Our people
-
ALEXANDER NEWPORT
Executive Chairman
–Alexander assumed full-time management responsibilities for Bradford Estates in 2019, continuing his family’s stewardship, which has been with them for over 900 years. As Executive Chairman, he is responsible for the strategic direction of the business alongside the management of its investment and finance partnerships.
Alexander’s 15 years of real estate management experience began in London with a graduate position at DTZ; now part of global consultancy Cushman and Wakefield. This followed with a decade as partner at Quadrant Estates, where he oversaw the development of over 1 million sq ft of world class office and residential buildings in London. Alexander was also responsible for managing a successful portfolio of leisure and retail properties extending to several million sq ft.
-
Chris Hodson
Managing Director
–Chris is responsible for the operational management of the Bradford Estates business alongside specific oversight of the rural, commercial, industrial and residential property portfolios.
Chris began his career with a Staffordshire based commercial property consultancy before joining Savills where he held a director role and built a strong reputation for managing complex multi-sector property portfolios and identifying key investment opportunities.
He also served as Head of Property Management at HS2 Ltd, where he led large-scale operations again across multi-sector property holdings. In his role as Managing Director, Chris is dedicated to driving growth through operational excellence and ensuring the efficient management of Bradford Estates’ diverse and expanding portfolio.
-
Helena Rose
Finance Director
–Helena is responsible for overseeing finance for Bradford Estates. She is a chartered accountant who began her career at a top ten accountancy firm within audit and corporate finance. Since moving into finance roles within industry Helena has gained a broad range of experience within several sectors including farming, manufacturing and FMCG. Working in a variety of businesses has helped Helena gain expertise across multiple areas of finance including budgeting, cash management and both internal and external reporting and analysis.
-
Eliza Newport
Development Director
–Eliza is Director of Development at Bradford Estates, where she leads schemes restoring and rejuvenating rural historic assets alongside sympathetically designed new build developments.
She has spent her career shaping large scale real estate regeneration projects that put heritage, restoration and placemaking at their heart.
Eliza holds a Commercial Law degree from the University of Auckland and serves as a Trustee of The Tree Council and Philanthropy Ambassador for Birmingham Royal Ballet.
-
Duncan Fleming
Farm Director
–Duncan is responsible for the in-hand farming operations at Bradford Estates.
He began his career in farming businesses across Scotland before relocating to Suffolk in 2010 to take up a management position at Elveden Estate, where he remained until 2016.
He subsequently held two further senior roles, serving as Estate Director and most recently as Managing Director of a large-scale growing and contracting business on the Suffolk Coast.
Duncan holds an Honours degree in Agriculture and is BASIS and FACTS qualified, bringing strong technical expertise alongside extensive strategic and operational leadership experience within the rural sector.
-
Matt Crossland
Construction Manager
–Matt is an accomplished Construction Manager with over 25 years of experience in the industry, delivering complex construction, refurbishment, restoration, and conservation projects across the commercial, residential, and heritage sectors.Working with our skilled in-house team and trusted external contractors, Matt will be delivering planned & reactive maintenance works, along with future projects throughout the Estates.Matt is committed to preserving the natural and built environment while delivering excellent construction outcomes across all of the historic Bradford Estates. -
Wayne Clark
Assistant Farm Manager/Farm Technician
–Wayne is assistant farm manager/farm technician responsible for cultivating, drilling cover crops and relief spraying together with general farm and estates duties. His knowledge of arable farming and root crops started on a local arable farm at the age of 17 where he worked for several years before moving on to local contractors and root crop specialists. He loves the great outdoors and country walks.
-
Megan Betts
Farm Administrator
–Although not coming from a traditional agricultural background, Meg has now been in the industry for 10 years, extending her passion and knowledge of rural life by studying at the Royal Agricultural University and achieving her BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Business Management. Meg has completed multiple harvests whilst studying for her degree.
After time in the technology and innovation side of the industry, working with a multitude of international companies, Meg relocated to Shropshire and wanted to be back working hands on in a farming environment.
-
Vince Derry
Estates Groundsman
–Vince and his family have lived on the estates for many years but he officially joined the team as Estates Groundsman in November 2020. We discovered his talents after he carried out some freelance work for Bradford Estates and realised he would be a valuable member of the team.
-
Dave Lane
NVQ Plasterer / Multi-Skilled
–Dave joined the Bradford Estates in 2015 and is well known for his plastering skills and the glass-like finish he achieves. Some of our older properties have presented Dave with interesting challenges; he has ensured the finished product has enhanced and maintained the character.
-
Ben Lee
Electrician
–Ben joined Bradford Estates in 2014 as an Apprentice Electrician and brought with him a keen desire to learn and diligent work ethic. He completed his apprenticeship in 2018 and has become a valuable member of the team.
-
Julie Link
Finance Assistant
–Julie is a seasoned accounting professional, with a rich history of financial expertise spanning over two decades. Having held key roles in both small and large local businesses, Julie brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence and financial precision.
-
MARK LUCAS
Construction Team Leader
–Mark has worked for Bradford Estates for over 32 years and is our current longest serving employee. He joined in 1989 as carpenter, joiner and multi-skill tradesman. Mark has taken a keen interest in all aspects of Health & Safety and completed the CITB course Site Management Safety Training Scheme.
-
STEPH NEWNES
Personal Assistant
–Steph joins Bradford Estates after a very colourful and varied working history, beginning with performing aboard luxury cruise liners at just 19.
At the close of her performing career, Steph transitioned into administration upon moving back home to Shropshire, leading to spending the last four years in fast paced PA roles and bringing a breadth of knowledge in business support.
In her spare time, Steph spends her days growing flowers from seed for her garden and as gifts for family and friends.
-
Hollie Macefield
Executive Assistant
–Hollie possesses extensive experience as a personal assistant and administrator, along with a professional qualification in human resources.
Outside of her professional life, Hollie loves cherishing moments with her family and their miniature dachshund. She enjoys exploring different towns and historical sites across the UK, as well as attending music festivals with her friends.
-
Angela Pain
Assistant Management Accountant
–Angela has 20 years of experience in finance, gaining extensive exposure across multiple industries through a variety of roles. This diverse background has enabled her to develop a well-rounded expertise in financial management and strategy.
Outside of work, Angela is passionate about travel and staying active. She enjoys going to the gym, attending football matches, and playing golf.
-
Gary Price
OFTEC Registered Plumber
–Gary joined Bradford Estates in 2017 and has proven to be an invaluable member of our team. Gary deals with all of our new installations, services and repairs on the estates.
-
Molly Sherwood
Senior Administrator
–Prior to joining Bradford Estates, Molly has been in customer-facing roles for over 9 years. Her previous position as an Administrator, had her overseeing contract management and job scheduling. In her spare time, Molly enjoys swimming, country walks with her dog and listening to live music.
Estates Management
Farming
Construction
