Got a cool business idea, but don't know where to begin with making it happen? This one's for you. Whether it's a passion project, side business, or something completely different from what you're doing now - most people get stuck between the 'idea' and actually doing something about it. In this episode, I'll be chatting a bit about the process of taking that business idea out of your head - without wasting money, time, or energy guessing if it'll work. Honestly? You don't need perfect timing, to know the whole picture, or lots of money. You just need the drive to test the idea. Strategy is strategy - whether it's property or products - research your customer, prove demand, then build. If you've been sitting on a business idea for months (or years), I hope this gives you the little motivation boost you need to do it, or the reality check to forget about it once and for all!  

After a decade of building an HMO portfolio in Nottingham, I made the decision to shift back to flipping properties over a year ago. The goal? Creating capital chunks to pay off our residential mortgage (our version of financial freedom) while our existing portfolio works in the background. Since then, people keep asking about my approach to flips - especially in the current market where developers are looking to diversify. What I cover in today's episode: Knowing your end buyer - Design for your specific customer so they have zero reasons not to buy Knowing your numbers - Why you need 3-6 solid comparable sales Rethinking profit margins - Why £40k in 3-4 months beats chasing 25% returns Always have Plan B - What if you can't sell? Make sure it works as a buy-to-let Balancing brand with commercial appeal - Incorporating design style without alienating buyers Using private finance strategically - Why flips work brilliantly with investors My most recent flip? Viewings booked within 5 minutes of listing. Sold within days at asking price. Whether you're starting out in property development or you're thinking about diversifying an established portfolio, this episode should hopefully give you the framework for flips that actually sell fast!  

Do you sometimes feel a bit confused about whether you should be the face of your business or stay behind the scenes? You're not alone.What even is a personal brand vs. a professional brand? In my years of working with property developers and business owners, this brand identity question trips up a lot of people, leading to wishy-washy messaging and missed opportunities. So in this solo episode, I break down the real difference between personal brands and business brands, and what might be the best approach for where you're heading. What I cover: How to figure out which brand strategy fits your business Why forcing the wrong approach leaves your audience confused (and you frustrated) How to know if you're accidentally stuck in the messy middle ground Real examples of when each approach works (and when it doesn't) The hybrid model that lets you build something scalable while staying authentic "If you create a beast, you're going to have to feed it. If you're not comfortable having your face out there, personal branding might not be for you." So if you’re a coach trying to build authority, a service provider wanting to scale, or somewhere in between, wondering if you should step forward or step back, this episode will hopefully give you the clarity you need to move forward. Because wishy-washy branding gets wishy-washy results – and you deserve better than that! Want to chat more about branding for your property business? Don't be shy: https://bee-space.co.uk/  

At 21, Theo had his whole life mapped out – until one tackle in the last 20 minutes of the season changed everything. His knee swelled up, his contract wasn't renewed, and suddenly he was out of professional football with zero backup plan. In this podcast episode, Theo shares exactly how he rebuilt from that rock-bottom moment, and eventually co-founded René House, a Nottingham-based social housing company that now turns over seven figures and employs 20 people.He gets real about what it's like to run a business with your partner, those sleepless nights when payroll is due and the bank account is looking thin, and why everyone wants the freedom of entrepreneurship but nobody talks about things like midnight phone calls from the police... What we cover:• How to start again when you have no backup plan• Why testing different jobs was the best form of business education• The truth about running a 7-figure social housing company• Building a business with your partner• His new coaching program that helps other athletes transition to business "Everything is hard. Social media sells you the dream that entrepreneurship fixes all problems, but it's just pros and cons to everything." So if you're facing a major career or life pivot at the moment, thinking about starting your own business, or just need to hear from someone who's been through the worst and came out the other side, this episode definitely delivers!Want to learn more about Theo? You can follow him on instagram here.   

