<p>Faucibus tristique adipiscing adipiscing nulla sit diam arcu bibendum habitasse. Tempor quis mi quam augue pharetra.</p>

<h1>All devcast episodes</h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Recently, I sat down with my colleague Verity for a podcast discussion about what's really happening in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/find-talent/specialisms/production-and-construction/client/">construction recruitment</a> right now. As someone who works day-in, day-out placing talent across this industry, I'm seeing firsthand how the landscape has shifted, and our conversation revealed some crucial insights for employers.</span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 116%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Why you need a recruiter more than ever</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">During our podcast, Verity made a great point: if you're hiring in construction right now, working with a specialist recruiter is essential. We're witnessing an influx of applications, particularly in the build sector where hiring managers have a significant number of CVs per job vacancy, and many applications simply aren't being viewed before roles reach the shortlist stage. When you work with us at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/find-talent/"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">deverellsmith</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">, your shortlisted candidates come pre-screened and pre-interviewed, landing directly in your inbox. You're seeing only the talent that genuinely fits your requirements.</span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 116%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">The tale of three sectors</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">What's fascinating about the current construction recruitment market is how differently technical, commercial, and build sectors are performing. Build roles have more candidates than vacancies, which is a consequence of project delays and restructurings. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">However, technical and commercial specialists remain in high demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><em>If you&rsquo;re seeking a solid quantity surveyor or a technical manager with gateway experience </em>expect fierce competition and rising construction salaries. According to recent </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Construction News analysis</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">, whilst build salaries are softening, technical and commercial remuneration continues climbing.</span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 116%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">The construction talent migration challenge</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">In the episode, we discussed how we're losing exceptional construction talent to international markets which are primarily the Middle East, America, and Australia. With UK height restrictions currently capped at 18 metres due to BSR regulations, ambitious professionals are drawn to mega-projects abroad, compounding the impact of the London&rsquo;s existing skills shortages.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">However, there's a silver lining: whilst London grapples with gateway-related challenges, the Home Counties and surrounding regions are thriving. Planning restrictions have eased, and construction continues in these areas.</span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 116%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Retention strategies that work</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">In our podcast conversation, we agreed that successful clients are prioritising transparency and pipeline visibility. Your workforce needs confidence in your company's future. Share your five-year plan, communicate upcoming projects, and demonstrate stability. In today's construction recruitment landscape, loyalty stems from security and opportunity, not just salary.</span></p>
<hr>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 116%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">About the Podcast Guests</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Tess Amongini&ndash; Senior Manager, deverellsmith</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">With over 7 years of specialist experience, Tess leads deverellsmith's Temp &amp; Contract division, delivering interim talent solutions across Residential Development throughout London and the Home Counties. Her client portfolio spans major PLC housebuilders, SME developers, and leading main contractors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Verity Hampson-Smith </span></strong><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">&ndash; Principal Consultant, deverellsmith</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Specialising in permanent construction recruitment across central London's residential sector, Verity brings a people-centric approach shaped by her events and hospitality background. She's built a reputation for honest, transparent recruitment, connecting businesses with top-tier construction talent.</span></p>
<hr>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 116%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Frequently Asked Questions</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">How competitive is construction recruitment right now?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Construction recruitment is exceptionally competitive, with build roles receiving significantly more applications than available positions. Technical and commercial specialists remain in high demand, commanding premium salaries whilst site-based roles face oversupply due to project delays.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Should we increase salaries to attract construction talent?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Technical and commercial construction salaries are rising due to skills shortages, particularly for cost controllers and quantity surveyors with gateway experience. Build sector salaries are stabilising. Retention often depends more on demonstrating pipeline security and construction career progression than salary alone.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Why are construction professionals leaving the UK?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">UK construction talent is migrating to the Middle East, America, and Australia, attracted by mega-projects, higher salaries, and fewer regulatory restrictions. With current 18-metre height limitations constraining UK developments, ambitious professionals seek international construction careers where large-scale projects continue.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">&nbsp;</span></p>

The truth about construction recruitment right now: insights from the front lines

How I became a CFO at 29 to lead the future of sustainable house building | Katie Rogers - Greencore 

How RAK Properties is redefining luxury real estate in the UAE

Our place, our future: Dominic Richards on designing sustainable places

The new era of rental living - What employers need to know about today's talent priorities

<h2><strong>Transforming tradition: How Polly Ogden Duffy modernised a 150-year-old property brand</strong></h2>
<p>In the latest episode of devcast, Ryan Doyle sits down with Polly Ogden Duffy, Managing Director at <a href="johndwood.co.uk/about-us">John D Wood &amp; Co.</a>, to explore her remarkable rise through the ranks of estate agency and the leadership principles that have shaped one of London's most respected property brands.</p>
<p>Polly's entry into estate agency wasn't part of a grand career plan. At 18, following her father's heart attack and uncertain about university, she made a pragmatic decision that would define her professional life. "I wanted to go and earn money, to buy a nice car and to buy my own place," she reflects, speaking candidly about her early motivations.</p>
<p>Starting in Southeast London's competitive market, Polly quickly discovered the industry's unforgiving nature. Within weeks, a colleague attempted to steal her first deal, a pivotal moment that taught her invaluable lessons about process, documentation, and resilience. That first deal, worth &pound;13,000 in commission 20 years ago, became the foundation of her understanding that in estate agency, following proper procedures isn't just best practice, it's survival.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Shaping a modern estate agency culture</strong></h2>
<p>Today, as Managing Director of John D Wood &amp; Co, Polly oversees 37 branches and 350 employees across London and southern England. Her leadership philosophy centres on a simple yet powerful principle: "If you look after your people, the results look after themselves."</p>
<p>This people-first approach has revolutionised the traditional estate agency model at John D Wood &amp; Co.</p>
<p><strong>Polly has implemented progressive policies around:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance</li>
<li>Comprehensive fertility and menopause policies</li>
<li>Miscarriage leave to support employees through difficult times</li>
<li>Merit-based promotion regardless of tenure or background</li>
</ul>
<p>"I believe in work-life balance. I believe in supporting people," Polly explains, noting how the industry's archaic approach to these issues drives away top performers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Navigating industry challenges with strategic vision</strong></h2>
<p>As someone who has witnessed estate agency transform over two decades, Polly identifies Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance as the sector's most significant current challenge. Operating in prime London markets means dealing with complex property ownership structures that create substantial delays and administrative burdens.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s the single biggest risk to my business,&rdquo; she says, stressing that John D Wood &amp; Co.&rsquo;s firm commitment to regulatory compliance sets them apart from competitors who &ldquo;fly by the wind&rdquo;. This has helped position the company as a trusted partner for high-value transactions.</p>
<p>Looking ahead to the Renter's Rights Bill implementation, Polly demonstrates the strategic thinking that has driven her success. Rather than waiting for legislation to take effect, John D Wood &amp; Co. proactively restructured their lettings pay systems months in advance, eliminating uncertainty for staff whilst potentially creating competitive advantages as rival firms struggle with the transition.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>The power of authentic leadership</strong></h2>
<p>Perhaps most striking about Polly's approach is her authenticity. Having lost her mother at age 10 and grown up in a household with three brothers, she developed both resilience and competitiveness that have served her throughout her career. Yet she's refreshingly honest about the challenges of balancing demanding leadership responsibilities with raising three children.</p>
<p>"I'm absolutely a slave to my children," she admits, whilst emphasising how this personal experience informs her progressive workplace policies. "I would never have told my boss that I was thinking of having a baby, but I don't want that for the people that work for me."</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Building for the future</strong></h2>
<p>Under Polly's leadership, John D Wood &amp; Co. has successfully navigated acquisition by Connells Group whilst maintaining its distinctive brand identity and autonomous decision-making. The recent acquisition of Aspire estate agency demonstrates her strategic approach to growth, focused on profitability rather than empire-building.</p>
<p>"We do not want to be a national brand," she clarifies. "We want to be highly profitable. That's what we're here for in all honesty."</p>
<p>This focus on quality over quantity extends to her recruitment philosophy: hiring the best person for the role, regardless of background, whilst fostering an environment where talent can thrive and advance rapidly based on merit.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders</strong></h2>
<p>Polly's journey offers several crucial insights for estate agency professionals:</p>
<ol>
<li>Process matters: Early documentation and following procedures protects both deals and careers\</li>
<li>People-first leadership drives better business results than traditional command-and-control approaches</li>
<li>Proactive compliance creates competitive advantages in regulated environments</li>
<li>Authentic leadership resonates more powerfully than attempting to conform to outdated industry stereotypes</li>
<li>Strategic growth focused on profitability outperforms expansion for expansion's sake</li>
</ol>
<hr>
<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Q: How has estate agency changed over the past 20 years?</strong></p>
<p>A: The industry has evolved from a highly aggressive, seven-day-a-week culture to one where progressive companies prioritise work-life balance and employee wellbeing whilst maintaining high performance standards.</p>
<p><strong>Q: What advice would Polly give to aspiring estate agency leaders?</strong></p>
<p>A: Find a mentor who genuinely wants to see you succeed, even if that means eventually moving beyond their organisation. Great leaders are happy to see others thrive.</p>
<p><strong>Q: How is John D Wood &amp; Co preparing for future industry changes?</strong></p>
<p>A: By focusing on regulatory compliance, investing in people, and maintaining agility to adapt quickly to market conditions whilst preserving our brand values.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.simplecast.com/f43f7247-c1f0-4577-b6ad-1b87106f889f?dark=false" width="100%" height="200px" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless=""></iframe></p>
<hr>
<h2>About the contributors</h2>
<p>&nbsp;<br><strong>Polly Ogden Duffy</strong> is Managing Director of <a href="https://www.johndwood.co.uk/#/">John D Wood &amp; Co.</a>, one of London's most established estate agencies. With over 20 years of experience across all aspects of residential property, she has led the transformation of John D Wood &amp; Co. into a modern, people-focused organisation whilst maintaining its position in London's prime markets. A former water polo player for Southern England, Polly brings competitive drive and strategic thinking to her leadership role whilst championing progressive workplace policies in a traditionally conservative industry. </p>
<p><strong>Ryan Doyle</strong> is Senior Business Development Manager at <a href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/">deverellsmith</a>, specialising in residential agency recruitment across London and the UK. With extensive experience in property recruitment and talent solutions, Ryan hosts devcast interviews with industry leaders, exploring the trends and strategies shaping the real estate market. His insights into market dynamics and talent acquisition help property professionals navigate career development and business growth in an evolving industry.</p>

