One of the UK’s leading Conservative commentators, Iain Dale, has called on the government to halve the number of civil servants it employs and increase infrastructure spending in a look ahead to next Wednesday’s Autumn Statement.

The leading blogger, also the owner of Biteback Publishing and a presenter on LBC Radio, said in a Property Week podcast interview that there was “little evidence” of the downsizing of government and that civil servants were being allowed by senior politicians to lead the agenda.

Dale also aired his views on the London airport crisis, urging the government to begin a programme of large-scale investment in major infrastructure projects in order to boost economic growth.

Podcast: “Shrink government and boost infrastructure spend”, says Iain Dale’s ahead of the Autumn Statement

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Property Week Podcast presenter James Max was this month joined by Abstract Securities founder Mark Glatman and Steve Norris, former transport minister and Soho Estates chairman.

Glatman gave away some of the secrets of his success at office development and investment, as well as revealing the science behind collecting abstract art for his art dealing business.

The Akeler Group founder also revealed his views on Scottish independence as well as giving insight into current sentiment among banks.

Norris, who is non-executive chairman at BNP Paribas Real Estate (where James Max has a role as senior adviser) explained his views on the challenges to London future as a city, as well as discussing his role as the chair of Soho Estates.

Listen to the podcast here or subscribe via iTunes

Mark Glatman’s secrets of success and London guru Steve Norris

Why does the property industry have such a problem with diversity, or is it all a fuss over nothing? James Max explored the issue as part of Property Week's Open Plan campaign, with Thames Valley Housing CEO Geeta Nanda and Michelle van Vuuren, UK sales & marketing director for Dalian Wanda.

According to Geeta Nanda, the housing association world is made up of around 60% women, yet very few make it to the top of the organisations themselves.

Nanda suggests that the people industry must show a more long-termist approach to investing in people, so that a broad range of individuals make it through the ranks, and not just university graduates.

Van Vuuren, who has had stints at Land Securities and Sellar Property Group, puts a more positive angle on the diversity issue, saying that there is much more tolerance of women and minorities than in the past.

The marketing expert, who started her career in technology, explains what it's like being of South African origin, working in the UK for a Chinese conglomerate.

Listen to the podcast here or subscribe via iTunes:

The “Open Plan” Diversity Podcast with Geeta Nanda OBE and Dalian Wanda

Mount Anvil chief executive Killian Hurley has warned that there is "volatility" and "uncertainty" in the London residential market, where house price increases are unsustainable.

Speaking to Property Week podcast presenter James Max, the central London-focused residential developer talked in depth about the "cyclical business" of developing homes in the capital.

In a wide ranging interview, Hurley discussed his recent joint venture agreement with Ares, as well as covering stamp duty, housing supply, and pubs.

James Max was also joined in the studio by residential market commentatorHenry Pryor, for a chat about the current state of UK housing.

Listen to the podcast below, or subscribe for free via iTunes. The Property Week podcast is available on the first Friday of each month.

Property Week Podcast: Mount Anvil chief Killian Hurley and Henry Pryor

"Timing is everything" in London investment. Those are the wise words of Quintain's head of fund management Nigel Kempner, who welcomed Property Week podcast presenter James Max into his offices on Grosvenor Street this month.

In a wide ranging interview with the BBC London broadcaster, Kempner explained in depth how Quintain came together in its current form.

Kempner described how the company was "creating something special" at Wembley Central, as well as giving away some secrets about how to create a stellar London investment portfolio.

James Max was also joined in the studio by Mike Ingram, markets analyst at BGC Partners, for an in-depth chat about interest rates, national debt, exports and house prices.

Listen to Quintain investment guru Nigel Kempner on what makes a good deal

Property development grandee Sir Stuart Lipton has given his first broadcast interview since setting up Lipton Rogers, a development company he has co-founded with Peter Rogers and ex-Hermes chief Rupert Clarke.

The developer behind such landmark projects as Broadgate and Chiswick Park joined BBC broadcaster James Max at the Lipton Rogers headquarters on Cavendish Square earlier this month.

Lipton spoke in detail about his vision for the future of mixed-use schemes, as well as reminiscing about his involvement with some of the UK's best known schemes.

He said the era of "let and forget" was over, and explained his favourite and least favourite buildings and places in London.

Podcast: “Shrink government and boost infrastructure spend”, says Iain Dale’s ahead of the Autumn Statement

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