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In the latest episode of Kanda’s Better Places Podcast, Allan Andrews, Director at Kanda and co-lead of Kanda’s new Midlands practice,  is joined by Andy Williams, Director of Economy at Birmingham City Council, to discuss what the city needs to do to convert one of Europe's largest regeneration pipelines into delivery on the ground. Three months into a newly created role, Andy sets out his thinking on inclusive growth, investor credibility and what the next 10 years might look like for Birmingham. Their conversation explores: With a population approaching 1.2 million and growing faster than London, an average age of 34, and five of the West Midlands' nine universities in one city, what does growth look like in Birmingham? What separates schemes that get delivered from those that stay in the brochure, and why credibility matters more as viability tightens The East Birmingham Mayoral Development Corporation as a "single front door" for investors, and the wider mayoral development zone out to Arden Cross and the airport Devolution in practice: business rate retention at Paradise, the Knowledge Quarter investment zone, and the case for 14–19 skills flexibility to tackle youth unemployment HS2 and Curzon Street: with trains expected in 2036, what will a 40-minute journey between the UK's two biggest cities mean for international investors? What a new administration means for pace, priorities and four years of decision-making stability Essential listening for anyone involved in regeneration, investment, planning and public affairs across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

What does the Oxford Street Development Corporation's first year tell us about the future of one of the world's most iconic high streets, and what should developers, investors and landowners expect from London's newest planning authority? Kanda’s Yiannis Sophocleous sits down with Nabeel Khan, Chief Executive of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), to discuss the Corporation's journey from establishment to delivery and its ambitions for the future of Oxford Street.  Following the transfer of planning powers earlier this summer, Nabeel reflects on the OSDC's progress to date, its priorities for the years ahead and how it intends to work with developers, local authorities, businesses and community stakeholders to deliver the future of Oxford Street. The conversation also explores the practical implications of the OSDC becoming the Local Planning Authority. Namely, what applicants should know when bringing forward proposals, and the role of pedestrianisation, public realm improvements and regeneration in shaping the future of one of London's most important commercial hotspots into an experience-led destination.

How can business leaders make themselves heard without hiding behind jargon, and how could Andy Burnham’s Prime Ministership change the way UK media operates?  Cam Meads sits down with Jonathan Prynn, former Business Editor at the London Standard, who is about to join The Telegraph’s business team as Retail Editor. Jonathan argues that chief executives should back themselves and speak in a human voice rather than retreat into jargon, acronyms and financial ratios that never truly reach audiences. He explains why developers shouldn’t fear press scrutiny but should stop dismissing local opposition as ‘a bit of noise’, why the sector needs a better word than ‘viability’, and what housebuilding can learn from the way hospitality made its case.

Just when the City Plan looked set to sail through, Matthew Pennycook stepped in. Simon Gartshore sits down with Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation's Planning & Transportation Committee, for his first in-depth interview on the Minister's late intervention, relations with Heritage bodies, and what it all means for investor confidence in the Square Mile.

In this episode recorded live at UKREiiF, Simon Gartshore, Deputy Managing Director at Kanda Consulting, sits down with Tom Sleigh, recently reelected as Chair of the City of London Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee. Tom reflects on his first year — including a record breaking number of applications — and shares his views on the pace of national planning reform, the near-final stages of the City Plan, and the challenge of balancing growth with heritage in the Square Mile. The conversation also covers stalled development sites, the role of culture in Destination City, the arrival of AI in planning practice, and what a reduced planning committee will mean for decision-making in one of the world's most important business districts.

In the latest episode of the Concilio x Kanda Better Places Podcast, Nick Dines is joined by Phil Rodgers to unpack the results across Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, alongside what Local Government Reorganisation could mean for the region.  The conversation covers:  Labour losing overall control of Cambridge City Council  The Green Party’s breakthrough gains in Cambridge  The Liberal Democrats’ near-clean sweep in South Cambridgeshire  Huntingdonshire’s next rainbow coalition   The future structure of local government across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough  An essential listen for anyone involved in planning, development, infrastructure and public affairs across the Ox-Cam corridor.

In the latest episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Yiannis Sophocleous is joined by Dr Julie Grail, founder of The BIDs Business and one of the UK’s leading voices on Business Improvement Districts, to discuss the proposed overnight visitor levy and what it could mean for cities across England. With the consultation now closed, the debate has sharpened.  The conversation explores the bigger themes behind the policy, including:  Whether the levy can operate as a genuine growth tool  The importance of governance, transparency and ringfencing  The impact on competitiveness and the visitor economy  Lessons from international examples  The role of BIDs in shaping and delivering place-based funding  Looking beyond the levy itself, the discussion also reflects on the future of BIDs, the challenges facing town and city centres, and how partnership models must evolve in a changing political and economic climate. This is a timely and thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in place management, hospitality, planning and local government.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Concilio’s Nick Dines and Sehj Kaur sit down with Jessica Tarlov, one of the most influential Democratic voices in the United States, for a conversation on the changing shape of left-wing politics. The discussion centres on the rise of Zohran Mamdani, whose victory in New York has captured attention far beyond the US. From campaign energy and digital strategy to in-person organising and message discipline, Jessica explains why Mamdani broke through and why his relentless focus on affordability cut across traditional political divides.  Drawing on her experience as a New Yorker and political insider, Jessica explores how issues such as housing costs and student debt are reshaping electoral coalitions. The conversation also looks at what UK politicians, particularly in cities like London, may be able to learn from this moment, and where direct comparisons fall short.  The episode explores why voters are turning away from the status quo and focusing more on everyday economic issues.

