In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, host Jodie Fraser sits down with Dan Knowles, Director at Websters Surveyors and one of the UK’s leading experts in Compulsory Purchase. With a career dedicated to representing homeowners affected by regeneration, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and empathy to one of the most emotionally charged areas of the property industry.

Dan shares how he built his career in this niche sector, what regeneration should really look like when done ethically, and how policy, advocacy, and human connection intersect in his work. From co-writing the RICS Consumer Guide to presenting to the Mayor of London’s office, Dan has been instrumental in influencing change at both local and national levels.

But this episode isn’t just about policy and process—it’s about people. Dan talks about the importance of working with communities, how to support residents through upheaval, and why leadership in property must be rooted in integrity.

We also explore his life outside work—fatherhood, photography, West End theatre, and what it’s really like being a long-suffering Wolves fan.

Key Topics:

• What Compulsory Purchase is and how it affects homeowners
• Why regeneration must happen with residents, not to them
• Dan’s role at Websters Surveyors and his approach to ethical practice
• Behind the scenes of influencing government guidance and RICS policy
• Balancing leadership, advocacy, and personal life
• The power of giving back and building trust in the property sector

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at jodie@jodiefraser.com if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/

https://www.instagram.com/beyond_four_walls_the_podcast_?igsh=MWQ1MDU4dG5pdmFhbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/the_jodie_fraser?igsh=aWZ5czFtdHBndXln&utm_source=qr

...

Having studied Housing & Development at UWE, Bristol, Joe has worked within the property sector service industry for 20 years. In 1999 he fell into recruitment serving the wider social housing and professional surveying sectors for eight years before working for Bristol City Council on office fit out projects.

Working as a block manager since 2010 and a full member of the IRPM, He has arranged thousands of reactive maintenance tasks of most kinds and delivered many 'Section 20' major works projects for all sorts of buildings. With well partnered software, he is very aware that maintenance processes can be improved while delivering an enhanced customer experience.

Joe discusses how Fixflo can help your business, but he also very honestly talks about burnout, and understanding the 24/7 nature of block management.

joe.goss@fixflo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-goss-mirpm-10583331

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at jodie@jodiefraser.com if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/

https://www.instagram.com/beyond_four_walls_the_podcast_?igsh=MWQ1MDU4dG5pdmFhbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/the_jodie_fraser?igsh=aWZ5czFtdHBndXln&utm_source=qr

...

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, Jodie is joined by Mark North, Business Development Partner at Brethertons LLP.

Mark has spent over 30 years working across the property sector, starting out in estate agency and lettings before moving into the legal world. That experience gives him a rare, joined-up perspective — one that sees property transactions not just as sales, but as long-term commitments that shape people’s lives.

Together, Jodie and Mark explore why leasehold is still so poorly understood, and why many homeowners only learn what it really means once problems arise. They discuss the role estate agents can play at the point of viewing and sale, how earlier and more honest conversations could reduce conflict later on, and where responsibility truly sits within the industry.

The conversation also looks at Mark’s work at Brethertons, the types of issues he regularly sees, and how his background outside the legal profession helps him bridge the gap between lawyers, managing agents, and homeowners.

This episode is a thoughtful, practical discussion for anyone working in property — and for anyone buying a leasehold home who wants to better understand what they’re stepping into.

In this episode, we cover:

• Mark’s journey from estate agency to law
• Why leasehold confusion starts far earlier than the legal stage
• What buyers should know before making an offer
• How estate agents and lawyers could work more collaboratively
• Common misconceptions that lead to disputes later on
• What meaningful transparency in property could actually look like

You can contact Mark here - marknorth@brethertons.co.uk

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at jodie@jodiefraser.com if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/

https://www.instagram.com/beyond_four_walls_the_podcast_?igsh=MWQ1MDU4dG5pdmFhbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/the_jodie_fraser?igsh=aWZ5czFtdHBndXln&utm_source=qr

...