Just Local

In this episode of the Just Local Podcast, Matt Nicol is joined by Lexi Craigie, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven, and Susie Coleman, former patient and fundraiser, to shine a light on the incredible support available to people affected by breast cancer across Worcestershire.

Many people still don’t realise that Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven exists, or the level of support it provides. The charity is completely independent and needs to raise around £400,000 every year to continue providing its services.

Lexi and Susie talk about the work of the Haven, the difference that support can make following a breast cancer diagnosis, and Susie shares her perspective as a former patient.

With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we also discuss the importance of breast awareness, checking yourself and knowing what is normal for you.

At Nicol & Co, we’re supporting Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven throughout October by doubling our Community Fund donations for vendors who choose the charity when they instruct us, as well as encouraging those completing their move during October to consider supporting them.

🎧 Listen to discover more about a local charity providing vital support right here in Worcestershire, and why more people need to know it exists.

The biggest changes to the private rental sector in decades are here. But what do they actually mean for landlords, tenants and the future of buy-to-let?

In this episode of the Just Local Podcast, Matt Nicol is joined by James Gwynne, Lettings Manager at Nicol & Co and author of Home, to break down the new Renters' Rights Act and explain how it will impact landlords across the UK.

James explains the end of Section 21 notices, the move to periodic tenancies, new compliance requirements, rent reviews, future EPC changes and why rents are continuing to rise despite reforms designed to improve the rental market.

Whether you're an experienced landlord, new to property investment or simply interested in the future of renting, this episode provides practical advice to help you understand the changes and prepare for what's next.

• The biggest changes introduced by the Renters' Rights Act• What replacing Section 21 means for landlords• New compliance rules and potential fines• Future EPC changes and minimum energy standards• Why more landlords are leaving the market• The impact on rental prices and tenant demand• Professionalising the private rented sector• James Gwynne's updated landlord guide, Home

Follow the Just Local Podcast for more expert conversations covering property, business and the people shaping Worcestershire's local community.

What does it take to inspire the next generation through sport?

In this episode of the Just Local Podcast, we sit down with CJ Osazuwa, Head of Community at Worcester Warriors, to explore how rugby is making a real difference across Worcestershire.

CJ shares how the Warriors' community team is introducing rugby to more schools, supporting local clubs, and creating opportunities for children of all abilities to get involved. We discuss the importance of grassroots sport, the life skills rugby can teach, and why the club's work in the community is every bit as important as what happens on match days.

We also chat about the Worcester Warriors Rugby Summer Camp at Sixways, where young players can improve their skills, grow in confidence and enjoy an unforgettable rugby experience with the Warriors coaching team.

Whether you're a rugby fan, a parent, coach, teacher or simply interested in the positive impact of community sport, there's something for everyone in this conversation.

In this episode:
• Growing grassroots rugby across Worcestershire
• Inspiring the next generation of players
• Making rugby accessible and inclusive• The Worcester Warriors Rugby Summer Camp• The wider impact of sport on local communities

Follow the Just Local Podcast for more conversations with the people, businesses and organisations making a positive impact across Worcestershire.

Mortgage rates are finally starting to fall - but if you're buying a new build, there may be a way to reduce your costs even further that most buyers don't know about.

In this episode of Just Local, Nicol & Co Managing Director Matt Nicol is joined by Martyn Davies of Mindful Financial Planning to discuss the current mortgage landscape and what it means for buyers in Worcestershire, including an in-depth look at Own New, the award-winning scheme that uses builder incentives to reduce mortgage rates, support deposits, or provide cashback, all while buyers retain 100% ownership of their home.

They also share practical tips on how to get mortgage-ready and improve your chances of approval, whether you're a first-time buyer, a home mover, or exploring new build options for the first time.

Straightforward advice, local expertise, and no jargon.

🎙 Just Local is brought to you by Nicol & Co - Memorable for the Right Reasons.

* Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage.

In the first Just Local episode of 2026, we’re joined by Neil Archie Evans (founder) and Ed Birch (chairman) from NAGS Charity Barbarians RFC, a charity rugby team raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

What started in 2012 with a 30-mile narrowboat pull from Birmingham to Worcester has grown into a community of more than 1,300 members, combining grassroots rugby with epic fundraising challenges: 50-mile canoe trips, multiple Snowdon climbs, and even a 75-mile walk around the Isle of Wight.