People-first leadership: Managing Director reveals her business philosophy 

Property management recruitment experts reveal insights on market transformation 

<p data-renderer-start-pos="72"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Hosted by Georgia Zambakides, Executive Director of deverellsmith, and featuring Vicky Skinner, CFO of urbanest, who shares invaluable insights into building and scaling a highly profitable business whilst navigating economic volatility, attracting top talent and finding purpose as a new mother.</em></p>
<h2 id="Scaling-for-profitability:-urbanest's-growth-success-story" data-renderer-start-pos="370">Scaling for profitability: urbanest's growth success story</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="430">Since its founding in 2009 with a single asset, the business is forecasted to scale to nearly 6,500 beds by the end of 2026, whilst growing headcount from 65 people in 2015 to over 200 today. The company maintains 99% occupancy rates, underpinned by robust supply-demand fundamentals in London's student accommodation market.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="757">The key to <span style="color: #2dc26b;"><a style="color: #2dc26b;" href="https://www.urbanest.info/">urbanest's</a></span> success lies in its long-term focused approach and vertically integrated model spanning development through operations. Despite the significant economic challenges all businesses faced, the company has continued its growth trajectory through strategic partnerships with leading London universities and long-term nomination agreements that provide revenue certainty.</p>
<h2 id="Cost-management-and-driving-performance" data-renderer-start-pos="1146">Cost management and driving performance</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1187">Skinner emphasises the critical importance of finance operating as an "outside in" business partner rather than a siloed function. Her team focuses on proactive collaboration across all business verticals, supporting commercial outcomes through data-driven insights and strategic partnering. This approach, combined with leveraging technology for efficiency gains, enables the organisation to "achieve more with less", a crucial capability for CFOs seeking to drive performance whilst managing costs.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1689">The business benefits from patient, long-term capital that takes a through-the-cycle view, allowing management to focus on fundamental value creation rather than short-term volatility. This strategic advantage has proven invaluable during periods of economic uncertainty.</p>
<h2 id="Attracting-and-retaining-top-talent-in-Real-Estate" data-renderer-start-pos="1962">Attracting and retaining top talent in Real Estate</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2014"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">urbanest's talent strategy centres on being a values-led organisation, prioritising a strong cultural fit with the business's core values. Skinner notes that whilst technical skills can be developed, intrinsic qualities like drive, enthusiasm, and cultural alignment are harder to cultivate, making recruitment decisions critical to long-term success.</span></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2360">The company has invested significantly in professional development programmes, including:</p>
<ul class="ak-ul" data-indent-level="1">
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2453"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">urbanest Pathways</strong>: Enabling employees to undertake vocational qualifications whilst working</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2548"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Future Leaders and Rising Talent programmes</strong>: 6-9 month curated development experiences covering leadership, collaboration, and personal development</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2699">Notably, retention rates among participants in these leadership programmes are significantly higher, demonstrating the ROI of investing in talent development.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2699">The conversation with Skinner also discussed her experience returning from maternity leave, demonstrating how supportive workplace policies and flexible arrangements can enable senior leaders to maintain career progression whilst managing personal commitments. Her approach of focusing on output rather than hours, combined with clear priority-setting and strong delegation, offers a template for maintaining high performance across different life stages.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2699"><span class="TextRun SCXW215340072 BCX8" lang="EN-ZA" xml:lang="EN-ZA" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW215340072 BCX8">Skinner shared how motherhood has catalysed enormous personal and professional development; her skills in task switching, compartmentalisation,&nbsp; and empathy have all been enhanced. She continues to share how t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW215340072 BCX8">here's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW215340072 BCX8"> a new sense of purpose driving everything she does and takes an 'achieving more with less' approach requiring sharper focus and trust in her team.</span></span></p>
<h2 id="Strategic-workforce-planning" data-renderer-start-pos="3066">Strategic workforce planning</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3096">A particularly insightful approach involves urbanest's decision not to unwind delegated responsibilities after leadership transitions, for example, when Skinner returned from maternity leave, instead maintaining expanded roles that have created development opportunities for team members. This strategy simultaneously drives operational efficiency whilst providing clear career progression pathways, which are essential for retaining ambitious professionals in competitive markets.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3552">The business has also enhanced paternity policies beyond statutory minimums, recognising that supporting all employees through major life changes strengthens retention and demonstrates values-based leadership.</p>
<h2 id="Future-growth-and-sustainability-leadership" data-renderer-start-pos="3763">Future growth and sustainability leadership</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3808">Looking ahead, urbanest continues to expand its partnership model with universities whilst achieving industry-leading sustainability credentials. Their Battersea building became the UK's largest Passivhaus building upon opening, with their upcoming Canary Wharf development set to become the world's largest passive house student accommodation globally.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3808"><span style="color: #2dc26b;"><a style="color: #2dc26b;" href="https://www.urbanest.info/">Learn more about urbanest on their corporate website.</a></span></p>

A CFO's journey through leadership, motherhood and sustainable student accommodation

