The Developers Club Podcast

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Mark Stokes, Founder of Sustainomics Capital, about transitioning from a global corporate career into property, investing and building a long-term family legacy. We dive into his move away from corporate life after operating across 32 countries, building a multi-asset property portfolio, and raising over £30 million in private capital. The conversation explores cash-flow strategies, scaling developments, structuring deals and the mindset required to build sustainable wealth. Our conversation includes lessons from early mistakes, the realities of managing time and geography in property, and how to structure investments through vehicles like SSAS pensions to take control and accelerate growth. Mark shares practical insight on raising capital, building investor relationships and adapting strategy in changing markets, offering clear guidance to help you build a more resilient and scalable property business. Whether you're an active developer, investor or building your first portfolio, this episode is packed with practical insight and long-term thinking to support your journey. Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to The Developers Club Podcast and share this episode with your network if you’re looking to scale your development business and think more strategically about wealth creation.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Alistair Wickens, Founder of Impact Limited and a seasoned serial entrepreneur and trusted business advisor. Alistair charts his journey from a clinical career into health technology, co-founding one of the world's top 100 health apps in the early 2000s, and how that experience shaped his evolution toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship. He reflects candidly on the pivot from profit-first thinking to building businesses where social impact is the core mission, including a modular housing venture that employed ex-offenders and tackled the UK's affordability crisis head-on. This is a thoughtful and inspiring discussion about purpose, profit and the power of doing business differently. Alistair shares lessons learned across health tech, property development and social enterprise, offering a compelling perspective on why impact and returns are not mutually exclusive, and why finding the intersection of passion, profit and purpose is the ultimate sweet spot for any entrepreneur. For founders and developers looking to build businesses that matter, this episode provides practical insight into purpose-led thinking, long-term resilience and why the most meaningful businesses are often the most commercially successful ones. Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe for more conversations with experienced developers and industry leaders shaping the future of UK property development.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson is joined by Alan Waxman, Founder and CEO of Landmass, to explore how design-led thinking, attention to detail and buyer psychology drive value in prime London property development. With over two decades operating at the top end of the market, Alan shares how his journey evolved from buy-to-let into development, design, advisory and acquisitions, and why space quality, ceiling heights and volumetric design consistently outperform bedroom-led strategies. The conversation spans real-world lessons from delivering high-value homes in London, navigating shifting market conditions, and why developers must increase specification and clarity of design in more challenging markets. Alan also shares practical insight into funding, deliverability and positioning schemes to stand out with increasingly discerning buyers. In this episode, we cover: • Why quality of space matters more than bedroom numbers • Volumetric design, ceiling heights and creating drama within homes • Designing with the end buyer in mind from day one • Buyer psychology and the power of small details in driving sales • Lessons learned from both successful and difficult developments • How the prime central London market has shifted • Funding, deal structure and deliverability in tougher conditions • Why higher specification can be the right strategy in a down market Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:00 – Alan’s route into property and early lessons 07:00 – Design-led development and volumetric thinking 13:00 – Ceiling heights, light and creating value through space 18:00 – Buyer psychology and the importance of detail 25:00 – Market shifts in prime central London 33:00 – Funding, deliverability and deal structure 41:00 – Designing for today’s more discerning buyer 49:00 – Alan’s outlook on the future of development 53:00 – How to connect with Alan and Landmass 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB 🎧 Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDevelopersClub Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/thedevelopersclub Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-developers-club-podcast/id1823624354 📲 Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedevelopersclub-uk/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedevelopersclub TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedevelopersclub X (Twitter): https://x.com/_developersclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedevelopersclub.uk 💬 Book a discovery call: https://www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk JOIN OUR COMMUNITY • Explore membership options and find your pathway in development • Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts • Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Get in touch #TheDevelopersClubPodcast #PropertyDevelopment #PrimeLondon #DesignLedDevelopment #UKProperty #RealEstateUK #PropertyPodcast #AlanWaxman #Landmass #BenWilson #TheDevelopersClub

