Blocktalk - the podcast for UK Property Management Professionals

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Podcast by Blocktalk UK

Blocktalk - the podcast for UK Property Management Professionals

Blocktalk is the podcast about the property management industry, for the property management industry. Our aim is that the Blocktalk podcast offers listeners some useful insight into a variety of views, opinions, thoughts, and foresight from our guests who include business leaders and property management industry experts.The podcast is hosted by Brian Welsh, MD of CPL Software, and sister brands Blockworx and INSPCT. Brian has a wealth of knowledge and expertise having worked in the industry for over 30 years. He is also a certified Clifton Strengths Coach. You can connect with Brian at www.brianwelsh.co.uk Blocktalk is produced by the same team as: CPL Software - https://cplsoftware.com/ Blockworx - www.blockworx.co.uk INSPCT - www.inspct.co.uk

Latest episodes

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27 February 2025

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh

In this inspiring episode of the Blocktalk Podcast, we highlight the incredible work of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBHS): our Charity of the Year. Brian is joined by SBHS team members, a service user, and CPL Software’s People & Culture Director to discuss the charity’s impact, Steven’s personal journey, and the power of fundraising. They also explore the benefits of businesses supporting smaller charities and how CPL Software is making a difference. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation and learn how you can support SBHS!

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30 October 2024

Clientcast October 2024 | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh

Blocktalk Podcast: Clientcast - October 2024

What’s New at CPL Software (producers of the show)

Episode Summary:

In this special episode, we’ve got our regular quarterly update for our valued clients on the latest developments and news from the CPL Software team who are producers of the Blocktalk podcast.

Our team has been working hard behind the scenes, and we want to share some important updates and insights into the direction our business is heading. Whether you’re a long-time client or new to our services, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of what’s been happening and what you can expect from us in the coming months.

With: Brian Welsh, CEO; Will McIlmoyle, CTO; Fran Megson, Operations Director and Tom Beswick, Business Development Manager.

Timestamp

00:40 Intro, Brian Welsh, CEO

02:13 Sales & Marketing Update, Tom Beswick, BDM

05:25 Ops Update, Fran Megson, Operations Director

09:40 Dev update, Will McIlmoyle, CTO

**Stay Connected:** Follow us on social media for real-time updates and insights.

**Feedback:** We value your input! Reach out to us with any feedback or suggestions.

This episode is brought to you by CPL Software.

**Thank you for tuning in!** Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an update. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your colleagues.

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17 October 2024

Stephen O'Neill, MD, Newton Property Management | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh

In this episode of the Blocktalk Podcast, we’re delighted to welcome Stephen O’Neill, a seasoned expert in the property factoring world. Stephen is the founder and Chair of Newton Property Management and the original founder of O’Neill Letting, which he started in 1995 and later sold in 2001. With decades of experience in the property sector, Stephen has witnessed dramatic changes in the industry, from letting and property management to market shifts and regulatory evolution.

Join us as we dive into Stephen’s journey, his thoughts on how the industry has transformed, and where it's heading next. Whether you’re a property professional, landlord, or curious about the real estate world, this episode offers valuable insights and expert perspectives.

Tune in for a conversation full of history, expertise, and a look toward the future of property management!

Timestamp

01:35 Stephen's father's background

02:50 How has the landscape evolved?

07:16 Back from retirement

09:25 Embracing change as a self-confessed luddite and elder statesman

14:05 What about the future – what major changes do you foresee happening by 2030?

20:09 Is there ever a time when property managers are replaced by AI?

24:29 Automation and digitisation over the next few years in the industry

29:40 How has legislation changed over the years

35:12 AI and property factoring

36:07 Tell us something about you that people are generally surprised to find out about you?

Subscribe to the Blocktalk podcast and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for updates.

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15 October 2024

Blocktalk Bitesize | Malcolm Perryman, The Property Institute | w/ Brian Welsh |

Not got time for a full podcast? Tune in to Blocktalk Bitesize for a small 8-minute segment from the most recent show, which is with Malcolm Perryman, Chief Commercial Officer at The Property Institute chatting to Brian about the results of the latest wellbeing survey.

In this short chunk, Malcolm is talking about the 'High Happiness' scale measured by the Office for National Statistics.

For the full insightful episode, just head back to last week's show!

Full Episode Timestamp:

01:32 Overview of survey results

06:35 What stood out from the results of the survey?

12:51 Any major changes compared to last year?

16:10 Are attitudes to wellbeing shifting?

21:40 What training does The Property Institute offer?

28:49 Look out for communications to take part in the next survey which comes out in February 2025

For more information visit

https://www.tpi.org.uk/industry-knowledge/property-management/tpi-wellbeing-resilience-survey-2024/

For training visit:

https://www.tpi.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/training-courses/

Please subscribe to the podcast and follow Blocktalk UK on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

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15 October 2024

Malcolm Perryman, The Property Institute | Blocktalk Podcast w/ Brian Welsh

In this episode of the Blocktalk podcast, we’re joined by Malcolm Perryman, Chief Commercial Officer at The Property Institute to dive into the results of the recent wellbeing survey. With property management being a demanding field, this survey sheds light on the mental health and overall wellbeing of professionals in the industry.

Malcolm shares key insights, discussing the challenges property managers face and what the results mean for the future of the sector. Whether you're a property manager, landlord, or industry insider, this episode offers vital takeaways on how to foster a healthier work environment in property management.

Timestamp:

01:32 Overview of survey results

06:35 What stood out from the results of the survey?

12:51 Any major changes compared to last year?

16:10 Are attitudes to wellbeing shifting?

21:40 What training does The Property Institute offer?

28:49 Look out for communications to take part in the next survey which comes out in February 2025

For more information visit

https://www.tpi.org.uk/industry-knowledge/property-management/tpi-wellbeing-resilience-survey-2024/

For training visit:

https://www.tpi.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/training-courses/

Please subscribe to the podcast and follow Blocktalk UK on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

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29:23

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19 September 2024

Blocktalk Podcast | Neil Watt, Chairman, H&P Management Services | w/ Brian Welsh |

Blocktalk Bitesize Clientcast - a special shorter episode of the main podcast for busy property managers and industry leaders.

On this Bitesize episode from the latest episode with Neil Watt, Neil talks about his involvement in the Scottish Parliament's Tenement Maintenance Working Group.

You can also listen to the full episode which was out last week.

Full Episode Summary:

In this episode, Neil regales tales from his 40+ years in the industry, looking back at the history and how the industry has changed...and how it hasn't. This is a fantastic conversation with an industry veteran who has seen it all—from the early days of property factoring, where relationships were built on a handshake, to the complex, highly regulated environment we navigate today. Neil shares insightful anecdotes, lessons learned, and the challenges he faced along the way.

We also dive into the future of property management, discussing the evolving role of technology, client expectations, and the importance of maintaining a personal touch in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, Neil's stories offer valuable wisdom and perspective on where the industry has been and where it’s headed next.

**Stay Connected:**

Don’t miss out on the latest news and updates from the Blocktalk Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast, and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook to stay informed.

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