<p data-renderer-start-pos="1"><em data-renderer-mark="true">My insights on securing your next role and attracting top talent in 2025's challenging landscape</em></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="99">As Director of Development and Construction at deverellsmith, I've been watching the property recruitment market evolve this year. Recently, I sat down with my colleague Hannah Taylor, who leads our Rental Living team, to discuss what's really happening out there and how both job seekers and employers can navigate these choppy waters successfully.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="450">If you want to hear our full conversation, you can watch the podcast <a class="_mizu1p6i _1ah31bk5 _ra3xnqa1 _128m1bk5 _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu18uv _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _syaz14q2 _ect41gqc _1a3b18uv _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj14q2 _9oik18uv _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l314q2 _1nrm18uv _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h16c2 _1053w7te _1ienw7te _n0fxw7te _1vhvg3x0" title="https://youtu.be/qVndUzcs73U" href="https://youtu.be/qVndUzcs73U" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">here</a> or find it on all major platforms.</p>
<h2 id="The-reality-check:-It's-all-about-networking" data-renderer-start-pos="560">The reality check: It's all about networking</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="606">Real estate has always been relationship-driven, but in today's market it's become essential. The candidates I'm placing successfully aren't the ones with the most applications out there. They're the ones who pick up the phone, leverage their networks, and secure direct introductions to the decision-makers.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="916">Here's what I tell every candidate I work with: <strong data-renderer-mark="true">stop being reactive and start being strategic</strong>. Instead of scrolling through job boards and firing off applications, invest that time in research.</p>
<h2 id="The-mentorship-advantage" data-renderer-start-pos="1112">The mentorship advantage</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1138">Hannah made a brilliant point during our discussion that I want to emphasise: the power of mentorship in career development is transformational. Most senior professionals in our industry, myself included, genuinely welcome mentorship requests. We remember what it was like coming up, and we understand the value of guidance.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1465">Reach out thoughtfully, be specific about what you're looking to learn, and be respectful of their time. The insights you'll gain are invaluable, and these relationships often lead to opportunities that never make it to the public market.</p>
<h2 id="Employers,-heres-why-the-best-candidates-aren't-looking" data-renderer-start-pos="1705">Employers, heres why the best candidates aren't looking</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1762">If you're on the hiring side, I need you to understand something crucial: <strong data-renderer-mark="true">the top 10% of talent </strong>are<strong data-renderer-mark="true"> </strong> comfortably employed, performing well, and they're not going to jump ship for just any opportunity.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1964">To access this level of talent, you need what I call "perfect strategic alignment with obvious growth opportunities." That means:</p>
<ul class="ak-ul" data-indent-level="1">
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2097"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Creating specific roles with clear progression pathways</strong> rather than posting another generic "Development Manager" position</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2223"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Demonstrating genuine financial stability</strong> and a robust project pipeline that shows longevity</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2319"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Offering credible employee value propositions</strong> that go beyond basic compensation</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2402"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Having well-defined structural needs</strong> that provide real room for professional growth</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2489">The companies succeeding in <a class="_mizu1p6i _1ah31bk5 _ra3xnqa1 _128m1bk5 _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu18uv _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _syaz14q2 _ect41gqc _1a3b18uv _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj14q2 _9oik18uv _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l314q2 _1nrm18uv _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h16c2 _1053w7te _1ienw7te _n0fxw7te _1vhvg3x0" title="https://www.deverellsmith.com/find-talent/" href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/find-talent/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">attracting premium talent</a> right now are those with compelling growth stories and the financial backing to deliver on their promises.</p>
<h2 id="The-&quot;wait-and-see&quot;-phenomenon" data-renderer-start-pos="2651">The "wait and see" phenomenon</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2682">One of the most interesting trends Hannah and I have been tracking is what we're calling the "wait and see" mentality. We're seeing risk-averse candidates pulling out of processes at the final stages, while employers are showing increased indecision despite meeting perfectly suitable candidates.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2980">This mirrors the broader market uncertainty we're all feeling. However, and this is important, <strong data-renderer-mark="true">well-funded companies with clear growth stories are still attracting quality talent</strong>. The key is cutting through the noise with authentic, compelling narratives about opportunity and stability.</p>
<h2 id="My-strategic-recommendations" data-renderer-start-pos="3269">My strategic recommendations</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3299">Whether you're seeking your next role or looking to hire, my advice is the same: <strong data-renderer-mark="true">approach this market strategically, not reactively</strong>.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3433">For job seekers:</p>
<ul class="ak-ul" data-indent-level="1">
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3453">Prioritise networking over applications</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3496">Research target companies thoroughly</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3536">Be specific about your career values and target aligned employers</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3605">Leverage mentorship relationships</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3642">Stay patient but persistent</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3673">For employers:</p>
<ul class="ak-ul" data-indent-level="1">
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3691">Invest in proactive talent mapping, not just reactive hiring</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3755">Develop compelling growth narratives that differentiate you</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3818">Create roles with clear progression pathways</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3866">Demonstrate financial stability through transparency</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3922">Build authentic employee value propositions</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="The-bottom-line" data-renderer-start-pos="3969">The bottom line</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3986">Yes, the recruitment landscape is challenging right now. But in my experience, the professionals and companies that succeed are those who adapt their strategies rather than simply hoping things will improve.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4195">The opportunities are there for those who network effectively, maintain strategic focus, and approach the market with patience and precision. It's not about working harder, it's about working smarter and building the relationships that will carry you through uncertain times.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4472">For strategic consultation on implementing these approaches, visit <a class="_mizu1p6i _1ah31bk5 _ra3xnqa1 _128m1bk5 _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu18uv _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _syaz14q2 _ect41gqc _1a3b18uv _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj14q2 _9oik18uv _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l314q2 _1nrm18uv _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h16c2 _1053w7te _1ienw7te _n0fxw7te _1vhvg3x0" title="https://www.deverellsmith.com/" href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">www.deverellsmith.com</a> where our team provides executive-level guidance across <strong data-renderer-mark="true">development and investment jobs</strong>.</p>
<hr role="presentation">
<h2 id="Frequently-Asked-Questions" data-renderer-start-pos="4652"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4680"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">We offer competitive salaries but struggle to attract senior candidates - what's missing?</strong></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4680">Compensation alone won't work in today's risk-averse market. Senior professionals need evidence of financial stability, clear growth trajectories, and systematic risk mitigation rather than just higher pay.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4978"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">How long should our hiring process take for senior roles?</strong></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4978">Six weeks maximum. Longer processes lose 45% of premium candidates to competitors. Streamline decision-making to demonstrate conviction and attract decisive professionals.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5210"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Should we target candidates from adjacent real estate sectors?</strong></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5210">Absolutely. Cross-sector recruitment reduces compensation premiums by 20% and accesses previously unavailable talent pools. Most employers miss these arbitrage opportunities entirely</p>
<hr role="presentation">
<h2 id="About-the-author" data-renderer-start-pos="5459"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">About the author</strong></h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5477"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Chris Litras</strong><em data-renderer-mark="true"> is Director of Development and Construction at deverellsmith, a leading real estate recruitment firm specialising in investment, development, and construction sectors.</em></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5659"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Hannah Taylor</strong> <em data-renderer-mark="true">is an experienced real estate professional with 10 years of industry experience. Hannah manages deverellsmith's Rental Living team, placing senior investment candidates across the real estate space.</em></p>

