The Supported Living Gateway network events have consistently brought together an impressive array of experts from various facets of the supported living sector. From property developers and investors to care providers and industry veterans, our panellists represent a wealth of knowledge and experience that has greatly enriched our discussions and provided valuable insights to our attendees.

The panel is always hosted by Russ Crabtree, one of the founders of Supported Living Gateway.  Russ brings over 30 years of experience in the construction industry to the table. He has successfully delivered a range of residential and commercial schemes and has a diverse property portfolio across several sectors including BTLs, serviced accommodation, social housing, and supported living. Over the last decade, Russ has worked closely with care providers, housing associations and local authorities to ensure quality, sustainable supported living accommodation that improves the lives of those who need it. His expertise and vision drive the success of our events and the valuable discussions they foster.

 A Blend of Property and Care Expertise

Our events have featured speakers with extensive backgrounds in property development and investment, who have successfully adapted their skills to the supported living sector:

• Dean Birks, founder of Signature Funding Solutions, and also a property investor himself, brings his expertise in specialist lending markets to the table, offering insights into the financial aspects of supported living projects.
• Paul Hinchley Bradshaw, a senior finance specialist at Signature Funding Solutions who focuses on supported living and complex commercial lending.
• Jack Wicks, with over a decade in property investment, has found his calling in social housing and has an ambitious goal of housing 1 million vulnerable people in the UK.
• Ruth Hunter, a relatively new but highly successful property developer, has shared her experiences in creating a £1.6m portfolio focused on supported living properties.
• Kath Gibb, whose journey from a successful career in London to property development in France, now focuses on creating supportive living spaces for adults with learning disabilities. Her experience offers unique insights into community-focused housing solutions.

Care and Support Specialists

Complementing the property experts, we've had speakers with deep roots in the care and support sector:

• Robert Shanahan, with over 30 years in health and social care, brings invaluable knowledge from his experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions.
• Natalie Kennedy, having spent 15 years in the social care industry, offers insights into developing robust environments for individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs.
• Kim Harding, with her decade-long experience in supported living contracts, advocates for person-centred approaches in property design and service delivery.
• Gill Bryant, has dedicated her career to enhancing living options for those with support needs. Her expertise in navigating partnerships to establish supported living schemes offers care providers practical strategies for expanding quality housing solutions.
• Simon Crowther, brings over 25 years of experience in the health and social care sector. His expertise spans acquisitions, investments, and turnarounds of care businesses, offering valuable insights into improving care outcomes and business performance.
• Andrew Kendall, a CIPFA-qualified accountant, offers a wealth of experience working with local authorities and the NHS. His expertise in driving transformational change and leveraging technology to improve lives provides attendees with crucial insights into the financial and technological aspects of supported living.

Innovative Approaches and Specialised Knowledge

Our events have also showcased individuals who bring unique perspectives and specialised knowledge:

• Andy Miller and his partner Julie have successfully transitioned from HMOs to partnering with care companies to provide long-term places for vulnerable children.
• Matt Sheriff, along with his business partner, has developed expertise in creating high cash-flowing co-living assets leased to service providers.
• Dorian Payne, with his background in property investment and development, is now leading projects to build over 200 social, affordable, and disabled-adapted homes.
• Ben Green, initially focused on private lettings, has expanded into specialised supported living, working with multiple local authorities and care partners.

The quality of panellists at our Supported Living Network events, reflects our commitment to providing valuable, actionable insights to our attendees. By bringing together this diverse group of experts, we've created an environment for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration to drive improvements in the supported living sector.

These experts have not only shared their successes but also the challenges they've faced and overcome, providing practical, actionable insights for both newcomers and veterans in the field. Their combined wisdom demonstrates the complex nature of supported living and highlights the importance of collaboration between property professionals and care providers.

The insights shared by our panellists have inspired attendees to get involved and make meaningful impacts in the lives of vulnerable individuals through quality supported living solutions.

We are running one more event this year, with another set of experienced panellists. 

If you’d like to join us, we’ll be at the Voco St John in Solihull on the 15^th October.  You can book your place here.

We look forward to seeing you.