Mark Thomson, Planning Director at Savills, and Rosie Ashton, Design Manager at Verv-life, join Concilio’s Siddo and Rochelle to discuss how co-living tackles the housing crisis and urban loneliness.In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer and Account Executive Rochelle Blakeman, sit down with Mark Thomson, Planning Director at Savills, and Rosie Ashton, Design Manager at Verv-life, to discuss the rise of co-living, what it is, who it’s for, and whether it can help tackle two of London’s biggest challenges: the housing crisis and urban loneliness.Key points discussed:·      Co-living offers a professionally managed, community-focused alternative to HMOs, with private studios, all-inclusive bills, and flexible tenures. ·      Thoughtful design and curated events help tackle urban loneliness, creating welcoming social spaces that genuinely encourage connection. ·      New regulations have driven better-zoned, higher-quality studio layouts, while clustered amenities and strong local partnerships enhance resident experience. ·      Co-living provides cost certainty and potential for discounted-market options for key workers, challenging misconceptions about quality and affordability. ·      With clearer, more flexible policy, co-living could play a bigger role in London’s housing mix and help ease pressure on traditional rental supply.For anyone interested in housing innovation, rental market reform, community-led placemaking, or how London can diversify supply in the face of mounting pressures, this episode offers insight into the new opportunities shaping the next generation of urban living. Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Siddo Dwyer sits down with Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council and Deputy Chair of London Councils, holding the Housing and Regeneration brief.From her early career as a secondary school teacher in East London to leading one of the capital’s most dynamic regeneration stories, Cllr Williams brings a rare blend of people-first instincts and ambitious, forward-looking leadership. Since taking the helm in 2021, she’s been driving an ambitious agenda: delivering high-quality homes, nurturing culture as a catalyst for growth, creative place-making strategies and shaping neighbourhoods that stay true to their identity even as they evolve.The discussion dives into the borough’s bold decisions on developments in Blackhorse Lane and Walthamstow, the transformation of the Town Hall Quarter, Soho Theatre Walthamstow’s cultural pull, and how the Local Plan is guiding future growth. Cllr Williams also reflects on the realities behind the government reducing the affordable housing threshold from 35% to 20% and her continued commitment to delivering genuinely affordable homes, and how trust, design excellence, and community dialogue underpin every major decision.This episode offers a grounded, optimistic look at how political leadership, strong design principles, and a culture-led approach can shape better places - and what Waltham Forest’s journey tells us about the future of regeneration in London.Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!

In the latest episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Sam Griffiths is joined by Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics, to discuss the upcoming local elections in London in May 2026.Tony is the leading academic expert on London’s government and politics, and this fascinating discussion explores the forces changing London politically and how they are making the elections next year increasingly hard to predict.The topics Tony and Sam cover include:- How is the rise of so-called ‘Pro-Gaza independent’ groups in parts of East London going to challenge Labour’s traditional dominance in these areas, and what ideology drives these new campaigners?- How will the new Green party leader Zack Polanski, and his energetic brand of ‘eco-populism’, impact the race and tempt younger votes away from Labour?- Are the Liberal Democrats poised to make gains, not just in their traditional strongholds in South-West London but also in the centre of the city?  - Can the Conservatives stage a fightback and take back control of their former ‘flagship’ councils like Westminster and Wandsworth?- What will the Reform UK factor be? How will Farage’s upstart party disrupt the contest and what councils could they win?- And finally, what does this upheaval mean for planning and development in the capital?This is an indispensable briefing on the current state of the race to control London’s councils next year, and if you want to understand how planning and development could change in the capital as a result.Concilio will shortly be launching the first in a series of London local election reports – giving you data-led analysis of the key council races, the latest news on campaigns and candidates, and our analysis of what it could mean for the property sector. To sign up to receive the first report when it is released, please click here or email [email protected].

