https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/lynne-alan
Today, on This Week In Property, Richard is joined by Lynne McMaster and Alan McDonald—two entrepreneurs with very different backstories but a shared mission to build meaningful, values-driven businesses in the world of property.
Lynne opens up about her path from customer service and family life to what was nearly a career in funeral care. After facing some deeply personal tragedies, she found herself seeking not just a business, but a way to give back. What began as a search for premises for a funeral home eventually shifted into property investment after attending a Jumpstart event with her partner Grant. That detour turned into a full-on career change, one that’s now giving her both purpose and flexibility around her family.
Alan’s story contrasts but complements Lynne’s. From being a chef and a senior manager in the motor trade to discovering the power of serviced accommodation, he talks candidly about the burnout that came with a “good salary” and the realisation that time—not money—was the most valuable thing he could reclaim. His move into property was motivated by a desire for a better life, one where he could actually see his kids grow up.
Together, Lynne and Alan now co-host their own podcast, Business Exposed, born from a chance encounter at a property networking event. They use it as a platform to showcase the raw, real side of business—the struggles, the insecurities, the hard-earned wins—and to give back in a way that’s honest and impactful.
The conversation is rich with reflections on work-life balance, parenting, mindset, the failures of the traditional education system, and the cultural quirks that hold people back in the UK. It’s about finding your fire, and then building a life and business that keeps it burning.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone at a career crossroads or looking to reshape their definition of success. It’s full of the kind of truths that hit home—and might just give you the nudge to make your next bold move.
https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/bacon/
n this enlightening episode of This Week in Property, Richard sits down with Julie West and Hayley Scammell from Sussex’s leading estate agency, Bacon & Co, to discuss the much-debated Renters’ Reform Bill and its sweeping implications for landlords, tenants, and letting agents alike.
Julie and Hayley bring a wealth of experience, having weathered the highs and lows of the property market for decades. From Hayley’s early days earning £25 a week to Julie’s transition from landlord to agency founder, both have a deep understanding of the lettings landscape and the challenges it faces.
The discussion opens by addressing the wave of anxiety the Renters’ Reform Bill has stirred in the landlord community. While tenants generally perceive the bill as a win for their rights and security, landlords fear increased difficulty in regaining possession of their properties, especially when dealing with problematic tenants. Yet, Julie and Hayley are quick to reassure: the core of responsible letting remains unchanged, and most landlords—true long-term investors—are in the business to maintain positive, lasting relationships with tenants.
The trio delves into key elements of the bill, including the phasing out of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, updates to notice periods, and the introduction of grounds-based possession. They also unpack concerns over the readiness of the court system to handle an expected increase in disputes and how new tribunal services might ease the load...
https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/bacon/
https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/jake-suthers/
Are you intrigued by the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps property development projects on track?
In the latest episode of This Week In Property, Richard sits down with Jake Suthers, the dynamic founder of The QS Company, to unravel the critical role of quantity surveying (QS) in the property world.
This engaging conversation is packed with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice that will leave you eager to dive into the full episode.
Jake’s journey is anything but ordinary. From cutting his teeth in London’s corporate construction scene to managing mega-projects in Dubai’s glittering skyline, Jake’s path to founding The QS Company is a story of ambition and adaptability.
He shares how a chance connection through Paul McFadden’s Property Protege training sparked a mindset shift, propelling him from the safety of corporate life to the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship. But what exactly does a quantity surveyor do?
Jake breaks it down, revealing how QS professionals are the unsung heroes who ensure projects stay financially viable, from initial feasibility to final construction.
The episode shines a spotlight on Jake’s 5-Step Framework, a process that demystifies cost control and risk management.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious newcomer, Jake’s analogies—likening contractor selection to dating and contracts to prenups—make complex concepts accessible and entertaining.
He also hints at the current market’s hidden opportunities, like distressed assets and half-finished projects, teasing strategies for savvy investors to turn challenges into profits.
Beyond the technical, Jake’s warmth and authenticity shine through. He candidly discusses balancing a thriving business with family life, sharing relatable struggles that resonate with anyone juggling work and home.
His experiences in Dubai, working on projects like a Mercedes-Benz-branded showroom, add a touch of glamour, while his return to the UK to start a family grounds the conversation in real-world decisions.
Jake also emphasises the power of communication in navigating the web of architects, contractors, and funders, offering a glimpse into the human side of property development.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about property investment, development, or the art of cost management. Jake’s expertise delivers a perfect blend of education and entertainment.
Want to know how to avoid costly pitfalls in your next project? Curious about the opportunities hiding in today’s market?
Don’t miss out—listen to the full episode to uncover the details of Jake’s journey, his practical tips for developers, and the secrets to mastering the art of quantity surveying. Your next property venture might just depend on it!
https://www.thisweekinproperty.tv/chris-dowty/
On today's show, Richard sits down with Chris Dowty — entrepreneur, fintech innovator, and the founder of Sourcing Investments — for a candid conversation that spans continents, careers, and a few eyebrow-raising property plays.
Speaking from his base in Bali (yes, he really lives there), Chris takes us on a journey from his early days in corporate life with Intel to diving headfirst into the unpredictable world of UK property. What started as a frustrated leap out of a safe but stifling career eventually snowballed into an ambitious mission: to build structure, trust, and transparency in the property sourcing industry — and to solve the very real problems faced by both investors and sourcing agents.
One of the most common complaints from UK and international property investors is a lack of confidence in the sourcing process. Chris saw this firsthand. Too many investors were unsure who to trust, worried about compliance, or worse — burned by rogue agents. That’s why Sourcing Investments was designed from the ground up as a secure, transparent ecosystem.
Investors using the platform gain access to:
Pre-vetted sourcing agents with full compliance handled in-house
Verified deals from across the UK, professionally packaged
Escrow services that hold sourcing fees until deals are completed
Direct links to trusted power team members — brokers, lawyers, surveyors, and more
A fully digital platform that supports safe, efficient property transactions
If you’ve ever wished for a property investment experience that felt more like Amazon than a backroom deal, this might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Sourcing agents often face their own uphill battles: compliance headaches, limited visibility, lack of tech tools, and the dreaded hunt for serious investors. Chris and his team have created what many would call a business-in-a-box solution for sourcing agents trying to operate professionally and profitably.
Onboarding with Sourcing Investments gives agents:
Full compliance coverage (Insurance, AML, ICO, Ombudsman, and more)
Access to 25,000+ active investors
A white-label website to showcase deals under their own brand
Marketing support and back-end systems that free up time to source deals
Insurance, contracts, and even escrow accounts — all taken care of
No more wrestling with regulation or feeling isolated in a sea of noise — Sourcing Investments offers real infrastructure for agents who want to scale.
Chris doesn’t hold back in this episode. From the mindset behind his first seven-bed student conversion in Plymouth (before en-suites were even “a thing”) to the hard decisions around building and later scaling back a £15K monthly expensive tech platform, the conversation is packed with lessons on innovation, resilience, and market fit.
You’ll also hear how the property world — from lenders to lawyers to lettings agents — is still riddled with inefficiencies. Chris’ solution? Stop waiting for change and build it yourself.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor looking for a smarter way to find deals or an aspiring sourcing agent ready to go pro, Chris’ story — and the platform he’s built — offers practical value and a lot of inspiration.
Ready to hear how the future of UK property sourcing is being built today? Listen to the full episode of This Week In Property now.