In this latest episode, Matthew and Alfie spoke to Charlie Collins, who heads up Savills' Guildford office.

Charlie gave a range of insight into the topics that uniquely impact Surrey's property market, including its impending LGR solution, Grey and Green Belt constraints, and the industry within the region.

Additionally, Charlie spoke upon his recent appointment as part of the editorial board for our "Southern Snap" journal, and UKPF's recent events programme within his patch.

Covering all things Surrey, this episode is packed with detail to give a well-informed view of the property market in one of the UK's most interesting regions.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In this latest episode, Matthew and Alfie spoke to Charles Bushe and Paul Vicary of DevComms - on the topic of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Charles and Paul helped to explain in detail exactly what LGR is, what the various decisions issued across the countries actually mean for local residents, and how the next year and a half could look like as councils prepare to implement decisions ahead of April 2028.

If you are unclear on parts (or all) of what LGR could mean for you, this episode gives an info-packed roadmap for the future.

Additionally, have a look at the interactive LGR map composed by DevComms: https://www.devcomms.co.uk/lgr

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In this episode, Matthew Battle speaks to a range of guests live at Bicester Motion, from their recent morning seminar, hosted by Edgars: "Place, Challenge, Delivery: Unlocking complex commercial development".

The topics of conversation centered around Bicester Motion's new 10-year masterplan, with the motor related cluster currently containing over 50 businesses in the mobility sphere, and plans for growth following the key phrase: "Live, work and thrive".

Building upon a series of interviews with the key individuals who have been involved with the site over the past 10 years, this episode gives exclusive insight into one of the most exciting business clusters in the UK.

Timestamps

1:05 - Jonty Ashworth, development director at Bicester Motion.

6:06 - Jon Westerman, director at Edgars.

10:09 - Liz Sparrow, architect, partner, and sector lead for science and research at Ridge.

14:39 - Andy Stockwin, senior project manager at Kier Construction.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In this latest episode of the Battle & Co podcast, Matthew and Alfie spoke to Bart Janaszek - managing director of Digital Trading Creative Ltd.

Bart has a strong background in technology and computers, starting with coding at school, studying at Plymouth University, and then working at Digital Trading.

Given his expertise in the field, Bart was able to speak at length on how AI has been influencing the businesses he works with, the future of its development, the ways it can be utilised best, and how all of this translates to the property market. Bart provides examples of how AI can enhance the way that the property sector operates and a review of the scope of the opportunities which could be generated. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In today's episode, Matthew Battle was accompanied by UKPF's newest hire, Alfie Morse, who has taken over from Alan Bunce as news editor on The Forum and is leading news coverage in all our journals. 

Matthew and Alfie spoke to Tom Bridgman, deputy chief executive of place at Oxford City Council, about all things Oxford, notably the cities direction, its potential, and the role the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line may play. Tom is also very involved with new initiatives such as the refurbishment of the Covered Market and OxPENS.

Tom also spoke about the earlier part of his career, having worked on important regeneration projects for the London Borough of Lambeth, and Renaisi - a social enterprise company based in Hackney. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

For the latest episode of Battle & Co, our Managing Director Matthew Battle travelled to Leeds for the renowned UKREiiF, speaking to attendees gathered from across the property market about what they think has changed since last year’s edition.

With guests spanning from Bidwells and EIT Oxford, all the way to The Oxford Growth Commission, this episode is packed with insight from one of Europe’s most info-packed property events.

Guest timestamps:

1:22 - Neale Coleman CBE, Chair, The Oxford Growth Commission

4:10 - Oliver Luard, Director of Partnerships, Greencore Homes

7:40 - Jennifer Makkreel, Director of Capital Projects, EIT

10:04 - Matt Allan, Senior Executive Director, Bidwells + Supercluster Board

14:44 - Robin Rogers, Director in Economy & Place, Oxfordshire County Council

18:30 - Charles Butters, Consultant, Sulgrave Advisors + Oxfordshire Developers Forum

21:36 - Andy Jansons, Managing Director, Jansons Property

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

After several years of planning and construction, the Oxford North development has rapidly become one of the most talked about and significant real estate developments in the UK.

Oxford North’s masterplan will deliver million sq ft of new labs and workspace, surrounded by public parks and amenities, in the city of Oxford's flagship and best-connected innovation district. 

