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Samantha McClary, Former editor Estates Gazette, Chief Executive of the British Council for Offices Until recently Editor of Estates Gazette, Sam's new role is as Chief Executive of the British Council for Offices. Sam McClary has more than two decades of experience in the UK real estate sector. She spent the first 24 years of her career as a journalist and editor, with an introduction to the property sector through a specialism in hotel and leisure reporting. In 2004 she took up a role as a rookie reporter at Estates Gazette, first covering the retail and leisure sector. Over the following 20 years she moved her way up through the ranks of EG, building connections with key players across the real estate sector and broadening her coverage to include the key issues facing the industry and the core ways the sector contributes to the UK's economy and prosperity. She took over as editor of EG in 2019 and held the position until January 2025 when the business was sold to family-owned publishing house Mark Allen Group. Sam is best known in the industry for being a fierce champion and challenger to the real estate sector, utilising her platform to help showcase the good that real estate can and does do for people, planet and UK PLC while poking the sector to continue to improve in key areas such as diversity and inclusion, environmental and societal impact and technological advancement. Sam is a particularly vocal supporter of ED&I in the industry and of unlocking and attracting talent from places the industry may not have traditionally gone looking. Among her proudest achievements is the launch and development of the Future Leaders programme, which gave powerful voices to underrepresented groups in the built environment, enabling them to tell stories of the true impact that real estate has on all of our lives. In early 2025, Sam was appointed as chief executive of the British Council for Offices, a key industry body representing the workplace sector and the diverse set of players that bring this vital element of the UK built and business environment to life. She takes up the role from 6 May and plans to continue to be both champion and challenger for the sector as it continues through this most transformative period. Sam also sits on the advisory board of Black Women in Real Estate.
For the latest weekly round-up, Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and head of events Natalie Roberts to discuss the event of the season, the 2023 EG Awards. McClary shares her favourite memories from a special night, including co-hosting with the iconic Ruby Wax, and honouring the winner of this year's Outstanding Individual Award, the similarly legendary Sue Brown, managing director of Real Estate Balance. Roberts offers insights on what it takes to put on an event of this magnitude, and what she was most proud about on the night - as well as a few teases about what comes next in the always-packed EG calendar. Read all about this year's winners at: https://www.egi.co.uk/news/oh-what-a-night-eg-awards-winners-announced/ And be sure to catch up with EG's Starting Out in Real Estate special at: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=9e29e9f5-079d-4cec-b3ff-d2ee44e6933f
For the latest weekly round-up, Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man. Man dives into the results of EG's extensive survey on what RICS members want from the beleaguered organisation going forward, and shares details of her EG Interview with the current leadership of the RICS: chief executive Justin Young, board chair Martin Samworth and regulation board chair Nigel Clarke. McClary shares her passion for EG's Future Leaders program and the lessons learned from the nine inspirational speakers at the latest Future Leaders summit - everything from proper investment, to the authenticity gap, how to speak to Gen Z and the right way to ask, and answer, "how are you?" Listen to McClary share her highlights of the event, then watch all nine talks at: https://www.eg.co.uk/eg-events/future-leaders-talks/
Jess Harrold is joined by news editor Pui-Guan Man and editor Sam McClary for the latest weekly round-up. After recounting her pedElle experiences cycling in gorgeous Slovenia, McClary turns her attention to whales, and why they are so important to real estate - specifically how they must be factored in to the sector's environmental impact. Man discusses the new RICS chief executive, Justin Young, and how his military experience - including commanding a tank troop on Operation Desert Storm in the 1990s - can help whip the organisation into shape. And McClary offers her own thoughts on both the RICS and the results of EG's LGBTQ+ Attitudes and Actions in Real Estate survey. But who has been paying the closest attention to the rest of EG's headlines? Find out in the quiz of the week.
Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke and offices reporter Chanté Bohitige for the latest weekly round-up. Bohitige tackles an all-time high for London office move deals, and how a trend for downsizing has played its part in that. Burke shares what ex-Schroders boss and Sellar chair Duncan Owen has to say about dark green leases in this week's EG Interview, and shares Sam McClary's insights into the gender pay gap - and what real estate can learn on that front from Lego. But best of all, the two devoted hip-hop heads add the first tracks to the EG Like Sunday Morning: Certified Bangers Spotify playlist, here to enliven your Sunday afternoons - with more songs to follow each time they appear on EGLSM. Get in on the ground floor at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pBand693O5IhhaScVM6uZ
Piers Wehner plays host again this week, as Jess Harrold swaps seats to tell us all about the long-awaited consultation on the Landlord & Tenant Act. Nearly 70 years old and in need of a refresh. The legislation, that is, not Jess. Meanwhile, editor Sam McClary joins to discuss the impact of April 1st's EPC changes, plus the government's underwhelming Green Day cover.
