People.
As a certified Great Place to Work®, our people make our culture. Our carefully selected behaviours drive the team at HSPG, ensuring everyone’s on the same page and has full clarity around their own development.
Guy co-founded HSPG in 2015, with the purpose of offering high-quality accommodation to vulnerable people.
He is a specialist in structuring social housing investment property and as CEO, oversees the company’s fundraising efforts and acquisition pipeline. To date, he has invested over £500m into the UK affordable housing market.
He began his career as a Sales Analyst in Markets & International Banking at RBS, London; before launching Europe’s first digital property crowdfunding platform. Guy is a passionate entrepreneur and frequently invests in businesses that generate positive social impact.
Guy graduated with a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Nottingham and completed further education in Boston, USA; studying Real Estate Finance at MIT and an Executive MBA at the Harvard Business School.
Fun fact:
Guy was voted Young Property Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 and has completed a yoga teacher training in Bali and India!
Guy Horne
CEO
Ensures every development is delivered on time, suitable for occupation to one of our affiliate partners.
Specialist in structuring and managing residential portfolios.
Tax Associate within the NCG tax department at Deloitte, London.
BA in Economics with Chinese Studies, the University of Nottingham.
Fun fact:
David will not miss a Manchester United football game, even if he has to enjoy it in -17 degrees weather!
David Searle
COO
Michael joined HSPG in Jan 2020 as CFO. He is responsible for financial strategy including debt and equity raising, business planning and strategy. Additionally, Michael supports the operational, acquisition and delivery teams at HSPG as they continue to grow their affordable housing platform.
Prior to joining HSPG, Michael was CFO a number of real estate platforms including two of Blackstone’s largest real estate platforms – Invitation Homes, a US residential property investor and operator that acquired > $13bn of single family homes, and Sage Housing in the UK, which acquired > £2bn affordable housing units. Michael’s career has focussed on identifying investment opportunities in the real estate space and building platforms to acquire, finance and manage them efficiently to drive scale, strong customer focus, and attractive investor returns.
Michael graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Oxford University and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Fun fact:
Michael has developed his own three word summary to explain how to manage a happy, high achieving finance team. 1. Help and support each other. 2. Provide direction and leadership. 3. Unite all team members to focus on the teams’ goals. “SUPPORT LEEDS UNITED”
Michael Pearson
CFO
Oversees marketing and analytics function, ensuring business awareness and exposure.
Robyn maintains organisational efficiency across existing and new business divisions, focusing on growth, strategy and team development.
In addition, Robyn oversees HR, succession planning, IT and H&S.
Former consultant providing corporate strategic growth, nutrition and wellness programmes.
Former Area Manager for Aldi Stores Ltd, overseeing the highest sales area in the North West, responsible for turnover, HR, recruitment, productivity and regional KPIs.
Law LLB, the University of Nottingham.
Fun fact:
Robyn is also a Latin American and Ballroom dancer and has a good few national championship titles under her belt.
Robyn Lee
Managing Director
David joined HSPG in 2022 as Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, supporting the Affordable Housing acquisitions and growth strategy.
David started his career on E.ON’s graduate scheme, moving around the UK and European offices before settling in London. From there he joined Transport for London’s property division, leading the investment appraisal across the asset base; Retail, Industrial, Commercial and Residential, as well as the largest out of home advertising contract in Europe.
After heading up the Development Finance team and helping set up the 10 site Built to Rent joint venture with Grainger as well as multiple joint ventures he joined Clarion Housing Group as Head of Development Finance and Analysis. He has led on multiple large scale transactions across London, Central and North regions, ensuring Clarion had a sustainable pipeline and investment decision making is robust and clear.
David graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Business Economics.
Fun fact:
David loves his sport. He is a passionate Welsh rugby supporter (following his Dad), and has represented GB U23 and Wales in Athletics. He now finds himself doing what most athletes past their peak do and trying to master triathlons!
David Cook
Group Investment Director
Mike joined HSPG in June 2021 to drive the finance team and ensure the business maximises the enormous potential in an exciting sector.
Prior to joining HSPG, Mike spent 10 years as Finance Director for Inprova Group, a procurement partner specialising in property and construction.
Mike has extensive experience of managing finance in a growing business as well as structuring M&A activity and Private Equity investment.
Mike is a qualified CIMA Accountant after completing the course in 2007.
Fun fact:
Mike completed an Ironman in 2012!
