Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy at The British Property Federation announced his retirement from The BPF as of 31 March 2025. We would like to thank Ian for all of his hard work, contributions to the industry and his support to News on the Block as a long standing judge of our Property Management Awards for a number of years.
Ian is a hugely respected member of the industry and his outstanding contributions and presence will be missed.
Ian commented “I have been so lucky to have worked in a job that I have loved and enjoyed for 22 years. I get the opportunity to influence some of the most important national issues - providing more, and better, homes for people. Regenerating our towns and cities. Championing good placemaking and working with those who plan our built environment. When done well I believe the property sector can truly make a hugely positive change to people’s lives – economic, social, and environmental.”
“I have met some fabulous people – talented, thoughtful, leaders, both through BPF, and my previous job in the Chambers of Commerce. I am immensely grateful for the camaraderie of colleagues past and present, their expertise, kindness, and care. Also, that from members, stakeholders, press, parliamentarians, and civil servants.”
My family has too often come second to work. I want to spend more time with them. I also want to devote more time to my other interests and find a few new ones hopefully!”
Some of Ian’s peers from across the industry have joined us to pay tribute to his work.
Ian’s service to the property industry and to the BPF has been exceptional. Countless BPF staff colleagues, members and stakeholders have been privileged to work with him over the last 22 years and have cause to be grateful for his hard work, support and wise counsel over that period. He leaves a fantastic legacy of achievement.
Melanie Leech CBE, Chief Executive, British Property Federation
Our industry will miss Ian’s incredible wisdom, political nous, and dedication. I’ve never worked with someone who could recall and use so effortlessly the knowledge they’ve built up over their long career, a reassuring and calm presence at every meeting we’d go into together and always knowing how and when to say the right thing. I know Ian will keep busy during retirement and I’m excited to see what he turns his sharp mind to next!
Theo Plowman, Assistant Director (Real Estate) British Property Federation
Ian has a seemingly magical ability to be everywhere at once. He managed to be invited to every important meeting, which is exactly what you need from someone representing the sector. He could provide feedback on every topic and no meeting was complete without him. And to make him even more annoying - he is a really nice person as well…
Ian, you will be sorely missed and we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude. We all wish you the very best for the next stage in your life.
Nigel Glen
Ian, your remarkable contributions to the property sector and the legacy you leave behind are truly inspiring. From the very beginning of Love to Rent, your unwavering support, insightful advice, and thoughtful commentary have been invaluable to our growth. I am deeply grateful for the time you've always made for us and the difference you’ve helped create. Wishing you all the best in your retirement, with heartfelt thanks for everything.
Anne-Marie Brown, Founder, Love to Rent
I first met Ian Fletcher some 15 years ago when we were asked to be original judges for the NOTB Awards.
Ian was always kind, thoughtful and a dedicated professional, always making sure our final selection of finalists was the very best in the industry and I enjoyed those times spent with Ian sharing and debating ideas.
Outside of the awards Ian is an outstanding and influential figure, lobbying various government ministers on behalf of the BPF and will be a huge loss to both the BPF and the wider sector. On behalf of the FPRA, I would very much like to wish Ian and his family well for the future and his next adventures.
Bob Smytherman, Hon Consultant of the Federation of Private Residents Association Ltd
I had the privilege of working alongside Ian Fletcher for over a decade. There aren’t many colleagues about whom everyone agrees, but Ian is an absolute inspiration to all who have worked with him. His wicked sense of humour, profound empathy, and exceptional intellect set him apart as a true leader.
Ian possesses a rare talent for teaching without the student ever realizing they're being taught. He has an extraordinary ability to break down the most complex issues and make them accessible, even to the greenest of policy wonks.
His impact on the industry has been transformative, shaping not just outcomes but also the way we approach challenges. Ian's work at the British Property Federation epitomises this, ushering in a more intellectual, evidence-driven approach that prioritises unarguable truths over mere rhetoric or table-banging.
Ian Fletcher is not just a colleague; he’s a mentor, a thought leader, and an irreplaceable force for progress.
Ghislaine Halpenny, Director of ESG and Corporate Affairs, Regal
As Ian steps into retirement, our sector bids farewell to one of its most influential figures. Ian’s leadership has been a driving force behind the sector’s growth, with his sharp mind and amazing network making him a trusted advisor to many. But what really matters is his kindness and authenticity – the traits that really set him apart. Ian has always been more than just a top professional – he’s someone people genuinely respect and admire. His legacy will stay with the industry, but his personal touch will be missed most. Ian, a heartfelt thank you and enjoy the next chapter.
Helen Kings, Founder, Kings Residential and Chair of the Association for Rental Living
Ian has been the calm, diplomatic voice of reason in the sector for as long as I can remember. It is hard to envisage the BPF without him. He has been a consistent source of sage advice, generous in sharing his deep knowledge for the betterment of the sector. He made time for me when I was a rookie on the taskforce and I will miss his pragmatism and kindness. His contribution to the UK Residential Sector cannot be overestimated.
Tracey Hartley, Senior Director - Operations, Compass Rock International
Ian has long been a champion for the build to rent sector across the real estate industry and government. He tirelessly made the case both for investment and support, and never ever let the need for institutional owned and managed rental homes fall of anyone’s radar. I salute his foresight and recognition that investment was diversifying towards more affordable rental models by establishing the affordable housing committee which has successfully convened investors, advisors and the not-for profit sector to focus on the matters pertinent to growing and evolving the sector.
Jennifer Murray, Director, Homes England
Ian was already a fixture at the BPF when I joined the team in 2008 – it’s amazing that he is still there (just!) over a decade after I moved on five years later. Ian is quiet and unassuming, and it can take a while to realise that behind his softly spoken, modest, low key style there is not only a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts, but also a sharp intellect and sense of humour. He will be missed, and extraordinarily difficult to replace.
Peter Cosmetatos, CEO, CREFC Europe
I first met Ian well over a decade ago, and he has been a touchstone figure in residential and wider property sector policy ever since. In particular, his role in recognising and supporting the Build to Rent sector’s growth, through active and pioneering policy engagement, has for me played a huge part in its success to date. Ian has also consistently supported me on an individual level, for which I will always be very grateful.
James Pargeter, Senior Advisor, Global Apartment Advisors
