WISH LONDON: Joint WISH/MTVH Networking Event

Please join us for an evening of networking on Tuesday 30 September 2025 from 5.30pm to 8.30 pm at The Johnson Building, 77 Hatton Garden, Holborn, London EC1N 8JS.

Networking can be a powerful tool for both career and personal growth. Join WISH London for an evening of Networking including some top tips to help you prepare and develop your networking skills and an opportunity to practice.

Our Hosts:

Frances Young - Frances is Vice Chair of WISH London and the Director of SY2 Planning. She is a very experienced town planner, with a broad range of planning, regeneration and development experience. Frances currently advises a number of Housing Associations, public sector and private clients on a range of housing led projects within London and the South East, including the development of strategic sites, estate regeneration, new affordable homes schemes, housing-led mixed use schemes and EIA development. She is also very experienced in consultation and stakeholder engagement.

Janine Newton - Janine is a board member for WISH London and is a built environment professional with sixteen years' experience in the housing industry, managing brownfield development, estate regeneration, stakeholder engagement and new business projects. Whilst currently running Aveland Consulting, providing business development, bid management and project management expertise to the private sector, Janine has extensive experience working in social housing across housing associations and local authorities.

Our Speakers:

We are delighted to be joined by Mel Barrett, Gayle Weale and Michelle Mansfield from Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association.

Mel Barrett, Chief Executive of MTVH - Mel has extensive experience in local government, housing and regeneration. Prior to joining MTVH, Mel was Chief Executive at Nottingham City Council where he provided leadership to the council’s 6,000 staff delivering vital public services on behalf of one of the UK’s Core Cities, securing economic growth and improving life chances.  

Gayle Weale, Head of Delivery Management, MTVH - Gayle, is a senior leader with 24 years of UK experience as a quantity surveyor and employer's agent. She excels in commercial, leisure, retail, and housing projects. Known for delivering complex projects, Gayle builds strong teams and client relationships.

Michelle Mansfield, Head of Aftercare MTVH - Michelle, Head of New Homes Services at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, has excelled in reducing operating costs, managing large remediation projects, and improving customer satisfaction. Michelle also mentors others and serves on the board of Chislehurst and Sidcup Housing Association.

This event is being sponsored by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association.

The WISH London Board look forward to seeing you there.