Mike Reason
Group Finance Director
Wendy oversees our housing portfolios, providing well governed, regulated and customer focussed services in the homes and communities we work in. Wendy is also responsible for our exempt accommodation portfolio and for growing our housing management services including shared ownership. In addition Wendy is growing our business including opportunities in the retirement living and care and support sectors.
Wendy has worked in the affordable housing sector for circa 35 years and brings a wealth of experience from across the sector. Her previous roles include Managing Director at Places for People, responsible for delivering housing management and customer focussed services to circa 65,000 homes. Business Transformation Director, responsible for developing and implementing new processes and systems to support the delivery of efficient and effective customer focussed housing management services using data and insight. Wendy has been a Trustee of Lift, helping homeless people to secure accommodation, employment and life skills in London. Wendy is currently a proud Ambassador and Judge for the British Citizen Awards, which recognises the amazing work individuals do to support their local or national communities.
Wendy graduated with a BSC Honours Degree, Post Graduate Diploma in Housing, member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and Chartered Institute of Credit Management
Fun fact:
Wendy is a lifelong Manchester City supporter, having followed the highs and lows over the years, and more recently the dizzy heights of the team!
Wendy Pretten
Group Housing & Support Director
Josh joined HSPG in May 2021 and is responsible for managing the affordable team and overseeing all types of the affordable housing acquisitions to ensure a healthy pipeline.
Prior to joining HSPG, Josh began his property career in land and development for a South East based building contractor which then led him into joining the acquisitions team at L&Q, Sage Housing and Legal and General Affordable Homes. Josh has built up extensive contacts and knowledge within the affordable housing sector and has experience of negotiating a range of affordable transactions
Josh graduated with a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from University of Wolverhampton. He later gained his AAT qualification post University.
Fun fact:
Josh used to be keen footballer playing for AFC Telford United but now you would find him on the golf course looking for his golf ball in the trees.
Josh Beeston
Head of Affordable Housing Acquisitions
Charlotte joined HSPG in 2023 and provides legal support and oversight across the whole group. She has responsibility for ensuring multiple complex investments and transactions, from acquisition, financing and disposal are delivered efficiently and in accordance with HSPG’s business strategy.
Charlotte is a qualified solicitor and practised at Travers Smith LLP before moving to a global wealth and asset manager as Head of Transactions for three real estate funds, specialising in commercial long income real estate and social housing. Her experience spans implementing over £1.2bn property acquisitions, negotiating in excess of c£500m debt facilities, supporting over £1bn equity raises and overseeing day to day commercial and residential property portfolio management.
Fun fact:
Charlotte featured as a horse riding extra in a 2001 ITV drama
Charlotte Fletcher
General Counsel
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Ben joined HSPG in October 2020 as an Asset Manger. He is responsible for managing the Housing Social department.
Prior to joining HSPG, Ben was an estate agent for 10 years.
He moved from a nationwide estate agency based in Manchester and prior to that living abroad selling and leasing property internationally.
Ben pursued a career in sales and left high school at 16 after obtaining 9 GCSE’s A-C.
Fun fact:
Ben rescued two stray cats from the streets of Dubai and flew them back to the UK!
Ben Salt
Head of Housing Social
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Mark joined HSPG, with great enthusiasm, in August 2018 after working with David and Guy for a few years prior whilst at Edward Mellor Auctions. My current role is to mainly fulfil the requirements of our leasing partners from locating the right property and seeing it through to handover. I also help to trade properties to our network of buyers and auctioneers in the North West.
From leaving school Mark spent a year in the building trade, labouring before moving into Estate Agency with a small family firm in Bolton. Mark moved up the ladder to a much larger firm in Manchester coving the UK in which I became a regional valuer covering England, Scotland, and Wales. Covering another part of property was when he moved to Edward Mellor Auctions where he met David and Guy where they would regularly trade properties through the auction for profit.
Mark left school at 16 and jumped straight into working life, now having worked in the property industry since he was 17.
Fun fact:
#1 on his bucket list is to go on Safari in South Africa.
Mark Lawson
Head of Portfolio Investments
Working within the Supported Housing team specialising in sourcing and acquiring properties, to grow and manage social housing portfolios. Working with Housing Providers, Developers and HSPG’s advisors to originate new Social Housing opportunities and ensure the smooth handover of existing acquisitions.
Residential Acquisitions at The William Pears Group acquiring investments for one of the UKs largest property companies. At Whitecroft Group and Sequre Property Investment, I worked alongside developers to invest in high quality private housing. Started career working on construction sites as a carpenter and plumber.
