The Property Funder Podcast Michael Dean

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Ghislaine Halpenny, Director of ESG and Corporate Affairs at Regal. The two discuss the significance and intricacies of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the property development sector.
Highlights:

Understanding ESG in Property Development

• Ghislaine elaborates on what ESG encompasses and why it is crucial for developers to prioritise these components. She explains that focusing on ESG is not just a societal obligation, it also yields better long term returns. The conversation delves into the specific meanings of the Environmental, Social, and Governance elements, illustrating how Regal incorporates these into their projects for substantial, positive community impact.

Real-World Application and Challenges

• The discussion shifts to practical applications, highlighting how Regal actively implements ESG strategies. Ghislaine provides insights into the challenges of balancing development goals with social responsibilities, such as affordable housing and community benefits. She also addresses the concept of greenwashing, explaining how Regal strives for genuine sustainability efforts as opposed to superficial environmental claims.

The Impact of ESG on Financing and Investments

• Exploring the financial aspects, Ghislaine discusses how ESG factors into planning applications and the increasing regulatory requirements that developers face. She emphasises the emerging trends in financing where ESG performance can influence investment decisions, highlighting the need for transparency and genuine practices in reporting ESG impacts.

The Broader Implications of ESG

• Ghislaine and Michael ponder the broader implications of ESG on the industry and the potential for these practices to reshape public perceptions of property development. They discuss the necessity for the industry to lead with integrity and transparency to foster trust and community support.

Navigating Finance and Development with Matthew Yassin
In today's episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean introduces Matthew Yassin, MD of Aquilae Capital, a debt advisory firm based in Mayfair. They discuss the intricate world of structured finance and the unique approach of Aquilae Capital in the finance industry.
Key Highlights

- Matthew shares his journey from corporate banking to founding Aquilae Capital. He discusses his extensive experience in finance, emphasizing the firm's focus on structured finance for development and trading businesses, including hotels and large commercial portfolios.

- Delving into the concept of micro-broking, Matthew explains how Aquilae Capital handles transactions meticulously, ensuring every deal is thoroughly vetted internally before approaching lenders. This rigorous process aims to minimise time wastage and enhance deal integrity.

- The conversation shifts to the challenges and complexities of the current financial market. Matthew highlights how economic fluctuations influence deal structures and financing outcomes, underscoring the importance of adaptability in finance.

- Matthew and Michael discuss how professional growth is influenced by media, particularly podcasts. They explore the impact of listening to influential podcasts on their professional lives and decision-making processes.

- Matthew reflects on his career trajectory, the decisions that shaped his professional path, and the dynamics within the finance industry. He shares insights into how his past experiences influence his current practices at Aquilae Capital.

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The Modern Property Industry With Saam Lowni
In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, Michael Dean, alongside Saam Lowni of Merryoaks Finance, delve into the nuances of property finance brokerage. They discuss the distinguishing factors that set Merryoaks apart in the competitive brokerage landscape, driven by Saam's unique experience as both a lender and a property investor.
Saam shares his professional journey from aspiring estate agent to accomplished property investor, highlighting strategic shifts in building a high-yielding portfolio. The two also discuss the UK housing crisis and the potential implications of political shifts on the property market. Insightful and brimming with expert knowledge, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of property finance and investment.
Key Highlights:
- Saam reveals the challenges of crafting a unique selling proposition in the property finance brokerage industry and how his background as a lender and hands-on experience in property gives him an edge in delivering exceptional service and quality applications.
- Saam recounts his professional journey, beginning with his early ambition to become an estate agent, influenced by his father's involvement in property and a family friend's success in the field. He describes the transition from working in estate agencies to becoming a property investor and developer, navigating the shifts in the property market over the years.
- Diving into his investment strategies, Saam discusses the evolution of his property portfolio, from initial flips in the early 2000s to strategically acquiring high-yielding assets across the UK. He highlights the importance of understanding market timing and holding onto properties to build long-term wealth.
- Saam outlines his vision for Merryoaks and its mission to contribute to solving the UK's housing crisis. He shares his perspective on the potential impact of governmental changes on the property market and emphasizes the need for the private sector to play a significant role in addressing housing shortages.
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The Evolution of Real Estate Investment: A Journey with Ray Palmer
In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Ray Palmer, Chairman of Fiera Real Estate. Ray shares his inspiring journey from starting out as a principal negotiator at 16 to shaping the landscape of property investment in the UK. Tune in as Ray delves into the transformative shifts in the industry, the strategic moves behind the evolution of Palmer Capital into Fiera Real Estate, and the essential qualities that define a successful developer.

Key Highlights:

- Ray recounts his start in the real estate industry at 16 and his ascent to becoming the Chairman of Fiera Real Estate, detailing the evolution from Palmer Capital to its current form.
- Discussion on the creation and impact of the Palmer Capital Development Fund, the first ever discretionary Development Management Fund.
- Ray emphasises the importance of the combination of venture capital dynamics and fund management in property investment, which has been crucial for navigating economic downturns
successfully.
- Insights into the cyclical nature of property markets, with Ray advising on the necessity of being cautious and timing investments wisely to maximise returns.
- Exploration of the potential for real estate development within the energy sector, highlighting past involvements and future interests, particularly in emerging technologies like battery storage.

Ray's journey from a young negotiator to a leading figure in the industry underscores the importance of adaptability, visionary leadership, and the power of combining venture capital with fund management to navigate and capitalize on market cycles effectively.

https://www.fierarealestate.co.uk/

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Ray Palmer.

Blueprints & Breakthroughs with Immanuel Ezekiel
In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, Michael Dean sits down with the Immanuel Ezekiel, Co-founder of Broadwing Homes and finance, and self-development leader. Emmanuel specialises in the development of flats, houses, and refurbishments across London and the Home Counties. In this episode, Immanuel shares his thoughts on the property landscape, as well his tips towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle and pursuing success.
Highlights:
Social Media for Property Developers

• Michael kicks off the discussion by highlighting the essential role of social media in today's property landscape. Immanuel shares his recent foray into TikTok, a strategic move to connect with a wider audience and showcase his expertise. The two explore how, in digital era, visibility is often synonymous with credibility.

The Power Of Authenticity

• Michael and Immanuel discuss the power of authenticity in building a brand. Immanuel has made it a point to be transparent about the ups and downs of property development. By sharing his "Two Projects from Hell" story, he showcases the gritty reality behind the gloss of success, resonating with and inspiring his audience.

Prudence & Planning

• Navigating through the fluctuating market conditions, Immanuel recounts the difficulties he faced with projects during the tumultuous times of Brexit and COVID-19. He underscores the importance of prudent financial planning.

https://immanuelezekiel.co.uk/books/

THROWBACK THURSDAY! This week, we are throwing it back to a listener favorite episode - with Daniel Daggers, Founder of DDRE Global. A must-listen for those who want to learn more about creating your personal brand and harnessing the power of social media.
BUYING LONDON SEASON 1 - Catch Daniel on the new Netflix series Buying London, airing on 1 May 2024.
Connect with Daniel:
Instagram: @daniel_daggers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldaggers/?originalSubdomain=uk

Connect with Michael:
Instagram: @property_funder
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfunder/?originalSubdomain=uk

This episode was sponsored by Avamore Capital - https://avamorecapital.com/