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man for the first podcast round-up of the year, beginning with a clarion call to the industry to keep decency at the top of the agenda in challenging times. Together, they discuss the state of the sheds sector, with Amazon setting out plans to shut three warehouses in the UK, which could bring some 1.3m sq ft of space back to the market. But who will be 2023's first champion in the quiz of the week?
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary, deputy editor Tim Burke and news editor Pui-Guan Man for a special podcast review of 2022. Together they discuss how the year started out brightly before storm clouds gathered as a result of the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices, inflation and the economic and political volatility that resulted. What is the state of the property market and its various sectors as 2022 draws to an end? What are their expectations, and even hopes, for 2023? And, most importantly of all, who will triumph in the very special quickfire quiz of the year?
Piers Wehner is joined by EG's editor Sam McClary and senior writer Julia Cahill for a look at the week's news. Julia has been looking into the Places for Girls initiative, which wants to make communities safer by talking to the teenage girls who actually live there - which really shouldn't be as radical as it is. And it's been another gloomy week, but have the Future Leaders worked their magic on Sam? And can she lift the industry, and herself, to glory in a fiendish solo quiz?
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and head of events Natalie Roberts to discuss the highlight of the property calendar that is the EG Awards. McClary and Roberts round up the big winners of the night, and all the work that went in to putting on a show - including the effort required to achieve a net zero awards ceremony. In addition, Roberts offers insights into the busy life of an event planner, the qualities required and a little advice for anyone considering it as a career.
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary from New York, and city reporter Chanté Bohitige from London, for the latest weekly round-up. McClary shares her energising experiences at CREtech in the Big Apple - as well as a sprinkling of Hollywood magic in the form of a REIT dedicated to buying industrial land and developing it for film studio space. Meanwhile, as the political and economic turmoil back home continues, Bohitige surveys the current mood, with some encouraging news on take-up and rents in the West End, and some major pharmaceutical giants eyeing space in the capital. They may be an ocean apart, but can they be separated in the quiz of the week?
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and deputy editor Tim Burke for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Burke offers a market update, as economic turmoil continues to have an impact on real estate - and, in much brighter news, shares details of the EG team taking part in Steptober for LandAid - EG: Pimp My Stride. Once you've listened, be sure to sponsor them at: https://join.landaid.org/fundraisers/egpimpmystride McClary discusses what she has learned about the success story that is Greggs in this week's EG Interview - and why things are looking up for the RICS. But who will be the most sure-footed in the quiz of the week? Once you're done, be sure to brighten your Sunday with some required listening for this week's episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ3tNCwUvSQ
Jess Harrold is joined by injury-hit editor Sam McClary for the latest weekly round-up podcast. McClary shares Birmingham City Council chief executive Deborah Cadman's excitement for the Commonwealth Games, and how they are already helping transform the city for a golden future. She also hails the strong field vying for this year's EG Awards, as the finalists are named. In addition, Harrold addresses the Court of Appeal's decision on a pair of high-profile pandemic rent cases, the state of play of the government's arbitration scheme for resolving disputes over Covid arrears, and where it all leaves any landlords and tenants yet to come to agreement. But how will McClary fare as she is put to the test in the quiz of the week?
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man to discuss the implications of the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the landmark ruling in Roe v Wade and place the availability of abortions in the hands of individual states, with the possible result that more than half will outlaw them. Together, they share their dismay at the impact the decision will have, praise Cushman & Wakefield for being the first US-based advisory firm to pledge financial support to their affected employees, and discuss the steps that real estate should take to stand up for important rights. In addition, they address more of the week's headlines - including a report into CVAs that offers a surprising conclusion for landlords, big news at Avison Young and a possible boost for the UK high street.
Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man for the latest weekly round-up. McClary digs into the results of EG's fourth annual LGBTQ+ Attitudes and Actions in Real Estate survey, which, after a backwards step last year, shows some positive signs in 2022 - albeit still with much work yet to be done. Fingers crossed the whole industry can learn from the 27 companies named by survey respondents as exemplars of inclusivity. Man offers an update on the ever-troubled landscape for retail and leisure, and shares the industry's reaction to plans that could force landlords to rent out vacant shops. But is it time to stop using the word "landlord" altogether? This and other questions await in the quiz of the week.
