Event Speakers

David d’Orton-Gibson -CEO & Founder of Training for Professionals (TFP). David will give bring us all up to date with the law - Legal Update including:  Renters Rights Bill,  Banning of Sec 21, Courts and Tribunals, Compliance, Robust enforcement, etc. 

 

 David has worked for many years in the letting industry and has first-hand experience of most roles involved in lettings. For over 30 years he has worked full time running training and consultancy for landlords and agents throughout England and Wales. He teaches public courses as well as running In House courses for local authorities, letting agents, landlord associations, housing associations, colleges and other bodies. Widely respected for his technical knowledge and teaching style, David combines an authoritative understanding of the legal framework with practical suggestions on working with people and presents in an engaging style. For more info visit: Home - TFP Online 

Peter Littlewood- Founder & Director of iHowz  & LLAS/ATLAS  Chair. Peter is our host  for the day.

 Peter has been involved in the rental market since the early 80’s – so has a wealth of knowledge. Peter is anxious to rid the industry of its negative views, especially that it is full of ‘rogue landlords’.  In his view there are three types of landlords:- those who know what they are doing; those who don’t, but try hard – they to be trained through LLAS; and those who won’t do as they are supposed to do, even if they know.  They are not ‘rogues’ but criminals and should be prosecuted. The industry does not want them. For more info visit:  www.ihowz.uk

 Paul is a property expert with over 30 years of experience.  Paul has extensive experience in the field and is widely recognized for his insightful advice and practical solutions.  Landlord Action was set up by Paul Shamplina and Jonathan Chippeck in 1999, frustrated with solicitors charging too much to landlords to deal with problem tenants, they were the pioneers to offer three steps and a fixed fee in dealing with problem tenants and gaining possession of the landlord’s property. Founder Paul Shamplina has sat on numerous Government Working Groups advising the Government on the Private Rental Sector, notably on the Deregulation Act and regularly appears in the Media and National press.

Landlord action is part of Brown & Brown, Inc. one of the world’s largest insurance broking businesses. Brown & Brown supports our business by providing access to strong insurance partnerships, enhanced insurance products, risk management resources, and the expertise of over 14000 insurance professionals worldwide. For more info visit: www.bbrown.com/eu

David Smith (Solicitor)- Head of Dispute Resolution (London) at  Spector Constant & Williams- David will bring us all up to date with Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, including: What is the PBSA exemption in the Renters’ Rights Act?, What is a specified housing management code of practice?, What this means for current student contracts? Preparing for the new law, What does this mean for 2025/26 contracts? Etc.

David is an experienced litigator who works primarily in property but who also has expertise in modern technology including in data protection, AI and crypto currency. He has experience in the full range of criminal and civil courts from the Magistrates and County Courts and the various Tribunals all the way up to the Supreme Court.

David is particularly well known for his work in residential tenancies and agency in which he has worked for landlords and agents of all sizes as well as local and devolved governments.
As well as dispute resolution, David provides advice on property matters, particularly new legislation as well as public affairs advice and support.

Mitch Ewer – (accountant) A Partner and Principal Adviser at A4G- Mitch’s session will focus on helping property professionals navigate a changing tax and economic landscape with greater clarity and control. He will touch on key developments such as Making Tax Digital, improving financial visibility and decision making through better Management Information, and whether structuring and scaling a property portfolio through a limited company is the right decision for you.

 Mitch is a Partner and Principal Adviser at A4G, with 15 years’ experience supporting business owners through the financial decisions that shape their future. He works closely with estate agents, landlords, property investors, and other property-focused businesses, helping them improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, and structure their affairs for long-term success.

His focus is on giving clients clarity and confidence, turning complex numbers into practical decisions that support both commercial growth and personal freedom. With a straightforward, hands-on approach, Mitch helps business owners reduce unnecessary tax, improve business performance, and build stronger, less owner-dependent businesses. 

 For further info visit: www.a4g-llp.co.uk

Darren Wilsher is the Head of Private Sector Housing and Licensing at the London Borough of Camden, where he leads strategic efforts to improve housing standards across the private rented sector. – Darren will bring us up to date with the changes in MEES & EPC, Insights and impacts from the courts. Awabi's Law - enforcement strategies for minimum housing standards - addressing challenges for landlords in compliance.

 With over 30 years’ experience in local government, Darren has developed extensive expertise in housing regulation, enforcement, and service delivery.

His service oversees a borough-wide Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme, ensuring safe, well-managed accommodation for residents. He also plays a key leadership role beyond Camden as Co-Chair of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, supporting high standards and professional practice among landlords across the capital. In addition to his regulatory and leadership work, Darren is an accredited domestic and non-domestic energy assessor, bringing valuable insight into energy efficiency and sustainability within housing.