Meet The Team

Judith has 40 years’ experience in local government children’s services. Prior to joining Cora, she has served as a director of Sunbridge Chidlcare, before which she was the Director of Children's Education and Skills In Newcastle City Council. Judith received an OBE in 2018 for Services to Child Protection in North Yorkshire where she was Assistant Director for 8 years. This culminated in the Local Authority becoming the first in the sector to receive Ofsted ratings of Outstanding across the board. She has received numerous awards in media, innovation and transforming culture, including runner up in the Guardian Newspaper public servant awards. Judith has a BSC in Government and Public Policy, an MSC in Systemic management, is a qualified Social worker and practice teacher and has a diploma in Chartered Institute of management. Judith is passionate about transforming the lives of young people and families.

Mike is an experienced business professional with over 30 years of experience. Mike became a financial advisor in 1990, spending 10 years as a tied agent for a large insurance company. He was instrumental in the formation of Lighthouse IFA (Essex) Ltd in 2000 and helped shape the business into a successful model by 2005. Mike’s brings his broad business skills, expert marketing and capital raising capabilities to Cora. He is responsible for business development and Investor relations. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Stephen started his career in media and held a number of senior positions at Channel 4 Television and Film Four Films. He then founded a leading alternative asset firm where he was the Chief Operating Officer. Stephen most recently founded Daedalus Partners in 2011 an FCA regulated fund management / corporate finance advisory business, which has raised an deployed over £150M of capital. The investments are across a wide range of asset classes which include:- Restaurants, Drinks, Driverless Cars, Ed Tech, Property, Media and HealthCare Stephen is graduate from Durham University in 1990. Stephen is a qualified Chartered Accountant, has an MBA from CASS Business School and is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. Stephen is responsible for Cora's financial oversight, strategy and managing its contractual relationships with its operator and customers.

Nick Astaire is a corporate advisor, financier, investor, and business leader with over 20 years of experience in growth businesses. He has extensive experience in real estate investment, development, finance and planning. He takes primary responsibility over managing the Company's property portfolio, especially securing and obtaining planning consent for new homes.

Paricia Barry has worked within Children and Adult services for over thirteen years. In that time she has gained a wealth of experience in supporting children and young people with varied and complex needs such as Learning Difficulties, autism, mental health issues and trauma.