Personalities

Martyn Smith
Managing Director

Martyn is the Managing Director and co-founder of IKE, and has been managing and developing specialised supported housing for over 18 years.  He has an HNC and HND in Housing Professional Studies and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (MCIH) and Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (TechIOSH).

In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, walking the dog and exploring our green and pleasant land in his touring caravan.

Julie Smith
Director of Resources

Julie is the co-founder of IKE and is the Company Secretary. Her role as Finance Director changed in 2016 when Alison was prompted to help with growth of the Company. Julie’s current role is Director of Resources; she has many years of managerial experience with in the care sector, managing operations of a group of Nursing and Residential care home companies for the elderly and has also worked on domiciliary care services and schemes for Adults with Autism and Learning Difficulties.

Julie has over 30 years of experience in administration, human resources, accounts, and payroll, this being mainly centred around care, although she also has experience in retail and hospitality. Julie has her own partnership in a bookkeeping and payroll company with Alison and when she is not busy working, enjoys relaxing in her spare time, but loves reading, socialising and walking her dog.

Gwenne Coltman
Chair, Non Executive Director

Gwenne is a Registered Learning Disability Nurse with more than 40 years’ experience in the field of autism and learning disabilities. She additionally has an MA in Professional Learning & Development Management and has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Autistic Society. She has been a member of the Coalition of Senior Professionals working with People with Autism (CoSPPA) since 1996, currently holding an executive committee seat.

During her career she has been actively involved in the strategic direction of specialist support provision at a national level and has a sound knowledge of developing and providing specialist person centred services, having worked in the voluntary, public and independent sectors. Her experience is extensive, being responsible for managing and directing teams and undertaking the commissioning, tendering and development of projects, as well as being fully involved in corporate selling.

Gwenne’s passion is the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring they are wholeheartedly upheld to make life fairer and more equal for everyone.

She now runs her own business – G.E.M & You, where she offers free advice, training & advocacy to autistic people & their parents and charged consultancy & training to professionals. Her business also incorporates her talents in being a qualified holistic practitioner & positive intuitive healer.

When she does have any spare time, she relishes in spirituality & all things nature, classic cars & motorbikes, music and socialising.

Alison Swallow
Finance Director

Alison has been involved with IKE since 2003, firstly as a bookkeeper, then a Board member, and within the last 5 years as Finance Director. She has her own partnership in Bookkeeping and Payroll which was set up after she completed her AAT diploma in accounting, and she traded as a member in practice for AAT for some time. Alison has always worked in the care sector, as an Accounts Manager for care companies providing residential and domiciliary care in the elderly, Autism and LD sectors, as well has outsourcing services to residential and domiciliary care companies, and a dementia day care centre.

Alison likes to spend her spare time with her family and friends socialising, enjoying walks and gardening.

TBA
Non Executive Director

Announcement coming soon.

Michelle Kiddy-Broadbelt
Non Executive Director

Apart from sitting on IKE’s Board as a Non Executive Director, Michelle works as a Policy Governance Manager in the postal services sector, and previously worked in Welfare to Work. She has more than 20 years’ experience in management, quality standards, operational assurance, compliance and policy governance. She holds her Certificate in Education and a Diploma in Management and is currently studying part time for her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB).

Michelle has previously represented Great Britain in Archery in European and World Championships and was British Champion and a European Championship Team Silver medallist. When she does have any spare time she ‘tries to run’, but mostly enjoys relaxing, socialising with friends and spending time with her Husband.

Erik Hudson
Non Executive Director

Starting as an apprentice just over 10 years ago, Erik entered the world of business at a young age, and has since grown from training as a fire risk assessor, to becoming the Managing Director of a leading fire safety consultancy. Erik is a Member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and a Member of the Fire Industry Association.

His company specialises in fire risk assessments, evacuation plans, fire door and fire stopping surveys; they also offer training and advice, while always keeping the safety and wellbeing of occupants and residents as their priority.

Erik has always shown a passion for business, helping people, and is even eager to be in front of the camera after appearing in popular TV shows such as Waterloo Road as a youngster.

In his spare time Erik likes to spend time with his family, going to the gym, and is the Captain of his local pool team. He’s also a keen football fan, supporting Manchester United.

Kelly Hole
People Operations Manager

Kelly is the People Operations Manager at IKE, where she is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s human resources strategy. In this role, she acts as a central point of contact for both staff and Directors, ensuring that the organisation’s people practices are effective, supportive, and aligned with its wider objectives.

An accomplished HR professional and Chartered Manager, Kelly brings a strong background in management and people development. She is committed to fostering positive workplace environments, supporting employee development, and strengthening organisational capability through effective people management. Her dedication and commitment were recognised early in her career when she became a finalist in the CIPD Student of the Year Awards and later received the Feoffees of Rotherham Apprentice of the Year Award — achievements that reflect both her talent and her determination to continually learn and grow.

Known for her integrity, loyalty, and strong work ethic, Kelly takes a thoughtful and people-centred approach to her work, supporting colleagues while contributing to the organisation’s ongoing development.

Outside of work, Kelly values spending time with her family, enjoys exploring the outdoors, and has a passion for cooking, often bringing people together through her love of good food.

Amie Davis
Senior Finance Officer

Before Amie started working at IKE she worked in retail and completed a Level 3 Public Services course at Barnsley College. However, she realised she wanted to take a different career path and applied for an apprenticeship at IKE. Amie has worked at IKE for almost six years, completing a Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship, a Diploma in Professional Accounting, and has been promoted to Senior Finance Officer.

In her spare time, Amie enjoys socialising with her friends and spending time with family.

Isobel Smith
Maintenance & Compliance Officer

Izzy started with us on our apprenticeship programme. With a natural flair for numbers and problem solving, Izzy successfully passed the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Bookkeeping qualification, and has now taken on the role of Compliance Officer, taking responsibility for ensuring our homes are as safe as they can possibly be; so our tenants are as safe has they can possibly be.

Izzy is a keen equestrian and has been riding for many years, and competes locally in Show Jumping and Cross Country. Like most horse owners she has little spare time, but when she does, she enjoys spending time with her friends and socialising.

Nicki Burton
Housing Officer

Nicki is our Housing Officer, a key tenant-facing role she is very well suited for. She is the first point of contact for our tenants and support providers for any tenancy matters including tenancy sign up, housing related support, void management, anti-social behaviour, and any matter than supports our tenants enter into and maintain their tenancy.

Incredibly tenant focused and empathetic, she has previously worked for a large, charitable registered housing provider as a team leader, delivering a wide range of housing support services to some of the region’s most vulnerable tenants. She has also worked in the education sector supporting vulnerable learners to reach their full potential.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends—watching football, playing pool, and dining out. She also values her own company and often takes time away from the hustle and bustle to relax with a good book.

Mick Hutchinson
Maintenance & Compliance Officer

Mick is our Maintenance & Compliance Officer. After a varied career in the Armed Forces then the Building, Storage, Transport and Leisure travel industries, Mick was recruited into the Civil Service where he enjoyed over 25 years of unbroken service.

Initially gaining experience working in logistics and building maintenance administration, Mick progressed into information administration with responsibilities including information management, IT training and development, IT system maintenance and running both ad-hoc purchasing and the postal account.

Mick brings with him a wealth of administration skills and experience from his time in the Civil Service and is keen to utilise these skills in his current role at IKE.

Mick divides his spare time travelling with his wife, sharing grandparent duties for their nine grandchildren, researching local history, photography and walking the many hills of Northern England.