BPF Futures Mentoring Programme Blog Series - Lea and Maia

Mentoring that has an Impact - How the BPF Futures Mentoring Programme is Shaping the Next Generation

In a fast-moving industry, the right support at the right time can change the course of a career. That’s exactly why the BPF Futures Mentoring Programme exists to bring together next-gen talent and experienced professionals from across the UK real estate sector and give them the space, guidance and encouragement to grow.

Now in its current cycle, this programme pairs BPF Futures members with mentors from BPF member organisations, ensuring fresh perspectives and meaningful connections. It’s about more than advice - it’s about confidence, skill-building and unlocking potential on both sides of the partnership.

To understand what the programme is like in practice, we spoke to Grainger plc’s Lea Hampton, a recent mentor whose experience captures the spirit of what mentoring can achieve.

 

Lea’s mentoring story 

When Lea joined the BPF Futures Mentoring Programme in September 2025, she was matched with her mentee, Maia Rouse from Coastline Housing. Maia had recently taken on responsibility for social value reporting within her organisation and was eager for guidance as she stepped into this new area.

For Lea, it was the perfect opportunity to put her coaching and career development training back into action.

“Mentoring Maia has been a genuinely rewarding journey. It’s been wonderful to help her identify her strengths, focus areas for development, and grow her confidence.” 

Maia brought energy and passion to the process from day one, especially with her interest in ecology and conservation, building on her MSc is in Global Challenges. 

One of her key goals was to gain confidence in delivering presentations.

Together, Lea and Maia turned that intention into action. Lea encouraged her to take on opportunities within Coastline Housing from presenting impact reports to leading internal CPD sessions. The results came quickly and impressively.

“She has excelled delivering at the CEO’s briefing and now preparing to present to the Property Investment Committee.” 

But while Maia benefited from the mentorship, Lea emphasises that the experience has been equally transformative for her.

“Being able to share ideas and watch Maia embrace them has been inspiring. Mentoring has strengthened my own management and leadership skills, something I’m now evidencing as part of my CMI Level 5.”

 

Why Mentoring Matters 

Lea’s story reflects what makes the BPF Futures Mentoring Programme so powerful: 

• Fresh perspectives from someone outside your organisation. 
• Guidance you can trust from a supportive, experienced industry professional.
• Confidence growth through real-world opportunities and goalsetting. 
• Development for mentors too, especially in leadership and coaching. 
• A stronger, more connected sector built on generosity and shared knowledge. 

Mentoring isn’t a one-way street - it’s a partnership where both people grow.

The real estate sector is filled with talent, ambition and potential. However, sometimes all someone needs is a conversation, a nudge or the encouragement to take on something new. As Lea puts it:

 

“Inspiring the next generation is something we can all do. Join the BPF Mentoring Programme and give back.”

If you’re ready to develop your skills, expand your network or support someone’s career journey, the BPF Futures Mentoring Programme is your chance to make a real difference.  

The next cohort of the Mentoring Programme will open for recruitment towards the end of 2026. In the meantime, we’ll be sharing more stories, insights and mentoring journeys over the coming months to showcase the real impact of the programme and the people who make it special. You can find out more here.