People.
A team of passionate social housing professionals in Manchester and London.
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.
Guy began his career as a Sales Analyst in the Markets & International Banking division 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 postgraduate education in Boston, USA; where he studied Real Estate Finance and Development at MIT and completed an Executive MBA Alternative Education Program at the Harvard Business School.
Fun fact:
Guy has also completed his 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
10 years‘ heading up Westcore Properties’ European real estate business.
Experience at PwC, New York, Teesland (now Valad), Arab Banking Corporation & Dubai Investment Group.
Trained as a surveyor and then focused on all aspects of real estate finance and structuring.
25 years’ experience of commercial and residential real estate in the UK, Europe and North America.
Fun fact:
Coming soon!
Roger Ford
Non-Exec Director
Involved in transactions in Europe, Japan, China, India and the USA, with a total value in excess of $13 billion.
Chief Executive Officer and Global Head of the opportunity fund at RREEF/Deutsche Bank.
Initially worked in fund management prior to moving into investment banking with the Bankers Trust.
Directly involved in the real estate industry for over 30 years.
Fun fact:
Alistair has always had a keen interest in the Arts and has sponsored the Cambridge Film festival … and he has been lucky enough to have attended the Oscars and BAFTA s on many occasions … but only as a guest!
Alistair Dixon
Non-Exec Director
Mark specialises in leading acquisition, development and asset management teams in various transactions across the Social Housing and Residential sectors. He is responsible for securing a pipeline of over £200m worth of social housing at HSPG, whilst leading his team of 10 in the Investments division.
As Head of Investments and Acquisitions at JWH Capital Ltd, Mark negotiated one of the largest restauarant transaction in Liverpool City Centre. At Whitecroft Group and Sequre Property Investment, Mark sourced and acquired over £500m of residential property as Acquisitions and Investment Manager. Trained solicitor, Jones Day, international law firm.
MA International Relations – University of St Andrews Graduate Diploma in Law – BPP Legal Practice Course – BPP
Fun fact:
As a keen cricketer, Mark’s dream came true and he actually played at Lords (and hit Deveon Malcom for 4!)
Mark Edwards
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
Finance Director
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
Operations Director
Ann joined HSPG in 2021 and is responsible for overseeing all aspect of Operations, HR, IT and PR departments
Ann has been in the property industry since 1998 predominantly in residential sales and lettings and management but also spent two years in commercial property sales. Ann then moved to HSPG from an Operational role with a Manchester Based Estate and Letting Agent.
Ann has a Property Mark level 3 certificate in Residential Sales and in Residential Lettings and Management. While currently studying for Property Mark level 4 Diploma in Residential Sales.
Fun fact:
Was once on a BBC2 survival program called ‘Bare Necessities’ where three estate agents were pitted against three nurses in a competition to survive in the Mexican Jungle.
Ann Durrell
Head of Operations
Tom joined HSPG in September 2018. He is our Head Of Development responsible for designing, procuring and delivering all our Construction and Development work. He is a specialist in project management and complex problem solving.
Prior to joining HSPG, Tom worked for a number of private consultancies and developers over his 14 years experience. Delivering a range of high value projects across a variety of sectors.
Tom graduated with a degree BSc in Building Surveying from University and has completed further post graduate education in both Building Surveying and Construction Project Management.
Fun fact:
During lockdown Tom and a group of friends ran the equivalent of Manchester to Moscow (approx 3200km) for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust inspired by his friends 5 year old little boy, Ted, who suffers badly with cystic fibrosis
Tom Nawn
Head of Development
Tom joined HSPG in November 2020 and is responsible for the Asset Management arm of HSPG. This involves the management of housing portfolios supporting Homeless Alleviation, working in partnership with supported housing providers and ensuring compliance, client relationships, contract management and generating high levels of customer satisfaction. The team is also responsible for the internal Registered Providers and the onboarding, management and Shared Ownership Sales alongside Regulator relationships
Tom has 30 years experience in the industry, with the last 20 in either Director or Senior Management roles in both the Public and Private sector. Tom’s activities have covered all aspects from inception, feasibility, funding, development, construction, operational and contract management. Tom has worked with both standard and bespoke forms of contract including PFI. Previous employers include Rider Hunt Group, Leeds City Council and Mears Group plc.
Tom graduated from Leicester Polytechnic with a Degree in Building Surveying. Tom has also undertaken continuous training and further education throughout his career to enhance his technical and management skills.