Studied Business and Marketing at Canterbury Christ Church University. Obtained A Levels in Law and Business Studies at Godalming College
Fun fact:
Roman is in a rock band called Hunted By Elephants.
Roman Flourendzou
Head of Temporary Accommodation Acquisitions
Prior to starting at HSPG, Poppy spent 7 years at a Manchester based Independent Estate Agent. During her time there she gained experience in residential lettings, sales property management and compliance. As Head of Lettings and Development, Poppy oversaw training company wide and managed the City Centre and South Manchester Lettings branches.Â
Poppy graduated with a BA Degree in Philosophy from Manchester Metropolitan University. She has a Level 3 Technical Award in Residential Lettings and Property Management, and is currently studying towards a Level 4 in Residential Lettings and Property Management.
Poppy also has a NEBOSH Health and Safety General Certificate.
Fun fact:
Poppy has played golf since she was 10 years old, with a current handicap of 3.
Poppy Lockwood
Operations Manager
James joined HSPG in September 2019 as our first designer. Now our Senior Designer he is responsible for all HSPG branding and was responsible for the complete rebrand of HSPG in 2020, covering logos, new websites and brand guidelines.
James also oversees the production of all marketing material such as brochures, presentations and social media.
Prior to joining HSPG, James spent 4 years in the fashion industry. With experience designing, watches, bags and packaging.
James graduated with a BSc in Product Design and Technology from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Fun fact:
James has appeared on TV as best man at his friend’s “Married At First Sight” wedding.
James White
Brand Manager
Dan assist’s the Investment and Development team in acquiring and developing supported housing, residential and commercial properties.
Dan started as an apprentice at homes4u in Manchester in 2020 at the age of 17. Starting in the lettings department, he moved internally throughout the organisation, spending time as a property management assistant, in the sales team and back in the lettings team. Before leaving Dan was in the role of Property Manager looking after a portfolio of circa 150-175 properties, a mix of student and residential ranging from one bedroom apartments to large shared student accommodations.
Dan a Level 2 qualification in Residential Property Management and a diploma in vehicle systems maintenance.
Fun fact:
Dan is a brown belt in karate.
Daniel Hinchliffe
Compliance Manager
Dan joined the business in December 2020, sitting within the affordable housing team. He leads on underwriting and financial modelling, appraisal of bid opportunities and new business development.
Dan held previous roles within planning consultancy, residential development and real estate acquisitions. Formerly an analyst at Sage Housing, appraised over £1bn worth of assets and transacted on over £130m of S106 acquisitions within 2 years.
Dan has a BSc in Real Estate & PGDip in Urban Planning and Development from the University of Reading. As well as a certificates in Financial Modelling.
Fun fact:
Keen observer of all things watchmaking and horology.
Dan Watson
Associate, Affordable Housing
Emilija joining HSPG to execute the programme of sales for our current and future Shared Ownership residential portfolios so that the business meets its growth targets and achieves its ambition to complete sales within industry leading timeframes.Â
Emilija joins HSPG with 5+ years in the Affordable Housing sector from working in pre-sales at Southern Housing Group, to sales Nationwide at Legal and General Affordable Homes.
Emilija got her International Relations and politics BSc Degree at Plymouth University and Masaryk University
Fun fact:
Emilija is a keen astrology enthusiast.
Emilija Visockyte
Sales Programme Manager
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Josh joined HSPG in September 2020 as Acquisitions assistant. He is responsible for Sourcing Properties which meet care providers needs and assisting in bringing them up to high quality. He Additionally , Tracks the development of various properties right up to handover, dealing with Contractors tenants and meeting deadlines.
Prior to joining HSPG, Josh from 16 was an Assistant Manager of a HMO, dealing with rents, evictions and maintenance which gave him a grave insight into the property world.
Josh finished his A-Levels studying Business, Economics and Psychology. Josh has a background of construction and Property development working in his family business form a young age.
Fun fact:
Josh two Little Dogs, Beau the Pug and Zeus the Frenchie.
Josh McDonald
Senior Acquisitions Associate
Oren is part of the Affordable Housing team, appraising and sourcing new deal opportunities nationwide through a network of house builders, developers and agents.
Oren was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland and moved to Israel to complete my bachelor. Before making the move to London and joining HSPG.
He completed a bachelor in Business Administration with a specialisation in Digital Innovation at Reichman University in Israel.
Fun fact:
Oren is currently learning how to DJ.
Oren Hougui
Analyst, Affordable Housing
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Aidan Fortune
Strategic Partnership Manager
Sam Smith
Investment Associate
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Richard joined HSPG in Aug 2020 as Management Accountant and is responsible for the accurate preparation of management information for directors and external stakeholders. Additionally, he assists the Finance Director in the production of year end accounts and budgets.
