Some people might think that taking a big chance during the lockdown of a global pandemic would be a scary prospect.
But Simon Cox, Managing Director of the new land agency, Walter Cooper and Co, is someone who has the courage, the mindset, and the optimism to see it as the perfect moment for opportunity and change....
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In today's show, Simon talks about seizing the moment and the gratitude he has to his many clients and friends who have backed and supported his vision.
We discuss the risk:reward ratio of the land and development area inside the world of property.
Simon speaks of the challenges, the risks, the obstacles, and the "planning crisis" that stand in the road of progress.
But he also speaks of the rewards, the satisfaction, and the ability to help community and families grow and prosper from this specialised vehicle in the property world.
Rather than the typical approach of waiting to gather riches and then think about contribution and charity, Simon explains how his team have immediately started to help the community around them from the very start.
Simon also shares the vision of what Walter Cooper aims to achieve and the impressive drive and motivation that he brings to that vision.
His philosophy around what land development can bring to a nation, his mindset around life-long learning, and his views and opinions of all that's good and problematic in where the landscape is right now. Simon doesn't hold back adding value to the conversation...
Take a housing sector concept such as "Shared Ownership" that's been running for several decades, and then add in a young, vibrant and creative Digital Marketing Manager...and you have a powerful combination that's helping many many people to get on the property ladder.
Today's guest in the hot seat, whom has been recently awarded as "Woman of the Year (Leadership)" at the Women in Housing Awards, is Violet Pugh...
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Listen to Violet share her personal career journey that has collected skills and knowledge from customer service, design and creativity, and housing and marketing, that she has skilfully put into action in her role with SO Resi.
SO Resi, as the award-winning Shared Ownership brand of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing - the 5th largest housing association in England - has helped tens of thousands of people to become homeowners.
Violet explains the concept and the products behind Shared Ownership, and how her innovative team constantly strive to design and implement new ways to help their customers.
Hear Violet speak proudly of her team of eight women, and how access to equal opportunities and supporting diversity in the workplace is a passionate area for her on a personal level.
Violet describes the fast moving pace of digital media and marketing, and how cutting-edge platforms are being used by her team to get the message out of how people can be helped.
Listen to Violet reflect on the challenges that her organisation and the sector face, and also the satisfying milestones and fulfilling achievements that she's experienced through her career.
Finally, hear Violet reflect on her own personal journey so far, and the key lessons learned along the way...
Becoming an Accidental Landlord through one of your own homes is a classic story amongst people in the property world.
However, an off-the-cuff car chat that then propels that further into a highly successful family business is a touch different.
And that's just one chapter of the fascinating story kindly shared by today's guest, Andrew Lindsay...
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In today's show, we have a wide-reaching conversation that touches on a host of areas including civil engineering, land development sites, climate change, multi-million-pound calculations, serviced accommodation, buy-to-lets, high-end-finish refurbishments, and end-market focus.
Hear Andrew's interesting life journey through lessons and failures, successes and achievements, and looking back to join the dots.
Andrew shares the moments and encounters that have grown his team and contacts, revealed new areas of the business such as interior design and holiday let management.
Listen to Andrew speak about his engineering focus and how his ability to solve problems has unlocked opportunities, overcome obstacles, and restructured deals with various exit options.
Andrew reveals how the power of networking and collaborating with a like-minded community has propelled his business and opportunities, and how the value he gives and shares with others has led to continued growth and success.
Finally, listen to Andrew ponder his journey to this point and what he feels he's learned about himself along the way...