In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, Michael Dean speaks with Martin Stewart, founder and director of London Money, a leading mortgage brokerage. Martin shares his candid insights on the mortgage industry, his journey from the Wild West days of financial services, and how authenticity has shaped his career and success. They explore the evolving landscape of mortgage broking, the impact of social media, and why staying true to one's values is crucial for long-term success.

Guest: Martin Stewart

https://www.london-money.co.uk/

https://x.com/LondonMoneyFS

Sponsored by

J3 Advisory

https://j3advisory.co.uk/

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com/

Summary:

In this episode, Michael Dean sits down with Verster du Plessis, co-founder of Fox&Fifth, a visual communications agency based in Surrey, UK. They discuss Verster’s journey from South Africa to the UK, his experience building a business during the pandemic, and how Fox&Fifth has adapted to the evolving needs of enterprise clients. They also delve into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the role of video in modern communication, and tips for engaging audiences effectively.

Highlights:

• Building a business in the pandemic: Verster shares how Fox&Fifth's nimbleness allowed them to provide remote video services and stay ahead of the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Internal communications for large enterprises: Why simple Zoom calls don’t cut it for companies with tens of thousands of employees and how Fox&Fifth’s secure, professional video solutions helped businesses navigate internal communications.
• Entrepreneurial lessons: The importance of maintaining touchpoints in sales, being persistent, and how to differentiate your services on platforms like LinkedIn.
• The role of AI in video production: Verster explains how his team is incorporating AI into their business, from targeting clients to automating certain aspects of video production while staying ahead of industry changes.
• Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship: Verster opens up about how his ADHD has influenced his career and personal life, including his approach to business, parenting, and finding balance.
• Consistent content creation: Verster emphasizes the importance of consistency in creating video content and how businesses, particularly SMEs, can leverage video to build stronger customer relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• “Numbers are meaningless, but when you tie them to a story, they become powerful.”
• "The first time you create content, it's going to be cringe, but practice makes perfect."
• "The most fulfilling thing I've done is have children, and I wish I had done it sooner."

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Avamore Capital, a development and bridging lender offering loans across England and Wales, lending from £250,000 to £25 million.

Unlocking the Future of Property Development: Insights from Andrew Murray

In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean speaks with Andrew Murray, founder of Morpheus & Co, a company specializing in interior design and property development. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the recent change in government, challenges in the property development sector, the importance of skilled labour, and the evolution of Morpheus & Co over the past 30 years. They also touch on personal anecdotes, the impact of AI on the industry, and future aspirations.

Highlights:

Government Change and Its Impact on Property Development

• Michael and Andrew discuss the recent government change, focusing on its potential impact on the property sector. Andrew expresses cautious optimism about the new government's plans to unlock house building and improve planning processes but highlights ongoing challenges like resource shortages and local resistance.

Challenges in the Property Development Sector

• The conversation delves into the bureaucratic hurdles and resource constraints affecting property development. Andrew points out the subjective nature of planning regimes and the need for more efficient and transparent processes to expedite development projects.

The Importance of Skilled Labor

• Andrew emphasizes the critical shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. He suggests that vocational training and repurposing initiatives could help bridge this gap, sharing his experience with a charity focused on reskilling veterans.

Evolution of Morpheus & Co

• Andrew narrates the evolution of Morpheus & Co from its inception to becoming a prominent name in luxury interior design and property development. He shares anecdotes from his early projects, highlighting the importance of practical experience and customer satisfaction.

The Role of AI in Interior Design

• Michael and Andrew explore the role of AI in the interior design industry. Andrew discusses how AI can assist in administrative tasks and concept visualizations, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology to enhance creativity and efficiency.

Future Aspirations and Industry Trends

• Andrew reflects on his future aspirations, both personally and for Morpheus. He talks about the importance of returning to core values, focusing on high-quality, well-considered projects, and staying true to the company's original ethos.