In a bumper episode of EG's weekly round-up, Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary, head of special content Emily Wright and senior writer Piers Wehner for a veritable basket full of treats. Wehner discusses the international trial of the four-day week, and how willing - or reluctant - real estate might be to embracing this employment revolution. Wright rounds up the highlights of EG's latest talent special, including the growing impact of youth boards on the industry, and the pioneering climate-risk work being done by Lukky Ahmed's Climate X platform. McClary shares her excitement at the launch of not only the latest Future Leaders program, but the 2022 EG Awards. All that, plus this year's student essay competition and a quick tour through the headlines in the latest quiz of the week.
In a special cross-Channel episode of the weekly round-up, Jess Harrold is joined by Sam McClary and Damian Wild, as they wait for pizza outside a restaurant in Cannes, to share their experiences from the eagerly-awaited return of MIPIM. McClary details her long cycle ride to the event, raising money for charity, while Wild discusses the difficult sartorial decisions he faced while packing. Both share their thoughts on how MIPIM has changed since it was last held, the key themes that have dominated conversation and their overall reflections on a very busy week. But how well have they adapted to their surroundings? Find out, as their language skills are put to the test in a quick quiz we're calling "Pardon my French".
Jess Harrold is joined by head of content Emily Wright and (eventually) editor Sam McClary for the latest weekly round-up podcast, this time focusing on the content of our latest ESG special. Wright discusses the "can-do" theme of the issue, concentrating on how to make the changes we need, since the time is passed for asking why we need to. McClary logs on to share her thoughts - and those of Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director of ESG and sustainability services at CBRE - while conversation turns from vertical farming to the importance of peacocking. But how will Wright and McClary fare in the quiz of the week - and how close attention do they pay to each other's bits?
Jess Harrold and EG editor Sam McClary start the year by sharing their enthusiasm for Lego, and addressing her four major themes for real estate during 2022. McClary shares her views on the importance of leadership, the need for better communication - particularly with the government - and the fast pace of transformation. But which is the fourth key word for 2022 that gives her the "warm and fuzzies"? Tune in to find out - and to hear her pitch the Lego Group for an EG interview.
Jess Harrold is joined by EG editor Sam McClary, deputy editor Tim Burke, head of content Emily Wright and news editor Pui-Guan Man to review 2021 in a very special episode of EG Like Sunday Morning. From family festive traditions, discussion soon turns to some of the highlights of another challenging year - and, inevitably, some of the real estate disappointments along the way. But what are the teams hopes for the sector in 2022? And, as the awesome foursome split into two dynamic duos, which team will triumph in the climactic quiz of the year, with questions culled from the EG headlines of each month?
For the final EG Like Sunday Morning episode of the year, Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and London & offices reporter Alex Daniel to round up the week. Daniel reflects on his year covering the City and the office market, and how the sector is coping with the impacts of the Omicron variant, before taking the opportunity to look ahead to 2022. McClary shares details of the inspirational speeches from EG's Future Leaders event, now available in video form on our website - and her joy at attending the similarly uplifting Story of Christmas, an annual festive fixture in the real estate calendar. But who will triumph in the ever-competitive quiz of the week?
Jess Harrold returns to EG's weekly round-up podcast, inviting editor Sam McClary and head of content Emily Wright to talk talent. McClary airs her views on the importance to real estate of understanding the wants and needs of the best-and-brightest from all walks of life, and Wright shares highlights from this week's Talent special - including the advantages of embracing neurodiversity and her must-read interview with four inspirational execs rising like phoenixes from the ashes of US tech giant Katerra. Plus, excitement builds for next week's EG Future Leaders event – but, as their skills are put to the test, will Sam or Emily triumph in a closely-fought quiz of the week?
Jess Harrold is joined by head of content Emily Wright and, dialling in from Glasgow during COP26, editor Sam McClary for a lively conversation on environmental, social and corporate governance matters. McClary sends her message to the sector that real estate can and should be leading the fight to solve the climate crisis, while Wright offers her thoughts on what ESG means for real estate. In addition, they discuss the highlights of this week's timely ESG special in the pages of EG and online.
Haunted by technical difficulties, delivery people and other distractions, Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and residential editor Emma Rosser, all in high spirits for a Halloween episode of EG's weekly roundup – including their bleary-eyed rundown of all the fun of the EG Awards. McClary shares her experiences of co-hosting the event with actor David Harewood, and Rosser talks through her bumper build to rent special in the latest issue of EG. But will these brave victims survive the horror of the quiz of the week?
Jess Harrold is joined by Sam McClary and Alex Daniel for the latest weekly round-up podcast from the EG team. McClary addresses the depressing findings of the IPCC's latest report on climate change, the role that real estate has to play - and the even greater responsibility that we as individuals have to take for the scale of the problem. Daniel returns to the topic of the Marble Arch Mound to share his discussions with experts on the public realm lessons that can be learned from the new landmark that has failed to meet expectations. But can he scale the heights in this week's quiz of the week and finally come out on top?
