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
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
Sam Baker BSc
Investment Analyst
Sam graduated from UWE Bristol in 2018 with an MSc in Real Estate and subsequently worked as a chartered surveyor and advisor at Allsop in their Living Valuation team for 3+ years advising banks, funds and developers on assets and portfolios. At Manner, Sam concentrates on acquisitions, working closely with Richard on the sourcing, analysis and evaluation of new deals.
Contact
sam.baker@manner.co
Background
University Graduate, Chartered Surveyor at Allsop.
Relaxing
Running, skiing and golf
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
