Nigerian-born London property expert and acquisition agent, Yemi Edun, was Tuesday named among one of the UK’s Most Influential Black
People in The Powerlist 2021. Regarded as one of the foremost experts in his sector, Edun, who is Founder/CEO of Daniel Ford & Co and
Daniel Ford International, is the first person from the industry to be recognised in the prestigious list. The annual Powerlist
recognises the contributions of people of African, African Caribbean and African-American heritage in Britain, across a range of
industries including business, politics, technology and science.
“I am honoured and humbled to be included on The Powerlist 2021 and recognised for my work in the property industry. “All the men and
women on the list are truly inspiring and I feel blessed to be named among them. “I am incredibly passionate about working in property
and I hope this recognition will inspire other young people to consider a career in the industry.” Vanguard gathered that Daniel Ford
grew from a portfolio of less than 10 properties to more than 600 in Central London alone. Daniel Ford International, for example, has,
over the years, been responsible for over £650m in property transactions and registered some of London market’s largest transactions
during the financial crisis. The company has become one of London’s leading property acquisition consultancies and won several awards
including The Times Letting Agency Awards for Property Management Agency of the Year 2012.
Earlier this year, Edun set up London’s first paperless estate agent office. Since it was founded in the early 2000s, Daniel Ford has
been a strong source of employment and internship experience to young black people in London. As a way of offering mentorship, Edun
regularly holds property workshops, seminars and is a regular guest on TV property shows My Dream Home and Homes Under the Hammer. Edun
is also passionate about philanthropy and giving back. He has reportedly been instrumental to the financing and acquisition of church
buildings for local communities and, for six years, sponsored the Central St Martins Postgraduate Auction raising over £200,000 for
students.
This year, he established Action for Change and Empowerment, A.C.E, an NGO to support charities in Nigeria, his country of
origin. A.C.E is a platform that finds and funds noble causes all over Africa, from helping small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to
financing the purchase of wheelchairs for the physically-challenged. The Powerlist, which is produced in partnership with J.P.Morgan a
nd sponsored by PwC, Linklaters, Refinitiv and Facebook recognises and celebrates the Most Influential Black People in Britain. Over
the years it has grown to become the definitive and most prestigious recognition of black achievement within the UK; an independent
panel chaired by former High Court Judge Dame Linda Dobbs, determines the list. Also featured are Lewis Hamilton, Marcus Rashford and
Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Edward Enninful.
– Vanguard