The UK’s #1 ranked panning lawyer, Simon Ricketts, joins the podcast to discuss the Government’s package of support for housebuilding in London.In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places Podcast we were joined by the UK’s #1 ranked Planning Lawyer, Simon Ricketts, to discuss the Government and Sadiq Khan’s announcement of 23rd October on a series of measures that can support housebuilding in London.The housing crisis in London is real, with Molior reporting that private construction starts totalled just 3,248 homes in the first three quarters of 2025 and likely 5,000 for the year. One in six construction projects have halted whilst there were only 5,933 new home sales over Q1 to Q3.Alongside this, Build-to-Rent starts are drying up, with Molior predicting that BTR completions are set to disappear after 2027.The human impact of this is stark. More than 130,000 households are living in temporary accommodation in London and the cost of this has led to a £740m black hole for local authorities.Concilio’s MD Nick Dines and Simon look at the Government’s proposed reforms: Time-limited planning route that enables developers to secure planning permission for schemes on private land that provides at least 20% affordable without requiring an upfront viability assessment. This will qualify for Fast Track and be eligible for grant.  Temporary relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy, covering 50% of the borough CIL charge for schemes delivering at least 20% affordable. Adjusting London Plan design guidance on dual aspect requirements, dwellings per core and cycle storage provision.  Enhanced Mayoral planning powers, giving the Mayor the authority over 50 unit schemes, the ability to call in 1,000 sqm Green Belt and MOL and allow written rep call ins. An initial £322m allocation to establish a City Hall Developer Investment Fund Simon explains his understanding on the timings involved and looks at four different scenarios for developers: Existing planning permission that is unimplemented or is a phased consent Application approved by Committee yet does not have the Section 106 signed An application that has been submitted but has not been determined  An application not yet submitted The podcast is a fascinating, must-listen episode if you want to understand how significant the changes coming to planning in London are.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places Podcast, we sat down with James Johnson, Founding Partner of JL Partners, to explore how Reform can win a majority in 2029. James previously served as the Senior Opinion Research and Strategy Advisor to Prime Minister Theresa May. JL Partners are one of the UK's most accurate pollsters (and one of the very few to project a win for Donald Trump in the 2024 US election).James delves into the explosive rise of Reform UK, sharing Friderichs Advisory Partners and JL Partners latest in-depth polling and ground-level voter analysis data that reveals why Reform is the current polling frontrunner. Our discussion explores the real reasons for Reform’s success and the unprecendented drop in support behind the Labour government and the Conservative Party. We explore: The Winter Fuel Allowance Effect: Why a year-old policy U-turn is still the most-mentioned reason for Labour's decline. The Reform Voter Profile: The key motivations of the "Pessimistic Patriots," and why their concerns are pragmatic issues like public services and housing—not the fringe right agendas that dominate online discourse. The Path to Power: The strategic roadmap showing how Reform's current appeal is perfectly aligned with the First Past the Post system to deliver a massive seat dividend and a potential majority. The Competence Trap: Why, in 2025, voters prioritize a party that shares their values and promises to get things done over one that simply projects a traditional image of competence. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking a unfashionable take on the seismic shifts shaping British politics and the true forces driving Reform UK's ascent up the polls and potentially, into power.And stay tuned! Next week, we will release the second edition of our Inside Reform report series, exploring Reform’s expanding footprint in local government. The report will highlight early moves by councils under their control, as well as controversial policy calls from mayoral leaders, and shine a light on the party's gains across the country in the past month's by-elections. Join our mailing list now to receive our next report direct to your inbox.

In Our Public Spaces, High Streets & the Experience EconomyAt this year’s Labour Party Conference, one of the key themes was the urgent need to build more homes and restore confidence in the market. But as our panel discussed, London’s future isn’t just about housing numbers - it’s also about placemaking, culture, and the experience economy.Hosted by Concilio’s Yiannis Sophocleous and Siddo Dwyer, we asked: How do we Make London Fun Again?Our brilliant panel: Cllr Geoff Barraclough - Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development, Westminster City Council Cllr Portia Mwangangye - Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks & Young People, Southwark Council Antonia Stratford - Head of Public Affairs, Heart of London Business Alliance Graeme Craig - Chief Executive, Places for London Key takeaways: London’s diversity is its greatest strength - celebrate and protect it. Housing and community building are investments in London’s and the UK’s future. Young people and diverse communities must be central to consultations and policy. The West End’s experience economy is pivotal to London’s global standing - business, culture, and government need to work hand-in-hand to keep it competitive.  Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!

London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE joins Concilio’s Account Director Siddo Dwyer to discuss the future of a greener London.In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Mete Coban MBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy.From growing up in a council flat in Hackney to shaping London’s city-wide response to the climate crisis, Mete brings both lived experience and bold vision to one of the capital’s most urgent challenges. Previously Hackney’s youngest ever councillor and a trailblazing Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, he now leads City Hall’s work to clean up London’s air and rivers, decarbonise its buildings, and deliver a just transition to net zero.The conversation explores what it means to deliver climate action at the scale of a global city while keeping communities, fairness, and placemaking at the heart of that mission. We discuss London’s retrofit revolution, the drive to make rivers swimmable within a decade, and how planning and investment can support greener, healthier neighbourhoods. Mete also shares his thoughts on local leadership, community power, and why climate justice must be about lowering bills, creating good jobs, and improving quality of life for those who’ve historically been left behind.This episode offers a hopeful, grounded take on what London’s green transition looks like in practice - from the policy levers at City Hall to the front doors of Londoners’ homes - and the leadership it will take to get us there.Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!