How to win in recruitment 2025 | Our talent strategies revealed

<p data-renderer-start-pos="1">As someone who's spent over five years in property recruitment, I can tell you that timing is everything in this industry. While most people think January is recruitment season, the <strong data-renderer-mark="true">summer property recruitment</strong> market tells a different story. <span data-teams="true">Working alongside my colleague Alice on the temp department at <a id="menur8lo" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.deverellsmith.com/" href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link deverellsmith"><u>deverellsmith</u></a>, I've seen how summer transforms the recruitment landscape. The reason is simple: everyone wants their holidays, but the property market and demand for real estate doesn't stop.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="684">This creates what I call the "summer opportunity gap." Permanent staff disappear for well-deserved breaks, leaving clients with urgent staffing needs and less time to be selective. For candidates looking to break into property, this presents an incredible window of opportunity.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="965">In my experience I've seen countless professionals use summer positions as their gateway into the industry. Alice, who specialises in <strong data-renderer-mark="true">new homes sales temp jobs</strong>, aftercare, and customer service, consistently places candidates from hospitality and luxury retail backgrounds during these peak months. Our recent salary report confirmed this trend, with many successful property professionals began their careers through temporary summer placements.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="Breaking-into-property:-Your-strategic-advantage" data-renderer-start-pos="1413">Breaking into property: Your strategic advantage&nbsp;</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1464">If you're considering a career change into real estate, <a href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/find-talent/services/temporary-recruitment/"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">real estate temp opportunities</strong></a> during summer offer several distinct advantages:&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1602">We pay our temps weekly, which means you'll receive your wages every Friday. This quick payment system is perfect if you're between jobs, recently graduated, or simply want to supplement your income. I've seen many professionals work their permanent Monday-to-Friday roles whilst taking weekend temp assignments for extra pocket money.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="1940">During peak summer months, the best temporary staff are often already booked. This means clients become more open to candidates without traditional property experience. I've successfully placed hospitality professionals into new homes sales roles simply because their customer service skills translated perfectly to the property sector.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2281">The property industry values transferable skills more highly during busy periods. Customer service experience from hospitality, attention to detail from retail, and project management from any sector all become highly relevant when clients need immediate support.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="What-makes-deverellsmith-different-in-temp-recruitment" data-renderer-start-pos="2547">What makes deverellsmith different in temp recruitment&nbsp;</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2604">Quality relationships form the foundation of everything we do at deverellsmith as a leading <strong data-renderer-mark="true">property temp recruitment agency</strong>. Unlike some agencies that treat temporary staff as numbers, we ensure every candidate is personally vetted through face-to-face meetings or Teams calls. This approach benefits everyone involved.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="2927">For clients, this means receiving temps who are genuinely invested in their success. For candidates, it means working with recruiters who understand your career goals and can align temporary assignments with your long-term objectives.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3164">I take pride in knowing each candidate personally. When I call you about an opportunity, you're not just speaking to "the agency", you're speaking to Tess, someone who knows your aspirations and can help you achieve them. This personal touch extends to how we manage ongoing relationships, ensuring temporary assignments often evolve into permanent opportunities.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="The-anatomy-of-an-excellent-temp" data-renderer-start-pos="3555">The anatomy of an excellent temp&nbsp;</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3590">With over 7 years of specialist experience in delivering interim talent solutions, I've identified the key qualities that make candidates successful in temp roles:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Availability-and-reliability" data-renderer-start-pos="3756">
<h3>Availability and reliability &nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="3788">The most crucial factor is being genuinely available when opportunities arise. I've had candidates approach me about temping "in a year's time," which simply doesn't meet current market demands. Successful temps show up consistently, honour their commitments, and maintain transparent communication about any changes in their availability.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Research-and-engagement" data-renderer-start-pos="4130">
<h3>Research and engagement &nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4157">Temporary positions often involve being "thrown in the deep end," but the best candidates prepare thoroughly. They research the company, understand the role requirements, and ask intelligent questions. This preparation demonstrates professionalism and helps ensure success from day one.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Adaptability-and-communication" data-renderer-start-pos="4446">
<h3>Adaptability and communication&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4479">Property temp work spans various sectors, from construction project management to new homes sales support. The ability to adapt quickly whilst maintaining open communication with both the client and our team creates lasting success.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Seasonal-opportunities-across-property-sectors" data-renderer-start-pos="4714">
<h3>Seasonal opportunities across property sectors&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4763">Different property sectors experience peak temp demand at various times, creating year-round opportunities for flexible professionals:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Finance-and-administration" data-renderer-start-pos="4900">
<h3>Finance and administration &nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="4930">Year-end periods (December) and financial year transitions (April) generate significant demand for temporary finance support. Companies need additional hands to manage increased workloads without expanding permanent headcount.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Student-accommodation-and-build-to-rent" data-renderer-start-pos="5159">
<h3>Student accommodation and build-to-rent &nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5202">Summer months see massive activity in student accommodation as new tenants register for September and October move-ins. Build-to-rent developments similarly experience peak leasing activity during summer months.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Construction-and-development" data-renderer-start-pos="5416">
<h3>Construction and development &nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5448">Project-based construction work creates ongoing temp opportunities. Currently, I'm seeing particular demand for fit-out and finishing managers as developments reach completion stages.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li id="Marketing-and-launch-support" data-renderer-start-pos="5634">
<h3>Marketing and launch support &nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5666">New development launches require intensive temporary marketing support, from event management to digital campaigns. These project-based roles offer excellent exposure to different aspects of property marketing.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="The-path-from-temp-to-permanent" data-renderer-start-pos="5879">The path from temp to permanent&nbsp;</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="5913">One of the most rewarding aspects of temp recruitment is seeing short-term roles turn into permanent careers. When candidates show professionalism, adaptability, and value during their placements, they often become top choices for permanent hires.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="6162">For clients, it&rsquo;s a safer bet to hire someone who&rsquo;s already proven themselves. For job seekers, temp roles offer a strategic way to explore different companies, build industry experience, and expand your network. With clear communication about your career goals, each assignment becomes a stepping stone and a chance to grow your career in property</p>
<h2 id="Your-next-steps" data-renderer-start-pos="6512">Your next steps&nbsp;</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="6530">If you're considering temporary work in property, summer presents the perfect opportunity to begin your journey. The combination of increased demand, reduced competition, and client flexibility creates ideal conditions for breaking into this rewarding industry.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="6794">Whether you're seeking to supplement your income, explore career change opportunities, or gain property sector experience, our temp team at Deverell Smith can help align your goals with current market opportunities.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="7012">The property industry offers diverse, rewarding career paths, and temporary work provides the perfect gateway to explore these possibilities. Summer's peak demand means more opportunities, better placement chances, and the potential for temp assignments to evolve into permanent career moves.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="7307">Don't wait for the "perfect" moment. Summer is here, demand is high, and opportunities are abundant. Your property career could begin with a single temp assignment this season.&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="7486"><em data-renderer-mark="true">For expert insights on property sector salaries and market trends, explore our comprehensive </em><a class="_mizu1p6i _1ah31bk5 _ra3xnqa1 _128m1bk5 _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu18uv _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _syaz14q2 _ect41gqc _1a3b18uv _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj14q2 _9oik18uv _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l314q2 _1nrm18uv _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h16c2 _1053w7te _1ienw7te _n0fxw7te _1vhvg3x0" title="https://www.deverellsmith.com/" href="https://www.deverellsmith.com/" data-renderer-mark="true"><em data-renderer-mark="true"><u data-renderer-mark="true">property salary guide</u></em></a><em data-renderer-mark="true"> and stay informed about the latest industry developments.</em>&nbsp;</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="7486">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p><iframe src="https://player.simplecast.com/45b23c81-2152-4088-80d3-f363ae23fb22?dark=false" width="100%" height="200px" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless=""></iframe></p>
<hr>
<h2 data-renderer-start-pos="9013">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 id="About-the-Authors" data-renderer-start-pos="9013">About the Authors&nbsp;</h2>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="9033"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Tess</strong> - As a Senior Manager at <em data-renderer-mark="true">deverellsmith</em>, Tess brings over 7 years of specialist experience in delivering interim talent solutions across the Residential Development sector. Her reach spans London and the surrounding Home Counties, with strong relationships ranging from major PLC housebuilders, SME developers to leading main contractors.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="9377">Tess leads our Temp &amp; Contract division, operating across key disciplines including site-based project roles and New Homes Sales/Customer Services. Known for her pace, precision, and quality of delivery, she consistently connects clients with the right talent - fast.</p>
<p data-renderer-start-pos="9646"><strong data-renderer-mark="true">Alice</strong> our temp and contract specialist, has been with deverellsmith for almost 4 years and&nbsp;continues to obsess over finding quick solutions for our partnered clients in<strong data-renderer-mark="true">&nbsp;New Homes Sales, Customer Service and Concierge. </strong>As Business Manager for the team, she enjoys using her creative background (once a professional actress and singer) to build genuine and lasting relationships with her candidates and clients alike.&nbsp;</p>