We also look ahead to their next big weekend in Evesham (29 to 31 May 2026), featuring veterans’ matches on Friday evening and a packed Saturday of men’s games followed by a women’s headline fixture, plus family activities, raffles and auctions. With £270,000 raised so far, the next target is clear: breaking £300,000.

Find out more, donate, or get involved:

https://nagsrugby.co.uk/

A brand new sport has landed in Worcester and the buzz is real. In this episode we sit down with Manny Deol and Ras Deol, the founders of Padel and Play, Worcesters newest padel facility based in St Johns.They share the story behind bringing padel to the city, why the sport is growing so quickly, and how they are building a community that welcomes everyone from complete beginners to seasoned racket sport lovers.We talk origins, obstacles, opening week energy, and what is coming next for Padel and Play.If you have been wondering what padel is all about, this is the perfect place to start.Listen in and get to know the people behind one of Worcesters most exciting new ventures.https://www.padelandplay.co.uk/

In this episode, Matt is joined on the towpath by Shaun Pope and Ian Lane from the Canal and River Trust to explore Droitwich’s brand-new Health Corridor - an ambitious project transforming access along the Droitwich Canal from Vines Park to Ladywood Lock in Salwarpe.

They discuss how a once inaccessible stretch of towpath has been fully reconstructed to create a safe, welcoming and more inclusive route for walking, wellbeing and connecting with nature.

What we cover:
• How the new path was engineered with a durable sub-base and limestone finish
• The addition of wheelchair-friendly seating and clearer signage
• Why the Canal and River Trust and Droitwich Spa Place Board championed this investment
• The wider benefits for health, leisure and community life in Droitwich

A fascinating look at how thoughtful infrastructure can reshape local spaces and encourage healthier living. Tune in for the full conversation.

Wychavon, The Canal & River Trust and Droitwich Spa Place Board are interested in gathering feedback on the project. We would appreciate it if you could complete this short survey about your experience using the towpath.

https://canalrivertrust.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/droitwich_towpath

We’re back — and kicking things off with two Worcester Warriors legends! Former captain Chris Pennell and powerhouse GJ van Velze join us to relive the unforgettable promotion battle against Bristol, reflect on their playing careers at Sixways, and share the highs and challenges of transitioning to life beyond professional rugby.

We also dive into the incredible work of the Worcester Warriors Community Foundation, its impact across the region, and why the upcoming Alpine Challenge in Chamonix means so much to them. Expect stories of resilience, camaraderie, and why sport is about so much more than just the game.

👉 Tune in for nostalgia, inspiration, and a chance to support the Warriors Foundation.

👉 For more on sponsoring the guys Alpine Challenge see : https://www.givengain.com/project/worcester-warriors-raising-funds-for-2-causes-108985

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Just Local, we’re joined by Councillor Rick Dellar, leader of Droitwich Town Council, to talk about something deeply personal - his family’s journey with dementia, and how it's inspiring meaningful community change.

Rick shares the moving story of his father’s Alzheimer's diagnosis and the impact it's had on his family. But more importantly, he explains how that experience has sparked a grassroots campaign to make Droitwich Spa a dementia-aware town.

Learn how Rick and local partners like Droitwich CVS are:

1. Running free dementia awareness training sessions

2. Launching the Herbert Protocol for carers

3. Supporting local businesses to become dementia friendly

4. Building a stronger, more inclusive community

Rick also speaks about the amazing work of the Wychbold & Droitwich Baby Bank, helping over 400 children since 2023 with free essential items.

Whether you're a resident, carer, shop owner or local leader, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be part of a more caring, connected and informed Worcestershire.

👉 Interested in attending a dementia awareness session?

Contact Droitwich CVS, the Town Council, or Rick directly on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/rick.deller.9

https://www.droitwichcvs.org.uk/

The recent BBC Panorama programme uncovered some worrying practices in the estate agency world from favouring certain buyers to pushing in-house services for profit.

At Nicol & Co, we believe in doing things differently.

In this special edition, our Managing Director, Matt Nicol, responds openly to the concerns raised and shares how we prioritise trust, transparency with both our buyers and sellers.

Featuring our Marketing Manager, Bridget Moore, we openly discuss our approach to valuing homes, price reductions and commission and how we ensure everything we do remains in our client's best interests.