Blocktalk - the podcast for UK Property Management Professionals
Blocktalk explores the real stories, challenges, and change shaping the UK block management and factoring industries. Each episode brings together business leaders, policymakers, experts, and industry stakeholders for honest conversations about the issues that matter most — from reform and transparency to technology and customer experience. Hosted by Brian Welsh, CEO of CPL Software, the company powering Proptimo, Blocktalk offers thought-provoking insight drawn from over 30 years of experience in property management, technology, and leadership. Brian is also a certified Clifton Strengths Coach and passionate about driving efficiency, communication, and long-term value in business.
Transparency in Property Factoring Ep 2: Who Pays? Fabric, Factoring & the Future of Tenements
In this second special episode of Blocktalk, Brian Welsh is joined by Paul Sweeney MSP and David Doran (Vice Chair, TPI Scotland) for a wide-ranging and urgent discussion on transparency, trust, and the future of Scotland’s tenements.
Prompted by recent coverage in The Times, the conversation explores the complex questions facing homeowners, factors, and government, including who’s responsible for repairs, how costs are shared, and what meaningful reform could look like.
Topics include:
Inherited debt and conveyancing gapsSinking funds, five-year inspections, and financing long-term maintenanceMisaligned incentives, reactive repairs, and public confidenceThe case for...Transparency in Property Factoring Ep 1: Debt, Trust & Reform with Derek MacDonald & Mark Griffin MSP
In the first episode of our special Transparency in Property Factoring series, host Brian Welsh is joined by Derek MacDonald (Newton Property Management) and Mark Griffin MSP (Shadow Housing Minister) to unpack some of the most pressing issues facing Scotland’s factoring landscape today.
From inherited debt and tribunal complexity to public trust and proposed legislative reform, this conversation dives deep into the real tensions between homeowners, property factors, and government, and explores what meaningful change might look like.
We discuss:
Why homeowners are receiving unexpected bills for historic debt Whether the First-tier Tribunal is acc...TPI x PMAS: What the Merger Means for Property Managers | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
What does the merger between PMAS and The Property Institute mean for factoring in Scotland, and for property management across the UK?
In this special episode of Blocktalk, host Brian Welsh is joined by Andrew Bulmer, Chief Executive of The Property Institute, and Neale Bisset, Chair of TPI Scotland and co-owner of PMC Property Management. Together, they explore why the merger happened, what it means for professional standards, and how the sector can build greater trust with homeowners.
They discuss:
The path to uniting PMAS and TPIWhat Scotland brings to the UK-wide conversationThe urgent...Talking Factoring & Property Management with Jacqueline Borthwick - The Property Factor Professional
Property factoring and the future of the industry with expert speaker, Jacqueline Borthwick
In this episode of Blocktalk, Brian Welsh sits down with Jacqueline Borthwick, founder of The Property Factor Professional. With nearly 20 years of experience in the sector, Jacqueline has worked across factoring and property management, bringing deep industry knowledge and a practical, no-fluff perspective.
They explore the realities of factoring in Scotland, how the industry has evolved, and what’s needed to support sustainable business growth. Jacqueline also reflects on her own career journey, her experience working with CPL Sof...
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
New Episode: Making a Difference with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland
In this special episode of the Blocktalk Podcast, we’re shining a light on the incredible work of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBHS): our Charity of the Year. Host Brian is joined by:
Kim Kilgour, Community & Fundraising Manager, SBHSCarrie McAdam, Storytelling & Communications Lead, SBHSSteven Urquhart, SBHS service userHelen Doyle, People & Culture Director, CPL SoftwareTogether, they explore the life-changing services SBHS provides, Steven’s personal journey as a service user, and the powerful impact of fundraising. They also discuss the importance of businesses part...
Clientcast October 2024 | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Blocktalk Podcast: Clientcast - October 2024
What’s New at CPL Software (producers of the show)
Episode Summary:
In this special episode, we’ve got our regular quarterly update for our valued clients on the latest developments and news from the CPL Software team who are producers of the Blocktalk podcast.
Our team has been working hard behind the scenes, and we want to share some important updates and insights into the direction our business is heading. Whether you’re a long-time client or new to our services, this episode will give you a...