He prepares and submits quarterly tax returns along with the monthly payroll. He is responsible for monitoring the cash flow and ensuring the financial data held is accurate, in addition to monitoring controls and improving finance systems and procedures.
Prior to joining HSPG, Richard was a management accountant at Chess, a telecoms company, where he worked for over 3 years. He has worked in finance roles for 10 years, working his way up from an initial finance assistant role.
Richard graduated with a BSc in Biology from the University of York. He is a fully qualified CIMA accountant having completed weekend studies at iCount Training in Manchester during previous roles.
Fun fact:
Before selling out and becoming an accountant he had long hair and played lead guitar in a band.
Richard Blomfield
Management Accountant
Sophie joined HSPG in January 2019 as a Property Executive. She supports the business as a whole with legal documents, admin requirements, financial and accounting support and sales progression for all property acquisitions.
Prior to joining HSPG, Sophie spent 7 years as a Legal Secretary working in the Property Department of a Law Firm. During this time she built up great knowledge on property transactions.
Sophie studied English Language and Psychology at Ashton Sixth Form.
Fun fact:
Sophie has ziplined over the Dubai Fountain!
Sophie Saxon
Property Executive
Tarin’s role is to review and implement where required all processes and procedures for the collection of revenues across the Affordable, Supported and Asset Management Departments. Set up CMS and reporting for revenues. Action rent reviews across the portfolio and serve required notices.
Tarin began her property career in 2015 within the lettings department at homes4u, a Manchester based Estate Agency having previously worked within hospitality. During her time at homes4u, Tarin worked her way up to the position of Rental Administration manager, a role which included overseeing a team of 8 ensuring the collection of rents, issuing of legal notices and processing of tenancy documents.
Tarin is currently studying for Property Mark Level 3 in Residential Lettings and Management.
Fun fact:
Tarin once bungee jumped for charity and is looking to sky dive in the future.
Tarin Entwistle
Revenue Collections Officer
Tara is a Finance Assistant, having joined HSPG in June 2023. She works closely with Connecting Dots and assists with their finance needs.
She graduated with a BA Degree in Economics from the University of Manchester in 2023 and worked for a few months on an ITV production team.
Fun fact:
Tara has a Grade 7 in piano and used to be a trained kayaking instructor.
Tara McCormack
Finance Assistant
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Esther joined HSPG in July 2021 as Finance Assistant. Esther is responsible for financial support and help to archive the company goals.
Esther started her career in Spain, developing her Accounting and Administration skills over the last 15 years, with the last 3 years working as an accounting general ledger for a multinational.
Esther finished her degree in Social Worker in Granada, Spain in 2000, with a post degree in Pedagogy focus in Administration and Work environment and Relationships. Over the years, she has been updating and improving her knowledge in different areas such Social and Finance.
Fun fact:
Esther got a Ukelele recently and her new goal is to learn how to play, as she says “without any musical skills”
Esther Fernandez
Finance Asistant
Georgia started her career working as a property manager in an estate agency and later moved on to manage a small team in lettings and property management.
She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 with a degree in Sociology.
Fun fact:
Outside of work Georgia is an Irish Dancer.
Georgia McGrory
Property Manager
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Sam joined HSPG in June 2021, to support the growing development team. Sam is responsible for the redevelopment and construction works to our broad property portfolio: assessing properties we purchase, working with contractors and consultants to deliver works and making sure everything is delivered on time, safely and within budget. Â
Prior to joining HSPG, Sam spent 6 years with Manchester based residential developers, working on larger private rented schemes across the North West of England. Over the last decade he has also assisted with rental property management, small land deals and has a number of personal property renovation projects under his belt.Â
Sam has an integrated masters degree in Planning and Real Estate from the University of Manchester (MPRE), which is both RTPI and RICS accredited. He also holds his relevant CSCS construction site safety accreditations.
Fun fact:
Sam was once an extra in a Busted music video.
Sam Taylor
Senior Project Manager
Oliver’s role is to assist with the delivery and project management of our acquisitions, in order to deliver high quality developments ensuring every bed space provided, regardless of the specification, is a home the care provider and service user can be proud of.
Oliver has been working most recently as Development and Sales Assistant at Irwell Valley Development Ltd. Prior to joining Irwell Valley, Oliver worked in Asset Management at Ascend Properties.
