Let's Talk Lets

As we approach 2025, thoughts of new year’s resolutions and goal setting are creeping in. So, in this week’s episode, we take a slightly different turn and dive into the art of manifestation with the incredible Zenara Henry-Darke! ✨ We explore the 7 steps of manifestation from Roxie Nafousi’s book Manifest and discuss how these principles can help us step into the best versions of ourselves in both our personal lives and professional careers. This episode is packed with motivation and strategies to help you align your mindset with your goals for the new year, as well as crazy stories, practical tips and life lessons!

This week, we’re joined by someone very special to the Hub — our close friend and marketing guru, Molly Chesney! With 30 years of marketing experience and 8 years as a self-employed consultant, Molly is a true expert, especially in the property sector. Over the past year, she’s been an invaluable part of our in-house team, helping us deliver a range of exciting projects—including this very podcast! In this episode, Molly and Heidi dive into: What marketing tasks you should keep in-house vs. outsource Common mistakes (and Molly & Heidi's pet peeves!) How to build a winning marketing strategy Budgeting: how much you really need to spend on marketing With 2025 just around the corner, now’s the time to start planning your strategy and it all starts here. With Let's Talk Lets!

In this week's episode of Let’s Talk Lets we are talking to Andrew Saipe, a personal safety expert both within our industry and outside. Andrew has a wealth of experience providing expert personal safety, awareness and self-defence training for companies and organisations giving staff more confidence to go about their everyday lives. Whether it is a viewing, inspection or travelling to a property now the days are shorter. Andrew and Heidi discuss the 10-point checklist you need to have covered for both your own and your employee's safety. We also discuss cases that have led us to raise awareness including Suzy Lamplugh and Stephanie Slater whose cases you may have heard of and drill home the importance of ensuring you know who you are meeting before you meet them and how both Andrew and The Lettings Hub can support you and give you the tools you need.

This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to have Valerie Bannister, National Property Director at Your Move, joining us for the latest episode in our "My Life in Lettings" series. Valerie's 40-year career at LSL Land & New Homes is nothing short of inspiring. Her positive attitude and dedication have led her from humble beginnings—losing an earring in her first interview and working out of a cleaning cupboard— to becoming ARLA Propertymark President and winning the Sunday Times Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Lettings Sector! ✨ In this episode, Heidi and Valerie discuss; Valerie’s start in the property sector, how the industry has transformed over the last 40 years, navigating a career as a driven woman in the 80s, predictions for the Renters' Rights Bill and industry reactions, Valerie’s go-to ways to relax and unwind and the key people who made a difference in her journey This is an inspirational story filled with valuable insights—perfect for your morning commute. And be sure to stick around for the story of the interview disaster that launched Valerie's incredible career! ✨ *Note: This episode was recorded just after the second reading of the Renters' Rights Bill, so any reference to timelines may have changed.

This week we are joined by our good friends and returning guests Ben Parker from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Jennifer Berezai from AdvoCats to talk all things pets. In this episode we reflect on the evolution from the initial Renters Reform Bill to the current Renters’ Rights Bill, and what it means for Pets In Lets. They shared their insights on the ongoing challenges and what changes they are actively campaigning for including focusing on several key challenges facing pet owners in rental properties. Advocates are pushing for clear tenant rights regarding pet inclusion at the start of tenancies, aiming to combat discrimination against pet owners by placing them on the same level as families with children and those receiving benefits. They seek to define what constitutes a 'reasonable' denial of pet ownership, alongside establishing clear standards for insurance policies that support pet inclusion in rentals. As you know, this is a topic that we are very passionate about so hearing the latest news on how the charities intend to seek clarity on the Pets In Lets legislation was something we were keen to hear about.

On the 9th of October, the Renters' Rights Bill advanced to its second reading in Parliament, where MPs debated the core principles of the proposed legislation. The session saw a range of viewpoints expressed by industry experts, with both support and concerns raised on various aspects of the Bill. If you were unable to catch it live, don’t worry—The Lettings Hub is committed to providing you with continuous insights and updates as the Bill progresses. Our CEO, Heidi Shackell, sat down with Suzanne Smith, founder of The Independent Landlord blog and the Good Landlording Podcast, along with David Smith, Partner at JMW Solicitors LLP, to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the Renters' Rights Bill as it moves towards the next stages of the legislative process.

