Lets Talk With Citylets

Managing Director, John Cox and Business Development Manager, Neill Bukes of Cox and Co, join Lets Talk for episode 50 to discuss their new business projection - expanding their team as well as how they ensure they have the right ‘fit’ in their office dynamics for delivering success.

Episode 49 features Managing Director of Aspray Glasgow West, John Strange explaining who Aspray are and what they do. John also talks about their support to local sports teams such as St Mirren and Glasgow Clan Ice Hockey, as well as his involvement with Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project.

Episode 48 hears Directors of Edinburgh based letting agent Clan Gordon, Jonathan and Andrew Gordon, review how they coped through the pandemic, ensuring no tenant evictions or staff redundancies; indeed, they recruited more staff. They also discuss their recent awards scoops, the current Edinburgh rental market and their views on PRS legislation in Scotland and the UK.

Former Dundee Housing Convenor and Housing Justice Campaigner, Jimmy Black, joins Lets Talk for episode 47 to share his views on the Dundee rental market as well as the Scottish private rented sector. Jimmy also talks about his time as a radio broadcaster for BBC Scotland and his passion for piping.

Managing Director and owner of Northwood Aberdeen, Laura Mearns and Director, Matt Pullinger feature on episode 46 of LetsTalk. Following a unique period in the private rented sector for Scotland, Laura and Matt discuss Aberdeen’s rental market during quarter 3 and the past year. They talk about their new satellite office that opened this year in Inverurie and also what attracts tenants and investors alike to Aberdeen.

Mark Hastie, Manager of Persevere Developments Ltd (PDL), a subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association, features on episode 45 of LetsTalk. With over 360 mid-market rental (MMR) homes spread across 13 locations in Edinburgh, and another 188 MMR homes in the pipeline, Mark discusses the developments in detail as well the eligibility criteria and application process. He also shares his love of travelling, theatre and cooking.

Business Development Manager of Northwood Edinburgh, Lewis Mallen, features on episode 44 of Lets Talk to discuss the Edinburgh market during Q3 2021, the Dubai investment market and the uniqueness of Northwood. Lewis also tells host, Gillian Semmler about his new gin company that he started up in lockdown.

Policy and Campaigns Manager for ARLA Propertymark Scotland, Daryl McIntosh, joins Lets Talk for episode 43 to discuss SNP’s ‘Housing to 2040 document’ as well as the Govt’s agreement with the Greens to deliver ‘a new deal for tenants’ as part of their ‘Rented Sector Strategy’.

Founder and Managing Director of Glasgow Property Letting (GPL), Colin Macmillan, features on episode 42 of Lets Talk to discuss the Glasgow lettings market. Colin also chats about his agency, staff and their values, as well as mentions about his tennis skills!

Direct of Lettings at Rettie & Co, Karen Turner, joins Lets Talk for episode 41 to chat about the company, its services, the Scottish rental market and, in particular, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Karen discusses aspects of the market in relation to Citylets findings from their Q2 21 report and what we may expect from Q3 21.

Clive Rooney, crew member of ‘Five in a Row’, the only Scottish boat in the challenge, and sponsored by Citylets, features on episode 40 of LetsTalk. Described as the ‘World’s Toughest Rowing Race’, Clive chats about all aspects of the crossing, from the physical and mental challenges - to the training and preparation - as well as the extreme conditions they will endure during the four to six weeks over the Atlantic Ocean.

Chris Minchin, Director of Winchesters in Aberdeen, features on episode 39 of LetsTalk. The agency recently merged with CDM Lettings and Chris talks about the acquisition between the two companies, it’s new ethos, website and offices. Chris and host, Gillian Semmler, also discuss the current rental market in Aberdeen, as well as the challenges over the past year and half, due to the pandemic.

Professional landlord for over 18 years, Colin Pretty, features on episode 38 of LetsTalk. With a sizeable portfolio in Edinburgh, Colin gives his advice and thoughts on various aspects of buy to let including the effects of the pandemic.

Property developer, Vanessa Van De Velde, features on episode 37 of LetsTalk. A buy to let landlord for almost 10 years, Vanessa has also purchased properties to renovate and sell (flip) during that time. She offers insights and helpful advice for those considering investing in property as well as the pros and cons of different strategies. Vanessa also discusses the effects of the pandemic and Brexit on the market - and considerations to be taken in light of the changing landscape.

Owner and Managing Director of events company KD Media, Kirsten Speirs, features on episode 36 of LetsTalk. Now established for 20 years, KD Media hosts not only the Scottish Home Awards but five other awards programmes plus conferences and trade shows. Kirsten talks in detail about the Home Awards as well as the challenges brought about by the pandemic, how they overcame them and their plans for this year.

Branch Manager of Belvoir Perth, Aimi Lewis, discusses the effects of the pandemic over the past year on the Perth private rented sector. Aimi highlights the repercussions on agents, landlords and tenants alike, as well as the market itself. Having operated within the Dundee private rented sector too, Aimi makes comparisons between both cities’ markets during the pandemic.

Owner of Scottish Borders based CY Lettings, Camilla Younger, talks about the various challenges facing the Borders private rented sector. Camilla discusses her career in letting, including her 14 years with Rettie and Co, as well as the various services covered by her own private lettings consultancy. A keen contributor to the Peebles community, Camilla chats about her own interests and involvements out-with property.

CEO of LAR Housing Trust, Ann Leslie, talks about the aims and ethos of the organisation which is funded by loans, not grants, providing mid-market rental homes to Scotland. With 39 developments and a unique, canal-side church conversion confirmed as their next project, Ann discusses how LAR is contributing towards more affordable homes in Scotland.

Michelle Christie, manager of Edinburgh based Jobs in Letting (JIL) discusses how JIL operates differently from other recruitment companies serving the property industry. Michelle highlights the opportunities and challenges that significant technological changes have raised in her line of work and the need to match candidates with employers for sustainable success.

Owner and Managing Director of Citylets, Thomas Ashdown, recants the journey of his organisation from start up through to its now 21st year. Thomas discusses the challenges faced, healthy portal competition, his passion for local economy and interest in blockchain technology. Thomas also offers some thoughts to those considering setting up an online business. Host, Gillian Semmler, delves into Thomas’ past and discovers his upbringing under an arts business pioneer and a surprising link to Game of Thrones.