Sam McClary, Tim Burke and Jess Harrold are united in renouncing racism in all its forms. Together, they discuss EG's response to the horrific abuse visited on members of the England national team following their defeat to Italy in last week's European Championships final. From a powerful piece in this week's EG from an author that was driven away from real estate by the racism he suffered in the workplace, to our imminent 2021 survey of racial diversity in the industry, they share their views on why this is one of the most pressing issues - if not the most - faced by the property sector today.
As England face a major tournament final for the first time in 55 years, Jess Harrold asks Sam McClary and Alex Daniel for their thoughts on what a nation buoyed by summer sporting success could mean for the real estate sector. In addition, McClary shares her concerns about the "resi devy levy" and Daniel offers an office update. But who will hold their nerve best in the penalty shootout that is the EG quiz of the week?
Deputy editor Tim Burke and news editor Pui Guan-Man round-up the week, with a reckoning of real estate's eye-watering losses during the pandemic - and a special focus on how many times the word "unprecedented" features in annual results. We catch up on rent arrears as the end of the moratorium draws near - and address what the industry hopes the government will do next. But, after Sam McClary scored 5 out of 5 on last week's quiz, can Pui rise to the challenge and claim joint top spot on the leaderboard?
EG editor Sam McClary stars in the latest episode of EG Like Sunday Morning, joining Jess Harrold to discuss her week. McClary expands on her latest leader, explaining why she feels London needs a bit of love - and gives her view on the "Marble Arch Mound". Then, how will she fare in the first EG Like Sunday Morning quiz of the week? Plus more on what's been keeping McClary busy.
In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Sam McClary is joined by Andrew Leiper, net zero carbon leader and principle engineer at Max Fordham, Louise Ellison, head of sustainability at Hammerson and chair of the Better Buildings Partnership and Steven Barrett, chief executive of SME developer Wholehomes, to talk about getting to net zero carbon in the small to medium enterprise environment. It is a conversation that span everything from carrots and sticks, collaboration, costs, business imperatives and just how likely we are to solve the climate change problem. Download a copy of Max Fordham's guide to net zero at: https://www.netzerocarbonguide.co.uk/
On this week's We're Still Here podcast, host Emily Wright is joined by residential reporter Emma Rosser and editor Sam McClary for a chat about all things planning. That an a bit of a post-party debrief following last night's virtual EG Awards. Up first, Rosser give sus the lowdown on the industry's response to government planning reforms which have been widely slated by the sector for "ignoring commercial property while still calling for the sector to foot the bill for the overhaul." The British Property Federation (BPF) has flagged concerns that the 80-page document does not include a single reference to "commercial property". Hugh Ellis, director of policy at the Town and Country Planning Association added that both the private sector and commercial real estate leaders should collaborate on alternative reform that would represent "an increased focus, not on delivery, but on detail expertise, knowledge and evidence to fix the problems, rather than this ideological nonsense." But how realistic is an industry-wide alliance? And will government listen? Tune in to hear Rosser's thoughts and predictions on the ongoing saga. Also on this week's episode a run-down from editor Sam McClary following this week's EG Awards. The event marked the 16th awards but the first presented on a virtual stage and was a welcome celebration in the midst of a tough year. For more, check out the podcast or see the full list of winners here https://www.egi.co.uk/eg-awards-2020/.
In this episode of We're Still Here, host Emily Wright is joined by a quarantining Sam McClary for EG's very own "September Issue" of this popular podcast. A back to school special if you will, the duo reflect on a somewhat strange summer before looking firmly ahead to the future as EG, and the real estate sector, gears up for autumn. First up, it's the EG Tech Awards. Now in their third year they are not to be missed and, frankly, there is no excuse this year as they will be hosted virtually on September 10th between 4pm and 5pm GMT. Never one to shy away from practising what it preaches, EG has worked hard over the last few months to innovate and bring guests and finalists the very best virtual awards experience possible. From pre-event networking to international partners and a fully immersive experience, this year's event is set to be one of the best. We would love to see as many of you there as possible. It's free to attend and you can register here https://bit.ly/32ywLea. We will be supporting the charity Black Minds Matter UK at this year's event and for more information on how you can donate please check out our fundraising page here https://oxfordshire.enthuse.com/pf/eg-tech-awards-8bfa6. Also on this week's podcast we looked event further ahead to the EG Awards later in the year and announced an extension for anyone looking to enter our new Superhero Award category. Details on how to enter can be found here https://www.egi.co.uk/eg-awards-2020/eg-awards-2020-categories/. For all of this plus a round-up of the other exciting plans we have for the autumn plus an overview of how changing working patterns could alter the way we live forever, make sure you tune in to this week's episode of We're Still Here for more.