This week on Let's Talk Lets, we're excited to be joined by Toby Martin. Toby is not only a Propertymark Regional Executive and a Trustee of the Propertymark Trust, but also the General Manager of Reside in Bath. In this latest episode of our My Life in Lettings series, we dive into Toby’s journey and explore what led him to a career in the property sector. From starting out as a teacher to becoming a key figure in Propertymark, Toby shares the twists and turns that have shaped his professional life and what being part of Propertymark means to him today. We had such an engaging conversation that we could have spoken to Toby all day! Don’t miss this jam-packed episode and get to know the true rockstar behind the scenes. And, as we head into Autumn with the nights growing longer, we got into the spooky spirit (literally!) with a ghostly tale to close out the episode!

This week, we're thrilled to be joined by one-half of the renowned duo, Tamsin and Mike, from Tamsin Wheatcroft Property & Financial Services Recruitment! Tamsin is sitting down with Heidi to dive deep into the world of recruitment and share her expert insights. From the shoes you should wear to an interview to how you say goodbye at the end, Tamsin is covering all the details that make a candidate stand out. We’ll also explore how the market has evolved throughout her career and what employers should focus on to secure the best talent. So whether you are looking for a new job currently, or save it to your favourites for a later date we have all the top tips you need to get back into the lettings job market!

Kicking us off and launching season 4 we are joined by Siȃn Hemming Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, which couldn’t have come at a better time! This week Siȃn has shared the importance of regular inspections and how inventory professionals can identify hazards to not only keep landlords on top of compliance but protect tenants in light of the Renters’ Rights Bill announcement. A shocking 13% of homes in the Private Rental Sector do not currently meet the Decent Homes Standard, but how does the Renters Rights Bill and Inventory Base support the shift in reducing that number?   In this episode, we talk all about what Inventory Base does, and how the evolution of Inventory Professionals has already changed the sector and will continue to do so with the help of technology. We also go back to Sian’s previous career as a Prison Officer and discuss how the skills in that role made the transition into property seamless

Can you believe we are coming to the end of season 3 of Let's Talk Lets already? And what an amazing season it has been (again!!). As our regular listeners will know, at the end of every season of Let's Talk Lets, we compile all of the best bits and funny stories from our guests' careers - and once again our guests did not disappoint! During season 3 we introduced a new mini-series called 'My Life in Lettings' where our CEO, Heidi Shackell, spoke to a range of inspiring guests about their career in the lettings industry. So in this episode, we are recapping all of the best bits of these episodes... from an eventful Christmas Party to a company car that didn't make it back to the office

Can you belive we are coming to the end of Season 3 of Let's Talk Lets already? And what an amazing season it has been (again!!). As our regular listeners will know, at the end of every Season of Let's Talk Lets, we compile all of the best bits and funny stories from our guests' careers - and once again the guests for season 3 did not disappoint!  From interesting viewings and awkward court appearances to an AC/DC party gone wrong there is definitely a story for everyone... But not to worry, this isn't the end of Season 3... We still have two more episodes as we are joined by Maxine Fothergill next week and then have our final round-up from all of our 'My Life in Lettings' episodes on the 31st July!

In this weeks episode of Let’s Talk Lets we are joined by our first returning guest Carly Jermyn, CEO at Woodstock Legal Services, who joins Heidi to unravel the complex issue of anti-social behaviour. We look at what is classed as anti-social behaviour, and how this effects both landlords and letting agents in and out of the property. Carly explains from a legal point of view what you need to be doing from the very start of the tenancy to ensure you are protected, as well as what you should be doing once the behaviour starts to surface. With lots of examples that vary from loud music to cuckooing, and stories from her own experience as a landlord, this is a jam packed episode that we are sure you will relate to. If you need any support with anti-social tenants, please get in touch and make sure to like this episode if you enjoyed it!

In this week's episode, we are thrilled to be joined by the Lettings Managing Director at Spicerhaart, Satwant Basi, as he talks us through his career in another edition of My Life in Lettings. While being a Bank Manager, Doctor and even an Actor could have been on the cards, Sat fell in love with the property sector at a young age and has had a very inspirational journey! Heidi Shackell and Sat discuss a range of topics including: What has changed in the sector over the last 30 years Why are people so important in business, and in life How to maximise the hours in your working day to maintain that work-life balance How Spicerhaart use 'Winning Matters' to give the best service to both their tenants and landlordsAnd much more! It is a jam-packed episode you won't want to miss...

