News
Celebrating Excellence: Jodie Fraser Named ‘Property Personality of the Year’ at the South West Property Awards
In a spectacular event celebrating the best of the property industry, Jodie Fraser has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Property Personality of the Year” at the Insider South West Property Awards. This accolade recognises her outstanding contributions to the sector, particularly in promoting personal safety, diversity, and inclusion.
A Trailblazer in Safety and Security
Jodie Fraser has established herself as a leading figure in the property industry through her commitment to enhancing personal safety and security. Her pioneering efforts to introduce the work of the Hollie Gazzard Trust and the innovative Hollie Guard Extra App to the property sector have set new standards in safeguarding professionals and clients alike. These initiatives have been crucial in creating a culture of safety and awareness, earning her the admiration of the judging panel.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Jodie’s dedication extends beyond safety; she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the property industry. Her work with Women in Residential Property highlights her commitment to empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Her efforts have not only opened doors for many but have also inspired a more inclusive and supportive industry environment.
A Voice for the Industry
Through her podcast, “Beyond Four Walls,” Jodie continues to support and educate property professionals. By covering a wide range of topics, from tackling burnout to exploring the latest in prop tech, Jodie offers valuable insights and practical advice. Her podcast is a testament to her deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, providing a platform for learning and growth.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Jodie’s far-reaching knowledge, compassion, and relentless dedication to the property industry are what make her the deserving winner of this year’s award. Her influence extends across the South West and beyond, serving as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for industry professionals.
The South West Property Awards celebrate individuals who have made significant impacts in the industry, and Jodie Fraser exemplifies the qualities of leadership, innovation, and integrity that the awards honour. Her achievements set a benchmark for future leaders in the property sector, and her legacy will undoubtedly inspire positive change for years to come.
The FirstPort Group Appoints Director of Operational Excellence Jo Green
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Green as Director of Operational Excellence, effective immediately.
The appointment marks a further advance in The FirstPort Group’s aim to become the property manager of choice for clients by driving operational excellence. Led by Managing Director Martin King, The FirstPort Group, which manages more than 6,000 developments across England, Wales and Scotland, has undergone a significant transformation over the past 12 months as it aims to become the property management expert of choice for RMCs and developers, with a uniquely data-driven, professional, customer focused approach.
Jo brings close to two decades of experience in both large international corporate and rapid scale start-up structures within the UK’s Build to Rent (BtR) and residential property management sectors. She has an exceptional track record in strategic growth, operational transformation and business development.
Prior to joining The FirstPort Group, Jo was Director of Business Development (Europe) at Cortland, the real estate investment, development, and management company with a £15.3bn gross real estate value. Prior senior roles include Head of Business Development at Home Made, the UK’s largest hybrid lettings company, and Director of PRS at LSL Property Services PLC, the LSE-listed property services group. Jo is also Chair of the joint Association of Rental Living (ARL) & The Property Institute (TPI) Education & Qualifications Committee.
Jo will play an instrumental role in achieving operational excellence across all areas of the business by driving improvements through capability and process analysis and implementing best practice.
Martin King, Managing Director of The FirstPort Group, said:“We are delighted to welcome Jo to the team. By embedding professionalism and operational excellence across all areas of our business, Jo will assist us in helping The FirstPort Group achieve its ambition is to become the property manager of choice for clients who seek an efficient, proactive and technology-led service, supported by expertise in complex legal, compliance and regulatory matters.”
Jo Green added:“I am very excited to be joining The FirstPort Group at this pivotal time and to work with such an experienced and competent team. I am impressed by the clear commitment to become the acknowledged industry leaders, re-setting professional standards and driving forward the benchmark of residential property management. It’s very clear to me that the business is uniquely positioned to be the true sector innovator. By establishing and embedding operational excellence in all our systems and processes The FirstPort Group will not only continue to grow but will lead the sector in serving clients and their resident customers with an unrivalled standard of service. I look forward to working with Martin and his team to achieve this.”
New Rankings Success Positions JB Leitch as “Real Specialists in Their Field”
This week the Legal 500 rankings for 2025 were released, which sees JB Leitch hold its high position in Tier 3 for property litigation, alongside some of the largest firms in the country.
For over 30 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The rankings are based on a series of criteria including notable cases, capability and technical expertise – highlighting the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice.
We are delighted that not only has the firm been recognised for its expertise in property law, but key individuals have been singled out for their outstanding work, including Principal Associate Katie Edwards, Principal Solicitor Jonathan Leitch, Associates Katie Orr and Lauren Walker and Legal Director Phil Parkinson, who receives Next Generation partner status for the second consecutive year.
An important component of the award is client feedback, which notes “JB Leitch are real specialists in their field. Their primary focus on long leasehold work is unique – the entire practice management ethos has developed with that specialism in mind” and that the firm is “a tight and focused team that is a match for any competition.’