Stephen O'Neill, MD, Newton Property Management | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
In this episode of the Blocktalk Podcast, we’re delighted to welcome Stephen O’Neill, a seasoned expert in the property factoring world. Stephen is the founder and Chair of Newton Property Management and the original founder of O’Neill Letting, which he started in 1995 and later sold in 2001. With decades of experience in the property sector, Stephen has witnessed dramatic changes in the industry, from letting and property management to market shifts and regulatory evolution.
Join us as we dive into Stephen’s journey, his thoughts on how the industry has transformed, and where it's heading next. Wh...
Blocktalk Bitesize | Malcolm Perryman, The Property Institute | w/ Brian Welsh |
Not got time for a full podcast? Tune in to Blocktalk Bitesize for a small 8-minute segment from the most recent show, which is with Malcolm Perryman, Chief Commercial Officer at The Property Institute chatting to Brian about the results of the latest wellbeing survey.
In this short chunk, Malcolm is talking about the 'High Happiness' scale measured by the Office for National Statistics.
For the full insightful episode, just head back to last week's show!
Full Episode Timestamp:
01:32 Overview of survey results
06:35 What stood out from the results...
Malcolm Perryman, The Property Institute | Blocktalk Podcast w/ Brian Welsh
In this episode of the Blocktalk podcast, we’re joined by Malcolm Perryman, Chief Commercial Officer at The Property Institute to dive into the results of the recent wellbeing survey. With property management being a demanding field, this survey sheds light on the mental health and overall wellbeing of professionals in the industry.
Malcolm shares key insights, discussing the challenges property managers face and what the results mean for the future of the sector. Whether you're a property manager, landlord, or industry insider, this episode offers vital takeaways on how to foster a healthier work environment in pr...
Blocktalk Podcast | Neil Watt, Chairman, H&P Management Services | w/ Brian Welsh |
Blocktalk Bitesize Clientcast - a special shorter episode of the main podcast for busy property managers and industry leaders.
On this Bitesize episode from the latest episode with Neil Watt, Neil talks about his involvement in the Scottish Parliament's Tenement Maintenance Working Group.
You can also listen to the full episode which was out last week.
Full Episode Summary:
In this episode, Neil regales tales from his 40+ years in the industry, looking back at the history and how the industry has changed...and how it hasn't. This is a fantastic conversation...
Neil Watt, Chairman, H&P Management Services | Blocktalk Podcast w/ Brian Welsh
Today on the Blocktalk Podcast, the podcast for the property management industry, we are joined by Neil Watt, Chairman of Hacking and Paterson. Neil joined the company in 1982, was appointed to the Board, four years later in 1986 and subsequently became Managing Director in 2008, going on to be appointed as Chairman in August 2019. Neil is a former Director and President of the PMA, has served as a Director of the British Property Federation, and continues to be actively involved in providing guidance and input to Scottish Government and other regulatory bodies on the requirements for continued and improved maintenance of...
Blocktalk Bitesize | The Clientcast August 2024 | w/ Brian Welsh
Blocktalk Bitesize Clientcast - a special shorter episode for time limited property managers and industry leaders: Quarterly HQ Update: What's New at CPL Software (producers of the Blocktalk podcast).
Episode Summary:
Welcome to the shorter version of the latest Blocktalk podcast, where we bring you a quick update on everything happening at CPL Software this quarter. In this shorter episode, we’ll give you a snapshot of our recent developments, with insights directly from the team leaders. Hear from Fran, Operations Director update on Support, Tom, Business Development Manager update on Sales & Marketing, and Will, CT...
Clientcast August 2024| Blocktalk Podcast w/ Brian Welsh
Blocktalk Podcast: Clientcast - August 2024
Episode Title: Special Update: What’s New at CPL Software (producers of the show)
Episode Summary:
In this special episode, we’ve got our regular quarterly update for our valued clients on the latest developments and news from the CPL Software team who are producers of the Blocktalk podcast.
Our team has been working hard behind the scenes, and we want to share some important updates and insights into the direction our business is heading. Whether you’re a long-time client or new to our services, this e...
