Advisory group

To deliver an outstanding tenancy deposit scheme which meets the needs of the private rented sector in Northern Ireland we have set up an Advisory Group of industry experts and representatives.
Marnette Lyons, Landlords’ Association Northern Ireland

Marnette LyonsMarnette was previously a president and chair for LANI and has a wealth of experience in private rental sector, and works to promote the highest standard in the practice of renting, managing and maintaining rented accommodation in the private sector. Formed in 1989 The Landlords’ Association for Northern Ireland (LANI) is the largest organisation of its kind representing landlords in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.

Paddy Gray, Professor Emeritus of Housing at the University of Ulster

Paddy Gray FinalPaddy Gray  is currently Professor Emeritus of Housing at Ulster University. He has wide experience of academic and applied research and has over 300 publications. In 2010 he was the first and only Irish President of the Chartered Institute of Housing. He is Chair of Connswater Homes, Vice Chair of Glasgow Housing Association. He is a Board member of the Wheatley Group, Scotland; the Residential Tenancies Board, Tuath Housing,  Icare, and Threshold in Ireland, and Safeagent in the UK. In 2019 he was awarded an OBE.

Jonathan Quinn, Quinn Estate Agents

Jonathan QuinnJonathan Quinn is a director of the hugely successful sales and lettings company Quinn Estate Agents based in Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Banbridge.  Jonathan has a wide experience of the industry including Social and Private housing.  Following his degree in Housing Management he began his career working for the largest Housing Association in Belfast, before progressing to open his own company, initially as a rental management agent, where he strived to introduce social housing management standards to the private rented sector.  In addition to running his business, Jonathan currently represents the industry in his role as the regional representative for ARLA Propertymark for Northern Ireland, the  foremost professional and regulatory body for letting agents; representing over 9,000 members.

Mary Lou Press, Northern Ireland Regional Executive for NAEA

Mary LouMary-Lou Press has worked within the property industry for over 18 years and has a wealth of experience in residential sales and lettings. Her passion for the industry is evident and she aims to provide the highest standard for customers. She also the Northern Ireland regional executive for NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark. 

 
Claire Maddison, Renters' Voice Co-Ordinator, Housing Rights

Claire MaddisonRenters’ Voice is a Housing Rights project to support people who rent privately in Northern Ireland to have a voice that is heard by landlords, politicians and government.  Claire’s background is in independent advocacy and establishing projects to support people with learning disabilities and mental ill health.  She has a law degree and MA in Medical Ethics and Law. 

 

Jilly Stewart, Rental and Property Manager John Minnis Estate Agents

Jilly StewartJilly has worked both in Edinburgh and Belfast in lettings and property management. Jilly is a graduate of Heriot Watt University and holds a degree in Management and Marketing and has passed the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) exam in Residential Letting and Property Management Northern Ireland and subsequently is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). Jilly has extensive knowledge and experience of private rented sector in Northern Ireland. 

 Samuel Dickey, Simon Brien Residential

Sam Dickey - resized

Samuel is a Partner in Simon Brien Residential involved in sales, rental and valuation of property of all types and sizes. In 2004 Samuel qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and is the Residential Spokesperson for the profession in Northern Ireland. He is also a Board Member of Co-Ownership helping people buy their first home.

Steve Harriott, Chief Executive The Dispute Service

Steve HarriottSteve has been Chief Executive since September 2010 following a period of management consultancy. He has worked as Chief Executive of three housing associations as well as chairing a housing association and a regeneration charity.

 

Neil Peers, Managing Director TDS Northern Ireland

Neil Peers NI Website - New


Neil joined TDS in April 2022 and is responsible for sales, marketing, operations, and commercial activity. He brings an extensive wealth of experience to the team, both from his time as a senior leader at Sky for nearly 20 years as well as his finance and consultancy roles at Deloitte. He is a small business champion and serves as a non-executive director of both OpenBrix and Inventory Hive. Additionally, Neil is a Chartered Accountant, having qualified in 2000.