Summary:

In this episode, Michael Dean sits down with Verster du Plessis, co-founder of Fox&Fifth, a visual communications agency based in Surrey, UK. They discuss Verster’s journey from South Africa to the UK, his experience building a business during the pandemic, and how Fox&Fifth has adapted to the evolving needs of enterprise clients. They also delve into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the role of video in modern communication, and tips for engaging audiences effectively.

Highlights:

• Building a business in the pandemic: Verster shares how Fox&Fifth's nimbleness allowed them to provide remote video services and stay ahead of the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Internal communications for large enterprises: Why simple Zoom calls don’t cut it for companies with tens of thousands of employees and how Fox&Fifth’s secure, professional video solutions helped businesses navigate internal communications.
• Entrepreneurial lessons: The importance of maintaining touchpoints in sales, being persistent, and how to differentiate your services on platforms like LinkedIn.
• The role of AI in video production: Verster explains how his team is incorporating AI into their business, from targeting clients to automating certain aspects of video production while staying ahead of industry changes.
• Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship: Verster opens up about how his ADHD has influenced his career and personal life, including his approach to business, parenting, and finding balance.
• Consistent content creation: Verster emphasizes the importance of consistency in creating video content and how businesses, particularly SMEs, can leverage video to build stronger customer relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• “Numbers are meaningless, but when you tie them to a story, they become powerful.”
• "The first time you create content, it's going to be cringe, but practice makes perfect."
• "The most fulfilling thing I've done is have children, and I wish I had done it sooner."

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Avamore Capital, a development and bridging lender offering loans across England and Wales, lending from £250,000 to £25 million.

Unlocking the Future of Property Development: Insights from Andrew Murray

In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean speaks with Andrew Murray, founder of Morpheus & Co, a company specializing in interior design and property development. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the recent change in government, challenges in the property development sector, the importance of skilled labour, and the evolution of Morpheus & Co over the past 30 years. They also touch on personal anecdotes, the impact of AI on the industry, and future aspirations.

Highlights:

Government Change and Its Impact on Property Development

• Michael and Andrew discuss the recent government change, focusing on its potential impact on the property sector. Andrew expresses cautious optimism about the new government's plans to unlock house building and improve planning processes but highlights ongoing challenges like resource shortages and local resistance.

Challenges in the Property Development Sector

• The conversation delves into the bureaucratic hurdles and resource constraints affecting property development. Andrew points out the subjective nature of planning regimes and the need for more efficient and transparent processes to expedite development projects.

The Importance of Skilled Labor

• Andrew emphasizes the critical shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. He suggests that vocational training and repurposing initiatives could help bridge this gap, sharing his experience with a charity focused on reskilling veterans.

Evolution of Morpheus & Co

• Andrew narrates the evolution of Morpheus & Co from its inception to becoming a prominent name in luxury interior design and property development. He shares anecdotes from his early projects, highlighting the importance of practical experience and customer satisfaction.

The Role of AI in Interior Design

• Michael and Andrew explore the role of AI in the interior design industry. Andrew discusses how AI can assist in administrative tasks and concept visualizations, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology to enhance creativity and efficiency.

Future Aspirations and Industry Trends

• Andrew reflects on his future aspirations, both personally and for Morpheus. He talks about the importance of returning to core values, focusing on high-quality, well-considered projects, and staying true to the company's original ethos.

Paths to success with Sam Castle

In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, Michael Dean sits down with Sam Castle, the co-founder of TRI7, to discuss his unconventional journey from the oil trading floors to the intricacies of property trading and asset management. Sam shares insights into his career transitions, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that have driven TRI7's success. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and navigating the property market in uncertain times.

First Break in Property

Sam recounts his initial career in oil trading, his dissatisfaction with the lifestyle, and the pivotal decision to leave university. Sam talks about how he secured his first job in property through a challenging task. He describes his seven-year tenure at London District, where he gained extensive experience in various property transactions.

Importance of Office Environment

Discussion on the value of being in an office environment for learning and professional growth. Sam emphasizes how overhearing conversations and asking questions were crucial in his early career development.