Why summer is the golden season for temp recruitment in property

<h1>In this episode of devcast..., host Ryan Doyle chats with Bertie Russell, Managing Director of Russell Simpson, about how he ended up in the family estate agency business.&nbsp;</h1>
<h3>From art student to estate agent</h3>
<p>Bertie originally studied History of Arts at Leeds and wanted to work in the art world, but his dad's clients convinced him to learn the ropes at Russell Simpson first. He joined at 21 just before the 2008 crash and didn't do a single deal for his first year - not exactly the smoothest start! Despite being naturally shy and reserved, he stuck with it and eventually found his groove working alongside five of his six siblings.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Working with Family and Leading Teams</h3>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">Bertie talks about what it's like being the eldest of six kids and how that shaped his approach to running the business. He's had to prove himself beyond just being "Alan's son" and has developed his leadership style through lots of reading business books and working with a therapist-coach. His philosophy is pretty straightforward - understand what people are good at, get out of their way, and let them do their thing without friction.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Market Insights and Future Plans</h3>
<p class="whitespace-normal break-words">When it comes to the current property market, Bertie shares his thoughts on everything, including political uncertainty affecting buyers. Russell Simpson is expanding into Mayfair and has partnered with a similar family business in Manhattan to help with US buyers. He's realistic about the challenges but optimistic about London's appeal. The conversation wraps up with some fun, quick-fire questions where Bertie reveals his obsession with real tennis (an obscure sport with only 40 courts worldwide) and his dream of creating a family commune in Oxfordshire complete with chickens and a vegetable patch.</p>

Bertie Russell: Leadership, legacy, and London property

<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In our latest episode of devcast&hellip; our host Chris Litras - Director at deverellsmith sat down with Guy Horne - CEO of HSPG, a real estate company with a social purpose. HSPG address the huge undersupply of affordable and supported housing across England, through the creation of demand-driven social housing, and has deployed over &pound;850m, creating 10,000 new affordable units since 2015.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Here are the key insights from this in-depth discussion about entrepreneurship, social purpose, and making a real difference in the housing sector.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">The accidental beginning</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Guy Horn's journey into social housing began somewhat unexpectedly. Fresh out of university in 2015, he and his business partner, David, were simply looking for a way to make money without working for someone else. They discovered they could buy terraced houses in Greater Manchester for &pound;50,000 and learned about an opportunity to house homeless families while generating returns.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">"It was kind of a way of saying, OK, we'll invest in property, get a great return and do some good in the world," Horn explained. What started as a practical business decision evolved into something much more meaningful.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">When purpose meets profit</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">The transformation from money-focused entrepreneurs to mission-driven leaders happened organically. About a year and a half into the business, as they began seeing the real impact of their work, their "why" fundamentally shifted.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">"Our why changed from trying to make some money leaving university, to actually we're creating amazing impact now. We're solving a huge problem," Horn shared. This evolution highlights how authentic purpose often emerges through doing the work rather than starting with grand mission statements.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">The current crisis</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">HSPG operates in a landscape marked by severe challenges:</p>
<ul class="ak-ul" data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="bulletList" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Over 1 million people on housing waiting lists</p>
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">More than 500,000 people in unsuitable accommodation</p>
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Local authorities spending &pound;250 million over budget on temporary accommodation</p>
</li>
<li data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="listItem" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Families living in hotels for 5-7 years without proper cooking facilities</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Horn emphasises that these aren't just statistics, they represent real people facing daily hardships that ripple through education, employment, and community stability.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">A different approach to housing provision</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">What sets HSPG apart is their comprehensive approach. Rather than specialising in one area and expanding later, they integrated the entire lifecycle from day one&mdash;acquisition, development, property management, and investor relations. This holistic model emerged from necessity but became their competitive advantage.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">The company has also taken the unusual step of acquiring a for-profit registered provider, allowing them to deliver both new-build affordable housing and supported accommodation for those transitioning from homelessness to independent living.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Culture as a competitive advantage</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Perhaps most remarkably, HSPG boasts an almost zero voluntary turnover rate. Horn attributes this to a culture built organically from core team members rather than imposed from above.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">"When we first started talking about our behaviours 5 or 6 years ago, it was like who are we? What is HSPG? What does it do?" This authentic approach to culture creation, rooted in actual behaviours rather than aspirational values, has created a workforce deeply committed to the mission.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Looking forward</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">HSPG's ambition is to deliver 2,000 more units over the next 3-5 years, a significant increase that still represents less than half a per cent of what's actually needed. This perspective keeps the team grounded while highlighting the enormous opportunity ahead.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">"There could be 10 more HSPGs and we still wouldn't even touch the sides," Horn noted, emphasising both the scale of the challenge and the potential for others to create a similar impact.</p>
<h2 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="heading" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs</h2>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Horn's counsel for would-be entrepreneurs is refreshingly practical: "Just decide this is what I'm going to do... I'm going to get moving with it." He emphasises that getting started is the hardest part, but once you're moving, changing direction becomes much easier than starting from a standstill.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">For those interested in social housing specifically, he highlights the tangible nature of the work and the ability to help people every single day while generating attractive returns, a rare combination in any industry.</p>

Guy Horne: When money meets mission with HSPG's CEO

<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In our latest episode of devcast&hellip; our host Ryan Doyle - Associate Director at deverellsmith sat down with Sharief Ibrahim - Executive Director at CBRE, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of real estate.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">They explore Ibrahim's unconventional journey, starting with a genetics degree before finding his passion in property. "I don't think property does a very good job of making young kids aware of the opportunities that are available," Ibrahim reflects, noting that his analytical background gave him an edge in an industry that traditionally relied on "gut feel" rather than data-driven decision making.</p>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">Below are a few snippets and key highlights from the episode:</p>
<h3 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"><strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Reimagining Broker Success</strong></h3>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">A portion of the conversation centres around CBRE's innovative "affiliate model," a self-employed brokerage approach that provides flexibility while maintaining quality service standards. Unlike traditional employment models or other self-employed setups in the industry, CBRE's approach uniquely provides brokers with instructions and leads rather than requiring them to source their own business. "The affiliate model is essentially a self-employed brokerage model with a few differences," Ibrahim explains. "We provide brokers with instructions. We don't expect them to go out and win new instructions." This hybrid approach allows professionals to focus on their strengths in transacting rather than having to both win and execute business, while offering remuneration that wouldn't be financially viable under a traditional employment model.</p>
<h3 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"><strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Potential consequences of the Renters Reform Bill</strong></h3>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">The podcast also delves into industry challenges, particularly the upcoming Renters Reform Bill, which Ibrahim describes as "the single biggest change to the private rented sector since 1998." While the removal of "no-fault evictions" has garnered headlines, Ibrahim highlights a potentially more significant aspect: the inability to ask tenants to pay rent in advance, which could have serious "unintended consequences." When discussing the future of real estate, Ibrahim emphasises that the fundamental issue remains insufficient housing supply. "I think fundamentally we don't build enough homes," he states, adding that the build-to-rent sector presents opportunities as private landlords exit the market due to increased regulation and taxation.</p>
<h3 data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"><strong data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="strong">Closing thoughts </strong></h3>
<p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name="paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true">As the conversation wraps up, Ibrahim shares his wish for the industry: greater collaboration. Despite the competitive nature of real estate, he believes professionals need to communicate more openly, share ideas, and present a unified voice when addressing regulatory changes. "We don't talk to each other enough... We don't share ideas. We don't come together as an industry," he observes, noting how this lack of unity can hinder the sector's ability to effectively engage with the government on the Renters Reform Bill. Ibrahim's perspective offers a refreshing take on real estate's future&mdash;one that embraces innovation, flexibility, and collaborative problem-solving to address the housing challenges facing the UK market.</p>

