Steve Chu
Interim Chief Executive

Steve is an experienced Interim Chief Executive and freelance charity consultant, who is leading The Green Estate for a few months while we recruit our next Chief Executive. Before turning freelance, Steve was Chief Executive at Age UK Sheffield from 2015 to 2023, during which he led a successful bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to redevelop the derelict Grade II listed Coach House building in Hillsborough Park, bringing it back into use for the first time since the Second World War. Steve holds an MSc in Charity Accounting and Financial Management from the Bayes Business School.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

Since I will only be at The Green Estate for a few months, the phrase ‘every day is a learning day’ very much applies. Even as someone who has lived in Sheffield since 2002, it has been a revelation to find the breadth of work carried out here. When friends ask me about The Green Estate, the easiest reference point is to say ‘it’s where the Rhubarb Shed Café is’. And I had a little knowledge about Sheffield Manor Lodge, Mary Queen of Scots, and the heritage education activities delivered here for the local community. But I had no expectation or understanding of the national and international landscape gardening, turf and seeds social business, Pictorial Meadows®, that is centred here at The Green Estate. I spend my days constantly amazed at the diversity of activities being delivered here and supporting the team to ensure I can safely pass the baton for all this work to The Green Estate’s next Chief Executive.

LinkedIn

Dan Cornwell
Director of Commercial Landscapes

Since 2004, Dan has been at the heart of The Green Estate’s mission to transform urban spaces through sustainable, nature-based solutions. As Director of Commercial Landscapes, Dan combines creativity with technical expertise, leading the development and delivery of innovative products and services that make a lasting impact. With degrees in Landscape Architecture and Design from The University of Sheffield, along with an RHS Advanced Horticulture qualification, Dan brings both deep knowledge and a passion for sustainable design to every project.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

For me, no two days are the same. My role is primarily a blend of client interaction, team meetings and strategic oversight. A typical day might include meeting and advising clients, site visits, collaborating with teams, overseeing and reviewing design plans, research and development, or business planning and administration.

LinkedIn

Martin Collins
Director of People and Operations

Martin started working at The Green Estate as Head of People Services in 2023 before being promoted to Director of People and Operations in 2024. He is responsible for HR, volunteer management, estate operations, health and safety, plus staff learning and development. Martin has an MSc in Human Resource Management and has worked in senior HR roles for United Learning, Sheffield Hallam University and Ruskin Mill Trust.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

For me, a key focus is that our teams are empowered and equipped to deliver a high-quality experience for our clients. With the broad range of talented services operating within The Green Estate, it means my days are very varied, but they always involve listening to the direct experiences of my colleagues and problem solving to find a way forward. That can include ensuring we have the right staff in place to deliver training, evidencing our practices and impact to external auditors, or planning our training needs for the road ahead.

LinkedIn

Chris Hurst

Director of Finance

Chris is an experienced finance professional who has been involved with The Green Estate since 2014, first as a member of the Board and more recently as Director of Finance. Chris is responsible for the strategic and operational management of The Green Estate’s financial activities. Chris has worked in private practice as an auditor and as a Finance Director at our close partner Manor & Castle Development Trust. Chris says, ‘The Green Estate is full of passionate people, which can’t fail to rub off on you.’

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

A typical day in the life for me might involve reporting long term financial strategy to the Board of Directors, planning cash flow, preparing management accounts for Department Heads, or investigating individual transactions on the accounting system. With a small team, it’s often every hand to the pump and you have to be ready to muck in. Whether it’s working closely with the Finance Team on those day-to-day transactions or looking further ahead with the Leadership Team, The Green Estate is such a varied place that no two days are the same.

LinkedIn