Episodios

  • Beyond the Bottom Line: Stories’ People First Approach

    Beyond the Bottom Line: Stories’ People First Approach
    Jul 17 2025
    “At Stories, we focus on development that puts people first. It is a serious commitment that shapes how we think, how we partner, and how we deliver.”Paul Clark and James Scott, two of the three co-founders of Stories, share how they build meaningful places through purpose-driven partnerships, place-specific responses and a long-term commitment to community value.With £100 million in patient capital, they partner with aligned landowners and institutions to deliver socially grounded, commercially viable schemes.They work through a very iterative framework, the Four Question Framework for wider key stakeholders:1. Does it work? Outcomes across community benefit, commercial performance and ESG.2. Do we love it? A check for design integrity, emotional resonance and ambition.3. Can we afford it? Funding structures that support the vision without compromise.4. Can we deliver it? The right governance, procurement and people to make it happen.From a homelessness hub in Westminster to a 10-acre town centre renewal in Frome, each project begins with a clear sense of why. That question anchors the process in purpose, brings teams into alignment, and keeps outcomes focused on what matters, beyond just the red line boundary.Their legal infrastructure supports this ethos. Stories use relational contracts, structures built on trust, not transactions. They formalise transparency, hold space for unexpected outcomes, and create the conditions for shared success. In a system where public and private interests often speak different languages, this approach builds a common one.What emerges is not a fixed blueprint, but a way of working – clear, intentional, and grounded in purpose. One that draws in like-minded partners, attracts talent, and allows complex projects to move forward with confidence and care.About the Guests:Paul Clark has a background in planning and development and a career spanning public, private, and third-sector roles. Paul has consistently focused on aligning commercial development with long-term social value. At Stories, he leads on strategy, partnerships, and governance - helping to shape projects that prioritise fairness, sustainability, and genuine community benefit. His approach blends deep industry knowledge with a commitment to collaboration and ethical practice in the built environment.James Scott studied engineering before joining the founding team at The Collective straight out of university, helping to grow the business from house-shares to large-scale purpose built co-living schemes. He co-founded Stories to prove development could fulfil a wider responsibility to people and place. He now leads on company strategy and operations, and is delivering several of Stories’ projects, aligning capital with community outcomes that last.Episode Chapters(00:00) - Introduction to ESG and Stories (02:36) - Personal Journeys into Real Estate (13:22) - Career Overviews and Influences (22:22) - Understanding Stories: A Purpose-Driven Approach(26:21) - The Fluidity of Development: Adapting to Local Needs(27:35) - The Importance of Reflection in Development (29:02) - Capturing the Magic: Intangibles in Development(29:55) - Navigating Financial and Delivery Challenges (32:44) - Intentionality in Leadership and Partnerships (34:48) - Building Relationships Through Word of Mouth (36:23) - Leadership Beyond the Developer (38:46) - The Concept of Relational Contracts (45:33) - Authenticity and Continuous LearningFurther Resources:Stories beyond the bottom line – creating meaningful places blog: https://www.stories.partners/post/beyond-the-bottom-line-creating-meaningful-places Stories Project Portfolio: https://www.stories.partners/projects Start with Why by Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/ How Big Things Get Done: https://sites.prh.com/how-big-things-get-done-book
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    55 m
  • Social Impact Investor of the Year: How Oparo Social Delivers Supported Housing at Scale

    Social Impact Investor of the Year: How Oparo Social Delivers Supported Housing at Scale
    Jun 18 2025

    Toby Wilde, founder of Oparo Social, joins Adam Hinds to discuss how a data-led investment model is delivering long-term supported housing that serves residents, investors and public services alike.

    Named Social Impact Investor of the Year 2024 at the UK Finance Awards by SME News, Oparo Social operates as a dedicated brand within Oparo Group, the UK’s first algorithm-led real estate investment company. The Group’s proprietary technology identifies undervalued or overlooked real estate assets. Oparo Social then partners with housing associations and local authorities to convert those assets into stable, well-managed homes for people facing homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction recovery or neurodiversity.

