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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In a unique turn, Brian Welsh, Managing Director of CPL Software, is candidly interviewed by Neil Watt, discussing his personal and entrepreneurial journey into UK property factoring. The conversation explores CPL's culture, strategic use of AI, and expansion into the English market. Brian shares insights on industry challenges, the importance of transparency, and his vision for driving positive change through technology and open dialogue.
This episode explores the complexities of Scottish deeds of conditions, highlighting why these crucial property management documents are often misunderstood, lead to confusion, and require better homeowner education and industry-wide transparency for effective management. Brian Welsh, Mike Guthrie, and Jacqueline Borthwick discuss the intricacies of Scottish deeds of conditions, which govern communal property management. They delve into why older deeds are often confusing and lack modern provisions for issues like EV charging, leading to disputes and unmanageable situations for factors. The conversation emphasizes the need for early collaboration between developers, lawyers, and factors, greater homeowner awareness, and improved transparency in the sales process to ensure more sustainable and clear property management.
Brian Welsh, Paul Sweeney MSP, and David Doran delve into the critical state of Scotland's tenements, addressing public concerns about property factoring. The discussion covers issues like inherited debt, the inadequacy of current maintenance funding, and the challenges of owner responsibility. They propose solutions such as mandatory building inspections, patient loan schemes, and clearer regulations to improve accountability and ensure the long-term preservation of these historic properties.
This episode of Block Talk delves into critical issues in Scottish property factoring, spurred by recent media reports on transparency. Guests Mark Griffin MSP and Derek MacDonald discuss pressing concerns like homeowners inheriting historic debt, the accessibility of the First-tier Tribunal, and the inherent challenges in changing factors and rebuilding trust. The conversation explores proposed legislative reforms to foster greater accountability, improve communication, and ensure a fairer, more transparent factoring market for all stakeholders.
This episode explores the significant merger between PMAS and The Property Institute, detailing its historical context, key drivers, and the strategic advantages for property management in Scotland and across the UK. Discussions cover the distinct regulatory approaches north and south of the border, the importance of professional competence, and the overarching mission of improving housing for the public good. The hosts also examine how the merger enhances member services, strengthens advocacy, and tackles critical issues like building disrepair and homeowner trust.
This episode features Jacqueline Borthwick, a seasoned expert in property factoring, who shares her extensive career journey and the inspiration behind her consulting firm. She delves into common industry challenges, the importance of robust systems, and her long-standing, collaborative relationship with CPL Software. The discussion highlights the recent rebrand to Proptimo, the platform's key features, and how adopting new technology, especially AI, is essential for sustainable growth and building strong client relationships in the dynamic property management sector.
The Block Talk Podcast features Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBHS), exploring their crucial role in supporting individuals living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Guests discuss the conditions, Steven's personal journey, the charity's holistic services from diagnosis to adult life, and the critical need for fundraising. CPL Software's Helen Doyle also shares inspiring fundraising challenges, emphasizing the positive impact of corporate charity partnerships on team morale and community.
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 t...
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 ...
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 o...
Malcolm Perryman from The Property Institute discusses the findings of their 2024 wellbeing survey, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by property management professionals, including long hours and resident abuse. The survey identifies a "high happiness" group benefiting from strong support and flexible work, emphasizing the link between wellbeing initiatives and talent retention. TPI is actively promoting a healthier sector through extensive resources, training, and a new voluntary wellbeing standard based on a holistic "HEP" framework.
In this episode, Neil Watt, Chairman of H&P Management Services, shares insights from his involvement in the Scottish Parliament's Tenement Maintenance Working Group. He details the push for new legislation to mandate owners' associations in tenement properties and the frustratingly slow progress. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by prospective buyers encountering self-factored properties and the persistent issue of public apathy concerning property maintenance.
Industry veteran Neil Watt reflects on the significant transformation of property factoring over four decades, from its early days to a highly regulated environment. He delves into the historical evolution, current legislative changes, and potential future impacts, including compulsory owners' associations and reserve funds. Watt also shares insights on industry risks, growth opportunities, his vision for 2030, and a personal story about his parallel career in professional football.
This special Blocktalk Bitesize episode offers a concise update on CPL Software's latest developments. Fran shares insights on enhancing customer support with a knowledge base overhaul and new hires. Tom details the rebranding of their product to "Protoma" for a unified software suite, alongside exciting Connect platform updates including a Power BI dashboard and a comprehensive new client portal. Will covers core software improvements, the commencement of UK functionality development for service charge accounting, and a new modernized report API.
Blocktalk Podcast: Clientcast - August 2024 Episode Title: Special Update: 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’...
Blocktalk - Bitesize Bonus Episode Episode Title: The Future of Property Factoring Host: Brian Welsh Guest: David Doran, MD, Hacking & Paterson Property Management Episode Description: In this shorter Bitesize episode of Blocktalk , host Brian Welsh sits down with industry expert and MD of Hacking & Paterson Management Services David Doran to explore the future of property factoring. They discuss the evolving landscape of property management, emerging trends, and what stakeholders can ex...
David Doran of Hacking and Paterson explores the future of property factoring, predicting limited legislative impact on disrepair despite new owner association rules. He highlights industry consolidation and staffing challenges but sees automation as a way to enhance human customer service, not replace it. The discussion also covers the difficulties of implementing green initiatives in older buildings and the importance of personal connection, emphasizing that AI cannot replicate human empathy and complex problem-solving in property management.