On this week's episode of We're Still Here, Emily Wright is joined once again by editor Sam McClary to discuss productivity, positivity and frogs. From the price we must pay for the increased productivity many are reporting as they continue to work from home to some of the more positive elements of lockdown, the duo considers how the sector is faring as we move into the depths of the summer and approach five months of a very different way of living and working. Also this week we consider what we really mean by the phrase "new normal", the tech titans leading the world's biggest real estate companies through the uncomfortable transition ready for a post-pandemic world and guest interviewee Michael Chittenden on his career path from motorbike mechanic to property investor and why we should all be "eating the frog." Tune in for more.
On this week's We're Still Here podcast, host Emily Wright and EG editor Sam McClary talk about the joy of a few rare in real life meetings but also delve into the power of online events. How can we take the lessons we have learned from the humanising impact of catching a glimpse into the home lives of our colleagues and contacts back into the real world with us when life starts to return to normal? And how can we deal with the (now) relative familiarity of remote working and isolated existences as in person meetings creep back into our schedules and we are reminded of how life used to be? All of this plus a round-up of the week's biggest news stories on this episode of We're Still Here.
On this week's episode of EG's We're Still Here podcast host Emily Wright is once again joined by EG editor Sam McClary for a round-up of this week's top news and analysis. And what a week it has been. Landlord British Land announced that more than £1.1bn has been wiped off the overall value of its portfolio as coronavirus disruption continues to put retailers under pressure and then the news broke that Hammerson boss David Atkins is to set down. Tune in to hear more and to find out about a fresh EG initiative launched this week. Uninspired by government's plans for post-pandemic offices, we have launched a competition to find out how the real estate sector would create workplace, retail or leisure experiences that enable interaction, collaboration and innovation while maintaining government guidelines. Also this week we speak to Nathan Pierce, programme director for Sharing Cities at the Greater London Authority. He revealed how cities including London, Milan and Lisbon are working together to create smart solutions that can be adapted to address the current issues we are all facing as a result of the pandemic.
On this week's episode of EG's We're Still Here podcast it's all about soul and cycle. First up host Emily Wright is joined by EG editor Sam McClary for a round-up of the week's news and analysis trends. Following the release of government guidance they delve into the suggestions around creating safe, post-pandemic office spaces and wonder how many people will be happy to return to a workplace devoid of collaborative space or soul. Then, McClary joins two industry heroes, Dan Higginson of Greycoat and Dan Campbell of architect Stiff + Trevillion to try her hand at Everesting - tune in to find out exactly what that is - and to find out more about their quest to raise money for Feed the Frontline. The duo put in " a 12-hour shift" cycling in their homes to virtually climb the height of Everest to support the charity which provides NHS key workers with healthy food as they work longer hours during the current crisis. To find out more or to support Dan & Dan visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/dans-12-hour-shift-bike-ride. For information on this and the week's top stories, tune in to this week's We're Still Here.
In this week's episode of EG's We're Still Here podcast, host Emily Wright is joined by editor Sam McClary to reflect on a tough week and tentative signs of a return to relative normality. As lockdown continues, the duo discuss the benefits of the office as a hive environment before delving into this week's comments from CBRE's new head of technology around how a return to work might look 6-12 months post-lockdown. From half empty offices to seven-day weeks and a potential move away from big offices, it will be infrastructure around the working week most likely to change the most dramatically, rather than the aesthetic of the office itself. They also cover some of EG's biggest stories of the week including a piece of data that reveals just who the true owners of UK real estate are. The answer might surprise you and it provides clear evidence as to why government needs to rethink its latest measures to crackdown on landlords in favour of retailers during the current crisis. Tune in for this and much more including some open, honest chat around the pressures and strains of the continued lockdown.
In this week's episode of the EG We're Still Here podcast we ask the big questions. Host Emily Wright is joined by editor Sam McClary and residential reporter Emma Rosser as we look back on 'the week of the furlough', consider whether everyone is being responsible when it comes to accepting Government support and debate when and how lockdown might eventually be lifted. We also look back at this week's other big news, trends and analysis and catch up on how we have all been getting on as we come to the end of the fourth full week of remote working. From forgetting the Easter weekend to resorting to drinking wine out of an old pasta jar after a last minute house move before lockdown, it is still taking some getting used to. We did remember Easter in the nick of time and so this podcast comes to you on a Thursday this week. We will be back next Friday with another news round-up and tales from the EG team.