    To date, Oparo Social has delivered more than 135 supported homes. These schemes are structured through long-term Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) leases aligned with Local Housing Allowance. The company has also secured institutional funding to deliver £500 million of housing, alongside mandates for hundreds more supported accommodation places.

    This episode explores how the model has been built to scale. It covers the use of repeatable delivery, consistent design standards and remote asset management. It also explains why psychologically informed design and operational efficiency are central to improving outcomes. Toby reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons from PropTech, early missteps, and the values that continue to shape how Oparo operates.


    About Toby Wilde and Oparo

    Toby Wilde is the founder of Oparo Group, Oparo Social and a founding partner of Sprift.com. He comes from the Milne family, known for delivering thousands of homes across the Thames Valley, particularly in supported, sheltered and retirement living. His family also founded one of the UK’s first regulated real estate funds under the 1980s BES scheme.

    Toby began his career in development and consultancy before helping build Sprift into one of the UK’s most widely used property data platforms. In 2019, he launched Oparo Group to apply data and technology to real estate investment. Oparo Social is the part of the business focused on supported housing, using the Group’s infrastructure to source, deliver and manage homes across the UK. Toby is a regular speaker on PropTech and social investment, and has volunteered with Ruskin Mill Trust and the Sophie Hayes Foundation.


    Episode Chapters


    00:00 – Introduction to Toby Wilde and Oparo Group
    01:27 – Toby’s journey into real estate
    05:33 – Career pathway and lessons from PropTech
    12:09 – The origins and mission of Oparo Social
    16:42 – How data and tech are applied to supported housing
    20:33 – Building infrastructure to manage distributed assets
    24:23 – Enhancing resident experience through design and remote monitoring
    29:09 – Designing for psychological wellbeing and stability
    32:43 – Balancing profit, purpose and public-sector value
    37:40 – The importance of resilience, character and long-term thinking
    40:55 – Why connection and community are essential to impact


    Why This Episode Matters


    With local authorities under pressure and supported housing in short supply, this episode offers a practical look at how private-sector models can contribute to public outcomes. Oparo Social’s approach shows that investor-backed housing can align with social needs without compromising on quality, consistency or returns.
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    43 m
  • Creating Social Cities: How Noiascape is Reinventing Urban Living

    Creating Social Cities: How Noiascape is Reinventing Urban Living
    Mar 27 2025

    Hello, hello, hello! In this episode of The ESG in Property Podcast, Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe, co-founders of LifeProven, speak with visionary brothers Tom and James Teatum, founders of Noiascape—a London-based developer and operator dedicated to redefining modern urban living. Noiascape thoughtfully integrates private spaces with communal areas to foster meaningful social interactions, resulting in significant demand and waiting lists of up to two years for their developments. Listen in as we discuss how Noiascape is reshaping residential spaces, promoting genuine community connections, and thoughtfully responding to the changing lifestyles of urban dwellers.


    Episode Overview:

    Tom and James Teatum share their distinctive philosophy of urban living, highlighting the importance of blending personal spaces with communal interaction to build vibrant communities. Drawing from their manifesto and practical experience, they explain how thoughtful architectural design and operational management are central to their developments' success.


    About Our Guests:

    Tom and James Teatum transitioned from careers in architecture to becoming developers and operators after recognising the limitations of conventional residential offerings. Influenced by their family's construction background and inspired by renowned architects like Richard Rogers, they founded Noiascape with a clear ambition: to create thoughtfully designed living environments that facilitate authentic connections and cultural experiences. Their approach prioritises design excellence and meaningful operational management, setting a new standard for urban residential spaces.


    Key Topics Explored:

    • Philosophy of Space and Connection: Tom and James share their belief that cities thrive on interactions happening in the spaces between buildings. They discuss Noiascape's practical strategies to encourage spontaneous social engagement and stronger community ties.

    • Enabling Cultural Expression: Discover how Noiascape actively integrates cultural activities into their developments, supporting emerging artists and enriching community life through events, exhibitions, and creative opportunities.

    • Environmental Approach in Practice: The conversation covers Noiascape's practical environmental strategies, including high-performance insulation, renewable energy systems, and intelligent technology designed to reduce energy consumption through everyday living rituals.

