LIMITED TICKETS | Close Brothers Property Finance: The Future is Female

Arooj Shah is a leading voice in local government and the first Muslim woman to lead a council in the North of England. A lifelong Oldham resident, she has served as Leader of Oldham Council since May 2023 and holds the Growth portfolio, driving major regeneration projects including a transformative town centre programme. She also serves as Equalities and Communities Lead for Greater Manchester Combined Authority and chairs the LGA’s Neighbourhoods Committee, reflecting her commitment to tackling inequality and empowering communities. Beyond her formal roles, Arooj works closely with local groups to build pride and deliver a better Oldham.

Rachael Cunliffe , founder and director of Engage 5 supports organisations to grow strategically by building strong networks, generating new opportunities, and developing long-term client relationships. Rachael helps businesses increase visibility, strengthen market presence, and achieve sustainable growth. She is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion in the built environment. As former Chair of Women in Property North West, she played a key role in supporting and empowering women to progress into leadership roles. Recognised for her integrity, collaborative leadership style, and people-focused mindset, Rachael is driven by the belief that a more inclusive industry is stronger, fairer, and more sustainable.

Michele has been chief executive of Regeneration Brainery since 2024, having spent almost 25 years in the property industry as a Planning Advisor, firstly at Deloitte Real Estate where she was also Head of Real Estate NW; and latterly at Vita Group/Select Property Group. She is passionate about social mobility and making the property industry more diverse – from the ground up. Regeneration Brainery is a social mobility programme for brilliant young minds, designed to get young people from diverse, under-represented backgrounds inspired about a career in property and regeneration so that the places we create are more reflective of the society we live in. The award-winning inspirational careers programme has worked with over 7,000 young people across the UK to date, giving them unique insights into the industry through free weeklong workshops, work placements, internships, mentoring opportunities and networking events.

Ian is the chief executive officer of Ocasa Homes, which is a UK based residential asset and property manager, with a UK wide portfolio of 2,200+ homes. The company is focused on ESG investment in the build to rent market and has full in-house operating capability with over 50 members of staff. Ian has spent his career focused on the growing build-to-rent sector and has extensive experience in the purchase and sale and the operation of private rented sector portfolios. Ian has held various executive level roles at managing director level at firms such as Livingway and Lambert Smith Hampton, and has handled over £1.2bn of transactions. Ian is on the northern region board of the IPF, works with various charities tackling poverty within social housing, and is a regular speaker at conferences and events focusing on the build-to-rent market, regeneration and economics.

Krista Powell is a real estate partner at Napthens and head of the firm’s Manchester office, where she is leading the growth of the practice. With over 20 years’ experience in non-contentious commercial property law, Krista provides commercial, pragmatic advice and innovative solutions, acting for investors, developers, lenders and owner-occupiers in relation to acquisitions, disposals and landlord and tenant matters across all sectors. Her work includes dealing with large-scale residential developments, investor portfolios, buy-and-build groups and hotel operators; supporting businesses that contribute significantly to the regional economy and beyond.