On this week's Tech Talk Radio Emily Wright meets HB Reavis's innovations and partnerships lead Gaia Arzilli for one of our most high octane podcasts to date. Arzilli concedes that it takes a particular type of person to take on her role as she must bring together a community of people across a number of offices and countries and "excite them about new innovations." She talks about the challenges of the role, the importance of change and urges the industry to be "Netflix, not Blockbuster" as priorities shift from pure bricks and mortar to prioritise humans. "Planet, people and productivity are at the heart of everything we do," she says. Then, Damian Wild steps in for Sam McClary this week as TTR co-host as he talks all things Mipim and reveals what EG will be up to out in Cannes next month. For this and much more, tune in now.
On this week's Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright and co-host Sam McClary are joined by Fifth Wall's Brendan Wallace and Tyson Woeste following the launch of the California-based VC fund's $200m Carbon Impact Fund last week. The fund will allow real estate companies in invest in sustainable and energy efficient technologies. The duo talk about why the time for action is now as the general public, capital markets and regulators alike are all starting to ask what the real estate sector is doing to take responsibility for its role in climate change. "We want to make the real estate industry more energy efficient than it is currently," says Wallace. "Everyone on planet earth is in the middle of this crisis and real estate owners haven’t accepted the responsibility they have. It is time. The real estate industry has to come together to solve this." Wallace and Woeste go on to add that the problem will not be solved by hundreds or thousands of real estate owners looking to individually assess technologies and then individually apply them to their portfolios. Rather everyone needs to come together to solve a "collective problem". Given the fact that Fifth Wall manages "a billion dollars worth of capital" from 52 real estate corporates across the world already, it feels well placed to be the driving force behind bringing the sector together to help take on "the biggest fight of our generation."
On this week's Tech Talk Radio, EG kicks off the new year and a new decade with a refreshingly honest chat with Mark Quigley of Beaufort Capital. The managing director of the firm's UK real estate finance division joined Emily Wright and Sam McClary to talk about how he, along with the rest of his team, is addressing some of the challenges around digital transformation. Quigley reveals how he is learning about the impact of technology on real estate despite being someone who has gaps in his knowledge when it comes to tech. "I could just ignore all of these tech advances," he says. "But then I would never take myself forward. Learning about technology has meant putting myself out there. I am the oldest member of my team and those younger than me are quick to point out my shortcomings but I also know that all of them recognise I am trying to move with the times." To find out more, tune in to hear how learning about technology has helped propelled Beaufort Capital forward and listen to Quigley outline plans for an AI breakfast, hosted by the company, on January 28th.
On this week's Tech Talk Radio podcast Emily Wright is reunited with original co-host and esteemed EG editor Sam McClary to celebrate EG Tech Week. OK, so EG Tech Week might not be its official title but an apt one for a week in which we have a Tech Live event, a TTR and a special tech-themed issue of EG. Coyote's Oli Farago and Rob Bould join Wright and McClary on this week's episode as they reveal what 2020 holds for the business as the plan for ambitious overseas expansion.
On this week's Tech Talk Radio podcast co-hosts Emily Wright and Sam McClary are finally reunited and another duo joins the episode as we catch up with JLL Spark co-CEOs Mihir Shah and Yishai Lerner. This is the pair's second turn on Tech Talk Radio after first appearing on the podcast 18 months ago to talk about the launch of JLL's tech and innovation investment arm. Now, nearly two years on and following the launch of a $100m global venture fund. JLL Spark has made a number of significant investments in companies including Hubble and Orbital Witness. On this episode two Silicon Valley veterans, who were early investors in Uber, reveal their tech friends doubted they would last the course in real estate and discuss how they plan to deploy their next tranche of capital.
The tech buzz in real estate has “far from died down,” according to CBRE’s global chief digital and technology officer. If anything, things are kicking up a notch as property companies the world over start to focus their attentions on delivering tech solutions rather than just talk about them. This is just one of the points covered by Chandra Dhandapani in this week’s Tech Talk Radio with Emily Wright and Sam McClary as she also addresses the reason behind the influx of major tech players from Silicon Valley and beyond into the real estate sector and talks about the growing power of data. Now three years into her role at CBRE, Dallas-based Dhandapani also reveals her thoughts on the perceived gap between digital transformation in companies and sectors in the UK compared to the US and explains why she firmly believes that now has never been a more exciting time for property.
This week on Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright and Sam McClary talk to Wordsearch Place’s William Murray and David Twohig just over a year on from when the latter joined from Battersea Power Station. The duo, who have been busy working here in the UK and around the world talk about their love of “holidaying” together, the joys of swearing and the benefits of their dynamic as ‘the capitalist’ and ‘the idealist’. For all that and more on the power of placemaking, be sure to tune in for this week’s episode.
