Ben Giles
Founder, Balloon Letting Company
Ben is a multi award-winning letting agent and founder of the Balloon Letting Company which launched in 2021 and has had a meteoric rise over the past three years. Prior to that he was instrumental in the management and growth of what is now one of the largest independent agencies in the city. He’s incredibly passionate about people and about property and brings that passion and energy to everyone he works with.
Ben launched Balloon Letting Co with the belief that by following some very basic principles he can set a higher standard of service for the letting industry in Bristol.
“I view the Bristol Property Awards as the most prestigious industry awards in Bristol and am incredibly excited to play a part. To work alongside, learn from and reward some of the many fantastic people working in Bristol property is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously.”
Dan Haines
Land director, Hill Group UK
Dan is a respected senior leader and qualified property professional with 20 years of real estate experience. He has strong expertise in land acquisition and leadership of complicated deal structures to achieve business objectives.
He also holds strong reputation as a trusted professional and proven performer and is widely regarded as honest and straightforward with integrity and commitment at the heart of all dealings.
Joe Oksien
Director and architect, AWW
With experience of leading projects across multiple sectors and a passion for adopting innovative working practices, Joe is a key figure in both the London and Bristol studios at AWW. Since joining the practice in 2015, Joe has risen to Director with duties incorporating Quality Management, mentoring younger architects, and leading training and knowledge sharing activities across the practice.
Joe’s expertise in Healthcare is helping AWW to expand our capabilities in this sector, while his work in Student Residential projects in Bristol is helping to shape the future of some key regeneration areas for the city.
“I’m excited to join the Bristol Property Awards judging panel to contribute my insights on the city’s innovative projects and celebrate excellence in architecture and property development. With years of experience across multiple sectors, I’m passionate about supporting Bristol’s growth and recognising the individuals and teams who are shaping its future.”
Katie Corbett
Diversity and inclusion manager, QODA Consulting
Katie is diversity and inclusion manager at QODA Consulting, a sustainability-led MEP design consultancy.
She is also the diversity, equity, and inclusion champion for Women in Property South West, advocating for an inclusive industry that reflects the diversity of our community.
Matthew Edis
Director, SCS
Matthew has been Director and owner of SCS since 2008. With the help of an incredible 25 strong team, he simply helps people with navigating environmental legislation and targets in construction.
Matthew has a varied background in the property sector, having previously worked on site for Laing O’Rourke, trained as a structural engineer, worked as a building services engineer with Max Fordham and was sustainability team lead in BDP’s head office.
Melissa Haskell
Regulatory and licensing partner, Knights
Melissa advises and supports professionals and businesses in all aspects of their dealings with UK and EU regulators and other agencies with regulatory enforcement powers across the legal, product compliance, biocidal and healthcare sections.
She represents individuals, organisations and corporates providing advice on regulatory compliance, investigations, adjudication, enforcement and prosecutions.
Rachel Lillie
Associate lease advisory, JLL
Rachel serves as senior surveyor at JLL Bristol having risen through the company ranks, starting out as a graduate surveyor in 2017.
She achieved distinction at the University College of Estate Management, the leading provider of supported online education for the built environment, and is a representative at the Bristol Property Agents Association.