Raising Capital During a Crisis

Sam shares the journey of raising capital during the pandemic, transitioning from high-net-worth individuals to more strategic partnerships. He discusses his focus around maintaining discipline in deal selection.

Market Insights: Office and Retail

Insights into the current office market, including the impact of ESG requirements and TRI7’s approach to identifying undervalued assets. Discussion on high street retail opportunities and the ongoing challenges.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflections on the journey from trading oil to property. Sam offers advice for aspiring property entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of learning from others, embracing mistakes, and backing oneself.

https://tri7.co.uk/

https://avamorecapital.com/

Surveyor stories with Colin Horton

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, Michael Dean is joined by Colin Horton, a seasoned surveyor from Essex and Commercial Director of Project&Co. Colin shares his insights into the world of property valuation, the challenges and opportunities within the industry, and personal anecdotes from his varied career, including his stint on a reality TV show. This episode is packed with practical advice, industry secrets, and a candid look at the life of a property surveyor.

Highlights:

Authenticity in Reality TV

• Colin shares the story of his brief foray into reality TV on Channel Four's "Selling Super Houses." He talks about the casting process, the filming experience in Las Vegas, and the disillusionment with the contrived nature of reality TV. The discussion highlights the stark difference between real-life property dealings and their dramatised TV versions.

Personal Growth and Brand Building

• Colin reflects on how his TV experience helped him grow personally and professionally. He talks about the importance of self-acceptance, the power of personal branding, and his commitment to helping others through his professional journey.

Ethics and Integrity

• Colin and Michael Dean discuss industry ethics within property surveying, and the potential prevalence of conflicts of interest and professional misconduct.

Prop-tech Within Surveying

• Colin and Michael explore the impact of technology on the surveying industry, particularly the rise of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs). They discuss the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements and incorporating data and tech into traditional surveying practices.

Short Lease Arbitrage: An Investment Strategy

• Colin delves into the lucrative yet niche market of short lease properties. He explains the concept, its profitability, and the current uncertainty due to upcoming government reforms. He encourages investors to explore this often overlooked strategy.

https://www.projectsurveyors.co.uk/

https://avamorecapital.com/

Unlocking the Power of Diverse Minds with Jamie Waller

In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, host Michael Dean speaks with Jamie Waller, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. Jamie shares his journey from a challenging childhood in East London to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the impact of his dyslexia on his career, his involvement with the IMPS Motorcycle Display Team, and his ventures in the window cleaning and debt recovery industries. Jamie also explores the role of neurodiversity in business and education, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and innovative approach to learning.

Highlights:

Jamie details his path to entrepreneurship, starting with his time with the IMPS Motorcycle Display Team, followed by the creation of a window cleaning business, a car sales yard, and eventually a debt recovery company, JBW Group, which he sold for over £40 million.

Challenges and Innovations in Debt Recovery:

Jamie describes his entry into the debt recovery industry, initially as a self-employed bailiff, and later founding JBW Group. He highlights the unethical practices he witnessed and how he worked to reform the industry by introducing better regulations and practices.

Neurodiversity and Dyslexia:

Jamie discusses his book, "The Dyslexic Edge," and the importance of recognizing and harnessing the strengths of neurodiverse individuals. He advocates for a redesigned education system that accommodates different learning styles and emphasizes the potential of neurodiverse minds in solving complex problems.

Personal Insights and Mentorship:

Jamie reflects on the importance of fitness, exercise, and mental health in his life. He acknowledges key mentors who have influenced his journey and emphasizes the value of spending quality time with family and learning from his children.

https://jamiewaller.co.uk/

www.avamorecapital.com

Revolutionizing Mortgages: Long-Term Stability with Arjan Verbeek

In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, host Michael Dean interviews Arjan Verbeek, the founder and CEO of Perenna Bank. They explore the innovative business model of Perenna Bank, which offers long-term fixed-rate mortgages funded by specialist bonds instead of deposits. The discussion covers the unique challenges and benefits of this model, the UK housing market's failures, and Perenna's journey to becoming a bank. Verbeek also shares insights into their mortgage products, targeting first-time buyers and retirees, and the broader economic and regulatory implications.

