National homelessness charity names new chair

A national homelessness charity has made a senior appointment.

CEO Sleepout has named Abu Ali as its new chair.

He replaces charity founder Andy Preston, who has switched to a trustee role.

Pledging to “really kick the charity on”, Abu says he hopes to smash the £1 million barrier during 2026 by encouraging more business leaders to take part in outdoor sleeping events across the UK.

The FRP Corporate Finance partner says his tenure will also be driven by the memory of childhood friend Lee Halpin, who died while rough sleeping in 2013.

Aged just 26, Lee’s body was found in a derelict building in Newcastle while he was making a documentary about homelessness. 

Newcastle-based Abu said: “I went through school with Lee, and his death cut through our friendship group. 

“It was a global story, and I wanted to raise funds in the hope we could help finish Lee’s documentary and leave a legacy for him.

“That brought CEO Sleepout into my life.” 

Abu’s term as chair of the Middlesbrough-headquartered charity will begin with a March 23 sleepout in Kent, with further events planned during 2026 in cities including Aberdeen, Brighton, London, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield.

North East events are set to take place in Alnwick, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

Abu said: “Andy has done a phenomenal job of building CEO Sleepout, and the impact it is making is immense.

“We have more homeless people in Britain than at any point in history, and poverty has become normalised - we can’t let that continue.

“We want more business leaders to step up and sleep out.  

“They have the influence and connections to raise the levels of money that make a real difference; we want more leaders to give up one night and change lives forever.” 

Bianca Robinson, CEO Sleepout chief executive, praised Abu’s passion for the charity, adding his “inside out” knowledge of the organisation holds its future in great stead.

She said: “His vision and connections in the business world will only help us raise more money, which has never been needed more.” 

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