Blocktalk Bitesize | David Doran, MD Hacking & Paterson Management Services | w/ Brian Welsh
Blocktalk - Bitesize Bonus Episode
Episode Title: The Future of Property Factoring
Host: Brian Welsh
Guest: David Doran, MD, Hacking & Paterson Property Management
Episode Description:
In this shorter Bitesize episode of Blocktalk, host Brian Welsh sits down with industry expert and MD of Hacking & Paterson Management Services David Doran to explore the future of property factoring. They discuss the evolving landscape of property management, emerging trends, and what stakeholders can expect in the years to come. From technological innovations to shifts in legislation and ownership, the latest Blocktalk conversation...
with David Doran, MD Hacking & Paterson | Blocktalk Podcast w/ Brian Welsh | S2 E19
Today we are joined by David Doran, MD of Hacking and Paterson who is no stranger to the Blocktalk podcast. As well as being the Managing Director at Hacking and Paterson Management Service, David is Vice President of the PMAS and also a Fellow of the Institute of Residential Property Management.
In this episode, Brian and David dive into the future of property factoring and explore how technology, sustainability, and changing regulations are reshaping the industry. Or are they?
From innovations in property management to the evolving needs of homeowners and developers, David shares his...
Blocktalk Bitesize | Vincent Goldie MD Newton Property Management | w/ Brian Welsh
Catch up with Brian chatting to Vincent Goldie in this week's bitesize piece from the latest episode of the Blocktalk podcast.
Vinnie is the MD of Newton Property Management and in this shorter episode you can hear Vinnie's views on what's facing the industry in the next few years.
Please like and subscribe to Blocktalk to stay up to date on the latest episodes!
Thank you for listening.
#18 Vincent Goldie CEO Newton Property Management | Blocktalk Podcast w/ Brian Welsh
Vincent Goldie, CEO of Newton Property Management joins us for the latest episode of the Blocktalk Podcast. Vinnie took up the position of CEO earlier this year, having previously served as the CFO for 14 months. Prior to joining Newton, Vinnie was FD at Creditfix, CFO for Together Energy, Director of Finance at Sure Thing Insurance and a Finance Business Partner with AXA Commercial Line
On the episode:
2:00 Changes in the industry: Tenement Working Group, Scottish Law Commission, Fire Safety.
9:55 Automation and digitisation
12:46 Environmental challenges
14:50 BTL v ownership
16:40...
Blocktalk Bitesize | TPI Annual Seminar Review w/ Tom Beswick | w/ Brian Welsh
Don't have time to listen to the full episode? Every fortnight we release a smaller 8-minute segment from the latest Blocktalk podcast.
This week it's an 8 minute snippet from Tom Beswick's rundown of his day the The Property Institute's Annual Seminar in May.
Listen to the shorter episode wherever you get your podcasts.
We hope you enjoy the episode and please like and subscribe to stay up to date!
The Property Institute Seminar Review with Thomas Beswick | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Brian is joined by Thomas Beswick, BDM at CPL Software, to chat about his experience at The Property Institute Annual Seminar in May.
1:33 The focus of the event
2:58 Key points that were raised and any more insight from you
5:30 Statistics from the seminar
8:10 With your CPL focus, what can the system offer to help solve any pressing issues
11:00 Quote of the day - what Tom noted as being the 'QOTD'
We hope you enjoy the episode!
Like and Subscribe to the Blocktalk Podcast...
Three Peaks Challenge | Blocktalk Bitesize | w/ Brian Welsh
Listen to a snippet from the latest Blocktalk Podcast which is a special episode with producers of the podcast - the CPL Software team.
Damien and Tom achieved the Three Peaks Challenge as part of the Charity of the Year fundraising efforts and Brian chats to them about their climbs x 3! Brian is also joined by Helen Doyle, People & Culture Director and Andy Bright from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Donate to Damien and Tom's the Three Peaks Challenge:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/cplthreepeaks2024
Find out more about APF...
Three Peaks Challenge | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Why did Damien and Tom do the Three Peaks Challenge?
As producers of the Blocktalk Podcast, the CPL Software team has hijacked the show for a special episode to hear from Damien and Tom who completed the Three Peaks Challenge on the weekend of the 14/15 June as part of the company's efforts to raise funds for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the team's Charity of the Year.
Brian is also joined by Helen Doyle, People & Culture Director, organiser of the Charity of the Year initiative (and instigator of the Three Peaks Challenge idea!) and Andy Bright...
Blink, Alec Rose | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
On this episode of the Blocktalk podcast we're joined by Alec Rose, Strategic Partnership Manager at Blink Payments. Alec has been working within partnerships for the last 5 years across financial services at Lloyds Bank, Mambu a fintech platform and more recently delivering payment solutions to the market at Pay360 and Blink.
