Yemi Edun
At PeopleDem property we believe in celebrating our community by spotlighting black excellence in property. Today we are celebrating Yemi Edun.
Yemi is the founder and Managing Director of Daniel Ford & Co, an award-winning property search and acquisition consultancy. Over the years, he has become a recognised expert and commentator on the London property market, frequently featured in the press and invited to speak at industry events.
His influence extends well beyond the property sector. Yemi has been voted one of the most influential and successful property professionals in the UK by several prestigious publications and guides, including The Power List, which recognises the most influential people of Afro-Caribbean heritage in the United Kingdom. He has appeared on this list for the past four years.
His most recent venture is as the author of The Number One Mission, a book that explores the legacy of the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom examining its history, its relevance to Nigeria, and the wider importance of diplomacy to the citizens of any nation.
Yemi’s journey into property was far from conventional. When he first moved to the UK to join his brother, his initial plan was to pursue a career in IT. However, he quickly realised that the field was not the right fit for him. With limited opportunities available, he took on a series of odd jobs, including working in security.
Then, by chance, an opportunity arose to work for an estate agency. That unexpected step would change the direction of his career.
In 2002, Yemi became involved with a struggling property management company that would later become Daniel Ford & Co. At the time, the business was performing poorly and the owners were looking to dispose of it. Where others saw decline, Yemi saw potential. Together with Oluremi Coker, he rebuilt the business from the ground up. What began with just four properties eventually grew into a thriving enterprise managing hundreds of properties valued in excess of £1 billion.
Today, Daniel Ford & Co manages around 850 properties across central London. Its sister company, Daniel Ford International, operates as an acquisition consultancy and has sourced and acquired nearly £1 billion worth of residential real estate for private clients.
As an independent firm, the company prides itself on providing wholly impartial advice, always working in the best interests of its clients. Through professional expertise, strong management capabilities, and a proven track record of securing significant savings for clients, the firm continues to source exceptional properties in some of the most desirable locations on the most favourable terms.
Daniel Ford & Co offers an unrivalled bespoke property service to landlords across London. Overseas homeowners, corporate property owners, and busy London professionals have trusted the firm with the management of their properties for more than 15 years. The company has grown organically, driven largely by referrals and returning clients an indication of the trust it has built among both landlords and tenants.
From the beginning, the company’s aim has been clear: to build and maintain a team of consummate professionals who surpass competitors in skill, knowledge, and commitment. This approach has helped transform the process of buying, selling, managing, and renting property into a seamless and rewarding experience for clients.
This philosophy is what Yemi believes truly sets Daniel Ford apart from other agencies. It has contributed significantly to the firm’s growth and given it a competitive edge in achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. Over time, the company’s reputation has grown steadily, with high levels of referrals and repeat business serving as a reflection of its continued success.
Alongside helping clients “own a piece of London,” Yemi has also begun shaping the city’s skyline through his expanding development arm, Daniel Ford Developments. Entering the community housing sector, the company aims to build more than 40 high-quality units in the short term, with plans for rapid expansion over the next five years.
Beyond property, Yemi remains deeply committed to community engagement and youth empowerment. He expanded the Daniel Ford Table Tennis Championship, with alumni from the inaugural edition now winning titles across the continent.
His charity, Action for Change and Empowerment (ACE), continues to grow its impact. At his 50th birthday dinner alone, he raised more than £95,000 in a single evening. The funds supported the donation of 1,000 wheelchairs, 500 walking sticks for the visually impaired, and the expansion of ACE’s Adopt a Teacher initiative in underserved Nigerian communities.
Yemi has also been a long-time supporter of the Central Saint Martins Fine Art Auction, helping to raise more than £200,000 to fund postgraduate scholarships. In addition, he has served on judging panels such as the Black Professionals in Construction (BPIC) Network Awards, recognising the achievements and contributions of ethnic minorities within UK industry.
One of Yemi’s most recent achievements is being named on the 2025 list of Britain’s Most Influential Black People for the fifth consecutive year. The recognition reflects his continued contributions to the growth and development of both the Black community and the United Kingdom as a whole.
It has been an honour to write about Yemi. His journey is a powerful example of what is possible within our community demonstrating not only professional success, but also a deep commitment to philanthropy and to helping others excel.
