The Developers Club Podcast

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, we sit down with Mark Aylwin, Co-Founder & Construction Director at Callisto Homes, to discuss what it really takes to build and scale a residential development business in today's market.
Mark shares his journey from running a construction company to becoming a property developer, explaining how strong partnerships, construction expertise and disciplined decision-making helped build a pipeline of more than 400 homes across Kent.
The conversation also explores one of the toughest periods of Mark's career. Following the collapse of Carillion, he lost his business and his house, forcing him to rebuild from the ground up. He reflects on the lessons that experience taught him about resilience, leadership, risk and long-term thinking.
Alongside his personal story, Mark shares practical insight into funding development projects, managing construction risk, working with joint venture partners, value engineering, scaling a business and why property development is ultimately a finance business as much as a construction one.
Whether you're an experienced developer, working in construction, or looking to build your first development project, this episode offers an honest and practical perspective on the realities of delivering successful residential schemes.
In this episode, we cover:• Mark's journey from contractor to developer• Losing everything after the collapse of Carillion• Building a pipeline of more than 400 homes• Joint ventures and scaling a development business• Funding, finance and managing development risk• Construction, planning and value engineering• The UK property market and where opportunities exist• Leadership, resilience and lessons from adversity
 
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
🔔  Subscribe to The Developers Club Podcast and share this episode with your network if you’re looking to scale your development business and think more strategically about wealth creation.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, we sit down with John Walker, Head of UK and European Real Estate and Infrastructure of CT Group and former Director of Planning at Westminster City Council, to explore the realities of planning, stakeholder engagement and securing successful outcomes in property development.
 
Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of one of the UK's most influential planning authorities, John shares his perspective on how planning decisions are really made, the mistakes developers commonly make, and why understanding people is often more important than understanding policy. The conversation explores the relationship between planning, politics and community engagement, how developers can build stronger stakeholder support, and why assumptions can be one of the biggest risks in the development process.
If you are involved in property development, planning or investment, this episode provides valuable insight into how successful projects gain support, overcome challenges and achieve planning success.
 
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
🔔  Subscribe to The Developers Club Podcast and share this episode with your network if you’re looking to scale your development business and think more strategically about wealth creation.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, we sit down with Finbarr Doyle, CEO of Procurement for House Builders, to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of success in property development: procurement and delivery.
From early-stage planning through to on-site execution, Finbarr shares how developers can build certainty into their projects, avoid cost overruns, and protect timelines in an increasingly complex market.
The conversation explores how SME developers can operate with the discipline of larger housebuilders, why procurement strategy should begin far earlier than most expect, and how better systems can unlock both efficiency and margin.
If you are actively delivering projects or preparing to scale, this episode offers a clear perspective on where developments succeed or fall short.
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts🔔  Subscribe to The Developers Club Podcast and share this episode with your network if you’re looking to scale your development business and think more strategically about wealth creation.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Mark Stokes, Founder of Sustainomics Capital, about transitioning from a global corporate career into property, investing and building a long-term family legacy.
We dive into his move away from corporate life after operating across 32 countries, building a multi-asset property portfolio, and raising over £30 million in private capital. The conversation explores cash-flow strategies, scaling developments, structuring deals and the mindset required to build sustainable wealth.
Our conversation includes lessons from early mistakes, the realities of managing time and geography in property, and how to structure investments through vehicles like SSAS pensions to take control and accelerate growth. Mark shares practical insight on raising capital, building investor relationships and adapting strategy in changing markets, offering clear guidance to help you build a more resilient and scalable property business.
Whether you're an active developer, investor or building your first portfolio, this episode is packed with practical insight and long-term thinking to support your journey.
Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to The Developers Club Podcast and share this episode with your network if you’re looking to scale your development business and think more strategically about wealth creation.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Alistair Wickens, Founder of Impact Limited and a seasoned serial entrepreneur and trusted business advisor.
Alistair charts his journey from a clinical career into health technology, co-founding one of the world's top 100 health apps in the early 2000s, and how that experience shaped his evolution toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship. He reflects candidly on the pivot from profit-first thinking to building businesses where social impact is the core mission, including a modular housing venture that employed ex-offenders and tackled the UK's affordability crisis head-on.
This is a thoughtful and inspiring discussion about purpose, profit and the power of doing business differently. Alistair shares lessons learned across health tech, property development and social enterprise, offering a compelling perspective on why impact and returns are not mutually exclusive, and why finding the intersection of passion, profit and purpose is the ultimate sweet spot for any entrepreneur.
For founders and developers looking to build businesses that matter, this episode provides practical insight into purpose-led thinking, long-term resilience and why the most meaningful businesses are often the most commercially successful ones.
Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe for more conversations with experienced developers and industry leaders shaping the future of UK property development.