    • Operational Excellence and Future Vision: Tom and James discuss how strategic investment in operational experiences directly impacts resident satisfaction and retention. They outline their plans to scale their innovative approach beyond London, emphasising the importance of collaboration with investment partners who align with their values and vision for community-focused urban development.


    Join Us & Learn More:

    Tune in to discover Noiascape’s distinctive model and their thoughtful response to contemporary urban housing challenges. Essential listening for anyone interested in innovative real estate development, community-building strategies, and the future of city living. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of the vision behind Noiascape.
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    58 m
  • Dare to Differentiate: Lessons in Creative Development from HUB’s Robert Sloss

    Dare to Differentiate: Lessons in Creative Development from HUB’s Robert Sloss
    Feb 27 2025

    How do you transform underused sites into thriving, sustainable communities? In this episode of The ESG in Property Podcast, Robert Sloss, CEO of HUB, joins Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe to discuss HUB’s approach to Build to-Rent co-living, urban regeneration, and long-term investment. He shares insights on navigating market cycles, unlocking challenging sites, and delivering high-quality homes that create lasting social impact.


    Topics Covered in This Episode


    1. Lessons from Market Cycles:

    • How the early ‘90s property downturn shaped Robert’s approach to long-term development

    • The impact of interest rates and economic shifts on real estate

    • Why developers need to think beyond short-term market trends


    2. Regeneration, Investment, and Development Strategy:

    • HUB’s approach to town centre regeneration and working with local stakeholders

    • The benefits and challenges of converting office buildings into residential homes, as seen in Cornerstone at the Barbican

    • Why HUB is investing in cross-laminated timber (CLT) for office buildings, including at One Maidenhead

    • The role of Build-to-Rent and co-living in modern urban housing, as demonstrated by Queen’s Quarter in Croydon, Latitude in Leeds, and Pines Way in Bath


    3. Sustainability and the People, Planet, Progress Framework:

    • How HUB integrates long-term sustainability targets into its developments

    • The challenge of balancing investment returns with social and environmental responsibility

    • How HUB measures success beyond financial returns


    4. Team Culture and Governance:

    • Why HUB prioritises a small, highly skilled team over a significant headcount

    • The impact of employee ownership and internal talent development

    • How HUB stays big enough to make a difference but agile enough to innovate


    Why This Episode Matters?

    This episode provides a first-hand look at how HUB delivers housing in city centres while navigating market cycles, sustainability targets, and investment challenges. Robert shares real-world insights into urban regeneration, placemaking, and the future of real estate, making this a must-listen for investors, developers, and ESG professionals.


    About Robert Sloss and HUB


    Robert Sloss is co-founder and CEO of HUB, a progressive, living-led developer focused on transformative housing and regeneration projects in city centres. Since launching in 2012, HUB has completed or is developing over 9,000 homes across the UK, working in partnership with institutional investors, local authorities, and housing associations.


    HUB is recognised for delivering high-quality mid-market Build-to-Rent and co-living schemes, often unlocking complex or stalled sites. The company led one of London’s first institutionally backed BTR schemes and continues undertaking ambitious regeneration projects. Their developments range from large-scale urban housing to the redevelopment of former commercial and industrial sites, always emphasising social value and placemaking.


    Recent projects include:


    • One Maidenhead – A town centre regeneration delivering new homes, public spaces, and commercial use.

    • Queen’s Quarter (Croydon) – A Build-to-Rent scheme featuring a community-led redesign of a public park.

    • Cornerstone (Barbican, London) – The conversion of a 70-year-old office building into co-living accommodation.

    • Latitude (Leeds) – A 951-home BTR project transforming underused industrial land.

    • Pines Way (Bath) – Redeveloping a 4.5-acre brownfield site adjacent to Bath city centre.
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    42 m
  • Embodied Carbon, Green Leases & Stakeholder Engagement: Lessons from Stanhopes Sustainability Journey

    Embodied Carbon, Green Leases & Stakeholder Engagement: Lessons from Stanhopes Sustainability Journey
    Jan 30 2025

    How do leading developers like Stanhope tackle climate risks, reduce carbon emissions, and implement effective ESG strategies?

