NHMF
Maintenance
Conference
Timetable

Wednesday 20 January 2027

09:00 – 15:00
Golf (The Welcombe Spa Hotel & Golf Course)

Led By:

Neil Watts | Group Board Interim Chair | NHMF Management Team Chair | Managing Director - Responsive Repairs, Axis CLC

Chris Ewart | Chief Executive Officer | Build Recruitment

15:00 – 16:00
Registrations & Hotel Check In (Reception)
15:00 – 16:00
Exhibitor Build-up (Exhibitors access )
17:45 – 18:30
Photographer Session

Stand shots, sponsor & VIP photos

18:00 – 19:00
Pre-dinner Drinks Reception (Exhibition Area)
18:00 – 19:00
Awards Dinner (Ballroom)
22:30 – 01:30
Post Dinner Entertainment: Karaoke (Room B)
22:30 – 01:30
Post Dinner Entertainment: Disco / DJ (Room C)
22:30 – 01:30
Post Dinner Entertainment: Casino Tables (Room D)
22:30 – 01:30
Post Dinner Entertainment: Photo Booth (Coffee Station between the Rooms)

Thursday 21 January 2027

07:00 – 08:00
Morning Guided Walk Session (Reception)

Led by:

Felicity Newman, Operational Strategy Director, Aster Group

Julian Ransom, Director, iON-Consultants

08:30 – 09:30
NHMF AGM (Room D)
Speakers:
Neil Watts , Group Board Interim Chair | NHMF Management Team Chair | Managing Director - Responsive Repairs, Axis CLC
09:00 – 10:00
Registration & Welcome Refreshments (Exhibition Area)
10:00 – 10:10
Chair’s Welcome & Housekeeping (Ballroom)
Speakers:
Neil Watts , Group Board Interim Chair | NHMF Management Team Chair | Managing Director - Responsive Repairs, Axis CLC
10:10 – 10:50
Session 1: Raising the Standards Together (Ballroom)

Kate Richardson-Walsh brings first-hand experience of what it takes to unite a team around a common purpose. As one of Britain’s most decorated hockey players and captain of the GB and England teams for more than a decade, Kate played a central role in building a team culture that ultimately delivered Olympic gold.

Her story provides a fascinating insight into the dynamics of team leadership, from developing shared values and managing different personalities to encouraging individuals to put the needs of the team alongside their own ambitions.

Kate offers practical lessons in communication, collaboration, inclusion and creating teams in which people genuinely support one another.

Speakers:
Kate Richardson-Walsh , Olympic Champion, Author, Ambassador, Presenter, Coach, INED, OBE
10:50 – 11:00
Break (Ballroom)
11:00 – 11:30
Session 2: Practical Solutions RECAP - NHMF & CIH Working Together (Ballroom)

Join Dr Eve Blezard and Mike Turner as they provide an update on RECAP, a collaborative initiative focused on improving repairs and maintenance services across the housing sector. The session will explore practical solutions to strengthen resident engagement, improve accountability and drive positive cultural change through greater collaboration.

Speakers:
Mike Turner , Executive Director of Cardo Group and Chair of Board, Abbeyfield Living Society
Dr Eve Blezard , Policy Lead, Chartered Institute of Housing

Chair:
Mike Turner , Executive Director of Cardo Group and Chair of Board, Abbeyfield Living Society
11:30 – 12:00
Networking & Exhibition Break (Exhibition Area)
12:00 – 12:45
Session 3: Can Technology Raise Standards? (Ballroom)

Join Sean Lawless from North Star Housing and Stewart Davison from Proptech as they explore how technology can help raise standards across housing repairs and maintenance services. Hear from organisations using innovative digital solutions to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery and deliver better outcomes for residents. The session will highlight practical examples, lessons learned and the opportunities technology presents for the future of the sector.

Speakers:
Sean Lawless , Director of Insight & Transformation, North Star Housing Group
Stewart Davison , Managing Director, Elehan Consulting

Chair:
Phil Pemberton , NHMF Management Team
12:45 – 13:45
Lunch & Exhibition (Exhibition Area)
12:45 – 13:45
Frameworx Session (Ante Room)
Speakers:
Paul Smith , Head of Frameworx, NHMF Frameworx
13:45 – 14:30
Session 4: Raising Standards & Skills Together (Ballroom)

This session will explore the importance of developing skills and raising standards across the housing sector. Drawing on insights from the NHMF Skills & Training Working Group and NHMF Conference People Development & Skills Awards shortlists, the discussion will highlight the role of apprenticeships, staff development and ongoing training in building a skilled and competent workforce. It will also consider how organisations can upskill their teams to respond to emerging challenges, including Awaab’s Law, while ensuring staff have the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver safe, high-quality services for residents.

Speakers:
Lisa Turner , Head of Repairs Operations, Peabody
Jen Radcliffe , Head of Partnerships, PFP Thrive

Chair:
Chris Patient , Head of Consultancy, Rand Associates
14:30 – 15:15
Session 5: Challenges & Practical Solutions - Raising Standards (Ballroom)

Chair:
Tony Clark , NHMF Group Board Treasurer | Regional Director, Seddon Construction
15:15 – 15:30
Chair’s Closing (Ballroom)
Speakers:
Neil Watts , Group Board Interim Chair | NHMF Management Team Chair | Managing Director - Responsive Repairs, Axis CLC
15:30 – 15:30
Close (Ballroom)

Friday 22 January 2027

Our mission statement

The centre of excellence for improving property performance

The NHMF is the leading body representing housing providers, committed to championing innovation to deliver excellence in maintenance and asset management

housing software nhmf The NHMF, its website, and hosted events are in conjunction with Housing Software

T : 020 8274 4000 | C : nhmf.co.uk/contact/

Copyright© 2026 National Housing Maintenance Forum Ltd | CLG | Company number 13462770
Privacy policy | Cookie policy | Modern Slavery Statement