
The latest news, views and debates from the commercial property industry. A mix of regular short interviews and round-ups, covering the whole of the commercial property industry.
The latest news, views and debates from the commercial property industry. A mix of regular short interviews and round-ups, covering the whole of the commercial property industry.
Episodes

Nov 10, 2020
Nov 10, 2020
28 min
More and more developers and investors are utilising digital twins for their buildings to make sure that they can optimise them. We need to do the same for cities. How can we utilise data and technology to truly create thriving cities? How does everyone that is invested in a city – from politicians and investors to citizens – share and use this data for the greater good?
Speakers:
- Dan Drogman, CEO & Founder, Smart Spaces
- Rupert Green, Technology Architect, Lendlease Digital
Chair:
Emily Wright, Head of Special Projects & Tech Editor, EG

Nov 10, 2020
Nov 10, 2020
30 min
How do we provide sufficient affordable housing to an increasingly varied population and ensure inclusiveness and integration at the same time as reducing environmental impacts? And how do we embed a people-centred approach to providing truly liveable cities.
Speakers:
- Emma Fletcher, Director, Hill Group and Managing Director, SmithsonHill
- Chris Jones, Partner, 10 Design
Chair:
Tim Burke, Deputy Editor, EG

Nov 10, 2020
Nov 10, 2020
32 min
How cities plan and deliver local initiatives and what is the environmental and global impact. This could be pedestrianisation, repurposing of space, creating more green public space within urban heartlands or launching projects that ultimately affect the increasing health of the city itself and the people in it. When cities act individually, they can solve their own problems; when they act together, the hope is that they can help address global problems.
Speakers:
- Stephen Cowperthwaite, Principal & Managing Director – Liverpool, Avison Young
- Steve Turner, Director for Devolved Authorities, Connected Places Catapult
- Patricia Brown, Director, Central
- Amanda Reynolds, Director, AR Urbanism
Chair:
Samantha McClary, Editor, EG

Nov 9, 2020
Nov 9, 2020
55 min

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, former chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond talks to EG editor Samantha McClary about the the UK economy and the challenges it faces in not only dealing with Covid and Brexit, but also with the fourth industrial revolution and addressing climate change.
As chancellor, Hammond focused on the long-term productivity challenges facing the UK economy. He was a strong advocate for the financial services sector – especially for the fast-growing fintech sector. He championed the cause of SMEs and the need for greater access to long-term growth capital to allow successful British start-ups to scale up in the UK, rather than seeking capital overseas.
Listen in to this episode, recorded as part of EG's Future of UK Cities event, to hear a frank and honest view of the health of the nation and why Hammond knows he would never have been as popular as today's chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
And as if that wasn't enough to tempt you, Hammond also gives away a state secret that might just be the key to helping real estate get its voice heard more clearly in government.

Nov 9, 2020
Nov 9, 2020
36 min
Bristol sits at the heart of the fastest-growing region outside London. Not only is it consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the UK, it is a thriving and innovative city where everyone is invited to share in its successes. How is Bristol creating a connected city while ensuring long-term sustainability? And how is economic growth aligned with the health and wellbeing of Bristol’s citizens?
Speakers:
- Nicola Beech, Cabinet Lead for Spatial Planning and City Design, Bristol City Council
- Pete Gladwell, Head of Public Sector Partnerships, Legal & General Investment Management
- Oona Goldsworthy, CEO, Brunelcare
- Paddy Hales, Head of Bristol office, Savills
- Clare Reddington, CEO, Watershed
Chair:
Damian Wild, Editor-in-Chief, EG

Nov 4, 2020
Nov 4, 2020
33 min
The future of any successful place relies on collaboration, a team effort and a collective commitment to delivery. Utilising and engaging with people to come up with solutions for urban challenges is vital. A city is more than the sum of its buildings, but it is only as resilient as its people.
Speakers:
- Josh Artus, Co-founder, Centric Lab
- Jen Hartley, Director, Invest Newcastle and Interim Head of Economic Development
- Sarah Hayford, Founder & Development Editor, The Land Collective
- Adam Scott, Founder & Global Creative Director, Free State
Chair:
Samantha McClary, Editor, EG

Nov 3, 2020
Nov 3, 2020
40 min
An unhealthy urban environment can contribute to an ailing population, both mentally and physically. And that’s not to mention the impact on the environment. Real estate has an opportunity and responsibility to invest in and build cities that both uplift and thrive.
Speakers:
- Louise Ellison, Group Head of Sustainability, Hammerson
- Kirsten Hewson, Head of Real Estate Division, Shoosmiths
- Mark Prisk FRICS, Director & Strategic Adviser
- Andrew Raven, Director, Urban Design, Savills
- Dr Nigel Wilson, Group Chief Executive, Legal & General
Chair:
Julia Cahill, UK Cities Editor, EG

Oct 30, 2020
In conversation with: Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees
Oct 30, 2020
Oct 30, 2020
40 min
In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary talks with Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees about leadership, resilience and what Bristol needs from the built environment.
Rees talks about his journey to leadership, about diversity - the lack of it and the need for more - and about how difference is one of the greats tools any establishment can have.
Listen in to find out more.

Oct 30, 2020
Oct 30, 2020
28 min
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/.

Oct 28, 2020
Oct 28, 2020
48 min
How can real estate be part of the solution when it comes to tackling the most pressing societal issues – inclusion, demographic change (not least an ageing population) and wellbeing?
Damian Wild, EG's editor-in-chief, speaks with Bharat Mehta CBE, chief executive, Trust for London, followed by a panel with:
- Jenny Herrera, chief executive, Good Business Foundation
- Paul Alger, partner, Shoosmiths
- Peter George, programme director, Meridian Water Project, Enfield Council
