The No Bullsh*t Property Podcast

Howard and Paul are joined this week by Paul Nicholson from the Nicolson Group for a deep dive into the day-to-day realities of a professional landlord in today’s shifting property landscape. Nicholson Group acquires unloved, derelict buildings and brings them back to life as efficiently designed modern homes that honour each building’s heritage.

They begin by exploring the recent changes brought by the new Labour government, including increase in funding for affordable housing and support for small and medium-sized developers. Paul and Howard discuss how these reforms, the Autumn budget, and wider property legislation, will affect the market, particularly for SME developers who face challenges in an industry dominated by larger players.

The conversation then shifts to the challenges of property management, especially with recent legislative changes like the Renters' Rights Bill and the Building Safety Act. Paul highlights the opportunity these reforms bring to elevate industry standards, encouraging smaller landlords to explore professional management solutions that can support them with the added administrative responsibilities.

The episode also explores strategies for succeeding in the rental market, particularly with the upcoming abolition of Section 21. Paul shares legal insights on navigating administrative challenges and finding emerging investment locations. He highlights the importance of skilled managing agents and discusses innovative strategies, like offering nil rent for commercial units to curate the ideal tenant mix, all crucial for meeting the evolving expectations of tenants in cities like Liverpool and Manchester.

Have something you want to discuss? Send us an email to [email protected].

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

Join Paul and Howard as they sit down with Gemma Krysko, founder of We Are Indigo, to explore the dynamic evolution of Manchester’s hospitality scene and its impact on urban regeneration.

Gemma shares her journey into PR and discusses the transformative shifts in hospitality, emphasising how strategic urban planning and unique venues can enhance neighbourhoods. The conversation highlights the importance of creating memorable, in-person experiences and the vital role of collaboration among developers, local authorities, and creative professionals in fostering vibrant community spaces.

As they delve into the challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry, Gemma provides valuable insights on how a shared vision among stakeholders can lead to successful placemaking and revitalisation. 

Have something you want to discuss? Send us an email to [email protected].

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

In this episode of the No Bullsh*t Property Podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in the property development finance market, with the expertise of our guests Jack Poxon and Tom Bamber from Graphene Commercial Finance.

With backgrounds in banking and finance, Jack and Tom offer insights into the fragmented world of development finance, exploring the advantages and drawbacks of having diverse funding options.

We delve into the obstacles of securing development finance in today’s high-interest-rate environment and stress the importance of local market knowledge. Jack and Tom also discuss the crucial role brokers play in navigating this complex space, offering practical advice for both lenders and developers.

The conversation looks ahead to the future, including the growth of green lending initiatives and the slow embrace of technology in real estate finance. We also explore the art of matchmaking between borrowers and lenders, discussing how finding the right fit can make all the difference in securing funding. Finally, we wrap up the episode by examining how SME developers can break through barriers to entry, especially when it comes to building a strong track record.

Have something you want to discuss? Send us an email to [email protected].

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

Join Howard and Paul as they dive into the topic of viability as part of the planning application process. Special guest Matt Spilsbury from CBRE joins them to unravel the complexities of viability assessments amidst current proposed planning reforms.

Planning is a hot topic for Labour’s newly formed Government, particularly the reintroduction of housing targets on the agenda. Howard, Paul, and guest Matt Spilsbury provide insights into how these political changes may impact the delivery of new homes. 

The conversation continues with how the viability assessment has evolved to become one of the key elements of a planning application, with stricter guidelines and professional standards, ensuring greater transparency and regulation. Matt shares insights on how this transparency builds trust and standardises assessments, making the process more reliable for everyone involved.

They also address the challenges of stakeholder understanding and the potential need for a new wave of ‘viability superheroes’ to navigate these reforms effectively. Tune in to gain essential insights into how political shifts are transforming the viability process in development projects amidst economic challenges.

Have something you want to discuss? Send us an email to [email protected].

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

Season 2 of the No Bullsh*t Property Podcast continues with Angela Mansell, Managing Director of Mansell Building Solutions, who joined Howard and Paul to discuss construction in our latest women in property episode.

Angela shares her journey from initially avoiding the construction industry to leading a successful second-generation family business in Manchester, highlighting the industry's evolution, diversity, and modern methods of construction (MMC). She emphasises the importance of prioritising time in construction and fostering collaboration across the supply chain to enhance efficiency and drive innovation.

Howard and Paul discuss the challenges of disrupting the construction industry, focusing on regulations and the necessity of meeting fire and building standards. They explore the crucial role of innovation, noting that it must operate within the current regulatory framework to maintain standards of safety and quality.

Wrapping up, they explore the cultural aspects of Angela's business, focusing on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that attracts and retains talent. Angela shares her vision for the future, including the potential for multiple factories producing homes locally to meet housing demands. 

For more insights, explore our previous episodes on the dynamic Build-to-Rent sector and our distinctive approach to community building and property management.

Join us for Season 2 of The No Bullsh*t Property Podcast! 

We’re kicking off a new season with a new set and a whole host of new topics, starting with a dive deep into architectural heritage on none other than World Heritage Day.

