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Hortons welcomes Danielle Phillips as a partner
Hortons has announced a new partnership with Danielle Phillips, marking a significant step in the brand’s growth, as she leads the expansion into Essex.
The self-employed brokerage model’s launch in Essex comes on the back of recent expansions into Sussex, Surrey, and London – as the company eyes growth nationwide.
According to Hortons, more new partners are currently set to join the company, with further growth planned across London, Essex, and into the North.
“We’re really excited to welcome Danielle as a Partner who’s leading the expansion into Essex,” Horton said. “She represents the kind of quality, entrepreneurial talent we’re proud to attract.”
Simon Carter succeeds Jessica Hardman as president of the British Property Federation
Simon Carter, chief executive at British Land, has become president of the British Property Federation (BPF), succeeding Jessica Hardman, chief executive and co-founder of Aboria Capital, who served as BPF president from July 2024.
Carter has been a member of the board of British Land since 2018, first as chief financial officer (CFO) and as chief executive since 2020. He was previously CFO of Logicor and prior to that finance director of Quintain.
Carter, who has been a BPF Board Member since 2023, will work closely with BPF vice president Jo Allen (chief executive of Frogmore) and Melanie Leech, BPF chief executive, to champion the role of real estate in driving economic growth and regeneration.
His appointment also comes at a pivotal moment as the BPF, the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) prepare to ask their members to vote on a proposal to merge and create a new representative body for the industry. It is announced today that the new organisation would be named Real Estate: UK (RE:UK).
Carter said: “Our industry plays a vital role in shaping places and supporting communities across the country, and makes an enormous contribution to the UK economy in creating jobs, unlocking investment and enabling innovation.
“Under Jessica’s leadership the BPF has seen significant success in securing crucial policy interventions and support that will unlock investment into UK real estate. I look forward to building on that strong foundation to ensure the Government fully harnesses the power of our sector.
“I hope that our members will endorse our vision to build an even more powerful new industry body in RE:UK, and look forward to taking the baton from Jessica to oversee that transition during my Presidency.”
Melanie Leech, chief executive, BPF, added: “This is a critical time for our industry as we work with Government to deliver the homes, workspaces and infrastructure needed to reboot the economy and drive growth.
“Simon’s extensive experience and knowledge across finance and development will be invaluable as we manage the twin challenges of helping to shape policy that will unlock investment and accelerate delivery, and – if our members agree – transitioning to a new organisation building on the strengths of the BPF, AREF and IPF.
“I would also like to thank Jessica for her dedication and outstanding leadership over the past year as we have developed and refined our plans for a new body that will represent the full breadth of the real estate sector and amplify our voice.”
Close Brothers Property Finance MD Rowland Thomas to retire
Rowland Thomas, managing director of Close Brothers Property Finance, will be retiring from the business at the end of July following 38 years with the lender. Deputy managing director, Daniel Joyce, will succeed him.
Rowland has played a major role in shaping the growth of the Property Finance division over the years, as it has increased its loan book to currently just under £2bn and established a reputation as the leading provider of development finance to SME housebuilders.
In addition to his responsibilities as managing director, overseeing the team of 100, Rowland personally managed a substantial portfolio of clients and funded countless projects over time across all the major property asset classes from small residential projects to large commercial schemes.
Joyce joined Close Brothers Property Finance over 25 years ago initially in a support function before his appointment to relationship manager in 2006. Daniel was promoted to the Property Finance Board in 2015, having successfully grown a large portfolio of residential development and commercial investment loans. He became Deputy Managing Director in August 2023.
Phil Hooper, chief executive officer of Close Brothers Property Finance, said: “Rowland has made an enormous contribution to the growth and reputation of Close Brothers Property Finance. His strategic leadership and deep market knowledge have played a pivotal role in shaping the business we are today. I would like to thank him for his outstanding service over the years.”
“Although Rowland will be greatly missed, we are fortunate that Daniel will be stepping into the Managing Director role. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the SME market he brings both continuity and new perspective to the role.”
Rowland Thomas commented: “It has been hugely rewarding working alongside such a high calibre, dedicated and driven team at Close Brothers Property Finance, helping to support SME housebuilders through the ‘good times’ as well as some extremely challenging periods. It has also been a great pleasure and fascinating education to work with so many outstanding developers, investors and professionals over my career.
“In many ways, the business I leave is very different to the one I joined. However, the exceptional levels of service it provides to customers and its unwavering commitment to supporting and, increasingly, advocating on behalf of SMEs remain the same. I have every confidence that Daniel and his highly experienced Team, alongside Phil’s strong leadership of the business, will ensure that the business remains both a major supporter of and standard bearer for the sector.”
Joyce added: “Having worked closely alongside Rowland for over two decades, I’ve learned the value of his relationship-led approach to lending, and I look forward to continuing in that vein, whilst driving the business forward.”
Comings & Goings
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