Billed as an Innovation District rather than JASP (Just Another Science Park), Oxford North managing director Simon Ruck and his team are developing an impressive mixed-use development which includes 480 homes and three new public parks. The first phase is now open and will welcome its first occupiers in 2026.

The podcast explores the backstory behind Simon's journey and the development masterplan led by Stanhope and Fletcher Priest Architects. Simon explains the project's future development and leasing plans as it begins welcoming new tenants and becomes part of the Oxford community.   

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Oliver Luard, partnerships & investment director for Greencore Homes joined us for the latest Battle & Bunce Talking property podcast with one change - Alan Bunce was replaced by my Oxfordshire colleague Hugh Blaza.

Oliver has been involved with various roles throughout his land and planning career for a range of living based companies such as Vistry Homes and McCarthy Stone. Building on this experience, he joined the sustainable homes developer Greencore Homes last year to lead their move into Partnerships and alternative investments.

Backed by the £5bn M&G Catalyst Fund, Greencore Homes is developing sustainable homes across the Golden Triangle region, with homes in various stage of completion located in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire with plans for more locations. 

Oliver talked about the unique off-site design of the buildings which ensure quicker build times and higher quality levels. Using modular design, Greencore is developing healthier homes with low carbon design, built for the future and offering lower running costs for consumers.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Ryan Harris, regional director for the Western division for The Hill Group joined us for the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast.

Ryan, who has been 17 years with the housebuilder, described his route through education, where he (briefly) joined the academic world, before opting for more practical hands-on roles at building sites.

He joined Lovell Partnerships and became an assistant site manager after undertaking a management training programme, then a site manager for Balfour Beatty before joining The Hill Group in 2008.

Ryan discussed the planning hurdles, the market and the remarkable growth being planned for The Hill Group.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Ben Denton is head of strategic growth for L&G with a focus on growing the affordable housing business - both in terms of scale and attracting investment.  

He was previously managing director of L&G's affordable housing division, following a long senior career in the housing sector.

L&G's Affordable Housing Fund, launched last year, has raised £510 million of funding and the business is on track to have delivered, or have in the pipeline, 10,000 homes by next year.

Through its growing number of affordable housing developments in and around the Golden Triangle, L&G, and other affordable housing providers, are key enablers of regional growth. 

He talked to us about the booming Oxford-Cambridge corridor and how that has to be balanced with the affordability crisis, such as in Oxfordshire where average house prices are around 10 times average earnings.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Dorchester Living chief executive Paul Silver, the driving force behind the remarkable transformation of Upper Heyford Airfield, joined us for the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast.

The former chartered accountant explains his route into the world of sustainable development and the remarkable transformation of the former Oxfordshire RAF base into Heyford Park, a scheme Paul has been closely involved with for more than 15 years.

Paul says he is now focused on the next stage of Heyford Park and a visionary masterplan with more than 9,000 homes planned is due to be submitted imminently.

Paul said: "I've always been drawn to the idea of creating lasting impact through the built environment and community building. 

"While working in finance, I found myself gravitating toward the housebuilding and regeneration projects, helping to deliver major schemes across the UK. 

"That experience gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to shape places, not just buildings, which ultimately led me to my work now at Dorchester Living."

Paul also talks briefly about the wider range of projects within the Dorchster Living portfolio, including Price Philip Park in Hampshire. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Turley director Taylor Cherrett joined the Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast to discuss one sector experiencing surging demand for space.

Taylor, a director in Turley's South East team, has previously outlined the demand for data centres, which he says is an industry unmatched in recent years for the amount of development space it needs.

So we asked him to update us on how the demand, much of it driven by AI, is being addressed, how it has reached the higher echelons of Government and how the future looks.

And we learned that, amid the burgeoning need for ever bigger centres in key locations such as the Thames Valley, the centres themselves will eventually become smaller.

Cabling infrastructure, which runs along motorway routes and the Grand Union Canal, means access to London, just as in the physical world, is key. 

Energy demand, Green Belt and how data centres are transforming the landscape all came into play.

 You can listen to the podcast here and all our previous podcasts here. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Mark Taylor, head of commercial agency for Savills in Cambridge, joined us for the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast.

