EmpowerHer: The Only Woman in the Room - Turning Isolation into Influence

Hannah Cooper - Chair

Group HR Director, LRG

Hannah began her HR career with a Business Honours degree, specializing in Human Resource Management at the University of the West of England, where she earned a 2:1. She then completed a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in HRM while working in the biotechnology industry. Joining Leaders in 2013 as an HR Advisor, she progressed to Head of HR Operations, managing HR for over 3,000 employees. Now Group HR Director, Hannah ensures compliance with employment laws, promotes fair treatment, and oversees HR, recruitment, and employee development. LRG values its people, believing the business thrives due to its dedicated workforce.

Neil Louth

Chief Executive Officer, The Acorn Group

Neil’s entire agency journey started with The Acorn Group in 1993 as a young sales negotiator specialising in the residential sales sector for the first decade of his working life. His impressive progression led to him climbing the career ladder, establishing many new branches and divisions and providing new income streams through both organic growth and acquisitions. Neil became Group MD in 2003 and by then was already an equity partner of the business. He attributes much of his success to finding and developing talent. For Neil, it is all about the people and ensuring that business goals align with the team’s aspirations. After approaching a successful 30-year career leading the Acorn senior team, Neil was appointed CEO in 2021 and played a pivotal role in Acorn’s acquisition by LRG in September 2022 – one of the largest acquisitions to date. Post-sale, Neil has ensured a successful integration has been delivered into the wider group with exceptional revenue performances. Now part of the Executive Team, Neil remains in his role as CEO for Acorn and continues to widen his responsibilities in LRG as part of the future expansion plans. Additionally, Neil is now responsible for the day-to-day running of another landmark acquisition, Stirling Ackroyd, where he oversees the teams in Residential Sales, Commercial, Investment & Development, New Homes and Financial Services, utilising his vast experience in these sectors. Neil lives in Kent with his wife and their four children, cherishing quality family time, especially as they share a passion for travelling together. Beyond real estate, Neil has diverse interests; he’s an avid sports fan and has been actively involved in grassroots football with Bromley FC. In recent years, he’s developed a deep enthusiasm for nautical activities and has now obtained his Captain’s licence.

Ashley Kensington

National Land Director, Lovell Strategic Land

Ashely Kensington is the National Land Director for Lovell Strategic Land. Ashley is a chartered surveyor with over 25 years’ experience working for developers. Prior to joining Lovell, Ashley was at Berkeley Group Plc managing a number of companies and involved in land acquisition and planning in London, Midlands and the South East. Ashley has a wealth of experience in large mixed-use schemes with a focus on unlocking developments and delivering challenging planning consents.

Lorraine Williamson

Senior Associate, Rider Levett Bucknall

Lorraine is a highly accomplished Senior Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), with over 40 years of experience in the built environment. She is a recognised expert in housing delivery, specialising in achieving positive outcomes for both Registered Providers and Private Developers in her roles as an Employer’s Agent and Cost Manager. In recognition of her contributions to mentoring, Lorraine was awarded the RICS Matrics Surveyor Award for Mentor of the Year 2024, and shortlisted at the BPIC awards for Mentor of the Year 2025. Lorraine was a finalist for the Construction News Inspiring Women in Construction Award in 2023, further highlighting her impact and leadership in the industry. Lorraine is a Fellow of the RICS, and has recently been elected to the RICS Governing Council for the UK & I geographic seat.

Robyn Prince

Head of Strategic Growth, Vistry London

Robyn has worked in the development industry for 16 years, focussed in London. After 12 years working in planning consultancy, including a Director role at Boyer, Robyn moved to Vistry Partnerships in 2021, now Vistry Group as a Senior Planning Manager working across all the London development projects. This includes large scale multi phased regeneration projects such as the first phase of Meridian Water delivering over 1,000 new homes. In October 2023 Robyn moved to a divisional role in the London Land and New Business Team at Vistry and she provides strategic planning input to the three London regions and for all new land bids. Robyn’s role also involves leading on new business and engagement with Vistry’s partners and future partners across London.