Episodes

  • EP79 Thinking Outside the Box with Sam Norris
    May 21 2025

    Michael Dean is joined by Sam Norris, founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his unique approach to property finance, emphasizing creativity, efficiency, and the importance of building strong client relationships. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to navigate the evolving property market.

    Guest:

    Sam Norris is the founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance, a specialist mortgage brokerage supporting property investors and developers worldwide. With over 18 years of experience in the finance industry, Sam has built a reputation for providing creative and tailored financial solutions. He is also the host of the popular podcast Game of Loans, where he shares expert insights into property finance.


    Guest Socials:

    https://www.instagram.com/thesamnorris/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamnorris/

    https://www.youtube.com/@thesamnorris



    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

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    47 mins
  • EP78 The Power of Persistence with Sam Norris
    May 14 2025

    Michael Dean sits down with Sam Norris, founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his inspiring journey from a trainee broker to building a thriving mortgage brokerage, offering valuable insights into the property finance industry and the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges.

    Guest:

    Sam Norris is the founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance, a specialist mortgage brokerage supporting property investors and developers worldwide. With over 18 years of experience in the finance industry, Sam has built a reputation for providing creative and tailored financial solutions. He is also the host of the popular podcast Game of Loans, where he shares expert insights into property finance.

    Guest Socials:

    https://www.instagram.com/thesamnorris/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamnorris/

    https://www.youtube.com/@thesamnorris



    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

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    58 mins
  • Ep77 Specialist Finance Future with Beth Fisher
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes Beth Fisher, managing director of Media Net Publishing. Beth dives into the pivotal role of events in driving revenue, the enduring value of niche print magazines, and the evolving landscape of specialist finance. From navigating editorial integrity to predicting AI’s impact on lending, Beth offers a wealth of insights for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Tune in for a dynamic discussion on publishing, market trends, and the future of finance.

    Guest: Beth Fisher

    Guest Socials:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-fisher-10243790/

    https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/


    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

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    56 mins
  • EP76 Journalism and Specialist Finance
    Apr 30 2025

    In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Beth Fisher, the managing director of Medianett Publishing. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Beth shares her journey from journalist to leader, offering valuable insights into the world of publishing. Join Michael and Beth for a candid conversation filled with industry insights, strategic takeaways, and a look into the future of Medianett Publishing. Whether you're a seasoned publisher or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.


    Guest: Beth Fisher

    Guest Socials:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-fisher-10243790/

    https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/



    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

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    56 mins
  • EP75 Creating Value Through Adjacency
    Apr 23 2025

    In this episode, Michael Dean is joined by powerhouse duo Jack Jiggens and Ben Richards from XP Property. The pair dive into the intricacies of scaling multiple property-focused businesses under the XP brand — including developments, surveying, architecture, and social housing — with over £35 million in GDV and a growing national presence.

    From their beginnings and the evolution of their service-led business model, to overcoming market volatility and innovating in the traditionally slow-moving surveying industry, Ben and Jack share real, actionable insights on what it takes to thrive as a modern property entrepreneur.

    Guest: Ben Richards & Jack Jiggens

    Guest Socials:

    https://www.instagram.com/xpproperty/

    https://www.instagram.com/benrichards_property

    https://www.instagram.com/jiggensproperty

    https://xpproperty.co.uk/


    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

    https://www.instagram.com/avamorecapital/

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    55 mins
  • EP74 Building Resilient Business Foundations
    Apr 16 2025

    In this episode, Ben and Jack from XP Property share their inspiring journey in the property development industry. As Development Director and Land and Acquisitions Director, respectively, they reveal how their complementary skills—Ben’s technical expertise in design and construction and Jack’s prowess in sales and acquisitions—have fuelled the success of their award-winning company. The conversation explores their early days meeting through a property education platform, the challenges of crowdfunding, and their strategic shift to private investment. They also discuss outsourcing construction to manage risk and maintain flexibility, offering practical insights on scaling a property business. With a focus on transparency, trust, and mentorship, Ben and Jack provide actionable advice for aspiring developers and entrepreneurs looking to thrive in the industry.

    Guests: Ben Richards & Jack Jiggens

    Guest Socials:

    https://www.instagram.com/xpproperty/

    https://www.instagram.com/benrichards_property

    https://www.instagram.com/jiggensproperty

    https://xpproperty.co.uk/


    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

    https://www.instagram.com/avamorecapital/


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    57 mins
  • EP73 Real Estate, Resilience & The Road Ahead with Jonathan Vandermolen
    Feb 26 2025

    In this insightful episode of The Poverty Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes back Jonathan Vandermolen, a veteran estate and development agent with over 40 years of experience in London’s real estate market. Jonathan shares his perspectives on affordable housing, the evolving nature of property finance, market trends, and the challenges of running a niche real estate business. He also reflects on his career journey, the importance of relationships in business, and his personal aspirations.

    Guest: Jonathan Vandermolen

    Guest Socials: www.vandermolenre.co.uk


    Sponsored by:

    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com


    #SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation

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    44 mins
  • EP72 Surviving and Thriving in Real Estate’s Ups and Downs with Jonathan Vandermolen
    Feb 19 2025

    In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Jonathan Vandermolen, CEO of Vandermolen Real Estate, to discuss his four-decade career in the property industry. From starting in estate agency to transitioning into investment and development, Jonathan shares key insights into navigating economic cycles, distressed property opportunities, and the evolving challenges of the UK planning system. They dive into market trends, the impact of reckless lending, and the importance of building strong relationships with lenders. Whether you're an investor, developer, or property professional, this episode is packed with lessons on how to adapt, grow, and thrive in a volatile market.

    Guest: Jonathan Vandermolen

    Guest Socials: www.vandermolenre.co.uk


    Sponsored by:

    J3 Advisory

    https://j3advisory.co.uk


    Avamore Capital

    https://avamorecapital.com

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    54 mins
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