Sharief Ibrahim: CBRE's Executive Director's vision for a stronger real estate industry

<p>Sign up to receive our full <a href="https://bit.ly/4jaJc61">Salary Guide &amp; Trends Report 2025 here.</a></p>
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>
<h1>Explore the evolving landscape of salaries in the real estate sector, examining how compensation has shifted over the past year and what the future might hold.&nbsp;</h1>
<p>Our expert panel discusses the premium skills driving higher compensation, strategies for talent acquisition and retention, and the impact of global talent movement on the UK market.<br><br>The panel includes:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="li1">Andrew Deverell-Smith - CEO and Founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel</li>
<li class="li1">Georgia Zambakides - Executive Director</li>
<li class="li1">Chris Litras - Director, Investment, Development &amp; Construction</li>
<li class="li1">Ryan Doyle - Senior Business Development Manager, Estate Agency<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span class="apple-converted-space">Key discussion points</span></h2>
<h3><span class="apple-converted-space">Current salary trends</span></h3>
<p><span class="apple-converted-space">Our discussion begins with an assessment of whether salaries have increased, decreased, or remained stagnant over the past 12 months. We analyse how these changes differ across entry-level, mid-level, and senior positions within the real estate industry. The conversation covers the influence of reduced bonus payouts on total compensation packages and examines candidates' willingness to accept lower salaries when changing positions in the current market.</span></p>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">Premium Skills in Today's Market</h3>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">The landscape of valuable skills continues to evolve rapidly. Since 2016, 25% of job skills have already transformed, with another 65% projected to change by 2030. Our experts highlight the fastest-growing skills that command premium compensation in today's market: creativity, advanced IT and programming, scientific research and development, advanced communication, and negotiation skills. We explore real-world examples of how professionals with these skills are securing higher salaries and bonuses across the real estate sector.</p>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">Recruitment and Retention Strategies</h3>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">Recent National Insurance increases have created new challenges for hiring and retention. Our panel examines how these changes, along with the Renters Reform Act, are reshaping the real estate business landscape. We compare salary benchmarks across related industries and offer targeted advice for hiring managers looking to scale their businesses while remaining competitive in compensation. The discussion identifies the most significant recruitment challenges facing the sector and explores the bonus structures and long-term incentives being deployed to retain top talent.</p>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">The Hybrid Work Revolution</h3>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">Remote and hybrid work arrangements continue to reshape compensation structures throughout the industry. Our experts discuss regional salary differentials and their evolution in a more location-flexible workforce. The conversation provides valuable strategies for negotiating compensation in this new work paradigm, with insights relevant to both employers and employees.</p>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">Industry Attractiveness and Talent Development</h3>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">With 69% of employers concerned about losing staff over lower pay, our panel addresses strategies for attracting and retaining high-quality talent beyond salary considerations. We explore approaches for making real estate more appealing to entry-level candidates and recent graduates, particularly in light of graduates struggling to find jobs in their studied fields. Our experts identify untapped opportunities for bringing fresh talent into the industry.</p>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">Global Talent Movement</h3>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">The podcast examines international talent movement patterns, particularly the flow from the UK to UAE and Saudi Arabia. We analyze the impact of these migration trends on domestic wage structures and discuss strategies for competing in an increasingly global talent marketplace. Our panel shares insights on how these shifts are influencing compensation decisions across different segments of the real estate sector.</p>
<h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5">Future Outlook</h3>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">In our forward-looking segment, we present projections for salary trends over the next 12 months and discuss legislative changes that may impact sales and hiring practices in real estate. Our experts highlight growth opportunities in specific areas of the sector and offer forecasts on which segments of the industry will see the most significant compensation changes in the coming year.</p>
<h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5">Closing Thoughts</h2>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">Our experts conclude with their predictions on whether salaries will increase, decrease, or remain stable in the coming year, providing valuable insights for both employers and job seekers in the real estate industry.</p>

A deep dive into the Salary Guide & Trends Report 2025 

<h1 data-start="110" data-end="336">At the 10th edition of&nbsp;<em data-start="133" data-end="156">Banking on the Future</em>, top property industry leaders gathered to discuss the state of the UK housing market...</h1>
<p data-start="110" data-end="336">&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="338" data-end="377">Listen and watch now or read a snippet below.</p>
<h4 data-start="338" data-end="377">Overcoming housing supply&nbsp;</h4>
<p data-start="378" data-end="747">With a government target of 1.5 million new homes, experts highlighted significant obstacles, including a 40% drop in housing output and a decline in first-time buyers due to limited mortgage options. In London, construction starts are down 70% from the 10-year average, but industry leaders remain optimistic that policy changes and collaboration can drive recovery.</p>
<h4 data-start="749" data-end="791">Keeping London competitive</h4>
<p data-start="792" data-end="1025">London&rsquo;s ability to attract high-net-worth individuals and businesses is key to its growth. Experts stressed the need for tax incentives, business-friendly policies, and AI-driven innovation to keep London a top global destination.</p>
<h4 data-start="1027" data-end="1064">Bridging the affordability gap</h4>
<p data-start="1065" data-end="1345">With rising costs limiting affordable housing development, experts called for more efficient government funding, mortgage accessibility, and policy updates to help middle-income buyers. Supporting smaller developers and simplifying regulations were highlighted as key solutions.</p>
<h4 data-start="1347" data-end="1370">The path forward</h4>
<p data-start="1371" data-end="1622">Despite challenges, the outlook for London remains strong. Industry leaders emphasised the need for immediate, practical action to ensure the housing market thrives for all. As one expert put it: <em data-start="1567" data-end="1620">&ldquo;The time for discussion is over&mdash;it&rsquo;s time to act.&rdquo;</em></p>

Banking on the Future 10: Real Estate in 2025 - challenges, solutions & what’s coming next

<h1>What happens when two forward-thinking entrepreneurs decide to shake things up?</h1>
<p>That&rsquo;s exactly what Jonathan Brandling-Harris and Richard Bryce, Co-founders of House Collective are doing.</p>
<p align="start">In the latest episode of devcast&hellip;, Ryan Doyle - Senior Business Development Manager at deverellsmith sat down with the pair to explore their fresh take on estate agency, their B-Corp status, and their commitment to putting people first.</p>
<p align="start">Read a snippet from the podcast below&hellip;</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>From rugby fields to real estate</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Jonathan has had quite the journey - starting in professional rugby before transitioning into the corporate real estate world. Reflecting on his career shift, he acknowledges that the structured, high-pressure culture of traditional agencies didn&rsquo;t quite align with his vision. Instead, he and Richard sought to create a space where agents could thrive in an environment built on autonomy, collaboration, and ethical responsibility.</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>What sets House Collective apart?</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Their philosophy is simple: slow down, focus on quality over quantity, and put clients&rsquo; needs first. House Collective prioritises a more curated approach. By ensuring that agents handle fewer properties at a time, they can provide a more personalised and attentive service to their clients.</p>
<p align="start">But what truly makes House Collective unique is its dual-discipline model. Unlike traditional firms that separate sales and lettings into two distinct roles, House Collective encourages its agents to be proficient in both. This not only provides agents with more career opportunities but also ensures that clients receive a seamless experience, whether they are buying, selling, or renting.</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>A commitment to ethics: Achieving B-Corp status</strong></h3>
<p align="start">One of House Collectives' standout achievements is their B-Corp certification. Achieving this wasn't easy for Richard and Jonathan, it was a rigorous process that demanded transparency, sustainability, and ethical business practices. But, for House Collective, it wasn&rsquo;t about checking a box; it was about solidifying their values and setting a new standard for estate agencies.</p>