Fun fact:
Tom is a fully qualified advanced scuba diver!
Tom Finch
Head of Asset Management
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
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
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
Senior Acquisitions Manager
Responsible for acquiring new s106 opportunities from housebuilders.
Leads on in-depth analysis process, carrying out due diligence and running development appraisals.
Laura is also a professional footballer, representing Manchester City and England.
Fun fact:
Laura is a self-confessed Friends addict and has watched every season at least 20 times and counting!
Laura Coombs
Analyst, Affordable Housing
Joined HSPG in October 2020 I am responsible for procuring a niche pipeline of properties for the business. Joe sources contractors for development and project manages refurbs through to sign off.
Prior to joining HSPG, Joe spent ten years working with various providers delivering the Asylum seeker contract. He has 40 years experience working within the property industry buying and selling property, managing small portfolios and developing. He has always lived in Manchester but has worked across the North West, Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
Fun fact:
Joe believes there are Aliens amongst us.
Joe Pritchard
Acquisitions Manager
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
Acquisitions Manager
Claire joined HSPG in September 2020 as Acquisitions Manager. She specialises in Supported Housing Acquisitions. Identifying and acquiring high-quality, residential properties in suitable locations for our residents.
Prior to joining HSPG, Claire has 25 years experience of working in the property industry from Estate Agency, Auctioneering, Investments and Acquisitions across the UK and Europe.
Fun fact:
Claire was the first Female Auctioneer in North Wales and featured a number of times auctioneering on Homes under the Hammer!
Claire Blezard
Acquisitions Manager
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
Acquisitions Analyst
Paul supports Housing Social with all client relations from moving clients into their new homes, liaising with the council on their requirements and inspections and liaising with Landlords to ensure their properties are inspected to the desired timeframes and standards.
Fun fact:
Coming soon!
Paul Redshaw
Asset Management Assistant
Ensuring completions happen within the often tight deadlines.
Alistair increases the efficiency of acquisitions by progressing legals, documentation, leases and other administrative tasks from inception to completion, coordinating all parties to ensure completions happen within the often tight deadlines.
After a year at Granite Lettings as Property Manager, Alistair was Sales Progressor at Edward Mellor.
Alistair worked within Countrywide Surveying Services, Undertaking residential valuation surveys, identifying evidence and possible property defects.
Alistair’s early career includes being a Sales Negotiator, Bridgfords, following which, he was a Case Progressor at Springbok Properties.
Building Surveying, University of Salford.
Fun fact:
When Alistair was younger, he wanted to be a vet, because he was absolutely obsessed with pet rescue!
Alistair Lewis
Sales Progressor
Clementine joined HSPG in Jan 2021 as an Account Assistant. She is responsible for Maintaning both Purchase and Sales ledger. Liasing with internal departments and external providers/suppliers to monitor all billing and ensure compliance and deadline adherence.
Prior to joining HSPG , She spent 4 years in the capacity of an Account assistant in the Retail sector including fashion industry.
Clementine graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2017, She is part qualified in the process of completing her ACCA exams.
Fun fact:
Clementine now understands and speaks Korean after being obsessed with watching
Korean dramas/entertainment and K-pop when she was younger!
Clementine Akawung
Accounts Assistant
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
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.
Laura Varley
Relationships Manager
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.
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.
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
Project 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
Senior Designer
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
Asset 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.
Ollie also supports with general maintenance around our property portfolio across the
UK.
Ollie 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 into their new home and Ollie makes it good as new before they move in.
Fun fact:
Ollie used to sing in a heavy metal band in secondary school!
Ollie Hobson
Maintenance Technician
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
Ayesha joined HSPG in April 2021 as a property manager. She is responsible for dealing with move ins and inspections. Ensures that the maintenance and compliance team are prompt and avoid any underlying issues that may occur. She also keeps in touch with landlord and tenants to organise any maintenance issues.
Prior to joining HSPG, Ayesha was a lettings negotiator/ property manager at Bridgfords in Didsbury for a year and a half.
Ayesha graduated with a degree BA Honors in Business and Marketing from the University of Hull.
Fun fact:
Ayesha has been Skydiving in Dubai and it was the best experience ever!
Ayesha Arifeen
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.
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.
33 Broadwick Street,
Soho, London, W1F 0DQ.