Press Releases

• BPF members represent a wide cross-section of the property industry 
• Committee members debate, consult and act on key industry topics such as tax and regulation, sustainability and the transition to net zero  
• New committee members help reach equality target, with a minimum of 30% female representation. 

The British Property Federation (BPF), the trade association representing investors, developers and professionals within the property industry has recently held applications for new members to take part on some of its committees.  

The British property industry adds more than £107bn* a year to the UK economy. We also spend £6bn a year on things like affordable housing, schools, roads and open spaces to support our communities. Regular discussions with our members mean that the BPF is well-placed to inform Government and stakeholders on housing, planning, tax and net zero regulations.  

Informing work 

Ian Fletcher, BPF Director of Policy (Real Estate) says: “The BPF’s committees are the beating heart of sector advocacy and provide opportunities for a wide cross-section of our membership to inform our work. The Open Call process we have gone through supports our commitment to sector diversity and inclusion and is an opportunity for new faces to get involved, but also members who have supported the sector well to step down. We are extremely grateful to them for their considerable service.  

“Over the spring we will be integrating new committee members on tax, finance, commercial, and sustainability. We are always over-subscribed, and really grateful to everyone who expressed an interest. We look forward to welcoming our new committee members and having the benefit of their insight and professional expertise.” 

Valuable insights 

Simon Webb, Workspace Group PL and Chair of BPF Commercial Committee, says, “I’m delighted to welcome four fantastic new members to the BPF’s Commercial Committee. I know that Victoria, Gary, Rebecca and Matt will enhance our work with their unique perspectives and valuable insight. I can’t wait to start working with them to improve the operation and reputation of the commercial property industry. Welcome aboard!”  

New BPF Commercial Committee members are: 

• Victoria Smith, Taylor Wessing 
• Gary Wickham, CLSH Management 
• Rebecca Ashton, Macfarlanes LLP 
• Matt Schaaf, 3PM 

New voices in finance 

Heather Day, COO PGIM, Chair of BPF Finance Committee says, “I’m delighted to welcome new members on to the BPF Finance Committee. The BPF’s Finance Committee is a fantastic forum for the sector to discuss some of the key finance issues affecting the property sector – and it will be great to add some new voices and perspectives to our discussions. This year the committee will continue to support the BPF’s wider priorities around sustainability and work alongside the BPF Tax Committee on key workstreams, including business rates and the Government’s wider funds review.  

The new BPF Finance Committee members are:  

• Laura Holdaway, Mills and Reeve 
• Laura Smith, Travers Smith LLP 
• Sheelagh Cooley, Shoosmiths 
• Fiona Freeman, FTI Consulting 
• Saira Choudhry, PwC 
• Zoe Thomas, Evelyn Partners 
• Meherzad Bilimoria, Pinsent Masons LLP 

Critical role in sustainability 

Katherine Sherwin, Director, Black Rock, and Chair of BPF Sustainability Committee says, “With the built environment responsible for around 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions, the role of the BPF sustainability committee is more critical than ever. This is why I am delighted to welcome several new, highly qualified and experienced members to the committee to help speed the transition to a net zero property sector. I would also like to thank existing members for their continued support and pass on my best wishes to those members who are standing down.” 

New Sustainability Committee members are:  

• Ashley Toy, Head of Large Corporate and Head of Climate, Real Estate Finance, NatWest 
• Charlotte Hopkins, Head of Sustainability and CSR, Grainger plc 
• Clare Masters, Head of Sustainability, Quintain Ltd 
• Fabienne Davies, Sustainability Manager, NewRiver REIT 
• John Inglis, Head of Net Zero, Getliving 
• Laura Ludlow, Principal Associate, Mills & Reeve LLP 
• Peter Runacres, Head of Urban Futures, Earls Court Development Company 
• Simon Gould, Development Director, Impact Healthcare REIT 
• Tom Attree, Director of Sustainability and Technology, Capco 

Tax experience and expertise 

Tracy Dossett, CFO, Brockton Everlast, Chair of BPF Tax Committee says, “The BPF’s Tax Committee is an important forum to consider tax measures which impact on the sector. We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in this committee through the Open Call – and I’m delighted to welcome new members who bring with them a huge wealth of experience and expertise. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank previous members who have contributed so much of their time to this committee over the years. This year is shaping up to be as busy as ever with ongoing workstreams in relation the UK funds review and business rates – and supporting the BPF’s work around decarbonisation.” 

The new Tax committee members are:

• Edwina Davis, IQ Student Accommodation 
• Isabel Candy, L&G 
• Julia Lloyd, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 
• Tracey Wright, Osborne Clarke LLP 
• Sara Pilgrim, CBRE 
• Saloni Hukku-Sawhney, KPMG 
• Ed Peters, BDO LLP 
• Andy West, BDO LLP 
• Prasam Patel, Mazars  

See all current members of BPF Committees here.