It's the end of July, which means one thing if you're in the UK... the school summer holidays are here!And if you're a self-employed parent (like me!), you know exactly what that means: your routine is shot, but your business just doesn't stop. In this honest solo episode, I break down my realistic approach to surviving the 6 weeks of summer holidays without losing your sanity or letting your business slide. I'll cover: Why you need to be brutally realistic about what's possible The 'golden hour' method, and how to find your one protected work hour each day Self-systemisation that works  Building your support system and the power of 'kid swaps' Why communication with your team is non-negotiable Making yourself a priority (yes, even during school holidays) Dealing with mum guilt and the pressure to be superhuman "There's no magic pill to make this easier. It's tough. Your business doesn't stop, but your children need you. But here's the thing - if you've built something authentic, it's not going to die overnight in six weeks." Whether you're dreading the next few weeks (or maybe you're already in the thick of it?), this episode will hopefully offer practical strategies and honest perspective from someone who gets it. No perfect scenarios, no unrealistic expectations. This episode is perfect for: self-employed parents and mothers, business owners with kids, and anyone trying to balance family life with business demands during school holidays.  

Got years of industry experience but still hiding in the background? It's time for some tough love. While you're staying comfortable in your expertise, people are making terrible decisions because they're learning from the wrong voices.The loudest people aren't always the most qualified, and your silence can often be a big part of the problem. In this episode, Jade sits down with Tiffany Brierley, co-founder of René House CIC, who has over seven years of frontline experience in the supported accommodation sector, watching unqualified people sell courses while the real experts stay quiet. The turning point? Realising that hiding her hard-earned knowledge while others dominated the conversation was harming the industry. Tiffany went from someone who absolutely 'hated being on Instagram' and avoided any form of spotlight, to launching her own coaching program and positioning herself as a voice for change in her industry. But, as always, this didn't happen overnight, and it required facing some uncomfortable truths about responsibility. In this episode, Jade and Tiffany speak about: How Tiffany 'accidentally' fell into supported accommodation Why expertise without visibility serves absolutely no one The real cost of staying in your comfort zone  How business coaching can shift you from expert to industry leader Why the most qualified people often resist the spotlight the most The ripple effect when one expert finally speaks up How to build authority even when you hate self-promotion "Your expertise isn't yours to hoard - it comes with responsibility. While you're waiting to feel ready, people who need your help are making decisions based on advice from people who've never done what you do every day." Whether you're an industry veteran watching newcomers get all the attention, or you've been putting off building your authority because it feels 'salesy', or against everything you are, this episode will challenge everything you think about building expertise and putting yourself (and your business) out there.  Because here's the uncomfortable truth: every day you stay quiet is another day the wrong voices dominate your industry. Ready to step into your voice and build the business you know you're capable of? Want to speak with Jade about business coaching? Get in touch to explore how the right support can accelerate you from expert to industry leader. https://bee-space.co.uk/

Business decisions keeping you up at night? It's time to face them head-on. Whether it's hiring, firing, selling, staying put, or changing direction entirely, we all reach those moments where we know we have to make the call, but we can't help putting it off. Drawing from her recent mentoring sessions where she's seen the same pattern repeatedly, Jade breaks down why these decisions drain our energy, steal our focus, and keep us completely stuck. What Jade speaks about: • Why the answer is usually already there (and why we ignore it)• How to dig deep and trust your instincts when logic isn't enough• Why finding your 'why' is crucial to the decision making process• The importance of building a trusted network of people who've been there before• When putting yourself first isn't selfish - it's necessary for your business• Why businesses naturally evolve, and how that's exactly how it should be "Sometimes you have to be strong enough to say 'things as they are aren't making me happy anymore' and choose yourself. Because remember why you started building something in the first place? It was for YOU." Whether you're facing team changes, business pivots, or major strategic decisions, this episode offers the honest guidance you need to stop procrastinating and start moving forward. No hype, no fluff - just the reality of making tough calls when everything feels uncertain.

When a building fails at auction four times, most people walk away – but not Josh Berry. In today’s podcast episode, Josh shares his unconventional journey from estate agent life to developing a £1M food hall project in Denton, Manchester. After valuing 400+ properties and learning the business inside out, Josh made the leap with a £50k credit card renovation that changed everything. What we cover: Why his food hall building failed auction four times (and why that was actually perfect) The tranche funding strategy that secured £1M without personal guarantees How councils are embracing food halls as ‘social incubators’ for forgotten towns Planning applications that sailed through in 6 weeks (and why the council loved it) The business model that charges vendors a percentage of revenue, not rent Why Josh deleted his personal Instagram and started fresh with business content His brutal honest take on property social media (spoiler: most of it's crap) Handling public backlash when your development gets attacked on Facebook The ‘third space' concept and why food halls are the future of community building "There's only so many mahogany boxes and half-finished refurbs I can look at. It's a combination of being boring and completely wrong and misleading." Josh proves that successful property development isn't about having the most money or the best tools (he's banned from touching anything on-site). It's about spotting opportunities others miss, understanding your market, and creating spaces that genuinely serve communities. Whether you're interested in commercial development, community-focused business models, or just want to hear from someone doing property differently, this episode delivers the honest insights you won't find anywhere else. No hype, no fluff, just the reality of building something meaningful from nothing.  

