Hugh Dennis
Acquisition and Strategy
Founder and Managing Director. Hugh has run architecture practices and property development companies for the past 20 years (he is currently also a director of Urban View and of Rosefield Group).
Hugh brings together his experience in construction, property and design to disrupt the failing status quo that has brought about the housing crisis. His background in construction and ecological building design, along with his architectural training and knowledge of property development informs how Little Ships can maximise the social, aesthetic and financial benefit of their target sites.
Rupert Maitland
Development and Construction
Non-Executive Director. An experienced construction and property professional with a long track record in delivering construction and housing projects across a very wide range of sectors, Rupert will be helping us deliver our projects on time and to budget.
As comfortable with multi-million pound new-build projects as he is with the smaller refurbishment sites, Rupert understands the intricacies required for each type of project and, as a qualified Quantity Surveyor, has a very cost-focussed approach. As a self-made property developer, he also knows what it is like to put one’s own money into projects as well as the importance of obtaining an income stream at the earliest opportunity.
Tom Atherton
Strategic Finance
Non-Executive Director. The President and Chief Operating Officer for a major UK PLC on the FTSE 250 index, Tom is helping us choose the right investment strategy and financial partners.
Tom is a chartered accountant who has worked for Dairy Crest Group plc since 2005, his latest promotion following the acquisition of Dairy Crest by Saputo in April 2019. He is a member of the Board of Dairy UK and a member of Business in the Community’s Finance and Risk Committee. He has previously held senior finance positions in Logica plc and Thorn plc.
Vanessa Charles
Housing Management
Non-Executive Director. Currently Operations Manager for a public sector organisation leading bid writing and managing funding. Vanessa will advise us on which homes to build and how to run them.
Vanessa has a post-graduate diploma in Housing Studies and has worked for two leading Housing Associations in the South East. She has been involved in a number of high profile projects including the Rough Sleepers Initiative and the Private Sector Leasing Scheme for homeless families. She has managed housing in London, Kent and Brighton and so knows the challenges intimately.
Richard Hoile
Project Management
Non-Executive Director. A working partner at a leading project management and surveying practice, responsible for large infrastructure projects, Richard will help us organise and build our projects efficiently.
Richard has recently completed the enabling works for over 1,000 apartments to be built above an active post office in central London. He is a collaborative team player, an effective mediator and a dynamic negotiator when faced with complex and difficult construction problems.
Robert Kigozi
Finance and Development
Development Director. Set-up and managed a family-led property development business, identifying opportunities, undertaking appraisals, raising finance and implementing value engineering to maximise profitability.
Robert brings his background in economics, finance and banking to give Little Ships a firm commercial basis for disrupting the failing status quo that is the housing crisis. His property development experience will help Little Ships increase the quality and quantity of good quality, well designed homes for his generation, who are so deeply affected by the crisis.
Brent Taggart
Strategy and Growth
Non-Executive Director. A seasoned, international C-level executive for technology sector start-ups as well as established businesses, Brent is helping us develop and maintain a viable business model.
Brent has been the Financial Director for a $250m pan-European business unit, Head of Strategy and Planning through two IPOs (Equant 1998, Promethean World 2010), a PwC management consultant, and interim Cheif Operating Officer for a €20m run-rate EdTech company growing at 60% per annum.
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