Fisher German Talks

Artificial intelligence is being hailed as the solution to almost every problem facing the UK planning system. But what if the most disruptive technology of our generation is also one of the most misunderstood? Recorded on the back of our Future Proofing London thought leadership report, host Stuart Flint sits down with three experts to explore what a truly smart city looks like and why getting there will require as much caution as ambition. Joining Stuart are Sam Fowles, barrister specialising in planning, judicial review and data protection law; Scott O'Dell, planning consultant and partner at Fisher German; and Patrick Cousins, board director at integrated communications agency PLMR, who leads their energy and sustainability practice. Together, they take an unflinching look at what AI can and can't do in a planning context. Sam introduces the concept of the "stochastic parrot," a model that predicts decisions rather than reasons through them, and explores why handing that parrot the keys to the planning system could create more problems than it solves. From the proliferation of AI-generated objections, described by some as NIMBYism on steroids, to the very real risk of one algorithm talking to another with no human understanding at either end, the conversation is as sobering as it is fascinating. But it's not all caution. The panel also make a compelling case for where AI genuinely earns its place: digitising decades of fragmented and handwritten planning records, processing thousands of consultation responses with speed and consistency, and generating real-time visualisations of proposed developments that make the planning process more accessible to everyone. The Bath Stadium decision, which brought a 10-year planning saga to a close in 2025 using AI-processed consultation responses, is cited as an early proof of what's possible when the technology is used as a tool rather than a decision-maker. Accountability sits at the heart of the debate. Scott draws a clear line between AI as a processing aid and AI as a planning authority, while Sam raises the spectre of the Post Office Horizon scandal as a cautionary tale about what happens when algorithmic systems go unchallenged. Add in the implications of UK GDPR for automated decision-making and the potential for commercially confidential algorithms to become effectively challenge-proof, and the need for proper regulatory frameworks becomes hard to ignore. The conversation then turns to energy, where Patrick offers a clear-eyed assessment of London's twin challenges: decarbonising heat and managing the surging demand for power. He explores why heat decarbonisation remains the harder problem, what the government's Warm Homes Plan gets right and where it falls short, and why retrofit rather than new build is where the biggest gains will be made. He also shares a fascinating case study from Otterpool Park in Kent, where 8,500 homes are being designed around communal battery storage, rooftop solar and smart grid software, creating a blueprint for how new communities might one day supply power back to the national grid rather than simply drawing from it. Scott brings it back to planning, exploring how locational sustainability, transport infrastructure and energy demand must all be balanced through a planning system that is sometimes too slow, too detailed and too complex to respond to change at the pace the moment requires. If the Smart City is the destination, this episode maps both the route and the roadblocks. For more information and to read our Future Proofing London report, visit fishergerman.co.uk/insights

In this special episode of Fisher German Talks, host Stuart Flint is joined by Sally Chacatte, Founder and Chair of W4Youth, and Tim Sledge, Director of Fundraising at XLP, for a powerful conversation about the realities facing the charity sector, and the young people who rely on it. As Fisher German marks two major milestones, the launch of our Future Proofing London report and the completion of the Big 25 Challenge, the discussion turns to how charities can remain resilient in a time of economic uncertainty, social change, and rising need. It’s a time for business and non-profits to come together. So what needs to happen? Sally and Tim share deeply personal stories about the tragedies that inspired their organisations, the young lives they’ve helped transform, and the urgent need for safe, engaging spaces where young people can thrive. Tim talks about one of XLP’s biggest successes, Adil, who found the charity as an 11-year-old and went on to graduate from King’s College London with a 2-1 in Physics. At the same time, W4Youth’s “Train the Trainer” programme is empowering young leaders in West London, as Sally explains. Together they highlight the extraordinary impact of grassroots action. Collaboration is key: charities, businesses, and communities must come together to future-proof the sector, whether through funding, skills sharing, or rekindling that all-important human connection.