In this candid solo episode, Jade opens up about a topic that's affecting more business owners than we realise, burnout. After experiencing severe burnout herself back in 2017, Jade shares the warning signs she missed and the practical strategies that helped her recover and create more sustainable systems. When you're in the thick of juggling multiple businesses, client demands, and personal responsibilities, the line between 'busy' and 'burnt out' can blur dangerously fast. Jade breaks down how to recognise when you're approaching that line before hitting crisis point. This episode covers:• The hidden warning signs of burnout that everyone can miss• Why traditional time management advice often fails business owners• How to create communication boundaries that protect your energy• The link between multiple channels of communication and anxiety• Practical systems for taking back control of your schedule• Why self-comparison on social media only accelerates burnout• Creating a trusted talking space with people who understand If you're currently feeling the pressure or want to prevent future burnout cycles, this episode offers honest insights and actionable strategies for building a more sustainable approach to entrepreneurship. "Nothing lasts forever - this feeling won't last forever, and there are ways to support yourself through it."  

In this solo episode of The BEESPACE Podcast, Jade pulls back the curtain on the raw, honest conversations happening inside her Business & Property Mastermind program. From cash-flow struggles and the loneliness of business ownership, to knowing when to sell assets and exit a business, Jade shares the unfiltered realities that a lot of successful business owners out there face, but rarely discuss publicly. She offers a glimpse into the Elevate to Eight mastermind community – from commercial property developers and hotel owners to tech entrepreneurs and agency founders – all united in their goal to build multiple income streams. Jade doesn't hold back about the importance of creating your own ‘truth zone’ with a small circle of trusted people who understand your journey, the challenge of making tough decisions when you're at the top, and why sometimes letting go of businesses or assets is the bravest move you can make. If you're tired of all the highlight reels and want the real deal on what it takes to juggle multiple businesses successfully, this episode strips away the facade and delivers the no-BS conversations you NEED to hear. Ready to join a community of forward-thinking business owners who keep it real? Learn more about the Elevate to Eight Mastermind or connect with Jade directly through Instagram.

In this episode of The Beespace Podcast, host Jade McNeil sits down with special guest Andy Graham, a property developer and entrepreneur who shares his journey from physiotherapist to successful property developer! From a life-changing thyroid cancer diagnosis at 26 that pushed him to take bigger risks, to building a diverse business portfolio spanning HMOs, developments, and a leading online education platform, Andy shares how he transformed his property passion into multiple thriving businesses. We talk about the realities of property development through his company Arcvelop, discussing the genuine risks involved, the challenges of raising finance, and why developers deserve their profits. Andy also shares insights into his online community, 'The HMO Roadmap', which has grown to nearly 10,000 members and offers structured education for property investors. As it often does on this podcast, the conversation takes a more personal turn as Andy opens up about becoming a father and how it's reshaped his business priorities, why building freedom and flexibility was crucial before starting a family, and the unexpected business growth that came from stepping back. Interested to learn more about Andy and his work? Then don't forget to give him a follow on Instagram after tuning in: https://www.instagram.com/andygraham.hmo/?hl=en  

In this special 1st-anniversary episode of The BEESPACE Podcast, we're joined by Dale Wild, founder of Landlord Furniture Co., and our lovely podcast sponsor. From his military background to surviving an arson attack that could have ended everything, Dale shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he built Landlord Furniture Co. from nothing into the leading property furniture powerhouse it is today. We talk through the early days of driving delivery vans and working 97-hour weeks, the pivotal moment that transformed his business model, and how finding the right niche changed everything. Dale doesn't hold back about the challenges of scaling a furniture business while maintaining the exceptional service that's become their hallmark. Dale also offers rare insights into working with his wife Lisa in the business, how they've navigated the UK's property market shifts, and why doing exactly what you say you're going to do remains his simple but revolutionary business philosophy. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering this podcast, this conversation with Dale exemplifies everything The BEESPACE Podcast stands for – honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing!  

