The next in person Derby Property Meet event takes place on Wednesday 10th June 2026 at 7.30pm
(Networking from 7pm) at Nelsons Solicitors in Derby.
Nelson Solicitors, Stern House, Lodge Lane, Derby. DE1 3WD.
Click the link below to book now to secure your place at the upcoming event.
James Lovell
James Lovell-Smith is the Founder and Director of Lovellets Properties Limited and a NAPSA-accredited Portfolio Builder operating across Sheffield, Chesterfield, and Derby. A former secondary school History teacher of 12 years turned investor, James began his own property journey in 2016 purchasing a 3-bed BTL for £150,000 which now generates over £14,000 annually in income and is worth over £240,000. He now helps time-poor professionals and executives build long-term, property portfolios. Known as the “The Teacher Landlord,” James brings a calm, professional approach to property investment with an emphasis on transparency and compliance in a ‘Cowboy’ sector; cutting through the noise with straightforward analysis, honest numbers, and a focus on sensible, sustainable returns.
Dawn Deakin
Dawn Deakin from Derby City Council will be joining us on Wednesday 10th June to share insights into the work undertaken by the Housing Standards Team, she will also provide a useful update on Article 4 and where landlords and agents should now be with the introduction of the Renters Rights Act. Dawn will also provide an update on the grant-funded Safer Renting Derby Project, where Derby City Council has worked proactively across three of the city’s most deprived wards to tackle poor landlord compliance and improve housing standards.
Dawn Deakin is the Service Manager for the Housing Standards Team at Derby City Council. She joined Derby City Council in 1993 after beginning her career in the NHS and later qualified as an Environmental Health Officer through an MSc in Environmental Health sponsored by the Council.
With over 30 years’ experience across Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Safety, and Housing Standards, Dawn leads a team of officers and is passionate about supporting good landlords while ensuring non-compliant landlords are held accountable through robust enforcement action.
