Advertise on podcast: Blocktalk - the podcast for UK Property Management Professionals

In this special episode of Blocktalk, the tables are turned.Guest host Neil Watt, Chairman of Hacking & Paterson and a highly respected voice in UK property factoring and block management, takes over the interviewer’s chair to put Brian Welsh, Managing Director of CPL Software and host of Blocktalk, firmly in the hot seat. Neil leads a candid, wide-ranging conversation shaped by questions submitted by clients and listeners. Together, they explore Brian’s journey into the sector, leadership and business philosophy, the realities facing property managers today, and what lies ahead for the industry across Scotland, England and Wales. The discussion spans: Property factoring and block management across the UKTransparency, trust, and industry perceptionThe growing role of AI and technologyBusiness culture, leadership, and work-life balanceRegulation, reform, and future challenges Insightful, honest, and occasionally light-hearted, this episode offers a rare chance to hear Brian Welsh reflect openly on the industry he’s helped shape, guided by someone who knows it inside out. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

Deeds of Conditions shape how shared buildings are managed, but they’re often confusing, inconsistent and misunderstood. In this episode, Brian Welsh sits down with: • Mike Guthrie, Partner at Burness Paull LLP • Jaqueline Borthwick, Managing Director at The Property Factor Professional They unpack the realities behind title deeds, from how they’re drafted at site setup to how they’re lived with decades later. Expect honest commentary on: • Why older deeds are so challenging • The Development Management Scheme and modern drafting trends • When deeds become unmanageable for factors • How sales questionnaires fail to tell the full story • What homeowners think their deed says vs. what it actually says • Enforcement, the Property Factors Act, and gaps in regulation • The balance between transparency, practicality and cost Whether you're a homeowner, developer, factor or solicitor, this conversation sheds light on a part of property ownership that affects almost everyone, yet is rarely talked about clearly.

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 better transparency, regulation, and cross-sector collaboration Whether you’re a homeowner, policymaker, or property professional, this episode offers valuable insight into one of Scotland’s most pressing housing challenges.

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 accessible or broken The challenges around switching factors and rebuilding trust Proposed reforms to the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 The role of not-for-profit models and public perception What transparency really means in today’s factoring market  🎧 Note: There were some technical issues with audio on the day. We’ve done our best to balance the sound, but the insight is well worth your time. Watch on our YouTube Channel. Like, comment, and subscribe!

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 need for qualifications, transparency, and long-term thinkingHow TPI Scotland will support the factoring sector going forward 👉 A must-listen for property managers, developers, and anyone invested in the future of housing in Scotland and beyond.

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 Software products over the years and shares her thoughts on the rebrand to Proptimo.  Whether you’re a property professional, housing association, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes world of factoring, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and plenty of food for thought.

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 Software Together, 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 partnering with smaller charities and how CPL Software’s Charity of the Year initiative is making a real difference. This episode is a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of giving back. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and find out how you can help support SBHS! Follow the Blocktalk Podcast on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for more updates.

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 deeper understanding of what’s been happening and what you can expect from us in the coming months. With: Brian Welsh, CEO; Will McIlmoyle, CTO; Fran Megson, Operations Director and Tom Beswick, Business Development Manager. Timestamp 00:40 Intro, Brian Welsh, CEO 02:13 Sales & Marketing Update, Tom Beswick, BDM 05:25 Ops Update, Fran Megson, Operations Director 09:40 Dev update, Will McIlmoyle, CTO **Stay Connected:** Follow us on social media for real-time updates and insights. **Feedback:** We value your input! Reach out to us with any feedback or suggestions. This episode is brought to you by CPL Software. **Thank you for tuning in!** Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an update. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your colleagues.

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. Whether you’re a property professional, landlord, or curious about the real estate world, this episode offers valuable insights and expert perspectives. Tune in for a conversation full of history, expertise, and a look toward the future of property management! Timestamp 01:35 Stephen's father's background 02:50 How has the landscape evolved? 07:16 Back from retirement 09:25 Embracing change as a self-confessed luddite and elder statesman 14:05 What about the future – what major changes do you foresee happening by 2030? 20:09 Is there ever a time when property managers are replaced by AI? 24:29 Automation and digitisation over the next few years in the industry 29:40 How has legislation changed over the years 35:12 AI and property factoring 36:07 Tell us something about you that people are generally surprised to find out about you? Subscribe to the Blocktalk podcast and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for updates.