This week on Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright and Sam McClary talk to the man behind Google Maps about how real estate remains “conservative” when it comes to data in an overwhelmingly digital world. Geospatial technologist Ed Parsons joined Google from Ordnance Survey in 2007 and has been instrumental in the launch of Google Earth and Google Streetview. He says that mapping the world has never been more efficient now that “everyone” is a surveyor but urges real estate to embrace its power to chart the globe through data. “At Ordnance Survey we would send 100 surveyors out every week day to map Britain,” he says. “Now, through mobile phone use everyone is a surveyor. There are tens of thousands, if not millions, of people contributing data and mapping the world every hour. “Nothing much has changed in the last 10 years regarding the technology itself, it’s just that now everyone has access to it through their smart phones. We all carry around in our pockets the same geospatial technology that was developed to launch intercontinental ballistic missile submarines. “And yet, from the outside looking in, property remains very conservative in terms of its use of data. It still seems rather craft-based. Every building is unique and built on a bespoke case-by-case basis. It is not data driven enough in a world where almost everything else we do is becoming more and more digital and efficient.”
This week on Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright and Sam McClary talk to Matterport's new chief executive R.J Pittman, eBay's former CPO. Pittman took the reigns at Matterport in December last year and has bold plans to expand the business beyond pure real estate to become "Google Maps" for the built environment. He talks about why he has decided "now is the time" to turn his attention to a new generation of start-ups after years working at the world's best known tech giants including Apple, Google and eBay. He also recounts the story of how bumping into Steve Jobs in line at Whole Foods in 1991 launched his career.
Yes, we talk touch upon Brexit. But in this episode EG editor Damian Wild and deputy editor Sam McClary focus on Google’s ambitions to build a city from the internet up, a bad week for WeWork and the shopping centre on sale for a pound. Meanwhile Wired Score and start-up co-working space Runway East tell us how landlords need to change with the times.
This week on Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright and Sam McClary talk to Land Registry head of digital, data and technology John Abbott and Alpha Property Insight's Dan Hughes about the future of geospatial data. From the digital transformation of the Land Registry and the challenge of updating and modernising an old system to plans for a closer working relationship with real estate firms and start-ups in the future, the duo discuss the benefits of digital mapping and why the Land Register could soon become the source of "everything you need to know about property but are too afraid to ask."
On this week's Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright and Sam McClary meet the founders of PropCoin as they navigate the ups and downs of cryptocurrency in real estate. Peter Bird and Tom Cartlidge, both formerly of JLL, talk about leaving their respective corporate jobs to focus their attentions on the start-up world as PropCoin celebrates its first birthday this month. PiLabs backed with support from Gerald Eve, Bird and Cartlidge talk about how the company works, how it has fared over the last 12 months and reveal how PropCoin gives investors the opportunity to have "passive exposure to cryptocurrencies, whilst benefiting from the stability of an asset-backed security."
The former CTO of New York City is paving the way for Mastercard to become a global leader in the development of future cities. Miguel Gamino, who is also the former CIO of San Francisco joined Mastercard in May to take on the newly created role of Head of Global Cities. He is now running the company's City Possible network which aims to bring together CIOs and city leaders to create more connected and inclusive urban environments around the world. Sixteen cities are becoming founding members of the global City Possible network including Athens, Baltimore, Dubai, Dublin, Helsinki, Honolulu, Kansas City, Melbourne, Prague, and San Diego. For more on what Mastercard has planned to pull these cities together and to recruit more to the programme plus how Gamino's previous roles have set him up to take up this new position, listen to Emily Wright and Sam McClary's interview with him on this edition of Tech Talk Radio.
If passenger drones are the future of travel, where will they land? Where will they take off from? Or travel to? All questions that Skyport Drones' founder Duncan Walker hopes to answer as he plans to build a network of "vertiports" on London's rooftops. With 15 rooftop's already secured for ports, which Walker hopes will eventually be used to dock drones carrying people around the city, he reveals the the complex planning required to ensure the infrastructure for this method of future travel is in place. In this episode of Tech Talk Radio, Emily Wright talks to Walker about everything from the safety of drone travel to how we protect our skies from a future of increased air travel and we welcome a special guest in Sam McClary's absence as EG editor Damian Wild takes to the studio for his second Tech Talk turn.