In this episode Howard and Paul examine the changing perspectives on architectural heritage, reflecting on how buildings once seen as eyesores have come to be appreciated for their unique design elements. They share stories from their own experiences with heritage, including the preservation of historical features from projects such as Hilton House in Manchester and Duke and Parr in Liverpool. 

Throughout the conversation, they question whether we're at risk of running out of buildings to restore and discuss the real challenges facing heritage preservation, including maintaining historical features within modern regulatory frameworks and budget constraints.

Wrapping up, Paul and Howard delve into the balancing act between maintaining authentic heritage features and providing modern amenities. They use Duke and Parr as an example to illustrate how the fusion of the old and new can provide a ‘wow factor’ for tenants. 

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

🎙️The No Bullsh*t Property Podcast is back for 2024! 🎙️

Tune in to the first episode of the year as we navigate the thriving creative hubs that are revitalising urban spaces in Liverpool. 

Joining Howard and Paul as the first guest of the year is Lynn Haime, CEO of Baltic Creative. Lynn discusses Baltic Creative's approach that creates  flourishing ecosystems where profits circle back to nurture a community of digital and creative talents in Liverpool. In the conversation, Howard and Paul draw parallels to Elevator, CERT's creative hub in the Baltic Triangle and Baltic Creative's neighbour, emphasising how Elevator mirrors a shared dedication to community values.

We then delve into the ingredients that make such a community - from the importance of a vibrant events calendar to fostering tenant relationships. Lynn highlights the importance of creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among the diverse range of businesses in the Baltic Triangle.

Wrapping up, we explore the potential for urban transformation, looking at the Baltic Triangle's evolution from a neglected district to a vibrant hub of creativity, nightlife, and residential innovation. We ponder if this model could serve as a blueprint for other areas hungry for change. The discussion doesn't stop at geography; we touch on the importance of user-friendly lease terms in attracting businesses and how events like Eurovision can catapult a city like Liverpool onto the world stage.

Have something you want us to discuss? Send us a DM over on Instagram or Twitter @cert_property, or send us an email to [email protected]

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

🎙️That's a wrap on The No Bullsh*t Property Podcast for 2023!🎙️

Join Paul and Howard in the final episode of the year as they navigate the challenges and trends of the 2023 property landscape, with a focus on the cost of living increases affecting the industry. Paul and Howard discuss the rising rents in the residential market and the shift in commercial leases towards energy-conscious decisions. Energy costs have been a hot topic, and they predict they'll remain a central concern in 2024 as well as the need for more energy-efficient properties. Listen to hear the rest of Howard and Paul's predictions for 2024. 

Throughout this year, we've had the pleasure of hosting inspiring guests who are truly passionate about what they do. Notably, individuals like Atul Bansal, Rebecca Coley, and Sky Mapson, bringing incredible energy and inspiration to our discussions. We want to express our gratitude for the valuable insights and knowledge these guests have shared, especially in areas like planning, finance, and development. All our guests from 2023 have played a substantial role in enhancing the depth of our conversations. 

To catch up on previous episodes click here. 

At CERT, 2023 marked a year of achievements, from the creation of our CERT Life app to reaching full occupancy at Hilton House, and earning multiple award nominations for Duke & Parr. Our collective efforts as a team have made these accomplishments and future goals possible.

Don't miss our last episode of 2023 as we close the chapter on this eventful year! 

Have something you want us to discuss? Send us a DM over on Instagram or Twitter @cert_property, or send us an email to [email protected]

Check out our previous episodes to give you the inside track on the ever-growing build to rent sector, and our unique approach to community building and property management.

🎙️Episode 18 is out now!🎙️

Join Howard and Paul for the newest episode of The No Bullsh*t Property Podcast with guest Rebecca Coley, Head of Planning and Development at Trafford Council. Together they explore her journey and passion for planning as we unravel the world of urban planning and development.

Howard and Paul discuss with Rebecca the challenges of urban planning and development, and the need for collaboration between developers and local authorities to deliver high-quality design that addresses market needs. We also broach the topic of co-living, examining mixed views on its success and the root causes driving its necessity.

Finally they explore the crucial aspect of engaging younger generations in urban planning, and the need for a shift in the narrative to attract younger talent to the profession.

Have something you want to discuss? Send us a DM on Instagram or Twitter, or send us an email to [email protected].

Our latest episode of the No Bullshit Property Podcast is now live! 🎙️

Howard and Paul, are joined by our very own Head of Innovation and Ventures, George Konstantakopoulos. Join us as we dive deep into the dynamic landscape of innovation and business in Manchester.

In this episode, George discusses his path to CERT and his approach to innovation. He shares his perspective on how innovation can occur at all levels and sometimes, the simplest changes can be the most impactful.

We delve into the crucial role technology plays in modern businesses and the ways it's revolutionising the property sector. Listen in as we explore the potential of AI and Mixed Reality technologies, the concept of 'copying' competitors to stay in the game, and adapting to overcome the people ahead of you.

Rounding off our discussion, we explore the challenges and costs of innovation in the property industry, touching on issues like regulations, industry acceptance, and land acquisition. 

Have something you want us to discuss? Send us a DM over on Instagram or Twitter @cert_property, or send us an email to [email protected]

Visit our website certproperty.co.uk for the latest industry updates, downloadable guides, and much more to help you on your investment journey.