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.
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.
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 Celtic Manor, Tŷ Newport, Holiday Inn Newport, and Premier Inn Newport (M4 J24), with additional options available in Newport city centre.
Best known for his rapid-fire wit and hosting roles on British and Irish television. He is perhaps most recognized for hosting the topical BBC panel show Mock the Week.
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.
Verona Frankish
Adam Day
Gemma Warne
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.
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.
Gemma Warne is the Co-Founder and Director of Agent Marketer, an industry-leading digital marketing agency specialising in lead generation for estate and letting agents. Over the past year alone, the business has generated more than 100,000 leads for agents through highly targeted paid advertising campaigns. Her data-driven approach often sees clients achieving returns of 3x, 10x, and even 27x on their advertising investment.
Clare Yates
Simon Gates
Robert Guest
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.
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.
Toby Martin
Toby Martin is a prominent UK property industry consultant, trainer, and speaker. Formerly a director at a Bath-based lettings agency, he transitioned in 2024 to found Toby Martin Consultancy & Training, where he specialises in helping estate and letting agents build "memorable" businesses through personality-led marketing, video content, and AI automation.
The conference agents & suppliers LOVE
“What a day at the Kerfuffle Conference – an unforgettable event. Incredible speakers, insightful panels and a phenomenal exhibition floor packed with innovation made it feel very different to other industry events."
Mark Manning, MD, Northern Estate Agencies Group
“The Kerfuffle Conference was brilliant from start to finish: smart content, great energy, impressive suppliers & the kind of conversations you just don’t get at most industry events. Genuinely useful during the day, and a lot of fun in the evening.”
Angela Dixon, THW Estate Agents (South Lakes)
"Interesting speakers, leading estate agents and suppliers and a relaxed atmosphere throughout"
Dataloft
"I attended the Kerfuffle conference for the first time in 2025 and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a great selection of speakers and workshops to choose from; plenty suppliers to speak to; and the evening event was top quality. I will definitely go again in 2026."
Louise Hudson, LSL
"The room was filled with some of the industry’s best agents. We had a number of strong conversations and have plenty of meaningful follow-ups coming out of the event."
Get matched with a supplier before the event and come with purpose.
Come away with more than good ideas. Click to book in a demo with a Kerfuffle team member who can match you with the suppliers you need to see, either on the day, or before.