Mark, who has worked in the commercial markets in Cambridge for decades, looked at the new demand for offices in the city, driven by both the much-talked about 'flight to quality' and the demand from the tech industry which is fast advancing with AI and quantum capabilities.

Mark, who worked nationally and regionally with Colliers until 2022, has been with Savills since then.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Dan Channer, group managing director of Haslams Estate Agents, joined us for a look through the Berkshire housing market in the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast.

Having trained in marketing Dan, who in his career has been a producer for LBC, a management consultant, and spent 10 years in the family business Finders Keepers estate agent in Oxfordshire until its sale to Countrywide, was contacted by Haslams’ then managing director Steve Woodford in December 2022 and became group managing director in February 2023.

Now part of the Foxtons brand, Haslams remains the leading name in residential agency across Reading and beyond, stretching as far as Wokingham and Crowthorne under its Michael Hardy brand which it acquired in 2021.

Dan looks at the impact of the June 11 Spending Review, house prices across Berkshire, how Build-to-Rent has affected the market, future plans for growth now part of Foxtons and much more.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Industry Leaders interviewed at UKREiiF 2025 

Our intrepid reporter Matthew Battle, Managing Director of UK Property Forums, attended this year's UKREiiF and interviewed a selection of key industry figures outside the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Pavillion for this exclusive podcast.

For this podcast, several interviews have been spliced together to give listeners an understanding of their impressions of UKREiiF and their views on the Oxford-Cambridge region as it starts to establish itself as one of the fastest growing regions in the UK. Against the backdrop of the massive investment from the Government into East-West Rail, the interviewees commented on their plans for the region.  

Interviewees:  Martin Reeves, Chief Executive, Oxfordshire County Council; Tom Bridgman, Deputy Chief Executive, Place at Oxford City Council; Mark Williams, Chairman, Hark Rivington; Emily Slupek, Director and Head of PM, Savills;  Alistair Lomax, Director, Arc Universities; Group and Robert Bailey, Head of Capital Markets, Bricklane and my colleague Hugh Blaza, Consultant, UKPF.    

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Regional evolution

 David Bainbridge, a director of planning in the Savills' South Central planning team, joined us for the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast. 

 He provides a snapshot into the various changes proposed for local government across the Golden Triangle.

 David can boast a rare mix of experience including more than 20 years in consultancy and seven in local government including spells at East Cambridgeshire District Council, Northampton Borough Council and Milton Keynes Council.

 A member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a former chair of its East Midlands region, David has, not just the ideal experience to talk about local government reorganisation, but told us he relishes going through the complexities of the changes.

 We went into housing targets, planning reform and devolution and put to him some of the points made at OxPropSummit on March 26.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Oxfordshire – The Developers Forum.

Interview with Rachel Wood, managing director of Sladen Estates, and Charles Butters, who is strategic property advisor to Oxfordshire County Council and founder & director of Sulgrave Advisors. 

 Oxfordshire is going through a once in a lifetime series of growth changes. Driven by massive investment across the Golden Triangle (Oxford – Cambridge – London) in the Science sector, the county is experiencing high levels of planning applications and business growth which is changing its very nature.

 Rachel's Sladen Estates is the developer of Bicester Arc, a major commercial 'gateway' scheme. Oxford University graduate Charles, had worked for British Land but now, through Sulgrave Advisors, is providing expertise to Oxfordshire County Council. 

 This podcast probes their views on the key talking points around property development in Oxfordshire including planning, infrastructure, placemaking and investment strategies which have been incorporated into the recently launched, Oxfordshire Developers Forum which Charles references.      

Many of these challenges will be discussed at OxPropSummit at Trinity College Oxford on March 25 & 26 where both Rachel and Charles will be on our expert panels. 

 The Battle & Bunce podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across key property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and West London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Hugo Haig is director of Lochailort Investments. 

Just as one of his most significant schemes is unveiled, he gave us a preview and offered thoughts on the way forward in the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast.

 Old Town is the latest iteration of the redevelopment of the Kennet Centre in Newbury. Lochailort initially proposed Eagle Quarter which ran into opposition and was finally refused by West Berkshire Council on January 8 after five years.

 Now he has joined us to discuss Old Town, an entirely different approach to town centre regeneration.

 Rather than Eagle Quarter’s high rise mix of apartments with 27 units for independent retailers, Old Town is a low-rise mix of apartments, maisonettes and houses with just five new retail units.

