Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep05 with Tom Smith, Development Advisory Lead

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep05 with Tom Smith, Development Advisory Lead Turning Ambition into Deliverable Development What stops a promising development or regeneration project from moving forward? In this episode of Black Cat Chat, Andy is joined by Tom Smith, Head of Development Advisory at Black Cat, to explore how complex, underperforming and stalled sites can be unlocked. Tom explains how development advisory brings together commercial insight, viability testing, funding, planning and delivery strategy to help clients turn ambitious ideas into practical, deliverable projects. The conversation covers: Why development and regeneration schemes stall How viability challenges can be identified and addressed The changing role of town and city centres Why residential development is increasingly important to regeneration How Mayoral Development Corporations can help accelerate delivery Tom’s experience supporting the regeneration of Stockport The value of bringing commercial and technical advice together early Tom also shares how he joined Black Cat to establish the Development Advisory service and how the new offer connects with the wider multidisciplinary team. A practical and positive conversation about unlocking opportunity, overcoming barriers and creating places where people can live, work and thrive. Click here for the full episode. Watch, listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep04 with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor July 29, 2026 News Jade Hall strengthens our support team! July 20, 2026 Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep04 with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor July 16, 2026

Peter Taylor on Black Cat Chat
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep04 with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep04 with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor What makes a town an attractive place to live, work and invest? In this episode of Black Cat Chat, Andy Clow is joined by Peter Taylor, the elected Mayor of Watford, to explore the continued growth and evolution of one of Hertfordshire’s most commercially important towns. Peter discusses the advantages of Watford’s location, transport connections and highly connected business community, as well as the role that major employers, business parks and the creative industries play in the local economy. The conversation also looks at the changing demands of the commercial property market, including the growing focus on high-quality office space, the importance of balancing new homes with places to work, and how brownfield development can support sustainable growth. Peter also shares the plans to reimagine Watford Town Hall as a more accessible civic destination, incorporating an innovation and incubation hub, museum, community facilities and workspace. It is a positive conversation about investment, regeneration and the partnerships helping towns like Watford continue to thrive. Click here for the full episode. Watch, listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep04 with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor July 16, 2026 News Black Cat launches Environmental Consultancy service July 15, 2026 News Andrew Griffiths joins Black Cat July 13, 2026

Black Cat Chat with Nick Goss
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep03 with Accessibility Expert Nick Goss

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep03 with Accessibility Expert Nick Goss In this episode of Black Cat Chat, Andy Clow is joined by Nick Goss, founder of Goss Consultancy Ltd, to discuss accessibility, inclusive design and why the built environment needs to think beyond minimum compliance. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, Nick shares practical insights into how buildings, public spaces and customer experiences can be designed to work better for everyone. We explore: The difference between compliance and best practice Why accessibility should be considered from day one The growing importance of lived experience in design decisions The commercial impact of the “Purple Pound” Simple changes that can make a significant difference One of my favourite takeaways:“It’s not only about how you get into a building. It’s about how you benefit from and enjoy what’s inside it.” If you’re involved in property, construction, design, asset management or placemaking, this is a conversation worth listening to. Watch or listen  this and all our other episodes here: Black Cat Chat Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 Ep03 with Accessibility Expert Nick Goss July 2, 2026 News Progress continues to take shape on site for Zeta Analytical! June 25, 2026 News Investing in the future of our industry June 23, 2026

Sandon Global Black Cat Chat
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 E02 with Rich Millington & Peter Fearon Brown

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 E02 with Rich Millington & Peter Fearon Brown Sandon Global: Building a World-Class Manufacturing Facility In this episode of Black Cat Chat, Andy Clow is joined by Rich Millington, Managing Director of Sandon Global, and Peter Fearon Brown of 2M2 Studio to explore the story behind one of the UK’s most impressive advanced manufacturing facilities. Together, they discuss how a long-term vision evolved from an ageing industrial unit into a purpose-built headquarters designed to support innovation, growth and global ambition. The conversation covers the importance of understanding a client’s business before putting pen to paper, the role design plays in shaping company culture, and how thoughtful workplace environments can bring teams together. Rich and Peter also share the challenges faced throughout the project, including land acquisition, power supply issues and navigating construction during the Covid-19 pandemic. From showcasing cutting-edge manufacturing processes to creating collaborative spaces that break down barriers between office and production teams, this episode highlights how great buildings can become powerful business tools. A fascinating listen for anyone involved in property, construction, manufacturing, workplace design or business leadership. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests from across the built environment in upcoming episodes. Subscribe wherever you get your podcaststo make sure you don’t miss an episode! Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? June 12, 2026 News Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth June 8, 2026 News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026

Black Cat Chat with London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Commissioner