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 of the survey? 12:51 Any major changes compared to last year? 16:10 Are attitudes to wellbeing shifting? 21:40 What training does The Property Institute offer? 28:49 Look out for communications to take part in the next survey which comes out in February 2025 For more information visit https://www.tpi.org.uk/industry-knowledge/property-management/tpi-wellbeing-resilience-survey-2024/ For training visit: https://www.tpi.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/training-courses/ Please subscribe to the podcast and follow Blocktalk UK on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

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 property management. Timestamp: 01:32 Overview of survey results 06:35 What stood out from the results of the survey? 12:51 Any major changes compared to last year? 16:10 Are attitudes to wellbeing shifting? 21:40 What training does The Property Institute offer? 28:49 Look out for communications to take part in the next survey which comes out in February 2025 For more information visit https://www.tpi.org.uk/industry-knowledge/property-management/tpi-wellbeing-resilience-survey-2024/ For training visit: https://www.tpi.org.uk/training-and-qualifications/training-courses/ Please subscribe to the podcast and follow Blocktalk UK on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

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 with an industry veteran who has seen it all—from the early days of property factoring, where relationships were built on a handshake, to the complex, highly regulated environment we navigate today. Neil shares insightful anecdotes, lessons learned, and the challenges he faced along the way. We also dive into the future of property management, discussing the evolving role of technology, client expectations, and the importance of maintaining a personal touch in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, Neil's stories offer valuable wisdom and perspective on where the industry has been and where it’s headed next. **Stay Connected:** Don’t miss out on the latest news and updates from the Blocktalk Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast, and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook to stay informed.

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 the country’s housing stock. 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 with an industry veteran who has seen it all—from the early days of property factoring, where relationships were built on a handshake, to the complex, highly regulated environment we navigate today. Neil shares insightful anecdotes, lessons learned, and the challenges he faced along the way. We also dive into the future of property management, discussing the evolving role of technology, client expectations, and the importance of maintaining a personal touch in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, Neil's stories offer valuable wisdom and perspective on where the industry has been and where it’s headed next. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about the industry, you won’t want to miss this conversation on how property factoring is set to evolve in the coming years. On the show: 02:00 PMAS Lifetime Achievement Award - leadership/management style evolved over the years and why. 08:40 Over forty years in the industry - history about the industry, and how it has evolved over the years. 18:55 Scottish Parliament Tenement Maintenance Working Group - insights you can share about how that is moving forward. 29:35 Biggest risks facing the industry. 32:20 Biggest opportunities for the industry. 40:21 Where do you see the industry in 2030? 46:00 Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to learn? Find out more about Neil here: https://www.hackingandpaterson.co.uk/about-us/our-team/neil-watt/ The Blocktalk Podcast is hosted by Brian Welsh and produced by the CPL Software team. CPL Software are software partners to property managers and produce the Blocktalk podcast to support our partners and the industry.

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, CTO, update on Technical Developments. It's a little piece from the full episode, where they share the latest updates and what you can expect in the coming months. **In This Episode:** Fran on Support for our existing property management clients Tom with a Sales & Marketing update Will with a snippet from his Development update **Stay Connected:** Don’t miss out on the latest news and updates from the Blocktalk Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast, and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook to stay informed.

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 episode will give you a deeper understanding of what’s been happening and what you can expect from us in the coming months. With: Brian Welsh, CEO; Will McIlmoyle, CTO; Fran Megson, Operations Director and Tom Beswick, Business Development Manager. Timestamp 01:37 Team update with Brian Welsh, CEO 04:18 Development update with Will McIlmoyle, CTO 07:18 Operations update with Fran Megson, Operations Director 12:33 Sales update with Tom Beswick, BDM 16:05 Future developments with Will Mcilmoyle, CTO SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE END! **Stay Connected:** Follow us on social media for real-time updates and insights. **Feedback:** We value your input! Reach out to us with any feedback or suggestions. This episode is brought to you by CPL Software. **Thank you for tuning in!** Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an update. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your colleagues.