 Mr Haig explains how courtyards and ironwork will be a key feature in a scheme of modern living in styles of a previous era, at the same times as recognising the iron works that once stood on the site.

 But he revealed that while Eagle Quarter is still up in the air, the scheme is still being pursued alongside Old Town.

 Lochailort built Reading’s first Build-to-Rent scheme, Thames Quarter, which has been a huge success and provided valuable experience of the BTR world.

 This podcast is an exclusive discussion with someone seeking to bring about major change in a traditional town.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Legal trends in the housing market

Brian Dowling, residential development partner at law firm Boyes Turner, joined us for the latest Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast. 

Based in Reading, Brian works across the Berkshire and South East UK property markets representing developers of all sizes, but in particular, SME housebuilders and sees, first hand, the challenges facing the sector from finding land to the planning system.

The legal profession plays an essential role in the residential property market helping to oil the wheels on development deals, the purchase of land, advising on the construction process and, of course, representing tenants. 

Brian gave us his thoughts on how the market could be improved from his perspective. 

Discussion included Permitted Development Rights, Build-to-Rent and co-living but also went into the influence of AI on the legal profession and how the residential planning process could be corrected and improved. 

A rare overview of the residential market from someone activity engaged in the doing deals and advising clients. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Almost exactly a year after Andy Jansons first joined us for the Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast, he’s back – and this time he had some key developments to talk about.

 Fresh from his acquisitions of two office parks, Andy, managing director of Jansons Property, explained his options for developing The Boulevard at Bracknell (Dell’s former head offices) and Kingsmead Business Park at High Wycombe. Subject to planning he is confident he can find value by redeveloping for industrial or converting to residential use as market sentiment changes.

 Andy commented that the combination of poor office take-up and the high cost of refurbishment means that values and yields have plummeted across the Thames Valley secondary business park market, creating opportunities for entrepreneurial developers such as Jansons Property.  

He also assessed the commercial property scene in towns in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, including Reading, Maidenhead, Wycombe, Slough, and Newbury.  

The discussion concluded on the office market across the region, the industrial scene, and the new Labour Government. NB: References were made by Andy to Article 14 and this should have been Article 4. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Blenheim Palace is much more than just a stately home these days and we are really pleased to have Roger File, the property managing director and chief operating officer at Blenheim Palace as our speaker on this episode of Battle & Bunce Talking Property.

 In 21 years at Blenheim Palace Roger has accumulated a unique knowledge of how the estate has evolved into becoming a world class destination / brand with interests in the visitor economy, natural capital, carbon sequestration, house building (Blenheim Homes/ Pye Homes), and strategic land promotion. 

 Roger talks passionately about all these subjects, including the estate's drive to become net zero by investing in infrastructure and connecting with the local community by investing in new schemes, including Park View and Hill Rise in Woodstock. He also talks about the Botley West Solar Farm and finally, how The Blenheim Estate has helped the local community to save a historic local pub. 

 Starting next year, the palace will be re-roofed in a £12.5 million project, and visitors will have a rare opportunity to learn about the work.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Thames Valley UK: The Prop Market Update

Guy Parkes, partner at Vail Williams in Reading, joined the Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast at Apex Reading to go over the office market in the Thames Valley prop market, situated to the west of London and bordered by the M3, M4 and M40 motorways. 

 Guy, a veteran of the office industry, sees a pattern emerging in which home workers are being tempted back to the office, especially where the employer can boast today’s best-in-class stock. This positive story resonates in the key towns in the region but is tempered by the changing narrative for secondary business parks and locations. 

He sees optimism in the Reading market, difficulty in Slough, the Oxford market being shaped by the need for lab space and major changes in Bracknell where the once dominant office market is giving way to a return to the town’s industrial origins.

Some occupiers are benefitting by taking fully fitted out space which has become surplus for an existing occupier. Guy is optimistic that the region will keep evolving given its proximity to the economy of London and the transport links of Heathrow.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Jonathon Clarke, development director for Oxford United FC, joined us for the Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast to update listeners on the club's proposed new stadium.

The man steering the £140 million project talked us through the highs and lows so far and the research the club has carried out to come up with the design for the 16,000-capacity ground along with its hotel and conferencing facilities.