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Commissioner Black Cat Chat is back! After a short break, Series 2 opens with a truly brilliant guest: Jonathan Smith BA MSc, London Fire Commissioner, joining Andy Clow in the studio for a fascinating conversation about fire safety, building safety and the changing risk profile of  London as it continues to grow. Jonathan talks about the scale and complexity of running London Fire Brigade, the UK’s most challenging fire and rescue service, from high-rise growth and the post-Grenfell building safety landscape, to wildfires, lithium-ion battery fires and the pressures of operating in a true global city. For anyone working in property, construction, development or asset management, this is a timely reminder that safety cannot be treated as an afterthought. As our cities grow upwards and become more complex, fire safety and building safety need to run through every stage of planning, design, construction and occupation. A huge thank you to Jonathan for joining us and sharing such valuable insight. Listen to the full episode of Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast now. Click here to watch/listen now: Black Cat Chat  Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? June 12, 2026 News Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth June 8, 2026 News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026

Black Cat Chat Podcast: Ep.07 with Joe Merrett & Will Spriggs
Podcast

The Next Generation of Black Cats

News & Updates The Next Generation of Black Cats When we talk about growth, we’re not just talking about new offices and projects – we’re talking about people. In the latest episode of Black Cat Chat, Andy Clow sat down with Will Spriggs MRICS and Joe Merrett, two of our Southampton team who represent exactly what that next generation looks like. From carpentry and labouring on site to passing APCs and building client portfolios, both have taken very different paths into surveying – but share the same drive, curiosity and commitment that makes Black Cat Building Consultancy what it is today. We talk openly about:• What it’s really like joining from a “big firm”• How the apprenticeship route stacks up against the traditional degree path• The freedom, support and opportunity they’ve found at Black Cat Search: Black Cat Chat???? Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts▶️ Watch on YouTube If you enjoy it, Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe – and follow Black Cat Chat for more insights from across the business. Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Are You Ready for the 2026 Revaluation? November 27, 2025 Insight Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Might Matter More Than You Think November 19, 2025 News, Team News Black Cat Launches in Ireland November 7, 2025

Podcast

Black Cat Chat: Ep.06 with Brett Lea, Director & Liverpool Lead

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: Ep.06 with Brett Lea, Director & Liverpool Lead https://youtu.be/QDZF5-zYmpI?si=Ec3ZOTBVYRo7uMjN In episode 6 of Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast, Andy Clow sits down with Brett Lea to explore his career journey and the unique expertise he brings to Black Cat Building Consultancy and our clients. From an early introduction to surveying, to now leading our Liverpool office, Brett shares how passion, technical knowledge and a focus on people have shaped his work. Key themes we cover: Brett’s enthusiasm for the industrial and logistics sector – as he describes himself, an “out-and-out shed geek” with a deep understanding of what makes these assets perform. Practical insights into achieving strong EPC ratings and driving decarbonisation in industrial property, often without increasing CapEx. Why gaining his HGV licence has given him a fresh perspective on yard depths, and the operational realities of modern logistics. The value of autonomy in Black Cat’s director-led model, and how this enables teams to deliver the highest quality of service. Establishing and growing our Liverpool office, and how this reflects Black Cat’s wider expansion while maintaining our collaborative culture. It’s a conversation that highlights both Brett’s personal drive and the wider approach that sets Black Cat apart – combining sector expertise, innovative thinking and a commitment to delivering real value for clients.  Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts – just search for ‘Black Cat Chat‘. Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Are You Ready for the 2026 Revaluation? November 27, 2025 Insight Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Might Matter More Than You Think November 19, 2025 News, Team News Black Cat Launches in Ireland November 7, 2025

Podcast

Black Cat Chat Ep: 05 with Ollie Folkes

News & Updates Black Cat Chat Ep: #005 with Ollie Folkes https://youtu.be/9N4mjfNzuU4?si=eIY7S1WUL0cCXqnw Lorem Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Are You Ready for the 2026 Revaluation? November 27, 2025 Insight Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Might Matter More Than You Think November 19, 2025 News, Team News Black Cat Launches in Ireland November 7, 2025

Tony Threadgold on Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: Ep.04 with Tony Threadgold

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: Ep 04 with Tony Threadgold https://youtu.be/_Qaj1_CX1Ng?si=dBjebz6KBnxSWUH7 Building Safety Is Changing – Are You Ready?Black Cat Chat Podcast Episode 04 with Tony Threadgold The Building Safety Act 2022 has reshaped the way our industry works – introducing the Golden Thread, a new regulatory system, and a bigger spotlight on the Principal Designer role. In this episode, Tony Threadgold, one of the UK’s most experienced building control professionals, explains: What the Building Safety Regulator means for your projects Why only 14% of high‑risk building applications were approved last year* How the “Golden Thread” is designed to prevent another Grenfell The serious legal responsibilities now placed on clients, designers, and contractors Tony has been in building control since 1978, working on projects from the Trafford Centre to multi‑million‑pound refurbishments. Few people can break down the new rules – and their impact – with such clarity. No fluff. No script, just good honest conversation. ???? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts:• YouTube• Spotify• Apple Podcasts *Source: Freedom of Information request, Fire Industry Association, 2024. Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Are You Ready for the 2026 Revaluation? November 27, 2025 Insight Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Might Matter More Than You Think November 19, 2025 News, Team News Black Cat Launches in Ireland November 7, 2025

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