Catch up with Brian chatting to Vincent Goldie in this week's bitesize piece from the latest episode of the Blocktalk podcast. Vinnie is the MD of Newton Property Management and in this shorter episode you can hear Vinnie's views on what's facing the industry in the next few years. Please like and subscribe to Blocktalk to stay up to date on the latest episodes! Thank you for listening.
Vincent Goldie, CEO of Newton Property Management joins us for the latest episode of the Blocktalk Podcast. Vinnie took up the position of CEO earlier this year, having previously served as the CFO for 14 months. Prior to joining Newton, Vinnie was FD at Creditfix, CFO for Together Energy, Director of Finance at Sure Thing Insurance and a Finance Business Partner with AXA Commercial Line On the episode: 2:00 Changes in the industry: Tenement Working Group, Scottish Law Commission, Fire Safety. 9...
Don't have time to listen to the full episode? Every fortnight we release a smaller 8-minute segment from the latest Blocktalk podcast. This week it's an 8 minute snippet from Tom Beswick's rundown of his day the The Property Institute's Annual Seminar in May. Listen to the shorter episode wherever you get your podcasts. We hope you enjoy the episode and please like and subscribe to stay up to date!
This episode features Thomas Beswick from CPL Software discussing insights from The Property Institute's annual seminar. Key topics included the dramatic increase in property management costs, such as insurance and health & safety regulations, leading to client frustration. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for property managers to enhance transparency and communication. CPL Software's Connect application is highlighted as a solution to facilitate better resident engagement, competitive bidding, and clearer invoicing, ultimately stressing the value of quality property management.
Listen to a snippet from the latest Blocktalk Podcast which is a special episode with producers of the podcast - the CPL Software team. Damien and Tom achieved the Three Peaks Challenge as part of the Charity of the Year fundraising efforts and Brian chats to them about their climbs x 3! Brian is also joined by Helen Doyle, People & Culture Director and Andy Bright from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Donate to Damien and Tom's the Three Peaks Challenge: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cplthr...
Why did Damien and Tom do the Three Peaks Challenge? As producers of the Blocktalk Podcast, the CPL Software team has hijacked the show for a special episode to hear from Damien and Tom who completed the Three Peaks Challenge on the weekend of the 14/15 June as part of the company's efforts to raise funds for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the team's Charity of the Year. Brian is also joined by Helen Doyle, People & Culture Director, organiser of the Charity of the Year initiative (and insti...
On this episode of the Blocktalk podcast we're joined by Alec Rose, Strategic Partnership Manager at Blink Payments. Alec has been working within partnerships for the last 5 years across financial services at Lloyds Bank, Mambu a fintech platform and more recently delivering payment solutions to the market at Pay360 and Blink. On the episode: 02:40 Role at Blink 06:50 Benefits of Blink to property managers 12:30 3 things property managers should look out for when choosing a payments provider 22:...
It's Bitesize week this week with Aaron McWilliam, Managing Director at Propcall. Aaron is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business, across everything from operational service delivery, business development, customer service, marketing, and process improvement. Find out more about PropCall https://propcall.com/
Aaron McWilliam, Managing Director at Propcall, shares insights on navigating the complexities of property management, from building a business on momentum and customer feedback rather than initial high pricing, to fostering a strong team culture. He highlights the recruitment crisis and high stress levels within the property industry, proposing outsourcing as a vital solution. The discussion concludes with his balanced perspective on AI as a powerful tool for efficiency and resource allocation, while acknowledging its ethical challenges.
Chris Ashurst discusses the latest developments in Scottish cladding remediation, including a parliamentary review of proposed legislation and strong debates over potential conflicts of interest in building safety assessments. The episode also addresses "orphan buildings" where original developers no longer exist, outlining how Westminster funds are allocated for remediation and emergency measures. Furthermore, it explores the complexities of single-purpose development companies and the implications of limited liability for securing necessary repairs.
Chris Ashurst returns to discuss Scotland's cladding remediation progress since May 2022, detailing the new bill and the controversial shift of assessment responsibility to builders, which raises conflict of interest concerns. The episode explores the funding mechanisms for "orphan buildings" and the complex issue of extending corporate liability. It also highlights the immense communication and engagement challenges faced by property managers and underscores the frustrating reality that, years into the crisis, the total number of affected buildings remains unknown, indicating a decade-long resolution process.
Opeyemi Funsho and Brian Welsh discuss the UK's approach to AI regulation, highlighting the government's proactive strategies and the challenges for existing regulators. The conversation then shifts to AI's benefits, showcasing its potential in healthcare for disease detection, personalized education, and streamlining property management processes. Finally, they cover the importance of diverse participation in shaping AI's future and critical steps for organizations to prepare, emphasizing data quality and continuous AI education.
Join Brian Welsh and AI enthusiast Opeyemi Funsho as they discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The conversation covers AI's current state, regulatory considerations in the UK, and its transformative potential across healthcare, education, and property management. They also delve into how organizations can proactively prepare for AI, CPL's strategy, and address the inherent risks and limitations of this powerful technology, emphasizing responsible development and public participation.