Mr Clarke spoke of the stadiums and venues the club visited to learn how to create the best possible match day experience and how there will be a focus on community involvement.

He said discussions are being held relating to what the club will do during the period when the lease runs out on the Kassam Stadium which will be before the new stadium is complete.

Property in the modern football world is, he said, hugely significant, a comment which echoed the thoughts of Nigel Howe, former chief executive of Reading FC, in a previous podcast.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

An overview of the changes planned by the  Labour Government and how they will revolutionise the planning system to create economic growth across the Golden Triangle region - Oxford, Cambridge, Reading and west London. 

Urban design director for WWA Studios Johnathan Headland joined us for the first Battle & Bunce podcast since the General Election.

 And it was the new Labour Government’s plans to get housebuilding moving and improve the planning system that provided the basis for a thorough look at where we are headed over the next five years.

 Johnathan named councils where the Local Plan hasn’t been updated since the 1990s and he sees the new urgency to unclog the system likely to bring about many more of the homes the country needs.

 He argues that new towns will not relieve the crisis quickly enough and shares his thoughts on the restrictions on building in legacy cities such as Oxford where developers cannot build as high as they would like due to the impact on views of the dreaming spires.

And infrastructure, both in terms of transport and energy, and schools and hospitals, was up for discussion along with the NIMBY debate happening cross the Home Counties as the Green Belt comes under increasing threat.  

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

When Lichfields director Dan Lampard wrote about the planning issues around Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat farm for Thames Tap in June 2023, the response was beyond our wildest expectations.

Dan, who is senior director and head of Thames Valley, and lives in West Oxfordshire, not far from Diddly Squat, gave a rare perspective on life and planning in that part of the world and, in the process, brought us our most-read story ever – around 100,000 page views.

 So, after months of trying to match our various diaries, and just as a new series of Clarkson's Farm is under way, Dan joined us to talk about the issues almost a year on from his original article.

 Is Clarkson's Law now a part of the planning process? What are his thoughts on Green Belt, the Grey Belt and brownfield development? How will density levels be managed in a county like Oxfordshire? And will the problems of the planning system event ever be solved?

 Dan offers a knowledgeable insight. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

These two great UK Cities have been competing against each other for over 1000 years in some respect whether it be in the provision of education, accumulation of knowledge, or success of their research. And whilst many still associate the Oxford v Cambridge with sporting rivalries such as the annual Boat Race or Rugby Varsity Match, they are now competing in a far bigger league to become the leading provider of  Life Sciences. And it is this wave of growth that is fuelling the property markets and creating halcyon days for the Cities of Oxford and Cambridge.

On this Battle & Bunce - Talking Property podcast, we interview Richard Venables from CBRE Oxford and Henry Godsal from the Savills Cambridge office, to compare and contrast these two markets and with a surprising conclusion that reflects the increasing synergy of these markets as they begin to compete with its noisy neighbours, Boston and London.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Interview with Alison Foster, programme director for the re-development of the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. The podcast explores how a major project could total £1bn+ in construction value and become one of the major projects in Berkshire and possibly the South East if it gets the go-ahead from the Government. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Former Reading FC chief executive Nigel Howe, the man central to finding a buyer for the club, joins the Battle & Bunce podcast for a candid conversation about how it's going . 

He also looks back on the other major projects he's been involved with in Reading including the stalled Royal Elm Park scheme and Station Hill. He reveals his hope that the Royal Elm Park site (the SCL stadium car park) could be sold along with the club and stadium.

Nigel, who is nephew of former Arsenal and England coach Don Howe, initially joined the club nearly 30 years ago to work on its relocation from Elm Park. He soon became chief executive and, along with Sir John Madejski, helped steer the club to its most successful era.

He's now back as consultant and head of property where he is working to find a new owner who can rescue the club from its current struggle.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Alistair Elliott was senior partner & group chairman of Knight Frank with responsibility for 16,000 people across  400 offices spread around the globe.

Despite retirement in 2022, he remains heavily involved in the real estate sector. He currently has roles with the Prince's Council, is chair of the Commercial Property and Development Committee for the Duchy of Cornwall, chair of London Metric Property plc, a non-executive director to the board of Grosvenor Great Britain & Ireland and chair of Learn2Live youth clinic.