In this episode of The BEESPACE Podcast, we're joined by Charlene Turkington from BUNKR, a Northern Ireland-based interior design studio transforming Belfast's rental landscape with unapologetically bold designs. From flipping houses in Yorkshire while juggling a newborn, to launching a design-led business that's challenging every beige property in Belfast's rental scene, Charlene shares how she turned her property obsession into a design career. We discuss the mediocre state of Northern Ireland's rental market (spoiler –  IKEA just isn't cutting it), why design-forward properties consistently trigger incredible reactions, and how Charlene's tile addiction signals a new era for Belfast. Charlene also doesn't hold back about the political realities of Northern Ireland's planning system, the struggles of managing property remotely during COVID, and why her technical architecture background gives her an edge in a market desperately needing disruption. Want to see Charlene's vision come to life? Follow BUNKR on Instagram at @_bunkr and watch Belfast's rental revolution unfold in real time!  

Today we're joined by Charlotte from Roost, an interior design studio transforming the face of property development. From humble DIY beginnings on Instagram to running a thriving design agency, Charlotte shares how she's built a business that's reshaping how developers think about design. We talk about what makes HMO design work (and what definitely doesn't), why good design consistently delivers better returns, and how networking - even as an introvert - has been crucial to Roost's growth. Charlotte opens up about the realities of dealing with copycats, working with contractors, and the vital role mentorship has played in scaling her business. Whether you're a developer looking to improve the look of your projects or a creative wanting to build your own agency, this episode is packed full with insights on turning design talent into business success!Want to learn more about Charlotte and her work at Roost? Visit her website here: https://www.roost.co.uk/ or follow her on Instagram.  

In this episode of The Beespace Podcast, Jade catches up with her good friend Craig Sullivan (aka. The Property Apprentice) for a seriously meaty chat about what's really going on in the property world right now, especially when it comes to landlord rights. Craig drops some major truth bombs about:• The Renters' Rights Bill and why it's freaking everyone out (spoiler: it's worse than we thought!)• Why he's deliberately pumped the brakes on his development projects lately• His mission to shake up the NRLA and why he's calling out Ben Beadle• The real deal about running student properties in 2025 and beyond• His brilliant 3-bucket strategy for landlords needing to pivot their portfolios He'll also share:• The cold hard facts about why small landlords are being pushed out• His plan to get landlords' voices heard (including a cheeky protest in Westminster!)• Why the student accommodation game is changing forever• The scary truth about what these changes mean for property values and lending• Why the NRLA needs to step up their game - like, yesterday This is a must-listen for anyone with property investments, especially in the student market. Craig and Jade don't just talk about the problems – they get into the nitty-gritty of what landlords can actually DO about it all. It's not all doom and gloom though, there's plenty of laughs along the way as they share their unfiltered thoughts on everything from dodgy Instagram "property gurus" to why floating around on a rubber ring definitely isn't the reality of being a landlord! Want to join Craig's mission to get landlords' voices heard? Find him on Instagram @property_apprentice where he's leading the charge for positive change in the industry.  

In this episode of The BEESPACE Podcast, Jade sits down with property developer Shally Singh, who shares her journey from working seven-day retail weeks to building a thriving property business in the heart of Bristol. Shally opens up about her transition from Laura Ashley's merchandising department to property development, driven by the desire to support her family back in India.Together with her husband, they made the bold decision to convert their family home into their first HMO – a move that raised eyebrows but set the foundation for their future success. Now managing multiple development projects including pub conversions, service apartments, and property flips, Shally has achieved an impressive £3M GDV in the past year alone. She shares her strategies for raising private finance, often securing funding within 24 hours from her trusted network of investors. The conversation covers Shally's practical approach to property development, her eye for design that's added significant value to projects, and how she manages it all while raising two young children – including a 10-month-old baby. Her motto? "Just get on with it!" Looking ahead, Shally reveals her plans to launch an interior design service for property developers, born from her success in achieving premium values through thoughtful, end-user-focused design. This episode is packed full of practical insights for anyone looking to build a property portfolio, raise private finance, or balance family life with business growth. You can connect with Shally on Instagram @isteni_designandbuild or learn more about working with Jade at bee-space.co.uk.

