Who has stood at the front

Launch event, 7 April 2026

John Howard

Property Elevator, Sky TV and Amazon Prime

He once bought a property for £1 and turned it into an opportunity. That is the level we are talking about.

John Howard was the headline speaker at the Connect with Property launch. With over 45 years in property and more than 4,500 deals behind him, he has seen and done it all, from major developments like the £26m Ipswich Waterfront scheme to creative deals most people would not even spot.

Real, front-line experience, and the lessons from decades in the game.

He stayed on afterwards to sign copies of his book, Move Right.

2026

Clare Friel

Founder and Managing Director, Friel

“Women in Construction”

A powerful keynote from one of the industry's most respected voices.

Clare Friel is the founder and Managing Director of Friel, a construction-focused PR and marketing agency, and is recognised as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction.

With a background in business development and a strong passion for the industry, Clare specialises in helping construction and property businesses build their brand, strengthen relationships, and unlock new opportunities. She is also an ambassador for the National Federation of Builders and actively supports initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the sector.

Her journey into construction has been shaped by resilience, overcoming personal and professional challenges to build a successful business and strong industry presence. Her story brought a grounded and honest perspective on navigating setbacks, maintaining momentum, and building something meaningful over time.

At Connect with Property, Clare shared insights from her journey in construction, alongside her perspective on building visibility, creating opportunity, and the power of strong relationships within the industry.

2026

Dr Sachine Karale

Investing in Ipswich and Suffolk

Sachine spoke on his beloved Ipswich, and on investing in Suffolk.

An Ipswich-based investor and professional with a growing focus on property and regeneration across Suffolk. With a background as a research scientist and a strategic, analytical approach to business, he combines professional discipline with a clear vision for regional growth.

He is actively involved in the Ipswich community, supporting local initiatives and collaborating with business leaders to help shape the town's future. His involvement with the Old County Hall in Ipswich reflects a commitment to investing in significant local buildings and contributing to the area's ongoing transformation.

Passionate about unlocking opportunity, his message was clear: Ipswich and Suffolk are places to invest, grow and be part of the future.

2026

Rory J.P. O'Mara

The Architect of Property Finance

“The Great Reshuffle”

Rory O'Mara delivered the straight-talking roadmap for buying better, refurbishing smarter and protecting your profit through Renters' Rights changes, EPC pressure and mortgage rates that just will not budge.

For any landlord, developer or investor wondering what the next five years actually rewards, this was the room to be in.

What the session covered

• What the new rules really mean for you
• Why lazy investing will not cut it any more
• Where the profit is actually going to come from
• Practical playbooks to protect your margin
• The moves to make now to future-proof your portfolio

2026

Delme Thompson

East Anglia Homes, and South Norfolk Council

“Planning from Every Angle”

Delme took the September evening with Andrew Clarke, on the decisions that get made months before anything happens on site.

Delme works with landowners across Norfolk and Suffolk to unlock the hidden value in their land through planning and development. With over 25 years in financial markets, investor education and strategic planning, he brings rare commercial and financial expertise to turning land into long-term value. Elected to South Norfolk Council in 2023, he chairs the Shareholder Board overseeing the Council's £30 million housing investment, chairs the Finance Committee, and sits on the Planning Committee, giving him deep insight into how planning policy shapes new homes.

The full evening, and what it covered →

2026

Andrew Clarke

Director, Cannon Clarke Group

“Planning from Every Angle”

Andrew shared the September evening with Delme Thompson, covering where planning permission and Building Regulations overlap, and where people confuse the two.

Andrew is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Director of Cannon Clarke Group, a practice of registered architects. With 26 years' experience across residential, commercial, industrial and leisure projects, he has worked on new-builds, refurbishments, listed buildings and hotels. He guides clients through every RIBA stage, from planning and technical design through to construction, and is particularly known for his work in contract administration and resolving complex project challenges. He has appeared as an expert at Grand Designs Live and the Ideal Home Show, and founded the UK Sustainable Building Network.

The full evening, and what it covered →