Alistair talks through is involvement in the early development and letting of Green Park, originally an office park but now considered a suburb of Reading.

He talks through the dotcom era and how that has influenced the direction of the current property environment.

He reflects on the changing market conditions across the Golden Triangle and addresses the current housing crisis head on. His substantive views carry some weight, given his new positions at Grosvenor and the Duchy of Cornwall. 

A thought-provoking podcast from someone with experience, insight and depth of knowledge in the real estate sector. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In this episode we explore the rapidly expanding Next Gen Chapters which have been established over the past 12 months in Oxfordshire and Berkshire with the aim of connecting, informing and educating the members of the under 35 Next Gen. To help us we interviewed Liv Thomas, based in the Savills Oxford office, and Caitlin Attrill from Lichfields who is based in their Reading office. Both it is fair say have been instrumental in the creation of their respective Next Gen Chapters.

With a database of over 700 members in Oxfordshire and a similar growing group in Reading, the Chapters Committees  regularly enjoy 'sold out' events and have managed to fill the  gap between the more senior - Director level - events such as OxPropFest and TvPropFest as graduates join the real estate sector. In the post Covid world we now live, their is a real need for groups such as Next Gen to provide support and education through its growing CPD events programme across the Golden Triangle region of South East England.

This podcast provides an excellent delve into not only Next Gen and will be expanding into Cambridge in 2024 but also the early careers of two ambitious and creative property professionals. 

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Steve Woodford, executive chairman of Haslams Estate Agents in Reading, joins us to look at both the marketing of a remarkable site on the Berkshire border with Oxfordshire, and to discuss the housing market in general.

Through decades of family connections, Steve's involvement with a fine dining venue, the French Horn at Sonning, has led to Haslams being given the task of marketing the riverside restaurant, hotel, and associated land and houses, alongside Christies.

He reveals a list of some of the biggest names in show business and royalty who have used the restaurant over the years and talks about the options for what could happen to it – anything from a fitness spa to a wedding venue is included although Steve admits he hopes the fine dining will continue.

On the wider housing market, he talks about a new feeling of optimism for 2024 and weighs up the problems first-time buyers face with getting on the housing ladder.

The notes referred to are here

https://ukpropertyforums.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-q1-report-v1.docx

 All our previous Battle & Bunce podcasts are available at:

https://battleandbuncetalkingproperty.buzzsprout.com

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

The Retail and High Street review with Fiona Brownfoot, Hicks Baker

 Fiona Brownfoot is one of the leading retail experts currently operating in the Thames Valley. 

Based in Reading and a director at Hicks Baker, Fiona has over 25 years of experience and is well placed to comment on the future of the high street and future retail trends in this sector. 

This podcasts explores the new developments, trends and activities happening across the retail market in the Thames Valley and the key conurbations of Reading, Maidenhead, Newbury and Slough. 

Using her knowledge and access to research, she provides an excellent commentary on the retail market for listeners and explores how national retail trends are changing.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

The Battle & Bunce  talking property podcast grabbed an exclusive interview with Oxford United development director Jonathon Clarke at the recent consultation over the planned new stadium for the U's.

 The club faces a race against time to get the application through the planning system and built by the time the club is forced to leave the Kassam Stadium in 2026. Mr Clarke offers a candid view of the challenges the scheme faces.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Andy talks candidly about his unconventional entry into the world of property development and how he made Jansons Property into one of the leading SME developers in the West London and Thames Valley regions. 

Drawing on his ability to assess opportunities and gauge risk, Andy and his team have established a portfolio of projects across the office, industrial, student and now residential markets in various locations such as Slough, Reading, Durham and now Edinburgh. 

It is this ability to read the read the market and see opportunities which makes Andy such an interesting interviewer for the Battle & Bunce podcast. We also take a few minutes to get an update on the MyoCarditis UK Charity which Andy is very involved with since the tragic death of his son Alexander in 2013.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

The Resi Market in Review – Interview with Jonny Denton, Sales Director, Darcliffe Homes and Mike Shearn, Investment & Development Director, Haslams Estate Agents.

This podcast was an opportunity to lift the lid on the South East residential market. Building on the contrasting perspectives from a SME residential developer and a residential sales company, we wanted to understand what is happening in the resi market and how it could be improved. So much of the blame is laid at the feet of developers but the picture painted by this podcast is more nuanced. With a General Election due next year, the need to build more houses has never been more acute and this conversation sets the scene for what will be a torrid build up to the elections with housing at the top of everyone's agenda.  