On the episode:
02:40 Role at Blink
06:50 Benefits of Blink to property managers
12:30 3 things property managers should look out for when choosing a payments provider
22:00 Changes in the FinTech space in the next 5 years
29:38 Developments at Blink...
Blocktalk Bitesize w/ Aaron McWilliam, Propcall | w/ Brian Welsh
It's Bitesize week this week with Aaron McWilliam, Managing Director at Propcall. Aaron is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business, across everything from operational service delivery, business development, customer service, marketing, and process improvement.
Find out more about PropCall
https://propcall.com/
Propcall, Aaron McWilliam | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Thanks for joining us on the Blocktalk Podcast. Today we’re speaking to Aaron McWilliam, Managing Director at Propcall. Aaron is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business, across everything from operational service delivery, business development, customer service, marketing, and process improvement.
01:06 Tell us about Propcall, what is it and how will it help our listeners?
02:12 What advice would you give to anyone starting out in business?
15:10 What challenges do you think are facing the industry now and in the next 3 years?
24:30 We recently did a podcast about AI...
Blocktalk Bitesize | Cladding Remediation Update w/ Chris Ashurst | w/ Brian Welsh
On Blocktalk Bitesize this week we have Chris Ashurst updating us on the latest developments with the cladding remedition in Scotland.
Cladding Remediation Update w/ Chris Ashurst | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk podcast with your host Brian Welsh.
On this fortnight's podcast we welcome back Chris Ashurst, Founder of the High-Rise Scotland Acton Group, which was formed in June 2020 to offer a forum for owners’ associations, owners and residents of high-rise developments in Scotland, to facilitate communication with government and other relevant bodies. Chris retired in 2007, following 20 years with Mazars where he was Head of London Corporate Recovery & Insolvency Services.
On the show
01:01 Update on cladding remediation since May 2022
09:44 What happens when the builder no...
Blocktalk Bitesize | AI and Property Management w/ Opeyemi Funsho | w/ Brian Welsh
Welcome to Blocktalk Bitesize week - the short 8-minute segment from this fortnight's podcast which is with Opeyemi Funsho, a CPL Software developer and keen AI enthusiast.
Opey chats to Brian about AI - the benefits, concerns, its effects on property management and regulation.
Listen to this shorter episode or catch the full episode which went live last week.
We hope you enjoy!
AI and Property Management w/ Opeyemi Funsho | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk podcast with your host Brian Welsh.
On this fortnight's podcast Brian is in conversation with CPL Software developer, Opeyemi Funsho. Opey is a keen AI enthusiast. Opey was the secretary of the AI and Robotics Society at university, where he held multiple sessions that explored the operation and application of various AI models. During his placement year, he independently investigated how AI can be incorporated to improve system forecasting.
On the show
04:30 Regulators and AI
05:20 Benefits of AI
06:00 Health and food
...
Blocktalk Bitesize | Property Management Law w/Cassandra Zanelli | w/ Brian Welsh
Welcome to Blocktalk Bitesize week - the short 8-minute segment from this fortnight's podcast which is with guest Cassandra Zanelli, Solicitor and CEO, Property Management Legal Services.
Listen to this shorter episode or catch the full episode which went live last week.
Find out more about Cassandra and her legal services here: https://pmls.co.uk/
We hope you enjoy!
S3 E13 Property Management Law w/Cassandra Zanelli | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk podcast with your host Brian Welsh.
On this fortnight's podcast, we're delighted to welcome Cassandra Zanelli, Solicitor and CEO of Property Management Legal Servies Ltd. Cassandra has a wealth of experience in the property management sector and has been awarded the accolade of industry legend in the Property Management Awards, not once, but twice. She was also the proud recipient of the Honorary Industry Award at the ARMA ACE Awards in 2023, in recognition of her services to the property management sector.
You can find out more about C...
What is Happening at CPL Software | Blocktalk Bitesize | w/ Brian Welsh
It's Blocktalk Bitesize week and this week it's a short 8-minute section from the Clientcast, our regular quarterly feature for CPL Software clients.
In this short segment, Will, CPL Software's CTO, gives an update about software updates, and we hear a little bit from Tom, BDM, about the sudden interest being shown by Housing Associations looking for a factoring solution.
