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
Chelsea King
Having spent years creating home interiors Pinterest boards, Chelsea joined the property scene in 2016 by becoming a PA to a planning consultant in the Chilterns, which is where she discovered her passion for all things property. From the TPO’s that surround them to the final location of plug sockets, she has thrown herself and her energy into all aspects of the industry.
Being with Bijou since its birth as Executive Coordinator, she has created and implemented our company processes and policies to ensure a solid foundation for the company in years to come. After buying our first property, there was no keeping her away from the excitement of the building sites and she naturally moved into the role of Operations Manager. Now, she oversees the design and control of business operations to ensure Bijou continues to provides a strong product as well as a streamlined approach to our customers.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Chelsea King
Having spent years creating home interiors Pinterest boards, Chelsea joined the property scene in 2016 by becoming a PA to a planning consultant in the Chilterns, which is where she discovered her passion for all things property. From the TPO’s that surround them to the final location of plug sockets, she has thrown herself and her energy into all aspects of the industry.
Being with Bijou since its birth as Executive Coordinator, she has created and implemented our company processes and policies to ensure a solid foundation for the company in years to come. After buying our first property, there was no keeping her away from the excitement of the building sites and she naturally moved into the role of Operations Manager. Now, she oversees the design and control of business operations to ensure Bijou continues to provides a strong product as well as a streamlined approach to our customers.