Founder and Design Director of Charlotte Rowe Garden Design

To mark the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, arguably the most prestigious flower show on Earth, we’re delighted to share a special edition of the Attended Exchange podcast.

In this episode, Sandra Welfare – wife of Wilfords co-founder Simon Welfare – steps in as guest host for an inspiring conversation with her friend, Chelsea gold medal-winning garden designer Charlotte Rowe, and her design director @tomokokawauchigardens.

Charlotte shares her remarkable journey into garden design following a successful first career in client services, and how a lifelong love of landscapes eventually led her to the heart of the Chelsea Flower Show. Alongside her trusted collaborator Tomoko Kawauchi, she reflects on their dynamic working relationship, their love of designing London gardens, and the shared vision that brings their award-winning gardens to life.

Listen now via the link in bio or on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon.

Interview with James Vlasto, Founder, Badgemore property consultancy

In Episode 1 of Season 2 of Attended Exchange, the property podcast hosted by Wilford’s Founder, Geoff Wilford, we’re joined by James Vlasto, a close friend of Geoff’s and the founder of Badgemore property consultancy. With a degree in business psychology, James initially aimed for a career in corporate consultancy but found himself in the property world after the events of September 11th. From there, he built a reputation for measured, honest advice, eventually moving from sales to buying with the launch of Badgemore in 2009.

In this conversation, James shares his experiences of making bold career moves in challenging markets, the importance of relationships in property, and how he transitioned from sales to the buying side. He also reflects on the best advice he’s received, the hurdles he's overcome, and what it takes to thrive in a referral-based business. Join us for an insightful discussion about the unexpected path that led to James's success in the property industry.

The Attended Exchange podcast is available on Apple, Amazon and Spotify.

In Episode Six of The Attended Exchange, Wilfords’ founder Geoff Wilford sits down with Carl Bignell, one of the most accomplished and visionary designers and developers in the super prime residential market. Carl’s journey is anything but conventional, beginning with a peripatetic childhood that shaped his perspective and adaptability. He started his career in estate agency, only to reinvent himself as a trailblazing designer and developer, delivering some of the most exquisite homes in London as well as The Bahamas and New Orleans.

In this illuminating conversation, Carl shares insights into the evolution of the super prime market, his career challenges and triumphs, and his thoughts on what it takes to thrive in this competitive arena. For aspiring designers and developers, Carl offers invaluable advice, blending his expertise with a candid look at what’s required to succeed in this unique space.

Whether you’re a property enthusiast, a design aficionado, or simply curious about the inner workings of the ultra-luxury market, this episode promises a fascinating and inspiring listen.

The Attended Exchange podcast is available on Apple, Amazon and Spotify.

In Episode Five of The Attended Exchange, Wilfords’ founder Geoff Wilford sits down with Bertie Russell, Managing Director of the renowned estate agency Russell Simpson, originally established by his father, Alan, in 1979. In a compelling conversation, Geoff and Bertie delve into Bertie’s journey of joining the family business 16 years ago, navigating the unique mix of privilege and pressure that comes with stewarding a respected 45-year legacy, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining its reputation and values. They explore Russell Simpson’s unique approach—eschewing traditional shop fronts, a radical move at the agency’s inception, which has become an asset in the digital age.

Geoff and Bertie also discuss the agency’s response to recent industry shifts, from the impact of COVID-19 to the potential effects of the recent UK budget on the Prime Central London market. On a personal note, Bertie shares insights into his life beyond the business, including meeting his wife at Leeds University, balancing work with parenting three children, and the role of therapy and business coaching in his personal and professional development.

“Russell Simpson is one of London’s most highly regarded estate agencies, and it’s inspiring to hear how Bertie and his siblings are upholding the values their father, Alan, instilled and bringing his vision to a new generation,” says Geoff Wilford, host of The Attended Exchange. “If you’re interested in property and estate agency, you’ll appreciate Bertie’s insights and expertise.”

The episode, available on Apple, Amazon and Spotify delves into Simon’s career moving from property sales to becoming a buying agent and offers invaluable advice for those aspiring to enter the property industry.

After graduating from Newcastle University, Simon moved to London and spent four years learning his trade at Foxton’s estate agency, which is where he originally met Geoff. Having seen how things were done on the sales side of the fence, Simon decided to make the switch to becoming a buying agent. Simon has been with Property Vision since 2005 and advises clients on the acquisition of property across London.

Listeners to the podcast will hear Simon discussing his transition to Property Vision and what he perceives are the advantages of being on the buying side. Simon also talks about his grandfather, who founded Connell's estate agency in 1936 and sold the business in the mid-70s to become an entrepreneur.