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson is joined by Alan Waxman, Founder and CEO of Landmass, to explore how design-led thinking, attention to detail and buyer psychology drive value in prime London property development.
With over two decades operating at the top end of the market, Alan shares how his journey evolved from buy-to-let into development, design, advisory and acquisitions, and why space quality, ceiling heights and volumetric design consistently outperform bedroom-led strategies.
The conversation spans real-world lessons from delivering high-value homes in London, navigating shifting market conditions, and why developers must increase specification and clarity of design in more challenging markets. Alan also shares practical insight into funding, deliverability and positioning schemes to stand out with increasingly discerning buyers.
In this episode, we cover:• Why quality of space matters more than bedroom numbers• Volumetric design, ceiling heights and creating drama within homes• Designing with the end buyer in mind from day one• Buyer psychology and the power of small details in driving sales• Lessons learned from both successful and difficult developments• How the prime central London market has shifted• Funding, deal structure and deliverability in tougher conditions• Why higher specification can be the right strategy in a down market
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction03:00 – Alan’s route into property and early lessons07:00 – Design-led development and volumetric thinking13:00 – Ceiling heights, light and creating value through space18:00 – Buyer psychology and the importance of detail25:00 – Market shifts in prime central London33:00 – Funding, deliverability and deal structure41:00 – Designing for today’s more discerning buyer49:00 – Alan’s outlook on the future of development53:00 – How to connect with Alan and Landmass
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development
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💬 Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk🌐 Visit: https://www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
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In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Gavin J. Gallagher, Founder of Elite Property Accelerator and a seasoned international property developer. Gavin shares his journey from architecture into large-scale property development, detailing how early planning gains led to rapid portfolio growth, followed by the hard lessons of the 2008 crash. He discusses the psychological pressure of development, lifestyle inflation, global market dynamics, and why resilience and mindset

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Michael Kiely, former Chief Planner and member of the Planning Officers Society.
With decades of experience in UK planning, Michael provides insight into housing policy, public investment, and the practicalities of delivering large-scale development. He shares advice for developers and planners on:
-How housing benefit and temporary accommodation spending could fund council housing -The importance of site knowledge and walking your patch
-Leading planning teams with a clear vision
-Balancing quality with pragmatism in project delivery
 
The discussion also explores changes in planning since the 1970s, common misconceptions about planning officers, and advice for young professionals entering the field.
 
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Michael Kiely’s career in planning
04:20 – Public investment vs. housing delivery
09:15 – Pragmatism in planning and development
15:45 – Site visits and understanding your patch
22:10 – Clear vision, leadership, and team buy-in
28:30 – Advice for young planners and developers
35:00 – Optimism for the future of planning
 
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development
 
CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB
🎧 Listen on your preferred platform:
YouTube: / @thedevelopersclub
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P6c6lc...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/thedevelop...
 
📲 Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn: / thedevelopersclub
Instagram: / thedevelopersclub.uk
TikTok: / thedevelopersclub
X (Twitter): https://x.com/_developersclub
Facebook: / thedevelopersclub.uk
💬 Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk
🌐 Visit: https://www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk
 
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
• Explore membership options and find your pathway in development
• Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Share this episode with your network • Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us
 
#TheDevelopersClubPodcast #MichaelKiely #PlanningOfficersSociety #UKPlanning #PropertyDevelopment #UKProperty #HousingInvestment #PlanningAdvice #UKRealEstate #TheDevelopersClub
 

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Stefan Canavan, Founder of Willow Isle Capital and Founding Member of The Developers Club. With over 20 projects completed, including luxury penthouses in Battersea and multiple office-to-resi conversions, Stefan brings a dual perspective as both a property developer and a financial advisor. He shares insights on funding structures, project finance strategy, and how developers can build stronger, smarter relationships with lenders. The conversation covers everything from navigating risk to scaling a finance business within property development.
 
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development
CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB
🎧 Listen on your preferred platform:
 
YouTube: / @thedevelopersclub
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P6c6lc...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/thedevelop...
📲 Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn:  / thedevelopersclub  
Instagram:   / thedevelopersclub.uk  
TikTok:   / thedevelopersclub  
X (Twitter): https://x.com/_developersclub
Facebook:   / thedevelopersclub.uk   
Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk
🌐 Visit: https://www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk
 
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
• Explore membership options and find your pathway in development
• Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030 HELP US GROW
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Share this episode with your network
• Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us
 
#TheDevelopersClubPodcast #StefanCanavan #WillowIsleCapital #UKProperty #PropertyFinance #DevelopmentFunding #RealEstateUK #PropertyDevelopment #UKRealEstate #TheDevelopersClub

In this episode of The Developers Club Podcast, host Ben Wilson speaks with Ben Beadle, CEO of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
With over 20 years in the property sector, Ben shares his journey from becoming a landlord at just 20 years old to now representing 112,000 members who collectively provide over 1 million homes across the UK. He reflects on the challenges of regulation, the realities of supply and demand, and the misconceptions surrounding landlords in today’s housing debate.
The conversation explores the evolution of the private rented sector, how policy is reshaping landlord responsibilities, and why professionalisation is key to the future of renting in the UK.
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on UK property development
 
CONNECT WITH THE DEVELOPERS CLUB• Listen on your preferred platform: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts• Follow us on social media: @thedevelopersclub → LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook• Book a discovery call: info@thedevelopersclub.co.uk• Visit: www.thedevelopersclub.co.uk
 
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY• Explore membership options and find your pathway in development• Be part of our mission to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030
 
HELP US GROW• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts• Share this episode with your network• Interested in partnering or sponsoring the show? Email us
 
#TheDevelopersClubPodcast #NRLA #BenBeadle #Landlords #UKProperty #PropertyDevelopment #PrivateRentedSector #UKRealEstate #TheDevelopersClub