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Gavin J. Gallagher, Founder of Elite Property Accelerator and a seasoned international property developer. Gavin shares his journey from architecture into large-scale property development, detailing how early planning gains led to rapid portfolio growth, followed by the hard lessons of the 2008 crash. He discusses the psychological pressure of development, lifestyle inflation, global market dynamics, and why resilience and mindset

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Michael Kiely, former Chief Planner and member of the Planning Officers Society. With decades of experience in UK planning, Michael provides insight into housing policy, public investment, and the practicalities of delivering large-scale development. He shares advice for developers and planners on: -How housing benefit and temporary accommodation spending could fund council housing -The importance of site knowledge and walking your patch -Leading planning teams with a clear vision -Balancing quality with pragmatism in project delivery   The discussion also explores changes in planning since the 1970s, common misconceptions about planning officers, and advice for young professionals entering the field.   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Michael Kiely’s career in planning 04:20 – Public investment vs. housing delivery 09:15 – Pragmatism in planning and development 15:45 – Site visits and understanding your patch 22:10 – Clear vision, leadership, and team buy-in 28:30 – Advice for young planners and developers 35:00 – Optimism for the future of planning   🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development   CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB 🎧 Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube: / @thedevelopersclub Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P6c6lc... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/thedevelop...   📲 Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: / thedevelopersclub Instagram: / thedevelopersclub.uk TikTok: / thedevelopersclub X (Twitter): https://x.com/_developersclub Facebook: / thedevelopersclub.uk 💬 Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk 🌐 Visit: https://www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk   JOIN OUR COMMUNITY • Explore membership options and find your pathway in development • Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts • Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us   #TheDevelopersClubPodcast #MichaelKiely #PlanningOfficersSociety #UKPlanning #PropertyDevelopment #UKProperty #HousingInvestment #PlanningAdvice #UKRealEstate #TheDevelopersClub  

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Stefan Canavan, Founder of Willow Isle Capital and Founding Member of The Developers Club. With over 20 projects completed, including luxury penthouses in Battersea and multiple office-to-resi conversions, Stefan brings a dual perspective as both a property developer and a financial advisor. He shares insights on funding structures, project finance strategy, and how developers can build stronger, smarter relationships with lenders. The conversation covers everything from navigating risk to scaling a finance business within property development.   🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB 🎧 Listen on your preferred platform:   YouTube: / @thedevelopersclub Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P6c6lc... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/thedevelop... 📲 Follow us on social media: LinkedIn:  / thedevelopersclub   Instagram:   / thedevelopersclub.uk   TikTok:   / thedevelopersclub   X (Twitter): https://x.com/_developersclub Facebook:   / thedevelopersclub.uk    Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk 🌐 Visit: https://www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk   JOIN OUR COMMUNITY • Explore membership options and find your pathway in development • Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts • Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us   #TheDevelopersClubPodcast #StefanCanavan #WillowIsleCapital #UKProperty #PropertyFinance #DevelopmentFunding #RealEstateUK #PropertyDevelopment #UKRealEstate #TheDevelopersClub

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Ben Beadle, CEO of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). With over 20 years in the property sector, Ben shares his journey from becoming a landlord at just 20 years old to now representing 112,000 members who collectively provide over 1 million homes across the UK. He reflects on the challenges of regulation, the realities of supply and demand, and the misconceptions surrounding landlords in today’s housing debate. The conversation explores the evolution of the private rented sector, how policy is reshaping landlord responsibilities, and why professionalisation is key to the future of renting in the UK. 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development   CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB • Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts • Follow us on social media: @thedevelopersclub → LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook • Book a discovery call: www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk   JOIN OUR COMMUNITY • Explore membership options and find your pathway in development • Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030   HELP US GROW • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts • Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us   #TheDevelopersClubPodcast #NRLA #BenBeadle #Landlords #UKProperty #PropertyDevelopment #PrivateRentedSector #UKRealEstate #TheDevelopersClub