On this week's episode of Tech Talk Radio Emily Wright and Sam McClary speak to Robbert Heekelaar, Prologis's VP of architecture and emerging technologies about the logistics giant's foray into real and virtual lab space. Prologis Labs officially launched earlier this month with a 1300 sq m physical space in San Leandro just outside San Francisco and a virtual lab in Amsterdam. "There is now a department within Prologis responsible for these physical and virtual labs," said Heekelaar. "We are using them to do experiments with or without tenants and the physical space gives us so much freedom as a test environment. "It will be 1300 sq m for the first year and will extend if it is a success...We are going to establish a lot of different experiments with some of our vendors and it is so great we finally have an environment where we can truly put vendor solutions to the test to see whether they work or not. "The virtual lab is necessary because some of our experiments can't be done in a warehouse - things like Blockchain where we don't need a physical space. It is the same for BIM or creating a digital twin of the warehouse. These tests don't need a physical environment so we put them in our virtual lab space. But the two are totally aligned and driven by the same team." Heekelaar adds that if the US physical space is a success the next step could be to build one in Europe where he sees "more ideas coming than from Silicon Valley."
“I’m really going to miss Nick’s hair”: From rivalry to bromance, VTS’s Brandon Weber and Nick Romito talk hand-holding, parachuting and future plans as Weber takes a step back This week on TechTalk Radio with Emily Wright and Sam McClary, VTS’s Brandon Weber and Nick Romito reveal their plans for the future of VTS as they look back on the ‘bromance’ that has grabbed headlines since the merger of VTS and Hightower back in November 2016. Following Weber’s announcement that he will be stepping back from the company and leaving his role as chief product officer, the duo reveal how they have made the merger work despite starting off as rival firms “beating the cr*p out of each other.” They talk overcoming challenges, future plans and reveal that as former chief revenue office Ryan Masiello takes on a new role as chief strategy officer he will be “parachuting” into countries all around the world. A bumper episode of Tech Talk Radio, this week you can also hear from Mipim’s Filippo Rean on the developing and growing world of tech in real estate ahead of New York City Real Estate Tech Week in November.
This week on TechTalk Radio, Emily Wright and Sam McClary talk about emerging connectivity issues, and not just in the studio. They speak to Belinda Fawcett, head of property and estates at CTIL, the joint venture between Vodafone and Telefonica, about the issues emerging regarding connectivity in the UK. She reveals how the problems have stemmed from government legislation reducing the commercial incentive for landowners to work with service providers. A resulting “stalemate” has seen almost a total halt on CTIL connectivity infrastructure deals across the country which puts the UK at risk of falling further behind other European and global countries and cities. Not ideal with Brexit just around the corner and at a time when mobile and digital connectivity has never been more important.
This week on TechTalk Radio, co-hosts Emily Wright and Sam McClary talk data and driving with protech consultant Dan Hughes following the keynote speech from Tesla co-founder JB Straubel at the RICS World Built Environment Forum. Find out why Hughes thinks the biggest challenge for the industry will be having the openness to understand that things are changing. Tune in to find out what property professionals consider the most important tech advance, what the real estate sector can learn from Tesla and the latest news from the world of proptech.
As tomorrow’s deadline for companies with 250 or more employees to file their gender pay gap report looms, EG looks back through the Tech Talk Radio archives to an episode that addressed the gender imbalance in tech. When Metaprop’s Aaron Block and Zak Schwarzman joined Emily Wright and Sam McClary in the studio back in January this year, talk turned to what happens when the male dominated worlds of property and technology collide in terms of maintaining an equal sector.
As tomorrow’s deadline for companies with 250 or more employees to file their gender pay gap report looms, EG looks back through the Tech Talk Radio archives to an episode that addressed the gender imbalance in tech. When Metaprop’s Aaron Block and Zak Schwarzman joined Emily Wright and Sam McClary in the studio back in January this year, talk turned to what happens when the male dominated worlds of property and technology collide in terms of maintaining an equal sector.
On this episode of Tech Talk Radio, hosts Emily Wright and Sam McClary look back to EG’s Tech Live event at Mipim where eight panellists from the worlds of tech and property debated whether the real estate sector is comfortable enough to embrace failure - the inevitable product of real innovation. Speakers including KMPG’s Andy Pyle, Equiem’s Laura Acklandiene and Dr Rick Robinson from Arup debate the idea of ‘freedom to fail’ while one half of our EG co-host duo commits a vicious crime live on air.
After a week in MIPIM, EG’s Damian Wild, Sam McClary, Emily Wright and Louisa Clarence Smith pick through the week’s most important discoveries from diversity to tech, market sentiment to lunches on secret islands, and from the growth of urban farming to Freddie Flintoff’s development plans. And the team answers the big questions. Will Sadiq Kahn make it to MIPIM one day? And just what is an impression of a fish soup?