Dipo Akinola
Vice president, Castleforge Partners
Dipo Akinola joined Castleforge, a real estate private equity fund as an analyst in 2018. He is now a vice president in the investment management team, primarily responsible for managing the team of analysts and associates, overseeing the management of the properties owned by Castleforge and coordinating internal procedures.
Prior to his work at Castleforge, Dipo worked for the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investment Banking team in London, focusing on M&A and capital markets transactions in the EMEA region, across the full range of asset classes. Dipo graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Cambridge.
Hannah Dorman
Marketing director, Fine & Country, Exeter & East Devon
Hannah Dorman is the marketing director at Fine and Country Exeter, which has offered her a fantastic opportunity to explore and develop the most effective methods for promoting premium properties on the sales market, whilst utilising new technologies and social trends to her client’s advantage.
Hannah endeavours to ensure her clients always receive first class service and the best results. Hannah is excited to bring to the panel all the experience gained from her previous roles; from a thriving independent Exeter based estate agency to a prestigious international estate agency based in London.
Julie-Ann Clements
Managing director, In Ex Design
Julie-Ann Clements is an architect with a flair for interior and landscape design. While working at several of the country’s largest practices, Julie-Ann developed a varied portfolio, delivering a diverse range of projects, from £50-million mixed-use developments to refurbishing beautiful homes.
In creating In Ex Design, Julie-Ann wanted a holistic approach to design; a strategy that sets In Ex Design apart. She spent years working on projects where the interior and landscape design were an afterthought and concluded that for the best user experience, all elements of design need to be considered simultaneously. The building design should work in harmony with both the interior and exterior spaces.
Kate Mills
Chairman, South West Women in Construction
Kate Mills began her career in construction in 2005 after returning to the Southwest region and taking a role with a national engineering firm. With nearly 30 years as a sales and marketing professional under her belt, she really enjoys the challenges that a constantly evolving industry offers.
Kate was the first woman to chair The Building Forum Devon & Cornwall in 2019 and has been a committee member of Southwest Women In Construction for 15 years, beginning her tenure as chair in 2022. As a passionate ambassador for women in construction, she actively encourages young women to consider a career in the industry.
Kyrenia Tew
Associate director, KTA
Kyrenia Tew is an associate director at KTA Architects and has been with them for 18 years. She has helped them to succeed in becoming one of the leading architectural practices in the Southwest. She is responsible for the business development and marketing for the company, mentors the young team members whilst taking pride in helping and encouraging the younger generations into the industry.
Kye is the co-chair of the Exeter Construction Group. Formed in 2016, the group provides a social networking opportunity for the construction industry. Furthermore, Kye is a board member of Six Degrees, a networking group for inspirational like-minded women in the Southwest.
Lisa Marshall
Head of marketing, Oxygen House
Lisa Marshall is head of marketing at Oxygen House, a group of companies which invest time and money into ethical projects which are both profitable and sustainable, aimed at creating a better future for all.
Having recently completed a Business Sustainability Management course with the University of Cambridge, Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Lisa is passionate about bringing sustainability initiatives into every aspect of a business. Lisa previously oversaw all marketing at the prestigious Howard de Walden Estate, the freehold owner of 92 acres of Marylebone, central London. Alongside this, Lisa has held roles in finance, and supply chain management.
Phil Bialyk
Labour Leader, Exeter City Council
“Cllr Phil Bialyk is the labour leader of Exeter City Council. Phil was first elected to the Council in 1984 serving a four-year term before returning in 2011. He was later elected leader in May 2019.
Phil has instigated whole system change, pioneering a low carbon building programme to create a greener, healthier, more active city for all residents. Following the opening of St Sidwells point, the next project for Phil is to retro fit all council properties and work to bring forward proposals for the private housing sector, harnessing opportunities for new skills and green jobs in the sub-region.
Rob Flatt
Director, JLL
Rob Flatt is a chartered building surveyor and was born and bred in Topsham. With 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Rob is a director at JLL where he leads the highly respected Building Consultancy business within the wider Exeter office.
Having previously lived and worked in London, Rob has over 23 years’ experience in the Southwest market and has gained an enviable level of knowledge and experience working with local, national and international clients throughout the region and beyond. A keen cyclist Rob is also an internationally decorated veteran fencing having represented England & Great Britain at Men’s Epee in Home, Commonwealth and European events.
Steven Strang
Director of estates and IT, Exeter College
As Director of Estates and IT for Exeter College, Steven is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the College’s Estates and IT functions, supporting the delivery of high-quality education and for the development of services in accordance with the College’s strategies and objectives. Providing strategic direction and advice on the estate and infrastructure, ensuring that the built and virtual environments are fit for the future, managed effectively and efficiently, adapt to changing educational needs and are safe for students, visitors, and staff.
Prior to joining Exeter College in 2005 Steve worked as a property manager for defence estates.