Property and Construction event – 27th January 2025

Property and Construction

27th January 2025

2pm – 5:30pm London time

At: Home Grown, 44 Great Cumberland Place, London, W1H 7BS

(5 mins from Marble Arch station)

In addition to valuable networking opportunities and delicious snacks, at our Property and Construction event you’ll gain insightful perspectives from an expert speaker panel discussing Labour’s housing plans, sustainability, skills shortages, and the challenges of housing affordability

Topic: Property and Construction

• • Long term effect of Labour’s housing plans. – Is this realistic and is it sustainable?

  • How can we encourage and support more women in the industry .

  • Housing affordability and the current market.

  • Addressing the skills shortage in construction to meet demands.

PANELLISTS TBC:

Lorraine Thomas – Award Winning Property Developer, Socially Conscious Landlord

Lorraine Thomas is an award-winning property developer, mentor, and socially conscious landlord, celebrated for blending business expertise with a commitment to social impact. After transitioning from a career in legal business development to property in 2016, she founded View From My Window to provide affordable housing for vulnerable tenants. Starting with limited resources, Lorraine has grown her portfolio to projects worth up to £3.2 million.

A passionate advocate for people-focused property development, Lorraine has earned recognition on the f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 list, spoken on panels for Google and Tide Bank, and even been invited to No.10 Downing Street. A sought-after speaker, she champions diversity in construction and has appeared at events like the Precious Wealth Conference and Women in Finance, inspiring future generations. Lorraine has also featured on BBC Politics Live and contributed to publications like The Telegraph and Homes and Gardens.

Elli Kiely – Design & Innovation Director, HJK Construction

Elli Kiely joined HJK Construction in 2021, following the unexpected passing of her father, bringing with her a fresh vision and a passion for design and innovation. As the company’s Design & Innovation Lead, Elli focuses on enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of each project, ensuring every build meets the highest standards while incorporating modern, sustainable designs. Over the last three years, she has played a pivotal role in the successful sale of over 300 properties that the company has built, contributing significantly to its growth and reputation in the industry.

Beyond her work at HJK Construction, Elli is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion within the construction and development sectors. As a mentor for the I Am a Housebuilder campaign, she champions initiatives that open doors and create opportunities for future female leaders in the industry. Through her advocacy, Elli is helping to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in construction, while also driving innovation in a traditionally male-dominated field.

With her expertise in design, her leadership at HJK Construction, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation, Elli is shaping the future of both the company and the wider construction industry.

Anna Baker – Sustainability Director, Aggregate Industries

Anna Baker brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Sustainability Director at Aggregate Industries. With over 25 years in the construction industry, she has worked across main contractors, clients and the supply chain, making this her first role in product manufacturing.

Anna holds a master’s degree in Environmental Management, complemented by a background in animal science and a lifelong passion for sustainability.

Her career highlights include establishing the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine which earned her the Environmental Contractor of the Year award, and leading Kier’s sustainability strategy across its UK construction division. Now part of Aggregate Industries’ EXCO, Anna is leading the company’s ambitious sustainability agenda which included an industry-first nature strategy in 2024.

Drawing from her own journey, Anna brings a unique perspective to sustainability leadership, challenging traditional norms in commercial and engineering roles. As such, she is an advocate for women in construction, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Anna’s areas of focus include circularity, decarbonisation and nature-based sustainability solutions, with a keen emphasis on practical action and delivery. She is passionate about promoting diversity, inclusion and equality, and has previously driven initiatives to improve parental leave policies.

Who will I meet?

This event is perfectly suited to driven, mid-senior level professionals including business owners or those in C-Suite and managerial positions, across diverse industries.

About the venue Home Grown:

Home Grown is a private members’ club that provides entrepreneurial pioneers with unique resources to unlock the true value of their business potential. It is a global community of experienced  entrepreneurs, sophisticated investors and trusted advisors. Home Grown also features fabulous bedrooms designed by Russell Sage Studio, a bar and a restaurant with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from independent premium suppliers.

Tickets:

Tickets include speaker, continental breakfast, teas, coffees and juices and networking:

– Rose Quartz, Sapphire & Emerald members: £35pp – please login to book your tickets and your discount will apply

– Non-members: £50pp

*NB Covid-19 Disclaimer*

The safety and wellbeing of all our guests is our priority and this event will be hosted in-line with Covid-19 government guidelines.

If this event needs to be postponed then tickets will be transferable to a later date.