Property developer, Vanessa Van De Velde, features on episode 37 of LetsTalk. A buy to let landlord for almost 10 years, Vanessa has also purchased properties to renovate and sell (flip) during that time. She offers insights and helpful advice for those considering investing in property as well as the pros and cons of different strategies. Vanessa also discusses the effects of the pandemic and Brexit on the market - and considerations to be taken in light of the changing landscape.

Owner and Managing Director of events company KD Media, Kirsten Speirs, features on episode 36 of LetsTalk. Now established for 20 years, KD Media hosts not only the Scottish Home Awards but five other awards programmes plus conferences and trade shows. Kirsten talks in detail about the Home Awards as well as the challenges brought about by the pandemic, how they overcame them and their plans for this year.

Branch Manager of Belvoir Perth, Aimi Lewis, discusses the effects of the pandemic over the past year on the Perth private rented sector. Aimi highlights the repercussions on agents, landlords and tenants alike, as well as the market itself. Having operated within the Dundee private rented sector too, Aimi makes comparisons between both cities’ markets during the pandemic.

Owner of Scottish Borders based CY Lettings, Camilla Younger, talks about the various challenges facing the Borders private rented sector. Camilla discusses her career in letting, including her 14 years with Rettie and Co, as well as the various services covered by her own private lettings consultancy. A keen contributor to the Peebles community, Camilla chats about her own interests and involvements out-with property.

CEO of LAR Housing Trust, Ann Leslie, talks about the aims and ethos of the organisation which is funded by loans, not grants, providing mid-market rental homes to Scotland. With 39 developments and a unique, canal-side church conversion confirmed as their next project, Ann discusses how LAR is contributing towards more affordable homes in Scotland.

Michelle Christie, manager of Edinburgh based Jobs in Letting (JIL) discusses how JIL operates differently from other recruitment companies serving the property industry. Michelle highlights the opportunities and challenges that significant technological changes have raised in her line of work and the need to match candidates with employers for sustainable success.

Owner and Managing Director of Citylets, Thomas Ashdown, recants the journey of his organisation from start up through to its now 21st year. Thomas discusses the challenges faced, healthy portal competition, his passion for local economy and interest in blockchain technology. Thomas also offers some thoughts to those considering setting up an online business. Host, Gillian Semmler, delves into Thomas’ past and discovers his upbringing under an arts business pioneer and a surprising link to Game of Thrones.

Operations Manager of SafeDeposits Scotland, Mike Smith, features on episode 30 of LetsTalk and highlights their deposit scheme, services and charitable trust. Mike also discusses a few case studies where deposit disputes have arisen and offers advice to all sides on how to avoid lengthy and complicated issues at the end of a tenancy. Host, Gillian Semmler, also chats to Mike about his musical and theatrical background.

Episode 29 of #LetsTalk hears Jack Gallagher, founder of Western Lettings, chatting to Gillian Semmler about his agency’s recent award at the Scottish Home Awards. Jack also talks about how the pandemic affected their specific lettings market and what his predictions are for Glasgow in quarter 4.

Rick McCann, Director of At Home in Edinburgh, joins Gillian Semmler for Episode 28 of #LetsTalk. Rick and his wife, Vicky, decided to use lockdown to bring about significant changes to their family business; moving premises, completing a full rebranding and introducing a new brand slogan, ‘believe in a friendly that works’. Rick also discusses their experience of the Edinburgh PRS this year.