Rising interest rates, changing lending policies, and evolving property investment strategies - navigating the mortgage market can be overwhelming. But what’s really happening, and what should buyers, investors, and homeowners expect in the coming years? Stuart Flint, Partner at Fisher German, is joined by two industry leaders: John Yates, Managing Director of Cherry Street Finance, and Steve Smith, founder of Poundland and now a leading figure in property, finance, and green energy. Together, they unpack the latest trends in the UK mortgage market, dispel common misconceptions, and offer expert guidance for borrowers. You’ll hear: Where are interest rates headed? Lender appetite and eligibility Bridging finance explained Government intervention Sustainability incentives John and Steve also share real-world case studies on complex funding scenarios, offering insights into how tailored financial solutions can unlock opportunities for buyers and investors. For more insights and to listen to previous episodes, visit fishergerman.co.uk/insights

Is AI really coming for our jobs? With over 70% of businesses now integrating AI into their workflows, change is already here. But according to Jos Pink, AI isn't about replacing jobs: ‘it’s about making them more efficient.’ Jos is managing director and co-founder of Landstack, a data-driven, AI-powered platform for planning new developments across the UK. James Beverley, senior associate at Fisher German, sits down with Jos to discuss how AI is already reshaping the planning and development industry, from streamlining site assessments to automating report writing. Jos shares his insights into the challenges of adapting AI to the nuanced UK planning system, and why professionals who embrace AI will stay ahead of the curve. Plus, how are platforms like Landstack harnessing AI to provide real-time planning insights? Could they help local authorities with complex applications? Could AI help solve the industry’s staffing shortages and planning bottlenecks? And what about AI-driven tools for site analysis and policy interpretation? Answers to these questions and more, right here. For more information and to listen back to our other episodes go to fishergerman.co.uk/insights

Traditional concrete solutions have long dominated the underground infrastructure industry, but growing environmental concerns and the need for innovation are driving change. In this episode of Fisher German Talks, Sam Parton is joined by Yannick Joubeaux, CEO of Overpipe, to discuss how their high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plates and mesh are transforming asset protection. Yannick shares the origins of Overpipe, born from a devastating pipeline accident in Belgium in 2004, which led to a demand for safer, more efficient alternatives. Over four years, Overpipe developed lightweight, customisable plates that offer superior protection and environmental benefits compared to concrete slabs. The conversation explores the key features of Overpipe’s products, including integrated water drainage, anti-slip surfaces, and a 50-year lifespan. Yannick highlights the plates’ global adoption, from legacy assets to emerging technologies like hydrogen pipelines. He also touches on the future of infrastructure safety with smart plates incorporating sensors for enhanced monitoring. As Overpipe’s exclusive UK distributor, Fisher German is bringing these innovative solutions to projects across the country.

In the four years since the COVID pandemic, we've seen huge changes in demand for office space, as well as a shift in expectations from employees. Companies are having to adapt to rapid evolution in how they plan, manage and utilise offices. What does the future hold? What can owners and occupiers expect to see in the coming years? To answer this, Charles Warrack, Partner at Fisher German, is joined by Marcus Baumber and Richard Suart. Marcus is a Commercial Surveyor within the Manchester Office. Richard Suart is Property Director at Calthorpe Estates, leading the company’s asset management team. Together they explore the trends in the Manchester and Birmingham office markets, and the difference in attitudes to the office across generations. Office demand post-Covid has declined, bringing with it a host of challenges and opportunities. How do owners improve secondary spaces? What sustainability and environmental schemes exist? And how do landlords attract occupiers in changing times?

Many of the buildings in the UK are classified legally as ‘listed’ – which means they’re legally protected due to their historic or architectural significance. Managing, preserving and improving these listed buildings requires adherence to strict regulations surrounding something called LBC (Listed Building Consent). Thomas Blake, Partner at Fisher German, is joined by Scott O’Dell, Associate Partner at Fisher German and guest Hannah Hamilton-Rutter, Heritage Director at Marrons, to explore the unique set of challenges and complexities that listed buildings can present for owners, sellers and developers. Hannah and Scott discuss the importance of talking with local authorities before applying for planning permission to handle challenges better and build good relationships with conservation officers. How do government policies and economic factors affect listed buildings? Where should property owners go to get the best advice? What’s the best use of a heritage property to ensure its long-term maintenance and preservation? Listen to find out.

We last discussed Diversification on this podcast in November 2022, where we looked at the opportunities for landowners to add additional revenue streams to rural property. Inflation was then, and still is, creating a huge amount of risk for rural businesses. Diversification is a way to offset that risk.So, in this episode, host Ellie Savage sits down with Emily and Sophy, creators of Watersedge, a wellness hub near Bishampton, Worcs, to understand how their rural business is thriving. Their story involves the transformation of a family-owned lake into a community-focused wellness centre, with swimming, yoga, paddle boarding and fitness. Listen to find out how they overcame obstacles with planning permission, managing increased visitor numbers and ensuring safety and insurance compliance. Their diversification journey, guided by Ellie and the team at Fisher German, is a blueprint for managing risk and opening up new revenue streams.For more information head to fishergerman.co.uk/insights

Featuring Philip Nell, Director of Property & Investment at Birmingham City Council, and Dav Bansal from Howells architects, the third and final episode in the series explores the ambitious "Big City Plan" for Birmingham's future. With Stuart Flint back in the host’s chair, they discuss the plan's objectives, focusing on sustainable development, innovative architecture, and balancing economic growth with social values. Key questions address the integration of sustainability into city planning; what is the architectural vision shaping Birmingham's future, and the strategies for creating a liveable, innovative city?

