Meet the Speaker - Michael Hill
With less than a week until the NRLA's UK Housing Conference, our 'Meet the Speakers' series introduces you to some of the experts you'll hear from on the day. Today we talk to Michael Hill, Program Director at REACH UK, who's bringing along five cutting-edge proptech companies to show landlords how technology can transform their rental businesses.
If you're a landlord wondering how technology can make your life easier, Michael Hill's lightning session at the NRLA's UK Housing Conference is unmissable.
As Program Director at REACH UK (A company that connects startups with investors and mentors), Michael isn't coming to deliver a theoretical presentation about the future of proptech. He's bringing five technology founders with him, each running companies specifically built to solve real landlord problems.
"There's a lot of good technology out there that can make managing your portfolio easier, save you time, generate additional income, or just make your life a little bit easier," Michael explains.
The Dragons' Den approach
Michael's 30-minute session won't follow the standard conference format. After a brief introduction covering why the property sector is ripe for technological innovation - particularly with regulatory change and economic pressures mounting - he'll hand the stage to his five proptech founders.
Each will deliver a two-minute pitch: who they are, what they do, what problem they're solving, and why you should care. This way, you get a clear snapshot of what's available, then you can dive deeper with the companies that resonate.
For landlords who've had a property flood and faced costly insurance claims, solutions like LeakBot - a smart water leak detection system - might suddenly seem essential.
For those struggling with tenant referencing or property maintenance coordination, other companies in Michael's lineup could offer exactly what they need.
Why technology matters now
His twelve-year journey in the property sector began at TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme), where he started as an adjudicator resolving deposit disputes before moving into innovation.
At TDS, which safeguards over £2 billion in tenant funds, he led investments into early-stage startups tackling real estate challenges. That work evolved into his current role at REACH UK, that's now invested in 42 UK companies.
The reality check you need
Michael knows a lot of landlords embrace technology eagerly and understands why some have barriers preventing them getting involved.
"The world is really going in one way.
“If you're planning to remain a landlord long-term, the sooner you start exploring technology, the better. Not every solution will fit your business, but some absolutely will. The key is being willing to try - and being honest about what works and what doesn't.
"Just try it and test it out, give it a go, see if it saves you time, see if it saves you money," Michael urges. "And be critical as well. Come and talk to these founders about what the barriers are for you. If you don't tell them these challenges, they don't really have a chance of fixing the issue."
What to expect
The NRLA’s annual conference is in its fourth year and has gone from strength to strength since the inaugural event in 2022. Former speakers have included then-Housing Secretary Michael Gove, former Dragon’s Den star James Caan CBE and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
This year’s conference will be hosted by the award-winning business journalist Steph McGovern. You will also be hearing from property guru and TV star Sarah Beeny.
To secure your place at this year’s UK Housing Conference click here.
More information
For all the latest announcements on speakers, check out our website and follow us on social media.