Happy New Year!In our first episode of 2025, Jade reunites with Saam Lowni to chat about their recently announced venture – Elevate To Eight, an exciting business and property mastermind program launching in London this year. Together, they share their vision for creating this unique mastermind experience, which will kick off at the iconic Hoxton Hotel in London's vibrant Shoreditch district.  Saam shares his connections to East London and why this location perfectly embodies their mission to blend serious business growth with an edgy, creative, and inspiring atmosphere. Elevate To Eight aims to help members reach eight-figure success through multiple income streams, combining property investment with scalable business ventures. The program's comprehensive approach, including access to industry experts, meet-ups, and a strong network that can accelerate growth for both property investors and business owners, are all discussed. Saam and Jade openly address the changing property landscape, acknowledging that success in 2025 requires a more diversified approach than traditional property investment alone. They share insights from their own journeys of building multiple businesses from scratch and their commitment to authentic, no-BS mentoring. So, ready to scale beyond single-stream income and want to join a community of ambitious, like-minded entrepreneurs in 2025? You are invited to join Jade and Saam for their kick-off workshop at The Hoxton Shoreditch on January 24th 2025, or learn more about the Elevate To Eight mastermind program through the links below:https://elevate-to-eight.webflow.io/

In this solo episode, Jade offers a reflective year-end review as 2024 comes to a close. She reflects on her personal and professional growth throughout 2024, sharing valuable lessons from both triumphs and challenges. She discusses her journey in property development, including navigating complex projects like BEE21 and RUBEE33, and the importance of strategic thinking and resilience. Jade also highlights the revitalization of her consultancy brand and her experience launching a podcast while optimizing customer journeys and services. On a personal note, Jade shares milestones such as pursuing equestrian dreams, balancing business with passion, and transforming a long-awaited equestrian facility. She discusses the joy of family holidays and the importance of time management in balancing multiple ventures, including a growing family business and future goals like writing a book. Looking ahead to 2025, Jade emphasizes the power of collaboration, protecting her time, and working with great people as key priorities for the future. This episode offers a mix of heartfelt reflections, strategic insights, and inspiration for anyone looking to align their professional ambitions with personal goals in the new year.

In this episode of The Beespace Podcast, Jade sits down with Tracey, founder of Pocket Watch Assistant, to explore how virtual assistance can transform property management and business operations. Tracey shares her journey from corporate burnout to successful entrepreneur, growing Pocket Watch from just 4 client hours per week to a thriving business with 12 virtual assistants serving 23 clients across 400+ monthly hours.The conversation goes into essential business systems like Coho and Click Up, while exploring the key differences between UK-based and overseas virtual assistants, and how to effectively delegate and systemise your business. Together, they discuss service tiers, managing client expectations, and Tracey's own path to achieving work-life flexibility – including running her business while traveling Europe in a campervan with her family. The episode offers practical advice for both established business owners and those considering virtual support for the first time. This is essential listening for property investors, developers, landlords, and business owners looking to scale their operations through effective delegation and robust systems. Looking to streamline your property business or get virtual support? Connect with Tracey over at Pocket Watch Assistant on Instagram @pocketwatchassistant or learn more about working with Jade on her mentoring program at bee-space.co.uk

In this episode of The Beespace Podcast, Jade sits down with Saam Lowni, an experienced property professional and Founder of Merryoaks Property Finance, to discuss the current state of the UK property market and investment landscape. Together, they explore: The evolution of the property market since 2015 The recent challenges of property investment and development Impact of political changes and Labour government policies on property investors Changes in buy-to-let lending and property valuations The future of HMOs and student accommodation Upcoming rental market reforms for 2025 and their implications Effects of global political changes, including Trump's re-election Strategies for surviving and thriving in challenging market conditions As well as covering all of these hot topics, Saam also shares his journey from estate agent to property investor, developer, and finance broker, offering valuable insights on: Building a diverse property portfolio across the UK The importance of treating property as a business Why multiple income streams are crucial in today's market The advantages of staying invested in the UK market despite challenges Long-term versus short-term property investment strategies This is a packed episode, and is essential listening for both existing portfolio owners and those considering entering the property market. Saam and Jade offer a balanced perspective on current challenges while highlighting opportunities that still exist out there for strategic investors. Looking to grow your property portfolio or start your investment journey? Learn more about working with Jade at Beespace - A Design-led Creative Property Company or Saam at Merryoaks Property Finance: sam@merryoaks.com