General Manager at The McEwan, Moda Living’s first build-to-rent neighbourhood in Scotland.
Coming from a hospitality background, Amanda has spent 10 years as a Hotel Manager, helping grow the citizenM brand and developing future Hotel Managers. She joined Moda in 2021 and boasts the fact that after spending most of her career making people feel like they were at home in a hotel, she now helps to make people who are at home feel like they live in a hotel.
After graduating with a joint honours degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Ronak has amassed over 15 years of extensive experience across a spectrum of Strategy, Transformation, and Consulting roles for large blue-chip organizations. His professional journey has been notably marked by his tenure at PwC, where he spent 5 years developing his consulting expertise. Additionally, Ronak has accrued over 10 years of corporate industry experience with major companies such as BT and Tesco.
Throughout his career, Ronak has specialized in Strategic Development, Business Transformation, and Performance Improvement. He has successfully coordinated initiatives resulting in over £1 billion in cost savings, with direct benefits exceeding £80 million. His global experience spans multiple geographies and cultures, enabling him to navigate and manage complex projects in diverse environments.
In his current role, Ronak is dedicated to leveraging his deep consulting background to grow our GAA practice. He focuses on strategic planning and execution, the development of a leading consulting methodology, business operations management, and talent development. Ronak’s contributions are pivotal in driving our ambitious global growth objectives, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. His commitment to excellence and innovation underscores his ability to deliver substantial value and support our long-term vision for the future.
After graduating with a joint honours degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Ronak has amassed over 15 years of extensive experience across a spectrum of Strategy, Transformation, and Consulting roles for large blue-chip organizations. His professional journey has been notably marked by his tenure at PwC, where he spent 5 years developing his consulting expertise. Additionally, Ronak has accrued over 10 years of corporate industry experience with major companies such as BT and Tesco.
Throughout his career, Ronak has specialized in Strategic Development, Business Transformation, and Performance Improvement. He has successfully coordinated initiatives resulting in over £1 billion in cost savings, with direct benefits exceeding £80 million. His global experience spans multiple geographies and cultures, enabling him to navigate and manage complex projects in diverse environments.
In his current role, Ronak is dedicated to leveraging his deep consulting background to grow our GAA practice. He focuses on strategic planning and execution, the development of a leading consulting methodology, business operations management, and talent development. Ronak’s contributions are pivotal in driving our ambitious global growth objectives, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. His commitment to excellence and innovation underscores his ability to deliver substantial value and support our long-term vision for the future.
Keynote 3
17.10 - 18.00
From research to resident: Guiding the BTR consumer journey
What are the typical Build to Rent resident journeys and how can we better communicate the BTR product to UK consumers?
Tim Bannister and Hannah Marsh draw from unpublished Rightmove and HomeViews data to explore the route from research to resident and reveal factors crucial to the efficient expansion of the sector.
Presentation by
Tim Bannister
Director,
Rightmove
Presentation by
Hannah Marsh
Founder,
HomeViews
Conference close and Drinks Reception
18.00 - 20.00
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Lifetime achievement/recognition
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Exhibitors
Brands that are attending the ARL Annual BTR Conference
The Association for Rental Living People Awards 2024
The ARL People Awards in 2024 recognise the people who have or are making significant contributions to the BTR sector and outstanding customer experience. The ARL Awards focus on three categories, to be presented at the ARL Annual Conference on 7 November 2024. These awards reflect a key role of the ARL in representing the BTR sector – that of promoting excellence, quality and best practice in BTR.
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