House Collective: A new era for estate agencies 

<h1>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Parul Scampion, Principal and COO of Fruition Properties.</h1>
<p>For over 20 years, Parul has played a pivotal role in the success of Fruition Properties, taking on diverse responsibilities across the organisation. She has been instrumental in driving the company&rsquo;s growth, particularly overseeing its Finance and Planning functions, while shaping its strategic direction.</p>
<p>Before joining Fruition Properties, Parul worked as a financial analyst and management consultant at a leading Big Four professional services firm. She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds a BA from New College, Oxford, as well as an MSc from the London School of Economics.</p>
<p>Read a snippet from the podcast below!</p>
<h3><strong>A non-traditional route into property</strong></h3>
<p>Parul began her career studying politics and working in the public sector, where she qualified as an accountant. Seeking a faster-paced environment, she transitioned into management consultancy, spending six years tackling challenges for large organisations and travelling extensively.</p>
<p>After starting a family, Parul sought a better work-life balance. At that time, her brother had just launched Fruition Properties and completed its first construction project. He invited her to join the business to support its operations and systems. Two decades later, Parul remains vital to the company&rsquo;s success and growth.</p>
<h3><strong>Advice for starting your career in property</strong></h3>
<p>We asked Parul what advice she would give to someone considering taking a leap of faith into the property industry. Her response? &ldquo;Say yes.&rdquo; She encourages embracing opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first. Parul advises focusing on discovering what you excel at and using that as a foundation to build your career.</p>
<p>She believes that each job presents an opportunity to learn more about what you enjoy and what might not be the best fit for you. There&rsquo;s immense value in exploring diverse roles and experiences until you find an environment that feels like home&mdash;a place where you can truly grow and develop your skills. By remaining open to possibilities and trusting the process, you can carve out a fulfilling path in the property industry.</p>

Parul Scampion: Shaping the award-winning SME Developer Fruition Properties

<h1>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Tom Venner - Chief Development Officer at the Canary Wharf Group.</h1>
<p align="start">Tom joined Canary Wharf Group (CWG) in July 2022 and oversees the delivery of the Group's development pipeline, which includes major projects at North Quay and Wood Wharf. These developments will bring new homes, hotels, retail, and commercial spaces to Canary Wharf, along with a life sciences campus for London. Additionally, Tom&rsquo;s team manages the final phase of the Shell Centre redevelopment in partnership with Qatari Diar.</p>
<p align="start">Read a snippet from the podcast below.</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>Back to the beginning</strong></h3>
<p align="start">This podcast episode features the journey of Tom, a chartered surveyor who started his career right after earning his degree from Reading University. He began in consultancy with Montagu Evans, where he quickly honed his skills and gained diverse experience working with high-profile clients, including Landsec and British Land.</p>
<p align="start">A pivotal moment came when a client from Landsec invited him to join their team. Recognising a rare opportunity, Tom took the leap and joined Landsec in 2007. His early years there were filled with excitement, as he worked on designing and developing shopping centres during a vibrant period for retail. However, the global financial crisis soon transformed the landscape, presenting new challenges and shifting his focus. Landsec asked him to step into asset management, refilling and revitalising vacant shopping centres, and ultimately preparing them for sale. Tom embraced this unexpected role, which took him to places he hadn&rsquo;t yet explored and left him with lasting memories.</p>
<p align="start">A few years later, as the market stabilised, Tom returned to Landsec&rsquo;s London development team. This marked a transformative phase, as he contributed to the regeneration of Victoria, helping to open up spaces and modernise buildings from the 1950s. Reflecting on this time, Tom shares invaluable lessons learned and fond memories from working with talented people, who shaped both his career and his enduring passion for urban development.</p>
<h3 align="start">​</h3>
<h3 align="start"><strong>Why Tom joined the visionaries behind Canary Wharf&rsquo;s transformation</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Tom shares his long-standing admiration for Canary Wharf Group, noting how remarkable it is for a development to reach such maturity in just 30-35 years. For a property professional, witnessing Canary Wharf&rsquo;s transformation&mdash;from empty land to the vibrant, iconic hub it is today&mdash;is nothing short of extraordinary.</p>
<p align="start">What ultimately drew Tom to join the Canary Wharf Group was the people. He reflects on how every individual he met at the organisation left a lasting impression, inspiring him with their talent and vision. Working alongside such an impressive team has been a defining part of his journey, fueling his excitement and commitment to Canary Wharf&rsquo;s future.</p>
<p align="start">​</p>
<h3 align="start"><strong>Defining excellence and building a team inspired by CEO Shobi Khan</strong></h3>
<p align="start">Tom reflects on a piece of advice from CEO Shobi Khan that left a lasting impact:&nbsp;<em>"Only hire people you think are exceptional."</em>&nbsp;Khan emphasised the importance of not settling for quick hires, but rather holding out for those who truly stand out.</p>
<p align="start">This principle leads to a key question:&nbsp;<em>What defines &lsquo;exceptional&rsquo;?</em> Tom shares the qualities he seeks in top talent. First, he values natural enthusiasm&mdash;people who are genuinely passionate about their work tend to excel and thrive in their roles. Another vital quality is clear commercial acumen. In a field focused on both design and profitability, Tom looks for individuals who can balance creativity with a sharp business sense, envisioning solutions that ensure both aesthetic and financial success. This instinctive ability to navigate challenges while keeping a commercial lens is something he prizes highly in his team.</p>

Tom Venner: From the ground up at the Canary Wharf Group

<h1>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is David Young - an acclaimed sports psychologist with an impressive career working with England Cricket and a top Premier League club.</h1>
<p>Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO and founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, David shares his journey into the world of sports psychology, revealing how he built his career and became a spotlight-accredited practitioner with Mindflick. Through his work, David has helped organisations, including Hintel and the deverellsmith group, enhance leadership and team dynamics by mapping leadership profiles and leveraging strengths for maximum performance.</p>
<h3>How can businesses within the property industry create high-performing teams?</h3>
<p>During the conversation, David delves into the critical elements of creating high-performance teams. He explores how understanding group dynamics, leveraging strengths, and balancing challenge and support can transform ordinary groups into exceptional teams.</p>

David Young: How to build high-performance

<h1 align="left">A new lease of life...</h1>
<p>Welcome to a new lease of life, a sub-series of the devcast&hellip; podcast, where you&rsquo;ll be learning how experts of the Build to Rent, PRS, student accommodation and retirement living sectors climbed the ladder of their professions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left">Hosted by Nick Hammond, Head of Build to Rent at deverellsmith, our guest in the studio this episode is Nicola Fleet-Milne, CEO of FleetMilne.</p>
<p align="left">Nicola is the owner of a renowned and award-winning estate agency nestled in the vibrant Colmore BID district. Since establishing the company in 2004, Nicola has steered the company to prominence, earning it a respected reputation as one of Birmingham's premier residential agencies.</p>
<p align="left">She shares her inspiring journey to success, her commitment to the Colmore BID and what plans she has for the upcoming year.</p>

Nicola Fleet-Milne: Pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality

<h2>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Nick Cuff - Chief Commerical Officer at Pocket Living, an organisation working hard to get middle-earning Londoners onto the property ladder.</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nick&rsquo;s vision and expertise have been pivotal in revolutionising the way we think about affordable housing and sustainable living in urban environments. He was one of the driving forces in one of the most innovative businesses within the industry Pocket Living. As the Chief Commerical Officer, he&rsquo;s been instrumental in crafting strategies that marry functionality, sustainability and community engagement.</p>
<p>Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO and founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, listen as they dive into Nick&rsquo;s back-to-front way of getting into the property market, how he came to work at Pocket Living, his favourite parts of his career so far and the challenges he finds with regarding the politics of the property industry.</p>