Highlights:

Perenna Bank's Unique Model

• Verbeek explains that Perenna Bank does not use deposits to fund loans but instead issues specialist bonds to insurance companies, pension funds, and asset managers. This approach aims to provide stability in the housing market by offering long-term fixed-rate mortgages, avoiding the risks associated with short-term funding.

Challenges in the UK Housing Market

• Verbeek identifies the primary issue in the UK housing market as the short-term nature of mortgage funding, contrasting with the long-term commitment of homeownership.

Mortgage Products for First-Time Buyers and Retirees

• Verbeek explains how Perenna's long-term fixed-rate mortgages benefit first-time buyers by offering fixed payments, allowing them to borrow more and avoid interest rate fluctuations. He also introduces Retirement Interest-Only (RIO) mortgages, designed to help retirees with interest-only loans they cannot repay, allowing them to stay in their homes without the pressure of selling or downsizing.

Personal Insights and Future Outlook

• Verbeek shares personal anecdotes about his passion for football, the challenges of balancing work and family, and his reflections on the political landscape and its impact on the housing market. He expresses hope for Perenna's future and the potential positive impact of long-term fixed-rate mortgages on the UK economy.

https://perenna.com/

www.avamorecapital.com

Making the Grade: Richard Stott's Journey in Student Property

Michael Dean sits down with Richard Stott, Managing Director of the Kexgill Group, to delve into the intricacies of property investment, development, and student accommodation. The episode is choc full of fascinating insights spanning the coming election, navigating the complexities of the UK and German real estate markets, and even the importance of learning the Heimlich manoeuvre!

Highlights:

The Success of UK UKREiiF

- Richard and Michael discuss the success of UKREiiF, a major property and finance industry event held in Leeds. Richard explains how the event facilitated valuable connections and meetings that would have been challenging to arrange otherwise.

The Political Landscape

- The conversation shifts to the announcement of the general election during UKREiiF. Richard shares his views on the political climate, expressing his concerns about the current government's handling of international students and the broader implications for the property sector. Michael and Richard reflect on the potential outcomes and changes a Labour government might bring.

Planning System Challenges

- Richard highlights the broken state of the UK planning system, detailing the delays and financial burdens it imposes on developers. He shares his frustrations with the inefficiencies and how they impact the viability of projects, emphasizing the need for streamlined policies and better resourcing of planning departments.

The Origins and Growth of Kexgill Group

- The duo dives into the specifics of the student accommodation market, discussing trends in rental prices, the importance of location, and the challenges of maintaining affordability. Richard explains Kexgill's strategy of partnering with universities to provide cost-effective housing solutions without compromising on quality.

Join host Michael Dean as he interviews Nicholas Christofi, CEO of Karis Capital. Nick shares his journey from ambitious beginner to industry leader in real estate debt finance and insurance advisory. He discusses the importance of relationships, adaptability in a changing market, and effective client retention strategies. Gain valuable insights into balancing performance and price in lending, the significance of continuous education for staff, and future growth plans for Karis Capital.

Highlights:

Current Events

- Michael and Nick discuss the announcement of the general election by Rishi Sunak. Nick shares his perspective on how political changes impact the market, emphasising the importance of adaptability and the opportunities that can arise from market uncertainty.

The Relationship Business

- Nick talks about the significance of relationships in the finance industry, providing an example of how long-term relationship building can pay off. He explains that his business is focused on people rather than loan amounts, and stresses the importance of integrity, transparency, and good service.

Client Capture and Retention Strategies

- Nick discusses the challenges of winning and retaining clients, highlighting the importance of trust and communication. He emphasises the need for maintaining good relationships and providing excellent service, especially in a people-focused business-like real estate finance.

Nick’s Career Journey

- Nick shares his career journey, starting from his first job in the industry to his current role as CEO of Karis Capital. He recounts the challenges and milestones he faced along the way, including his experience with setting up and growing his previous company.

Building and Leading a Team

- Nick outlines his vision for Karis Capital, discussing potential areas of growth and expansion. He talks about the importance of being opportunistic and investing in areas that offer significant potential, such as operational real estate and social housing.