Blocktalk - the podcast for UK Property Management Professionals

Podcast by Blocktalk UK

Blocktalk - the podcast for UK Property Management Professionals

Blocktalk explores the real stories, challenges, and change shaping the UK block management and factoring industries. Each episode brings together business leaders, policymakers, experts, and industry stakeholders for honest conversations about the issues that matter most — from reform and transparency to technology and customer experience. Hosted by Brian Welsh, CEO of CPL Software, the company powering Proptimo, Blocktalk offers thought-provoking insight drawn from over 30 years of experience in property management, technology, and leadership. Brian is also a certified Clifton Strengths Coach and passionate about driving efficiency, communication, and long-term value in business.

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Latest episodes

10 November 2025

Transparency in Property Factoring Ep 1: Debt, Trust & Reform with Derek MacDonald & Mark Griffin MSP

In the first episode of our special Transparency in Property Factoring series, host Brian Welsh is joined by Derek MacDonald (Newton Property Management) and Mark Griffin MSP (Shadow Housing Minister) to unpack some of the most pressing issues facing Scotland’s factoring landscape today.

From inherited debt and tribunal complexity to public trust and proposed legislative reform, this conversation dives deep into the real tensions between homeowners, property factors, and government, and explores what meaningful change might look like.

We discuss:

Why homeowners are receiving unexpected bills for historic debt
Whether the First-tier Tribunal is accessible or broken
The challenges around switching factors and rebuilding trust
Proposed reforms to the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011
The role of not-for-profit models and public perception
What transparency really means in today’s factoring market

🎧 Note: There were some technical issues with audio on the day. We’ve done our best to balance the sound, but the insight is well worth your time.

Watch on our YouTube Channel.

Like, comment, and subscribe!

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07 October 2025

TPI x PMAS: What the Merger Means for Property Managers | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh

What does the merger between PMAS and The Property Institute mean for factoring in Scotland, and for property management across the UK?

In this special episode of Blocktalk, host Brian Welsh is joined by Andrew Bulmer, Chief Executive of The Property Institute, and Neale Bisset, Chair of TPI Scotland and co-owner of PMC Property Management. Together, they explore why the merger happened, what it means for professional standards, and how the sector can build greater trust with homeowners.

They discuss:

The path to uniting PMAS and TPI
What Scotland brings to the UK-wide conversation
The urgent need for qualifications, transparency, and long-term thinking
How TPI Scotland will support the factoring sector going forward

👉 A must-listen for property managers, developers, and anyone invested in the future of housing in Scotland and beyond.

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02 September 2025

Talking Factoring & Property Management with Jacqueline Borthwick - The Property Factor Professional

Brian Welsh is joined by Jacqueline Borthwick, founder of The Property Factor Professional, to discuss the realities of factoring in Scotland, the changes shaping the sector, and what’s needed for sustainable business growth. Jacqueline also shares her career journey, her experience with CPL Software, and her thoughts on the rebrand to Proptimo.

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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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