Invest in Barnet

Naisha Polaine is an experienced leader in urban development and regeneration, with over 20 years of success in delivering high-profile development projects and growth strategies across the UK. As Executive Director of Growth at Barnet Council she leads our most ambitious growth programmes across major development and regeneration schemes such as the new £8 billion Brent Cross Town public/private partnership.

Working with communities, developers, and partnership boards to deliver the newly adopted Local Plan, her focus is on driving good growth across the borough with a target to build 44,000 new homes, 10,000 of those affordable, alongside high-quality public realm and initiatives that meet Barnet’s commitment to become a NetZero borough by 2042.

Her impressive career in urban regeneration, housing development, and international investment includes senior executive roles at the Department for International Trade and Homes England, focusing on large-scale real estate and affordable housing initiatives, and connecting international investors with investment opportunities across the UK. 

Naisha offers valuable insights into fostering sustainable, well-planned economic growth, and the complexities of delivering large-scale development projects.

Luke Ward is the Director of Housing, Economy and Placemaking at the London Borough of Barnet. In this role, he is responsible for a wide-ranging portfolio that includes housing services, new development, economic development, and delivery of the borough’s placemaking agenda. Luke leads work to enable growth, support inclusive economic outcomes, and shape high-quality places that meet the needs of existing and future communities.

An economist by training, Luke has experience working across both local and central government, bringing a strong analytical approach to policy, delivery, and decision making. His professional interests centre on maximising positive impact, creating sustainable new communities, and aligning housing growth with transport and infrastructure investment. He is particularly focused on driving complex change through collaboration and consensus, working closely with elected members, partners, residents, and stakeholders to deliver long term outcomes that support prosperity and wellbeing.

Kazadi Mwamba is Business Engagement Manager at Barnet Council, leading our inward investment and business engagement. 

Kazadi works with developers, investors and local businesses to drive sustainable growth, support regeneration and create opportunities across Barnet’s town centres and key development areas.