Michael is Director of Content at Homebuilding & Renovating (Print, Digital and Live), Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), presenter of multiple property TV shows and author of Renovating for Profit (Ebury).

Michael is one of the country's leading property experts. He was presenter of Channel 5's ‘I Own Britain's Best Home’ and previously presented ITV's ‘Don't Move Improve’ and ‘Good Bid Good Buy’, as well as ‘Build, Buy or Restore?’ and ‘How to Build A House’ for Discovery RealTime. As well as being Director of Content at Homebuilding & Renovating, Real Homes and Period Living Magazines, Michael has undertaken over 30 building projects including two self-builds and is currently renovating a grade II listed farmhouse.

Michael has presented over a hundred and fifty property shows for BBC, ITV1, Channel 5, UK TV Style, and Discovery RealTime, including ‘I Own Britain's Best Home’; ‘Don't Move Improve’; ‘Trading Up’; ‘Good Bid, Good Buy’; ‘Build, Buy or Restore?’; ‘How to Build A House’; and ‘Hard Sell’.

Michael's first book, Renovating for Profit (Ebury Press), is the definitive guide to home renovations that make a real difference to the value of your property.

For more information please visit MichaelHolmes' page: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/author/michael-holmes/

David Snell has enjoyed over 30 years in the self-build industry.  He started working exclusively in the self-build industry in 1975 when it wasn’t even recognised as an industry in its own right. 

David is the author of several books on self-building including “Building Your Own Home”, “The New Home Plans Book” and “The Home Plans Book”.  He regularly writes for the Homebuilding and Renovating magazine and is a contributing editor. 

David and his wife have self-built and renovated thiteen times and are currently engaged on their 14th and "last" self-build project.

David has recently seen the publication of his new novel “Sing to Silent Stones”.

For more information please visit David Snell’s page:
http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/community/blogs/david-snell

Managing Director Foxley Tagg Planning Limited established 2000

Executive Committee Member National Self Build Association.

Foxley Tagg has a successful track record of achieving planning permission for its wide variety of clients including individual self builders and also land owners seeking to unlock the development potential of their land.

On a practical level Foxley Tagg has significant expertise, specialist knowledge and substantial experience when providing professional advice for self and custom builders seeking to build their own home and those who wish to refurbish and extend their properties.

Our role, as a fundamental part the self-build route map, is to make the whole process as smooth as possible by identifying the potential planning pitfalls in advance and ensuring that they are properly addressed at the start of your project to avoid potentially costly and time consuming mistakes. We seek to minimise risk to our clients in this way and offer best value to help achieve positive outcomes.

Foxley Tagg have a well-respected history of submitting successful planning applications based on sound policy logic and following constructive discussions to find solutions with Local Planning Authorities. Practical front line experience within the ranks of Foxley Tagg, gathered within a variety of Local Authority districts from rural through semi-rural to major conurbations, which has refined our approach and provided clear insight into the Local Planning Authorities (LPA’s) methodology and mind-set.

Sally’s explanation of the role of the planner for Self Builders

By:

• Interpreting both National and local plan policies to identify planning feasibility for your site.
• Managing pre-application discussions with the LPA
• Submitting successful planning applications
• Negotiating technical issues to achieve positive solutions. 

Sally’s advice will;

• Save your project time and money.
• Add value to your site.
• Unlock capital value from your site.
• Enable your dreams to be realised.
• Navigate the Planning Process maximising the outcomes.

Chartered Builder & Qualified Solicitor

Chris is an interesting type of lawyer, wearing 2 hats - lawyer and builder. On leaving school Chris went into the building trade and completed his apprenticeship as a carpenter. Project management soon followed with Chris then completing a professional qualification as a Chartered Builder.

An interest in construction law led Chris to being invited to join a regional law firm to deal with building disputes. Chris qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and is now a partner with a leading firm of lawyers. Chris is proud of his grass roots in the trade.

"Clients like the fact that building is in my blood - I can get to the bottom of the technical issues as well as the legal ones." says Chris.