Nick Cuff: The politics of UK housing

<h2>Our guest in this episode of devcast&hellip; is Anna Kear &ndash; CEO of Tonic Housing, a community-led, pioneering organisation, creating the first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community in the UK.</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO and founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, listen as they dive into Anna&rsquo;s experience beginning her career within homeless accommodations, the challenges she faced, and how this led to her to steering Tonic housing towards remarkable successes, pushing boundaries, breaking down barriers along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read below a snippet of Anna&rsquo;s story or watch the full podcast below.&nbsp;</p>
<p>​</p>
<h3><strong>Home economics to housing communities</strong><strong>&hellip;</strong></h3>
<p>Anna discovered her passion for housing during her home economics studies. During her job search, she became inspired by a position focusing on homeless accommodation&mdash;a place designed to aid individuals in transitioning from the streets to more permanent housing, providing a supportive environment for up to a year. At a mere 21 years old, this position challenged her, reshaping her perspective on housing as more than just bricks and mortar; it became intricately tied to people&rsquo;s experiences. Many who sought refuge in the accommodation grappled with substance abuse, mental health struggles, and the trauma of homelessness. Understanding this holistic view became a crucial lesson for Anna.</p>
<h3>Prevention over reaction</h3>
<p>Subsequently, she transitioned into the role of a homelessness officer during the late 80&rsquo;s, a period rife with mortgage repossessions. Anna worked to expand temporary accommodation while maintaining a keen focus on the human aspect of this crisis. Within 2 years, she proposed a transformative paper aimed at restructuring the system. Her vision aimed to pivot from a reactive service to a homelessness prevention initiative, aiming to intervene earlier in the process to avert the anguish of homelessness.</p>
<p>​</p>
<h3><strong>Creating retirement communities for all</strong><strong>&hellip;</strong></h3>
<p>Having garnered extensive experience across almost every facet of the housing industry, Anna delved into the story behind Tonic Housing. The idea was a concept of Tonic&rsquo;s Founders and board members, sparked from their own life experiences and questions around the choices available to them regarding housing as an elderly member of the LGBTQ+ community. From this, they observed a notable absence of inclusive choices in the housing market, spurring them to offer secure alternatives. Their passion was driven by the aspiration to create a haven where individuals could not only embrace their LGBTQ+ identity but also find solace among like-minded individuals who truly understood their journey.</p>

Anna Kear: Creating the first LBTQ+ affirming retirement community 

<h2 align="left"><strong>Our guest in this episode of devcast... is Sotheby&rsquo;s giant, George Azar &ndash; Chairman &amp; CEO of Sotheby&rsquo;s International Realty (UK &amp; Dubai).</strong></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO &amp; Founder of deverellsmith &amp; Hintel, listen as they delve into how George mastered banking and transitioned that success into running arguably one of the most lucrative estate agency businesses on the planet.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">George&rsquo;s unwavering belief in positivity fuels his success as a standout entrepreneur, pivotal in elevating Dubai&rsquo;s global status and his reputation as one of the top entrepreneurs in his market.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">Read below a snippet of what George shared or watch the full podcast below.&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">​</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">How George Azar made his name in Dubai real estate&hellip;</h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">In Dubai, George gained prominence at Union BancairePriv&eacute;e, a major family-owned bank. Over 14 years, he astoundingly grew the business from $60 million to $5 billion. His success lay in securing capital from major sovereigns, banks, treasuries, and large family offices, solidifying his position in the Middle Eastern finance arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left"><em>How did he do it?&nbsp;</em></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">According to George, the key is building relationships, consistency, and hard work, day in and day out.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">George gave an example of how this strategy worked.&nbsp;</p>
<p>​George had visited a sovereign fund just 5 times in 4 years, and his colleagues advised him to give up because they believed they were never going to give him business.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>​Yet, after the 5th visit, a fax arrived, granting a $1.5 billion mandate, affirming the importance of consistency in building relationships. George saw value in understanding the culture and spending time on potentially sometimes inefficient businesses, which helped him navigate partnerships in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p>​</p>
<h3>From banking to 'making bank' in the real estate industry&hellip;​</h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">George is now leading one of the most successful estate agency businesses on the planet, how did he get there?</p>
<p>​After George&rsquo;s banking days, he didn&rsquo;t see any further value in the market from an earning perspective. He shares how working in a private environment had always been beneficial to him, as he was able to get deals done faster, whereas if you work for the big banks, there are regulations and sometimes by the time you get to finalising a decision the deal is off the table.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">This empowered George to be agile and fast in decision-making. His main idea was to set up his own bank, but it was very costly and required a lot of funds.</p>
<p align="left">He asked his friend, &lsquo;What could I set up that looks like a bank, behaves like a bank but doesn&rsquo;t cost like a bank?&rsquo;, and the answer was real estate. So, he thought if he wanted to get into real estate, he needed a brand.&nbsp;&nbsp;​</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW54637995 BCX0" align="left">He reeled through a list of names and that&rsquo;s when he came across the name: Sotheby&rsquo;s.</p>

George Azar: How to turn $60 million into $5 billion

<h2 align="left">The podcast series where property&nbsp;<em>meets</em>&nbsp;people.</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><strong>A podcast where we explore the latest trends in the real estate market and interview influential leaders, uncovering the strategies that drive success in this ever-evolving landscape.</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Our guest this episode is Dominic Agace, CEO of the renowned upmarket agency Winkworth.</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hosted by Andrew Deverell-Smith, Global CEO &amp; Founder of deverellsmith and Hintel, they explore Dominic&rsquo;s perspective on the future of the London property market, Winkworth&rsquo;s plans for growth and expansion, and the invaluable advice he has for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in real estate.</p>
<h3><strong>Life before Winkworth</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the journey of Dominic&rsquo;s career, he shared his initial steps were taken as a politics student at Newcastle University. It was here that he questioned where his degree in politics could take him. With curiosity, he ventured into diverse fields such as financial public relations and risk analysis. However, it was only a matter of time before his path led him to a new and intriguing domain.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dominic&rsquo;s turning point came when he found himself drawn to the world of real estate with Winkworth. This was the place where he planted his feet and embarked on a journey that would shape his career. He found the passion within his career in this family business and believed it was somewhere he could make a real impact.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What does the future hold for Winkworth?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">It&rsquo;s clear that Dominic has a distinct vision for its future. His primary goal is to maintain a multifaceted approach to the business, constantly evolving and exploring new avenues.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Key objectives include not only generating new business areas but also nurturing a robust network, preserving market share, and positioning the company as one of the top three operators in its domain. Moreover, diversification remains a crucial aspect of their strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A significant move was their launch into the commercial sector last year and this year, they&rsquo;ve set their sights on venturing into the New Homes market. This expansion demonstrates their commitment to adapt and grow in an ever-changing business landscape.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What advice would you give aspiring property leaders?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dominic insights that in the realm of business, the most valuable piece of advice one can receive is also the simplest: work hard. The individual who puts in the most effort in any room often emerges as the most successful. While the business landscape may seem intricate, at its core, it&rsquo;s a straightforward principle &ndash; hard work pays off. The more you invest in it, the greater the rewards waiting at the other end of the journey.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He suggested to maintain the hard work, it&rsquo;s important to surround yourself with environments that keep you motivated. Remember in the world of business, hard work and the right motivating environments are you keys to unlocking exceptional results.</p>

Dominic Agace: Who's worth watching in property?

<h2 align="left">The podcast series where property&nbsp;<em>meets</em>&nbsp;people.</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><strong>A podcast where we explore the latest trends in the real estate market and interview influential leaders, uncovering the strategies that drive success in this ever-evolving landscape.</strong></p>
<h5 align="left"><strong>Our first guest is the visionary leader, Naomi Heaton - CEO at The Other House.</strong></h5>
<p class="p1" align="left">Naomi Heaton is a trailblazer in the realm of luxury hospitality and unique accommodations, consistently pushing the boundaries of what&rsquo;s possible in this dynamic industry.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1" align="left">Her remarkable journey has been defined by her relentless pursuit of excellence and deal-seated passion for creating exceptional living spaces.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1" align="left">Her work has left an indelible mark on the world of luxury accommodations, and as she continues to challenge the status quo, we can only anticipate even more awe-inspiring projects that redefine the very essence of luxury living.</p>

Naomi Heaton: Pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality

<p>Whether you’re looking to get hired, or looking to hire then we’ve got you covered. <br/> Reach out and speak to our expert team today.</p>

All devcast episodes

Get in touch.