Bad actors, cyber-crime, hackers, phishing scams – as an estate or letting agent, these may not be the terms that spring up when you think about ‘security’. But online crimes targeting the property sector are on the rise & it’s important not to assume that this won’t happen to you, or your business.   With tenants and landlords’ information stored digitally & online payments and electronic signatures being just some of the tech norms for many property businesses now, it’s important to ensure you know the risks cyber-crime can pose for our sector, and more importantly, how to protect you and your business from them.   In today’s Let’s Talk Lets pod, we team up with Francis West from Security Everywhere to cover how agencies can protect against cyber-crime including financial fraud and identity theft. Francis talks through the specific risks that the property sector faces, how to formulate a cyber plan for your business and even gives some quick step by step top tips on securing your business and personal phones from hackers.   This is the first release in a series of webinars & e-Guides we will be working alongside Francis to deliver so follow us today to stay up to date with the latest advice, tips and news on this topic!     Finally, as well as listening to the pod, Francis recommended watching this short video on the new 'stolen device protection' feature released in the IOS 17.3 Apple update recently - increase your security when away from home or work in a couple of minutes for free!

In this week's episode, we are delighted to be joined by Clare Yates from CY Training Works to discuss how employee training can elevate your business! With over 30 years of experience in the property sector, there is not much Clare doesn't know about managing client relationships, effective communication, new business generation and getting the most from your existing clients.  In this episode, Heidi and Clare tackle how to have difficult conversations with clients as well as how to be the most effective communicator with both your internal team and your customers. With real-life examples of good and bad communication - this episode is not lacking some funny stories!  Disclaimer: There is strong language included in this episode.

This week we are joined by Nigel Lewis, property journalist, writer and editor. If you haven't seen Nigel's name... where have you been? He has written for Zoopla, The Daily Main, A Place in the Sun, The Negotiator, LandlordZONE and many more! So, in this episode of Let's Talk Lets, our CEO Heidi Shackell sits down with Nigel to find out all about his career and how journalism has changed over the years. Nigels tells all, from working with Phil and Kirsty, the introduction of property portals, his career highs and lows and his many hobbies outside of work. It is not one to miss!

In this weeks episode, Mike Delap joins us to talk all things The Propertymark Trust! Heidi and Mike delve into what the charity do and how they help professionals in our industry who may be struggling.  This year is the first event The Propertymark Trust are hosting, and as silver sponsors, we wanted to find out all the details first-hand. Heidi and Mike discuss what you can expect from Prop X, the importance of why the group are holding the event and how you can get involved.  Don't wait to get your tickets! Book yourself a trip to Birmingham on the  today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/propx-tickets-881946414467?aff=ebdssbdestsearch #LetsTalkLets #Podcast #Propertymark #PropX #Charity

This week we are joined by the fantastic Rachel Brooking, Director at APO group and Propertymark Advisor, as well as some extra special guests, Martha and Daisy!     Having listened to Rachel when she spoke incredibly powerfully and honestly at the Women in Estate Agency Conference this year, we were thrilled she agreed to join us on the pod to talk about her journey in the property sector as both a female, and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community industry. Our host, Heidi Shackell, having spoken to her two oldest daughters about the conference, wanted to give them the opportunity to ask Rachel some questions from the next generation about what it means to be treated equally, and what you can do to support colleagues or friends who may be struggling with their identity or being treated unfairly.  This is a PG episode (including a brilliant AC/DC story at the end!) and one we would love for you to share with your families. Let us know what you think, and make sure to follow us on Spotify so you don’t miss out on an episode of Let’s Talk Lets.

This week Heidi is joined by Ben Madden; Director at Fine and Country, host of 'Pass the Syrup' podcast and founder of his latest initiative 'The Boys Club'. Ben reveals all about why he started the podcast, and how it helped agents all over the UK. Now the podcast is paused, The Boys Club has had the opportunity to come to fruition and Heidi and Ben discuss the importance of this initiative and how men's mental health in the PRS is still a taboo subject.  Heidi and Ben also discuss how you can best support your team, male or female, in the ever-changing climate and what to look out for when building a great team.

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Theresa Wallace, Director at Savills and Chair of The Lettings Industry Council to talk all about her work in the industry. With the 10-year anniversary of The Lettings Industry Council being this year, Heidi and Theresa discuss how the group was founded and their mission to improve standards across the Private Rented Sector. There is always a lot of buzz in our industry with changes, so Theresa tells us about what the current hot topics are as well as the changes she would make to the sector if she was given a magic wand.  We also find out a little more about Theresa's past including her life as a hairdresser and a nightclub owner - so not an episode you want to miss!