The Big Picture: Is the UK Housing Market Finally Turning a Corner?

Michael Cook

Chief Executive Officer, LRG

Michael has spent nearly his entire career with the Group, starting as a Sales Negotiator at Romans in 2006. He rose through the ranks to National Lettings MD in 2018, Group Managing Director in 2022, and became CEO in January 2024. A member of RICS and ARLA, Michael has broad experience across Sales, Lettings, Property Management, Acquisitions, and Corporate portfolios. He led the 2016 merger of Leaders and Romans and the Group’s sale to Platinum Equity in 2022. As CEO, he oversees growth plans, service development, and works closely with stakeholders on business strategy.

David Smith

Editor, Sunday Times

David Smith has been economics editor of The Sunday Times since 1989. He is also chief leader-writer, assistant editor and policy adviser. David is the author of several books, including Free Lunch: Easily Digestible Economics; and Something Will Turn Up: Britain’s Economy Past, Present and Future. He is a visiting professor at Cardiff and Nottingham Universities and has won a number of awards.