Fisher German has landed in the centre of Birmingham. To celebrate, we’re shining a spotlight on the people who have shaped this city’s past, present and future. In the first of three special podcast episodes, Nicola Turner MBE, CEO of United by 2022 Legacy Charity, and Ian Metcalfe OBE, a pivotal figure in the 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, join Stuart Flint to explore Birmingham's evolution from an industrial past. They delve into how Birmingham navigated through economic struggles to a vibrant, cultural hub. They examine the city's strategies for reinventing itself, the transformative impact of the Commonwealth Games, and the evolution of Birmingham's unique identity. How have these changes redefined the city's place on the global stage? Join us to learn more about the inspiring transformation of the city.

Recent government policies, such as the development of local nature recovery strategies and the introduction of biodiversity net gain, have put sustainability high on the priority list in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, with a reduction in government subsidies, increasing pressure financially, and stretched supply chains, landowners and farmers are looking at new ways to improve their profit margins. It’s a two-handed approach; juggling sustainable practices with cost-efficiencies. From business efficiency measures to diversification, sustainable farming techniques are changing. As the industry moves towards a net-zero emission goal, the integration of sustainable principles in residential and rural property development is becoming the new norm. Joining host David Kinnersley, Partner and Head of Agribusiness at Fisher German, on this episode is Anna Woodley from Trinity Agtech. Anna is Managing Director of Business Development at Trinity, and she explains how their industry-leading software Sandy is helping to boost profitability and sustainability in agriculture. Farmers are utilising Sandy’s advanced software to make better decisions around the use of natural capital - the natural assets underpinning the ecosystem like soil, air, water, or animals. These technologies enable farmers to model scenarios, analyse impacts, and optimise their farming operations, making profitable and sustainable decisions easier to achieve. Together they explore the role of natural capital in bolstering business resilience and diversifying income generation. Understanding, measuring, and efficiently managing natural capital presents a real business opportunity for farmers and landowners. Embracing these practices doesn't simply fulfil environmental or policy obligations. Instead, it paves the way for more profitable and resilient farming systems, while delivering positive environmental impacts at the same time.

Interest rates are at their highest level for over 15 years, due largely to high inflation which recently has come down slower than anticipated. This has contributed to record low commercial property investment transaction volumes in Q4 2022 and reduced activity so far this year. Looking ahead, where are transactions continuing to take place? Which sectors remain liquid? Where has pricing strengthened, and most importantly, what are some of the key fundamentals that will continue to drive commercial real estate investment looking forwards? Commercial real estate investment is in part influenced by debt markets. Host, Oliver Deme, Senior Surveyor in the Investment Team at Fisher German, sat down with Greg Manson, Director of OakNorth Bank and specialist in real estate debt finance, to film and record an instalment of the third series of 'Fisher German LLP Talks', delving into the above, and much more. Together Ollie and Greg give us insights into the real estate market and explore the challenges and opportunities for commercial investment in the months and years to come.

Modern life revolves around minerals. We need them to to make vehicles, mobile phones, batteries, wind turbines, medical devices – the list goes on. Without the resource to power and build this technology, industries would grind to a halt. As our tech keeps advancing, so does our reliance on the mineral industry. Because of this the growth and maintenance of the industry is more essential than ever before. One of the biggest reasons for market growth and acceleration of demand is the energy transition. By 2040 the world is expected to need four times as many critical minerals for clean energy technology as it does today. Should we be worried about future mineral supply? How can we mine sustainably? Today, Fisher German talks minerals. Tom Giddings, Associate Partner, and Ben Minns, Chartered Surveyor, are joined by Kirsten Cunningham, Estates Manager at Aggregate Industries, a leading building materials supplier. What is the current state of the minerals industry in the UK today? How vulnerable is the market to geopolitical events? And what role will decarbonisation have on the industry?