The Developers Club Podcast

How is artificial intelligence changing the property industry? In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, Ben Wilson sits down with Elliot Jones, Founder of Advsr.ai, to discuss how AI, data and technology are reshaping the way developers and estate agents market, sell and scale their businesses. Drawing on experience at Coca-Cola, Hamptons, Countrywide and Knight Frank, Elliot shares why traditional property marketing is no longer enough, how developers can reach buyers more effectively, and why those who adopt AI early will have a significant advantage in the years ahead. Whether you're a property developer, investor, estate agent or simply interested in the future of PropTech, this episode is packed with practical insights.   If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Comment and Subscribe for more conversations with leading property developers, investors and industry experts. Follow The Developers Club: Website: ⁠https://thedevelopersclub.co.uk⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedevelopersclub⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedevelopersclub⁠ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, we sit down with Mark Aylwin, Co-Founder & Construction Director at Callisto Homes, to discuss what it really takes to build and scale a residential development business in today's market. Mark shares his journey from running a construction company to becoming a property developer, explaining how strong partnerships, construction expertise and disciplined decision-making helped build a pipeline of more than 400 homes across Kent. The conversation also explores one of the toughest periods of Mark's career. Following the collapse of Carillion, he lost his business and his house, forcing him to rebuild from the ground up. He reflects on the lessons that experience taught him about resilience, leadership, risk and long-term thinking. Alongside his personal story, Mark shares practical insight into funding development projects, managing construction risk, working with joint venture partners, value engineering, scaling a business and why property development is ultimately a finance business as much as a construction one. Whether you're an experienced developer, working in construction, or looking to build your first development project, this episode offers an honest and practical perspective on the realities of delivering successful residential schemes. In this episode, we cover: • Mark's journey from contractor to developer • Losing everything after the collapse of Carillion • Building a pipeline of more than 400 homes • Joint ventures and scaling a development business • Funding, finance and managing development risk • Construction, planning and value engineering • The UK property market and where opportunities exist • Leadership, resilience and lessons from adversity   🎧 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, we sit down with John Walker, Head of UK and European Real Estate and Infrastructure of CT Group and former Director of Planning at Westminster City Council, to explore the realities of planning, stakeholder engagement and securing successful outcomes in property development.   Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of one of the UK's most influential planning authorities, John shares his perspective on how planning decisions are really made, the mistakes developers commonly make, and why understanding people is often more important than understanding policy. The conversation explores the relationship between planning, politics and community engagement, how developers can build stronger stakeholder support, and why assumptions can be one of the biggest risks in the development process. If you are involved in property development, planning or investment, this episode provides valuable insight into how successful projects gain support, overcome challenges and achieve planning success.   🎧 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, we sit down with Finbarr Doyle, CEO of Procurement for House Builders, to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of success in property development: procurement and delivery. From early-stage planning through to on-site execution, Finbarr shares how developers can build certainty into their projects, avoid cost overruns, and protect timelines in an increasingly complex market. The conversation explores how SME developers can operate with the discipline of larger housebuilders, why procurement strategy should begin far earlier than most expect, and how better systems can unlock both efficiency and margin. If you are actively delivering projects or preparing to scale, this episode offers a clear perspective on where developments succeed or fall short. 🎧 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 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.