Simon and Geoff also discuss the impact that the newly elected Labour government, changes to non-dom status and upcoming budget are having on the property market. Simon comments: “A lot of my clients are now waiting for the budget, which is definitely having a bearing on the market. The non-dom thing is not good. We feel a little bit like we're shooting ourselves in the foot. We should be encouraging affluents and people to invest in the UK, not trying to get rid of them. Our guys in Italy have been very, very busy with non-doms in Milan.

“But then on the flip side I think they're going to help other little bits of the market, like the property system, in terms of planning. It’s definitely going to improve if they can see through what they're talking about, because the planning system is broken.

“The family that I'm part of are lucky enough to go through a number of development pieces of land, and it's difficult, it's incredibly costly, and it takes years, and it just feels that that whole system is broken. So, if Labour can sort that out, then they're going to suddenly get the houses…they're making the right noises.”

Geoff Wilford, host of "The Attended Exchange, comments: "My friendship with Simon goes back to our days at Foxtons, and this episode offers a captivating look into his career journey and his decision to switch from selling to buying. Simon provides valuable insights into the other side of the transaction coin, his successes and learnings in buying, emphasising the importance of honest advice and building longstanding relationships in business.

“Simon’s perspective on London’s changing market, especially under the new government, is particularly thought-provoking. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the property world from an insider’s viewpoint and gaining a deeper understanding of what drives success in this competitive field."

This episode we delve into Paterson’s extensive career and Robin offers invaluable advice for those aspiring to enter the property industry.

Robin and Geoff have had a long-standing professional relationship, first crossing paths at Hamptons. Robin later recruited Geoff to sell private residences at the Four Seasons in Barbados.

Robin Paterson, whose career spans nearly four decades, has an impressive resume that includes the turnaround of several high street UK brands, such as Hamptons International, Cluttons and more recently Sotheby’s International Realty UK, which he sold to George Azar in 2023.

Beyond estate agencies, Robin has overseen ambitious projects, including the redevelopment of the private island resort of Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines and the sale of Park Place in Henley, where he achieved the highest sale of an undeveloped UK country estate.

In this episode, listeners will hear Robin and Geoff cover a wide range of topics, including: Paterson’s formative years and early education in Tanzania and the UK. His first steps into the property industry and the mentorship that guided him. The rise of his career, including key roles at Whitman Porter and the significant growth of Hamptons International under his leadership. Insights into his current ventures, including his involvement in property tech, vacation rentals, and investment firms. Practical advice for young professionals in the property sector, emphasizing the importance of personal interaction and the effective use of technology.

Robin also shares some interesting insights from his experience of Sotheby’s participation in a reality television show, commenting that: “I had mixed feelings about that. I mean, there's obviously so many different ones now. In truth, I'm not sure it added any value.

“Geoff Wilford, the host of "The Attended Exchange," comments: "Robin is not only a property entrepreneur with vast experience but also a good friend and mentor. His journey is truly inspiring, and I’m honoured to have him on the podcast to share his story and wisdom.

“This episode with Robin Paterson is particularly engaging, offering not just a retrospective on his illustrious career but also forward-looking advice for the next generation of property professionals.

About

"The Attended Exchange" Podcast:

"The Attended Exchange," hosted by Geoff Wilford, is a podcast that features interviews with prominent figures from various industries. Each episode aims to provide listeners with unique insights into the careers and experiences of successful professionals, helping to inspire and guide those at the beginning of their own professional journeys.

During the first part of his career in property, Christian Cox was one of the London's most successful Estate Agents.

In 2011 he pivoted into property development and during this episode Chris talks about the recipe to his success. How life without fun is no life at all, the importance of Sundays and the profile of his high net worth clients.

West 11 has evolved into a significant player on the Central and West London property stage. Christian explains the attention to detail that he prides himself on in order to cater for his clientele.

Discussing how many properties he views each week, and also what exactly an attended exchange is and how often this rare sales process is transacted.

Chris's wife Ana is the Founder of www.turtleclips.com - fabulous flip flops, follow @myturtleclips on insta

Geoff and Christian also discuss the recent loss of their dear friend James Clarke who has left an incredible legacy. As an MND warrior, James raised over £1m for @myname5doddie

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-clarke

Listen to the full episode here -

Apple -

Spotify -

Watch the episode on YouTube here -

West 11 Properties - https://west11.london

Geoff Wilford sits down with Richard Atkins to discuss all aspects of business, design, juggling family life whilst running a super successful business and what it was like to survive the harrowing Tsunami back in 2004.