Who we are
Established in 2009 Hammond Associates is the leading organisation in the UK benefiting creative and community charities by matching commercial properties to charities. This enables business savings for property owners. In the process local authorities experience an increase in locally based cultural activity.
Since 2009, we have utilised more than 10,000 commercial properties. We manage in the region of 400 properties at any one time.
Our vision has seen pockets of regeneration across the UK. Take a look at our case studies and testimonials.
Meet the team
Paul Hammond
Managing Director
Paul’s background in construction, as a chartered builder and a degree in business administration, is complimentary to the Hammond Associates business model.
Whilst working on a large building project in Yorkshire he recognised a unique opportunity for charities requiring low, or no cost, accommodation and realised that commercial property owners faced large bills associated with their portfolios containing empty commercial premises.
In 2008, utilising his extensive business contacts, he founded Hammond Associates with an aim to make significant, and completely legal savings, for landlords – offering low-cost business space to charities.
Under his leadership, the group continues to expand promoting art and culture as a way of assisting town centre regeneration.
Jayne Smith
Operations Director
Jayne is a recognised business administrator and has held senior positions in marketing and advertising including directorships in several associated industries. Whilst working in the voluntary sector she experienced, first-hand, the problems associated with funding charitable projects.
Jayne joined the board of Hammond Associates in 2013 to manage the company financial administration section, and to assist with the overall management of this rapidly expanding business.
In 2016 became Operations Director heading up the recently formed finance, administration, and sales departments and fronting the formation of the Property Management division of the company which successfully launched in 2018.
Further in 2018, Jayne spearheaded the development of the Scottish market and in 2022 became Director of the newly formed Scottish Office, Hammond Associates (Scotland) Ltd.
Nikki Hammond
Director
Nikki joined Hammond Associates in 2022 following her retirement from over 20 years in education. The last 6 of these years spent as headteacher to a private school. She is a Director of Hammond Associates Ltd.
Nikki works alongside Phil, our property manager in England and Wales to provide information to landlords and charities and is responsible for preparing financial information. She manages one of our property portfolios and works closely with other members of the team producing documentation needed for charitable occupation.
Lucy Hammond
Contracts Administrator
Lucy has recently joined the Hammond Associates team in England and Wales. She previously worked as a sales administrator for Mercedes in the North of England.
Lucy is responsible for the preparation of contractual documentation. She works closely with Phil Dodsworth.
Anna Allsop
Accounts
Anna is a qualified bookkeeper and qualified with the AAT to Accounting Technician level. Anna works closely with Jayne looking after all the day-to-day accounting activities for the company.
She has many years of experience working in both accounting practice and private business.
Phil Dodsworth
Property Manager, England and Wales
Phil joined the team in 2023 as Property Manager covering England and Wales.
The role includes working with our existing and new property partners, conducting property inspections and liaising with our charity partners, sourcing and securing suitable spaces.
He has many years of experience in administration and project management, having previously worked for North America Travel Service and STEM Learning.
In addition to being a practising artist, Phil also works as a coordinator for the arts charity Skippko, managing their studio spaces and pop-up spaces in Yorkshire.
Ann Rutherford
Media and Marketing Manager
Ann Rutherford handles social media, website and articles for Hammond Associates.
As the former senior manager of the meanwhile space programme at East Street Arts, Ann maintained a portfolio of 100 buildings full of artistic activity across England and Wales. This garnered over one million pounds p/a for ESA.
Other experience includes Manager of Keighley Arts and Film Festival, various arts programme management roles and directorships of Keighley Creative and Craven Arts.
Ann is a practicing environmental artist.
Kelda Ralston
Property Manager (Scottish Office)
Kelda joined the team at Hammond Associates in 2024 and works alongside her fellow team members, Jayne and Marc, as part of the Scottish office. Her role includes the viewing of properties throughout Scotland as well as producing and maintaining accurate records to ensure that the needs of both landlords and tenants are met.
Kelda has several years experience working within both the retail sector and for charitable arts organisations, and enjoys working between both industries.
Jade Shepherd
Administration & Website Manager
Jade joined Hammond Associates in 2021 as Administration & Website Manager with a strong background in online content creation and design. Jade is responsible for the creation and publication of all content on the Hammond Associates website including production of news items and case studies. Additionally, she is responsible for managing and reporting on website engagement.
Jade also creates commercial proposals, new client presentations, and all corporate design and artwork for the business.
Marc Spencer-Bowles
Finance Administrator
Marc became part of Hammond Associates Scotland in April 2025, to support the team with Finance Management and Administration. He brings a diverse and valuable skillset, shaped by a rich and unconventional career journey.
With two decades of experience as a professional flautist, performing as a soloist and orchestral player, Marc developed a strong foundation in discipline, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. He later spent 23 years in the financial services industry, where he held a variety of senior roles spanning IT, Human Resources, Communications, Creative Management, and Marketing Technology.