Oliver has a Bachelors in Planning and Environment from University of Liverpool and a Masters in Real Estate Development from University of Manchester.
Fun fact:
As a baby, Oliver featured on the British TV show – Coronation Street
Oliver Carroll
Project Manager
Lewis worked in the construction industry from a labourer to a key role with my his dads roofing firm since the age of 16.
He completed his GCSE’s and A-levels at St Edwards College in West Derby. He then went on to get a 2:1 in quantity surveying at John Moores University.
Fun fact:
Lewis once won a secret mini doubles table tennis tournament at Glastonbury, with his doubles partner being Dynamo.
Lewis Scott
Project Manager
In her current role, Emma is responsible for overseeing the performance of our housing portfolios accross PPHA and exempt accomodation; monitoring risk, managing processes, and supporting service delivery to ensure the provision of good quality, safe accommodation for customers.
Emma started her housing career straight after completing her degree, BSc Pschology from The University of Manchester. Working at Places for People for 15 years within a variety of leadership role. Prior to starting with HSPG she has also had her own business, leading all day-to day operations.
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Fun fact:
Emma rescued her dog Betty from a shelter in Romania. She’s now the most spoiled dog on the planet living her best life.
Emma Tiley
Head of Housing and Support
Lucy joins PPHA from Salix homes where she held a variety of roles across the organisation. Joining Salix straight from school, Lucy got a strong grounding in how to help customers have a great housing experience.
She looked after their safety, complaints, and often acted as the first point of contact. Lucy also kept ship-shape administration and audit information, looking after the Executive team and being involved in organisational governance.
Lucy will use these skills for the benefit of PPHA customers, looking after their safety, their customer experience and owning the Board governance administration.
Fun fact:
A life-long Mancunian, Lucy supports Manchester United. Alongside her love of United, she is an avid WWE fan.
Lucy Hulmes
Leasehold Manager
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Aga joined HSPG in March 2023 as an Executive Assistant to the Directors, managing their schedules and communications.
Aga has over 15 years EA to C-suite experience across different sectors and industries such as media, education technology and insurance technology.
Aga has a Masters in Literature from John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland.Â
Fun fact:
Aga was once a semi pro runner in Poland and still enjoy running today and watching athletics.
Aga Paliwoda
Executive Assistant
Laura joined HSPG in April as Relationship Manager. She is responsible for building relationships within the Local Authorities, 3rd party providers and investors
Prior to joining HSPG, Laura spent many years working in the Social Housing Sector.
Fun fact:
Laura is a qualified hypnotherapist.
Kevin also supports with general maintenance around our property portfolio across the UK
Kevin forms a big part of our maintenance team, completing voids for Housing Social in the most efficient way possible. This means no waiting around for tenants to move intotheir new home and Kevin makes it good as new before they move in.
Fun fact:
Kevin most enjoys walking his 3 dogs Poppy, Lucky and Miilo, and watching Manchester City (especially when they beat United!)
Kevin Salmon
Maintenance Technician
CEO: Guy Horne
COO: David Searle
Investment Acquisitions
Mark Edwards: Asset Management Director
Mark Lawson: Acquisitions Manager
Claire Blezard: Acquisitions Manager
Joseph Pritchard: Acquisitions Manager
Josh McDonald: Acquisitions Analyst
Investment Operations
Tom Finch: Head of Asset Management
Dan Watson: Affordable Housing Associate
Harpreet Sidhu: Affordable Housing Analyst
Laura Coombs: Affordable Housing Analyst
Ben Salt: Asset Manager
Paul Redshaw: Asset Management Assistant
Kevin Salmon: Maintenance Technician
Ollie Hobson: Maintenance Technician
Dale Manley: Maintenance Technician
Development
Development Director: Tom Nawn
Operations
Robyn Lee: Operations Director
James White: Senior Designer
Ellie Grant: Senior Administrator
Lucy Pearson-Comer: Marketing Executive
James Brierley: Junior Designer
Carly Posthuma: Junior Designer
Finance
Finance Director: James Bell
Richard Blomfield: Management Accountant
Sophie Saxon: Property Executive
Clementine Akawung: Account Assistant
Housing Social
Ben Salt: Asset Manager
Robyn Camilleri: Asset Management Executive
Paul Redshaw: Asset Management Assistant
Kevin Salmon: Maintenance Technician
Ollie Hobson: Maintenance Technician
Dale Manley: Maintenance Technician
Contact.
Use.Space
31 Ardwick Green
Manchester, M12 6PN.
9 Noel Street,
Soho, London, W1F 8GQ.