    In this episode of The ESG in Property Podcast, Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe MRICs speak with Nils Rage, Head of ESG at Stanhope PLC, a developer responsible for over £40 billion in real estate assets and £4 billion under management.

    About Nils Rage:

    Nils shares how he has built a comprehensive ESG framework at Stanhope, integrating sustainability into every stage of the property lifecycle—from pre-acquisition to design, construction, and ongoing operations.

    With extensive expertise in real estate development and asset management, he explains how ESG is transforming the sector and delivering commercial, social, and environmental value.

    Key Discussion Points: Climate Resilience in Property: Nils breaks down how Stanhope addresses major risks like flooding, heat stress, and water scarcity. He also discusses the importance of working with insurers to understand physical risks and maintain long-term asset insurability.

    Decarbonisation in Practice: Learn how Stanhope sets and enforces embodied carbon targets by trade package, reducing emissions without additional costs or delays. Nils highlights how these practices align with CREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) decarbonisation pathways.

    Tenant Engagement and Green Leases: Nils explains Stanhope’s approach to collaborating with occupiers, implementing green lease clauses, and using smart building technology to optimise energy use. These efforts have delivered an 18% reduction in energy consumption across their office portfolio in just one year.

    Social Value Strategies: Discover how Stanhope tailors social impact initiatives to local needs, addressing issues such as cost-of-living challenges, biodiversity loss, and inclusive economic growth.


    Episode Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to ESG in Real Estate

    07:07 Nils Rage's Journey and Career Path

    13:46 The Evolution of Nils' Role at Stanhope

    20:53 Understanding ESG-Related Risks

    30:06 Climate Resilience and Its Importance

    32:29 Navigating Climate Risk and Insurance

    35:38 Understanding Heat Stress in Buildings

    38:21 Implementing Sustainable Strategies in Construction

    44:10 Engaging with Subcontractors for Sustainability

    50:26 The Role of AI in Real Estate

    53:39 Decarbonization and Tenant Engagement


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    Subscribe, share, and review the podcast to stay updated on the latest in ESG and property development.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • The Founder of ESG: How a Team of Renegades Defined Responsible Investment

    The Founder of ESG: How a Team of Renegades Defined Responsible Investment
    Jan 16 2025

    Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe welcome Paul Clements-Hunt on the ESG in Property Podcast, the visionary who transformed global finance with three simple letters. His remarkable journey from tabloid journalism to coining ESG and the Principles for Responsible Investment offers a fascinating glimpse into how sustainable finance evolved into a £121 trillion movement.

    Over three decades, Paul has shaped how global investment thinks and acts. What began as a planned two-year stint at the United Nations evolved into a transformative 12-year journey that would revolutionise investment thinking. As a self-described "left-leaning greenie but card-carrying capitalist," Paul and his team of "bright, off-reservation renegades" created ESG and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

    Today, as Managing Partner of The Blended Capital Group and Strategic Advisor at Mishcon de Reya, he continues to shape the future of sustainable investment. The ecosystem he catalysed now includes more than 6,000 institutions and 112 stock exchanges backing UN principles and partnerships.

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    1 h y 5 m
  • Growing Places: The Innovative Development Strategy Shaping Communities

    Growing Places: The Innovative Development Strategy Shaping Communities
    Nov 27 2024

    In this episode of the ESG in Property Podcast, host Adam Hinds explores a transformative approach to property development with Tom Larsson, the innovative founder of Grow Places.

    About Tom Larsson and Grow Places:

    Tom Larsson brings over a decade of experience in leading complex urban developments. After training as an architect and working with leading London practices, he spent ten years at Stanhope PLC, where he rose to become Head of Design and Development Director. During his tenure, he led major London projects including the landmark Television Centre redevelopment in White City, transforming the former BBC headquarters into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

    In 2021, Tom founded Grow Places to pioneer a different approach to property development, one focused on evolution rather than revolution. Drawing from his architectural background and extensive development experience, Tom's vision centres on improving quality of life through thoughtful, community-focused real estate development.

