Bold ideas on why trust matters — from outside the agency bubble.
With learnings from global brands like Porsche and Lamborghini, and insights from the world of political communications and spin, as well as incredible agents, trainers and prop tech stars - Kerfuffle Conference 2026 brings perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else in the UK property industry.
Tuesday July 7th 2026
ICC Newport, Wales
Platinum sponsors
Built on Trust is a Kerfuffle event for estate agents who want to strengthen their reputation through proven performance, not empty promises. The event focuses on how trust is built across the valuation process, client communication, follow-ups, and ongoing relationships.
This is a practical event designed to help estate agents demonstrate credibility, reduce friction in the client journey, and build trust that can be evidenced.
Location, Date and Hotels
Tuesday July 7th 2026
8am – 5pm + After Party
Location
ICC Newport, Wales
Tuesday July 7th 2026
By Car
- ICC Wales is around 1 hour 45 minutes from London
- Around 1 hour 30 minutes from the Midlands by train
- Travel 40 mins from Cardiff & Bristol airports
- Trains run regularly to Newport station
- Around 4 miles from the venue
- A taxi takes approximately 10–15 minutes
- ICC Wales is just off the M4
- On-site parking available
Hotels
Nearby hotels include Tŷ Newport, Holiday Inn Newport, and Premier Inn Newport (M4 J24), with additional options available in Newport city centre.
Agenda
Check back soon for updates
Registration
8:00am
VIP warm up session (main stage)
8:00am
ONLY available to VIP clients
8:00am
Tea and coffee
Main event
9:00am - 17:00pm
Details to follow
7:00pm – midnight
Evening event
Speakers & Guests
Alistair Campbell
Kevin Gaskell
Former CEO, Porsche UK and BMW GB.
At just 32, Kevin was appointed UK Managing Director of Porsche. At the time, the business was on the verge of bankruptcy. He took it to number one — while also making it the most profitable car company in the market within four years. As CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW, his session explores lessons from global brands where trust is earned through delivery, consistency and culture, not positioning.
Josh Phegan will be attending — this will be his only UK conference appearance in 2026.
A recognised coach, speaker and strategist specialising in estate agency performance and growth, he works with agents across the UK and internationally, focusing on improving listing strategies, leadership, team performance and client experience.
Josh headlines with sessions focused on how trust is developed.
Alastair Campbell is famous as Tony Blair's formidable press secretary and Director of Communications, instrumental in New Labour's success, earning him the "spin doctor" label.
He's now a prominent writer, broadcaster, mental health advocate, and co-host of The Rest Is Politics podcast, known for his sharp communication skills and unapologetic style.
Adam Day
Verona is a powerhouse in the UK property sector and the CEO of Yopa Property.
Since taking the helm in 2022, she has led the hybrid estate agency to significant growth and profitability.
With nearly 30 years of experience, her career includes senior leadership roles at Purplebricks, Mortgage Advice Bureau, and Marks & Spencer.
Beyond the boardroom, Frankish is the Chair of Women in Estate Agency and was named Woman of the Year – Residential at the Inspiring Women in Property Awards.
Adam Day is the International Expansion Leader at eXp Realty, credited as the architect behind its explosive UK growth. Since launching eXp UK in 2019, he has scaled the network to over 850 self-employed agents, making it the largest estate agency brand by volume in the country.
A property industry pioneer, Day founded Hatched.co.uk in 2006, one of the UK’s first online agencies, later sold to Connells Group in 2015. He now spearheads eXp’s expansion across Europe, India, and Dubai.
Clare Yates
Simon Gates
EXCLUSIVE:
Robert Guest is the Deputy Editor of The Economist and a renowned expert on global migration and development.
He is most famous for his books The Shackled Continent, which analyzes economic obstacles in Africa, and Borderless Economics, which champions the power of global diasporas. Having reported from over 100 countries, he provides authoritative analysis on how geopolitics and trade intersect, frequently appearing as a commentator on the BBC and CNN.
Clare Yates is a highly respected consultant and trainer with over 30 years’ experience in the residential property and legal sectors. She specialises in helping property agents and law firms improve business generation, strengthen client relationships, and increase conversion from inbound enquiries.
Clare supports teams to win more instructions, overcome fee objections, and communicate more effectively with clients and stakeholders.
Simon Gates is one of the UK property industry’s most influential figures, with over 15 years’ experience across estate agency, proptech, and performance-led consultancy.
After starting his career in estate agency in 2009, Simon went on to launch his consultancy, Opening the Gates.
In 2026, Simon was appointed Non-Executive Director at Open Moove, supporting the company’s strategic direction.
"Interesting speakers, leading estate agents and suppliers and a relaxed atmosphere throughout".
-Dataloft
Why attend
Built on Trust is a Kerfuffle event for estate agents who want to strengthen their reputation through proven performance, not empty promises.
The event focuses on how trust is built across the valuation process, client communication, follow-ups and long-term relationships. It examines where trust is most commonly tested, how credibility is shaped day to day, and how small inconsistencies quietly undermine reputation over time.
This is a practical event designed to help estate agents.
Demonstrate credibility through consistent delivery
Reduce friction across the client journey
Strengthen trust in a review-led, highly visible market
Learn from leaders who have built trust under pressure
Take away insight that can be applied immediately
Be Part of Something New
Built on Trust is part of Kerfuffle’s ongoing work with estate agents focused on improving performance, consistency, and client experience across the property journey. The event brings together insight, discussion, and practical learning to support agencies in building stronger, more credible reputations over time.