Director Jonathan Leitch adds: “I am delighted that the new rankings provide such a high degree of recognition for the whole team and our recent successes. I’m particularly pleased that some of our rising stars are being acknowledged for their remarkable achievements. In a time of significant change across the property sector, we are honoured that our clients have provided testimonials that reflect our dedication, focus and commitment.”
The good news arrives at an exciting time for the firm, with recent weeks seeing a host of new starters welcomed at every level of operation – from apprentices to solicitors. Coupled with a continuing programme of systems investment and resource development, the 140 strong team continues to look ahead with confidence and focus.
Should you have any further enquiries, please contact Steve Sherlock Head of Marketing & Communications at JB Leitch: s.sherlock@jbleich.co.uk
Irwin Mitchell Appoints Two New Senior Heads of Property
Guy Sackett to lead Irwin Mitchell’s National Real Estate Team and Garrath Reayer to lead Residential Property
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed partner Guy Sackett as its new Head of Real Estate. Guy is replacing Adrian Barlow, who is retiring from the partnership.
In addition, Garrath Reayer has been appointed new Head of Residential Property, following the retirement of Jeremy Raj earlier this year.
Irwin Mitchell’s Real Estate and Residential Property Teams together number 25 partners and have over 130 qualified staff working from nine offices across the UK.
Guy Sackett, National Head of Real Estate
Irwin Mitchell’s National Real Estate Division offers full-service advice across the sector including property transactional advice, including investment and development, planning and environment, construction, real estate disputes and tax.
Guy joined the firm in 2015 following its merger with Thomas Eggar and is a real estate development lawyer with over 25 years’ experience in commercial and residential development. Prior to his new national head role, he led the firm’s Southern real estate division.
Guy’s focus over the past five years has been on large scale residential and mixed-use regeneration schemes. He also has significant expertise in the strategic land and student accommodation sectors, and acts for a number of leading developers, promoters and operators.
In recent years Guy has acted on a number of significant transactions including:
Advising Sussex County Cricket Club on the residential-led development of part of the County Ground in a joint venture with Roffey Homes
Acting for Summix Capital in its role as lead promoter, promoting Worcestershire Parkway as an allocation for residential-led mixed use development of a new settlement
Acting for a long-standing developer client in connection with the funding and development of a 215-unit central London student accommodation scheme with a GDV in excess of £130m
Advising a leading developer in relation to a key residential-led town centre regeneration opportunity (estimated GDV in excess of £60m) in partnership with the local council
Advising Landlink Estates on the pre-letting, development and forward funding of Saltbox Business Park (an industrial/ retail/logistics park in West Sussex)
Advising on the acquisition, development and funding of the iconic mixed-use development at St Georges Tower, Leicester (also known as the Blue Tower) accommodating: student housing, hotel, offices, residential, leisure and retail.
He brings strong hands-on experience to the new role together with strategic knowledge of the real estate sector, strong client relationships and a track record of success in the transactional arena.
Commenting on his appointment, Guy Sackett said, “I am excited to be taking over the reins of IM’s Real Estate Division at a time when the new government’s policies are fixed firmly on addressing the housing crisis and delivering on planning and environmental reform. All of these play to IM’s strengths and provide us with a great platform for growth.”
Garrath Reayer, National Head of Residential Property
Irwin Mitchell’s National Residential Property Team covers the full remit of residential property advice including residential sales, acquisitions, refinances, leasehold enfranchisement and secured lending across the UK. The Team offers market competitive fee rates, providing an advisory rather than mere executory service. The provision of a “Platinum Service” being of paramount importance.
Garrath joined the firm in 2015 following its merger with Thomas Eggar and has over 25 years’ experience in the high net worth / ultra-high net worth London and South-East property markets. Garrath’ s particular area of expertise lies in the secured lending sector of the residential market, working alongside top financial institutions.
In recent years Garrath has acted on many significant transactions including:
Acting for Lender in respect of a loan for purchase – London flat: purchase price: £111,000,000 – Loan Value: £52,500,000
Acting for Lender in respect of a refinance to a Guernsey company – funding secured on a London flat valued at £40,000,000 – Loan Value: £28,000,000
Acting for Lender in respect of a refinance to a BVI company – funding secured on two London properties [valued at £33,000,000 and £17,500,000] – Loan Value: £25,300,000
Acting for Lender in respect of an equity release secured against three flats in London – Loan Value £23,000,000
Acting for Lender in respect of a refinance of a 17-property portfolio – Loan Value: £11,500,000
In addition, Garrath has numerous long-standing celebrity clients from the world of film, TV, entertainment and sport.
Garrath brings long and successful hands-on experience to the role together with strategic knowledge of the residential market (in particular the secured lending sector), strong and long-established client relationships and a proven record of success.
Commenting on his appointment, Garrath Reayer said, “I am obviously very excited to be appointed to the role. We have a well-established, experienced and very dedicated Team who work tirelessly for our clients. I am extremely confident that we will build on the Team’s existing strong foundations. It is an exciting time to be a part of Irwin Mitchell with the firm going from strength to strength!”