Our Team
A family owned and run business, Dukelease has a diverse team of in-house specialists driving each stage of every project. Our team possess a wealth of expertise spanning design, planning, development, sales and marketing, property management and finance. We provide strong hands-on leadership so that our project teams work together to focused objectives throughout the life of a project.
.Richard Leslie FRICS
Chief Executive Officer
Richard is the founder of Dukelease and has over 40 years’ experience in real estate. Previously Head of Retail and Development at Barrington Laurence, Richard went on to co-found Leslie Perkins specialising in retail agency and development before starting Dukelease. With his superb network and excellent relationships with leading property players Richard has a reputation for producing quality developments. His vision and passion for development and unflinching attention to detail have made Dukelease one of the fastest growing and noticeable developers in central London and, more recently, in other parts of the UK.
Contact
richard@dukelease.com
Background
FRICS; Partner, Barrington Laurance; Senior Partner, Leslie Perkins.
Relaxing
Golf, attending major sporting events around the world, entertaining
Spencer Leslie BA(Hons) ACA
Chief Financial Officer
A qualified chartered accountant, Spencer has built key relationships with some of the UK’s largest banks and high-net-worth equity providers. He plays a key role in the analysis of new acquisitions and his financial prudence has helped Dukelease through the credit crunch and brexit, enabling it to flourish.
Contact
spencer@dukelease.co.uk
Background
Set up Super Cuts Hairdressing chain in 1991, which grew to 85 units before he sold the company in 1999.
Relaxing
Golf, football, films
Ian Williams-Slaven
Development Director
Ian is an accomplished development project manager, experienced in leading and delivering substantial multi-project development portfolios through the entire construction process – from conception to completion and exit.
Contact
ian@dukelease.com
Background
Halcyon Property, Square Foot Properties.
Relaxing
Training for and competing in Ironman challenges
Hunter Gore
Development Manager
Hunter has global experience in the delivery of large residential and commercial projects from acquisition to completion in London, Vancouver and Brisbane.
Contact
hunter@dukelease.com
Background
AECOM (London), Bold Properties (Vancouver), YSH (Brisbane).
Relaxing
Travel, rugby, Australian Ashes victories
Howard Leslie
Construction Director
Howard is responsible for ensuring that the final finish on a Dukelease development meets not only his extremely high expectations but also meets our discerning clientele’s vision for their new home.
Contact
howard@dukelease.com
Background
Howard was the Operations Director for the Supercuts Hairdressing Chain from 1991 and helped grow the company to 85 units when it was sold in 1999.
Relaxing
Golf, movies and his beloved Chelsea.
Lynne Hughes
Legal Counsel
With 15 years experience at West End and City private practices, Lynne advises the business on all property related legal issues covering acquisitions, lender requirements and property management.
Contact
lynne@dukelease.com
Background
Partner, Brechers; Partner, Nicholson Graham & Jones.
Relaxing
Travel, reading, theatre
Jake Chambers BSc (Hons) - Real Estate, Ulster University
Investment Manager
Jake graduated from the Ulster University in 2020, following which he spent two years in Dubai with Savills as a Surveyor within Valuations & Advisory. At Dukelease, Jake works closely with Richard and Oliver on the sourcing, analysis and evaluation of new deals.
Contact
jake@dukelease.com
Background
University Graduate, Savills Middle East.
Relaxing
Rugby, golf, travelling & socialising
Oliver Brecher BA (Hons - Cantab) Land Economy
Investment Consultant
Oliver graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2016, following which he spent time as an analyst at Royal Bank of Canada within their European Real Estate Finance division. At Dukelease, Oliver concentrates on acquisitions, working closely with Richard on the sourcing, analysis and evaluation of new deals.
Contact
oliverb@dukelease.com
Background
University Graduate; Analyst at Royal Bank of Canada.
Relaxing
Travelling, skiing, socialising, golf (albeit rather handicapped…) & Bond movies
Paul Cook DIP ARCH RIBA
Special Advisor
Paul has worked in the construction industry since 1976 and qualified as a Chartered Architect in 1986. His association with Dukelease dates back to the company's early years during which time he acted as consultant architect from 2001 before joining the company full-time as Projects Director in 2007. Paul was appointed Managing Director of Dukelease in 2014, his focus is to shape the character and content of each project from inception through to delivery.
Contact
paul@dukelease.com
Background
Began in the industry in 1976 and RIBA-qualified in 1987.
Relaxing
Musician, artist
Shanel Up
Project Co-ordinator
With over 10 years’ experience providing high level support within the property sector, Shanel re-joined the Dukelease team in March 2023 as Project Coordinator.
Contact
shanel@dukelease.com
Background
5 years previously at Dukelease Properties – she knows how we roll!.
Relaxing
Country walks, Cooking, Family movie nights