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Green Park Reading interview with Rory Carson and Ed Smee

 Green Park Reading is arguably the most established and successful business community of its type in the Thames Valley and possibly the South East UK. From its Prudential roots, the community has morphed  from an office location into a mixed use scheme managed by Mapletree Investments, as adjoining land has been developed into office, retail and residential projects. With the arrival of the new railway station, the community is now embracing change once again with plans for new facilities and upgraded buildings. This podcast is an excellent opportunity to share what needs to be done to keep the space world class.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Mission Street Interview with Artem Korolev and Colin Brown

Wide ranging interview with the Founder & CEO and Development Director of this progressive property development company which is focusing its attention on the Life Sciences market located in the Golden Triangle (London, Oxford and Cambridge) and Stevenage / Bristol. The interview explores their approach to their projects in detail and how they are creating a 'platform' of buildings for this growing property sector. Excellent opportunity to hear from one of the leading companies operating in this space.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

The Milton Park interview with Philip Campbell from MEPC

 In depth interview with the investor and developer of the business community located at Milton Park in Oxfordshire. Strategically located to the south of Oxford on the A34, Milton Park is now a key part of the Golden Triangle and has positioned itself in the heart of the current ‘boom’ for Life Sciences space from occupiers. Philip provides details on how the planning permission consents will help to expand the park to 4M sq ft of a mixed of industrial, offices and green spaces ensuring the long term success of Milton Park.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

Local Enterprise Partnerships with Alison Webster, Chief Executive, Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership

Candid review of the role which the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (BLEP) has played in Berkshire over the past few years but also explores the evolving role of the LEP will play as the political environment changes. Alison updates listeners on recent projects completed by the BLEP, her experience of UKREiiF and is also candid about her own views on her role as Chief Executive of BLEP.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

The Station Hill interview with Alex Aitchison, Lincoln Property Company

 In depth interview with the developer of Station Hill located in Reading which will be the largest scheme of its type in the South East of England. Alex leads the team in the UK of this US based company and has a successful  history of completing projects across the region. The interview touches on the office content, BTR element and the ambitions of LPC to grow in Europe  and its search for new projects.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

UKREiiF – What's it all about and how is Berkshire engaging with the event?

 Interview with Nathan Spencer, Director, Built Environment Networking about UKREiiF (now in its second year with 5000+ attendees) and to be hosted in Leeds (May16th-18th) and why the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership is  showcasing at the event. Confirmed partners on the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership morning session on 17th May (AM) include Lambert Smith Hampton, Lincoln Property Company, West Berkshire Local Authority and Muse. More information on invitations and the evening reception from events@ukpropertyforums.com

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In this latest edition the Deputy Leader of Slough Borough Council Cllr Pavitar Mann chats to us about all the town's major talking points – and a few more!

As well as being deputy leader Pavitar, is the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning and represents the ward of Britwell and Northborough. 

Away from the council she's a Director at DevComms responsible for their London office.

 The big questions asked by our intrepid duo, Battle & Bunce, include: How will the council pay its debts? What is the future of the town's major projects? What will London's ULEZ mean for Slough? The relationship with Heathrow Airport and what is the long term vision for Slough?

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In our second podcast we've sat down with Tony Page, deputy leader of Reading Borough Council, for a fascinating conversation about the development and transport scene in Reading. Tony has fifty years as a councillor so there's no one with better insight. Thanks again go to HASLAMS estate agents in Reading for the loan of a booth in their basement work area - we like to call it 'Studio 1'!

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com

In our first podcast we bring you an informative chat about the BTR (Built to Rent) market with Mike Shearn, the Chief Operating Officer of Haslams Estate Agents.  Mike is also the founder of Mosaic Living, a co-operative of BTR experts including Haslams, with extensive experience in advisory, development, and operations of BTR assets.

The Battle & Co Talking Property podcast Interviews the people making the headlines across property markets of Reading, Oxford, Cambridge and west London, loosely labelled the 'The Golden Triangle'.

Additional notes and details can be found in the weekly journal The Forum published by UK Property Forums.

www.ukpropertyforums.com