    Key Discussion Points:

    • Evolution Over Revolution: Why respecting existing communities creates better development outcomes
    • Data-Driven Development: Using demographic and socio-economic analysis to shape project decisions
    • Stakeholder Trust: Building transparency into every stage of development
    • Mixed-Use Innovation: Creating resilient developments that serve diverse community needs
    • Future-Focused Design: Planning for generational impact
    • Community Engagement: Practical approaches to building lasting relationships
    • Risk Management: How transparency reduces project risk
    • Value Creation: The commercial benefits of community-focused development
    • Long-term Vision: Building for both current and future generations
    • Real-world Application: Insights from the Truman Brewery redevelopment

    Tom shares insights from current projects, including the Truman Brewery redevelopment in East London, where Grow Places works with institutional investors, private landowners like Truman Estates, and charities to deliver sustainable urban regeneration.

    Episode Chapters:

    (00:00) - Introduction to ESG in Property Podcast

    (01:39) - Understanding Stakeholders in Real Estate

    (04:35) - Tom Larsson's Journey into Real Estate

    (10:04) - Founding Grow Places: A New Approach

    (15:33) - The Concept of Place Growing vs Place Making

    (17:44) - The Purpose Behind the Manifesto

    (39:20) - Quality of Life and Community Impact

    (42:11) - Long-Term Vision and Stakeholder Engagement

    (44:49) - Operational Success and Community Empowerment

    sustainable development, property development, real estate investment, urban planning, community engagement, stakeholder management, mixed-use development, quality of life, urban regeneration, sustainable real estate, property management, development strategy, ESG in real estate, sustainable urban development, Truman Brewery redevelopment
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    50 m
  • ESG as an Investment Tool: How Wealth Managers Evaluate Real Estate

    ESG as an Investment Tool: How Wealth Managers Evaluate Real Estate
    Nov 14 2024

    Discover how institutional investors are reshaping property investment through the lens of ESG ⁠Paris Jordan⁠, Head of Responsible Investing at ⁠Charles Stanley⁠ and Co-Founder of ⁠VirtuVest.⁠

    Join us as we explore practical insights from one of the UK's most influential voices in sustainable investment. Named in Financial News Rising Stars of Europe Finance 2024 and managing portfolios within Charles Stanley's £35 billion asset base, Paris shares her expertise on evolving property investment strategies post-Brexit and COVID-19.

    Key Insights:

    • Understanding ESG fundamentals: Risk assessment tools vs sustainability strategies
    • Market evolution: Post-Brexit and COVID-19 impact on property investments
    • Data visualisation: Transforming ESG metrics into actionable insights
    • Regulatory landscape: Implementing FCA's sustainable labels and anti-greenwashing rules
    • Performance measurement: Developing effective sustainable investment KPIs
    • Stakeholder engagement: Communication strategies across different audiences


    Chapters:

    (00:00) - Introduction to ESG in Property

    (01:48) - Paris Jordan's Journey into Responsible Investing

    (07:01) - Understanding Charles Stanley and Responsible Investment

    (10:20) - The Role of Property in Investment Portfolios

    (16:16) - Challenges and Opportunities in Property Investment

    (23:03) - Evaluating Property Investments: Criteria and Standards

    (28:47) - The Importance of Storytelling in Investment Communication

    (34:37) - Stakeholder Engagement and Investment Value

    (40:18) - Navigating ESG Definitions and Reporting Standards

    (47:32) - The Future of KPIs in Sustainable Investment

    (54:32) - ESG vs Sustainability: Understanding the Terminology

    Featured Guest: Paris Jordan

    • Head of Responsible Investing, Charles Stanley
    • Co-Founder, VirtuVest
    • Member, ⁠Advisers’ Sustainability Group⁠
    • ⁠Financial News Rising Stars of Europe Finance 2024⁠
    • Top 100 Wealth Managers 2023
    • Best Sustainable Investment Fund Manager 2023

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    #ESG #ResponsibleInvesting #PropertyInvestment #Sustainability #WealthManagement #RealEstate
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    1 h