CEO
Steve Leahy
Steve has over 25 years’ experience in the Residential, Commercial, Retail, Leisure, and Hospitality property sector’s utilised in his current role as CEO at Bijou Living Ltd, previously working as Property Director for Clarenco LLP and Dreams PLC. Steve has a passion and skill for seeing the unique solution to complex issues and challenges, as well as being a confident negotiator he enjoys the process of seeking out value for all parties to ensure quality is delivered.
Steve specialises in influencing key stakeholders to maximise the effectiveness and direction of a team, Steve’s aim with Bijou Living is to create aspirational homes, combining the character of the building and modern technology with sound spatial design to deliver exceptional homes.
CHAIRMAN
Mike Clare
Mike Clare is best known as Founder and Ex Chairman/CEO of Dreams Plc which he launched with one bed shop in 1987, growing to over 200 bed superstores before eventually selling in 2008.
Today, Mike owns several property companies, including the Solent Forts (Clarenco LLP). Stable Ventures Ltd is his investment vehicle for ‘Dragon’s Den’ type investments as well as bridging loans.
Mike supports many philanthropic organisations as well as Chairing his own charity, The Clare Foundation helping other charities, businesses in Buckinghamshire.
Mike is a Deputy Lieutenant and Ambassador for Buckinghamshire, a Freeman of the City of London, as well as a winner of numerous entrepreneurial awards. In 2009 Mike was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bucks New University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of commerce and entrepreneurship.
In his spare time, Mike gets involved with local politics and is a keynote speaker for various organisations.
CHAIRMAN
Mike Clare
Mike Clare is best known as Founder and Ex Chairman/CEO of Dreams Plc which he launched with one bed shop in 1987, growing to over 200 bed superstores before eventually selling in 2008.
Today, Mike owns several property companies, including the Solent Forts (Clarenco LLP). Stable Ventures Ltd is his investment vehicle for ‘Dragon’s Den’ type investments as well as bridging loans.
Mike supports many philanthropic organisations as well as Chairing his own charity, The Clare Foundation helping other charities, businesses in Buckinghamshire.
Mike is a Deputy Lieutenant and Ambassador for Buckinghamshire, a Freeman of the City of London, as well as a winner of numerous entrepreneurial awards. In 2009 Mike was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bucks New University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of commerce and entrepreneurship.
In his spare time, Mike gets involved with local politics and is a keynote speaker for various organisations.
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
John Wilcox
John qualified as an accountant too many years ago to remember, and has worked in industry his whole career, including in construction, power generation, charities and care homes to name a few. He has worked and lived overseas in Pakistan and in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and has a love of family and pretty much all sports.
He joined Bijou Living as Financial Controller in Mar 22, and has set about streamlining and refining the processes that support the organisations ambitious growth plans. His aim is to make finance work for the whole team, to ensure that everyone gets the information they need to do their job, as well as keep Bijou Living safe and compliant.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Helen Boyd
Helen started her career in 2005 as an estate agent and worked her way through the ranks before finding her passion in New Homes. She worked as a Senior New Homes Manager for a number of years, before joining Bijou Living. Having worked in property since leaving school, Helen has an extensive knowledge of the market and an excellent eye for detail where it comes to build and interior design. In her spare time, Helen can be found riding her horse, enjoying good food and wine, and attending as many live music concerts as she can!
Since she’s been with Bijou, Helen has enjoyed the thrill of finding and acquiring new sites and is excited to get involved in the build programme from cradle to grave. Her other skills include influencing the interior design and space planning, along with streamlining the sales process, working with our partner agents and welcoming the owners into their new homes.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Helen Boyd
Helen started her career in 2005 as an estate agent and worked her way through the ranks before finding her passion in New Homes. She worked as a Senior New Homes Manager for a number of years, before joining Bijou Living. Having worked in property since leaving school, Helen has an extensive knowledge of the market and an excellent eye for detail where it comes to build and interior design. In her spare time, Helen can be found riding her horse, enjoying good food and wine, and attending as many live music concerts as she can!
Since she’s been with Bijou, Helen has enjoyed the thrill of finding and acquiring new sites and is excited to get involved in the build programme from cradle to grave. Her other skills include influencing the interior design and space planning, along with streamlining the sales process, working with our partner agents and welcoming the owners into their new homes.