Listen to Bitesize on the same Blocktalk channels - Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Audible, Google and YouTube.
Remember to like and subscribe and follow Blocktalk on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
What is Happening at CPL Software | Blocktalk Podcast | w/ Brian Welsh
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk podcast with your host Brian Welsh.
On this fortnight's podcast, it's our regular feature as producers of the Blocktalk Podcast, it's the CPL Software Clientcast - a quarterly, 'what's happening at CPL Software' for clients to find out what's new and what's coming.
Brian is joined by Will McIlmoyle, CTO and Tom Beswick, BDM.
On the show
00:55 Office to Office Challenge Update - the team's first fundraising efforts for our Charity of the Year, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis
02:00 Team news with Brian<...
Bitesize Siobhan Reilly, Redpath Bruce
It's Blocktalk Bitesize week, an 8-minute segment from this fortnight's podcast with Siobhan Reilly, Associate Director at Redpath Bruce.
Siobhan won the Above and Beyond Award at this year's PMAS Excellence Awards and it was great to have her on to chat about her time in the industry.
Listen to Bitesize and the full episode on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, Audible, and on the Blocktalk Podcast YouTube.
Siobhan Reilly, Redpath Bruce PMAS Above and Beyond Winner
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk Podcast with host, Brian Welsh.
On this fortnight's Blocktalk podcast, Brian is in conversation with Siobhan Reilly, Associate Director at Redpath Bruce. Siobhan was the deserving winner of the 2024 PMAS Above and Beyond Industry Award at this year's Excellence Awards held on March 8th at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow.
Siobhan has worked her way up in the industry from property manager to where she is today.
We had a great chat with her and loved hearing 'the hole story'!
We hope you en...
Blocktalk Bitesize with Pat Phelan, CCO GoCardles, MD UKI
It's Blocktalk Bitesize week, an 8-minute segment from this fortnight's podcast with Pat Phelan, CCO GoCardless, and MD UKI.
Pat talks about the world of instant payments, why you need it for your property management company, and what the future is.
This is a great episode, that we're sure you'll get a lot from!
Listen to Bitesize and the full episode on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, Audible, and on the Blocktalk Podcast YouTube.
Pat Phelan GoCardless
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk Podcast with host, Brian Welsh.
On this fortnight's Blocktalk podcast, Brian is in conversation with Pat Phelan, Chief Customer Officer at GoCardless and MD of UK and Ireland. Pat has an impressive CV in the SAAS arena, ranging from co-founding Intellesys in 2000, where he served as Head of Customer Success until March 2008. During his extensive career he has contributed his expertise whilst working at Bazaarvoice, TALEO, and as a consultant at Robert Walters. Before his current position, Pat was Chief Customer Officer at Brandwatch for three years.
Pat...
Neale Bisset, President PMAS
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk Podcast with host, Brian Welsh. This week we're delighted to be joined in our studio by Neale Bisset, President of the PMAS.
With the PMAS Excellence Awards on Friday 8th March, we chat to Neale about the event, what we have to look forward to on the night, and a bit about what's coming in 2024!
We hope you enjoy this episode!
The Blocktalk Podcast is produced by the CPL Software team for people who work in the property management industry.
Blocktalk Bitesize with Yen Ly Nguyen, The Property Institute
It's Blocktalk Bitesize week, and this week we have an 8-minute segment from this fortnight's episode with Yen Ly Nguyen, Operations Manager at The Property Institute.
We invited Yen on to chat about this year's ARMA Awards in June.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
Blocktalk Podcast with Yen Ly Nguyen, The Property Institute
Welcome to a new episode of the Blocktalk podcast. Today we're chatting to Yen Ly Nguyen, Operations Manager at The Property Institute.
Amongst her many responsibilities, Yen organises the Ace Awards Event, which is in the diary for Friday 21st June. So we thought we would invite Yen on to talk about the event and give us an insight into what else is coming up this year.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
S3 Andy Bright Bitesize
It's Blocktalk Bitesize week this week - a short 8-minute segment from the latest full episode.
This fortnight, we caught up with Andy Bright, who is the Corporate Partnerships Coordinator for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and has been diagnosed with APF.
Andy shares his story with us.
The Blocktalk Podcast is produced by CPL Software, and APF is the team's Charity of the Year 2024.