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Hannah Chapatte, Founder & CEO of Hybr, about her journey from frustrated student renter to building one of the UK’s fastest-growing PropTech platforms.   Hannah shares the realities of starting out as a young founder in the property sector, from bootstrapping with a simple Squarespace site to securing multi-million pound investment rounds. They explore the challenges of transforming the student rental experience, the technology behind Hybr’s growth, and the opportunities for landlords, developers, and investors to engage with the next generation of renters.   In this episode, we cover: • How Hannah identified gaps in the UK student lettings market • The early days of Hybr and the transition from bootstrap to investment-backed growth • Challenges of being a young founder in the real estate industry • How PropTech is reshaping landlord–tenant relationships • The importance of trust, transparency, and support for students • Hybr’s vision for scaling and the future of the rental sector   🎧 Available 1 September 2025 on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development   CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB • Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts • Follow us on social media: @thedevelopersclub → LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook • Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk • Visit: www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk JOIN OUR COMMUNITY • Explore membership options and find your pathway in development • Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts • Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us  

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Ben Hall, founder of LOFT Living, about how interior design and furnishings have evolved to add real value to residential developments, from social housing and student accommodation to HMOs and build-to-rent. Ben shares practical insights on creating flexible, functional living spaces that support work, rest, and play simultaneously. They also explore how social impact initiatives like Time for Bed improve education outcomes by providing beds to children in need. The conversation covers navigating recent legislation favoring large corporate landlords, budgeting smartly, and leveraging interior design to boost rental income and property appeal. In this episode, we cover: • How quality interiors increase rental yields and tenant satisfaction • The social impact of providing beds to children through Time for Bed • Trends in property design: natural light, wallpapers, ergonomic furniture • Competing with large corporates despite legislation changes • Practical tips for small developers on budgeting, buying, and selling • The role of digitalization and AI in future interior and property design 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB • Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts • Follow us on social media: @thedevelopersclub → LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook • Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk • Visit: www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk JOIN OUR COMMUNITY • Explore membership options and find your pathway in development • Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts • Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us #TheDevelopersClubPodcast #LOFTLiving #InteriorDesign #SocialImpact #BuildToRent #UKProperty #RentalIncome #RealEstateUK #BenWilson #PropertyDevelopment #TheDevelopersClub

In the first episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Aaron Emmett, Group Managing Director of Click Group, about his journey from an 8-unit conversion to delivering a £74 m GDV, 238-home scheme. Aaron shares the reality behind scaling in property — from structuring deals and managing investor equity to stepping in as main contractor after a builder collapse. We also explore planning gain, modular and airspace development, wellbeing, and how Aaron now advises Edmond de Rothschild. In this episode, we cover: •⁠  ⁠Scaling from 8 to 238 units with £60m in development finance •⁠  ⁠Navigating risk, cashflow, and a contractor going bust mid-project •⁠  ⁠Unlocking value through planning gain and deal structure •⁠  ⁠Modular and airspace development — what works, what doesn’t •⁠  ⁠Post-Covid challenges, inflation, and shifting buyer sentiment •⁠  ⁠Mindset, meditation, and resilience as a modern developer 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leading UK developers CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB •⁠  ⁠Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts •⁠  ⁠Follow us on social media: @thedevelopersclub → LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook •⁠  ⁠Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk •⁠  ⁠Visit: www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk JOIN OUR COMMUNITY •⁠  ⁠Explore membership options and find your pathway in development •⁠  ⁠Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW •⁠  ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts •⁠  ⁠Share this episode with your network •⁠  ⁠Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us #TheDevelopersClubPodcast #AaronEmmett #ClickGroup #PropertyDevelopment #ModularConstruction #PlanningGain #DevelopmentFinance #RealEstateUK #BenWilson #UKHousing #WellbeingForDevelopers #ScalingUp #PropertyPodcast

This new series brings you in-depth conversations with key figures across UK real estate, including developers, investors, consultants and professionals shaping the built environment. Each episode offers expert insight, proven strategies and honest reflections on what it really takes to scale in today’s market. Created for those who are driving the future of UK property, this podcast is here to inform, challenge and inspire. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Spotify and Apple Podcasts to be one of the first to tune in when episodes go live.