Blighty Talks Bricks

In this episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, we sit down with Alison Dowsett, Managing Director of Planning and Policy at Berkeley Group. With over 20 years of experience at Berkeley, Alison has held key leadership roles, including Managing Director of St William, where she played a pivotal role in transforming former gasworks sites into much-needed housing.Alison shares her insights on the importance of collaboration in the built environment sector, the role of education in shaping the next generation of talent, and the challenges and opportunities in delivering sustainable, high-quality homes. From policy to planning, she reflects on her journey in the industry and offers valuable advice for those looking to make an impact.Tune in for an engaging conversation on how working together can drive innovation and positive change in the places we build.

This week, we sit down with an extraordinary guest, Sarah Furness. A former RAF helicopter pilot, combat and operational commander, best-selling author, mindfulness coach, and mother, Sarah spent over 20 years flying into war zones and mastering resilience under extreme pressure. In this episode, she shares her journey as a female pilot in the RAF, the challenges she faced in training—including how the length of her arms almost ended her career before it began—and how she learned to overcome fear and push past limits. Now a mindfulness coach, Sarah explains how she transitioned from military life to helping others build mental resilience. Her story is inspiring, eye-opening, and filled with valuable lessons on courage, determination, and self-mastery. Check out her books: Fly Higher: Train Your Mind to Feel as Strong as You Look The Uni-tasking Revolution: Focus on what really matters, get stuff done, waste less time Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this insightful episode, host Blighty sits down with Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation and a leader in housing innovation, to tackle the challenges facing the UK housing market. They delve into housing affordability for young people, with a focus on Help to Buy, and discuss how the industry has, at times, hindered its own progress. Neil shares his vision for a more united property community, offering valuable insights from his extensive experience, including his leadership in zero-carbon homes and housing excellence. Plus, hear Neil's three game-changing "wishes" for the future of housing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the housing industry and its future. Episode recorded in November.

In this hilariously insightful episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, we sit down with the legendary Raju Watts, an accountant with a not-so-typical CV. Raj has crunched numbers for some of the biggest names in music as CFO at Decca Records, Ministry of Sound Group, and Island Records. This week, he spills the beans on his rollercoaster career in the music biz, working with top artists, and what it’s like to transition from backstage drama to financial finesse.But don’t let the title “accountant” fool you—Raj is as entertaining as they come. From an unexpected meeting at an Arsenal match to an unforgettable chat about life, laughter, and lessons learnt, this episode is jam-packed with stories, wit, and wisdom.Grab your headphones and get ready for a fantastic ride—you won’t want to miss this one!

In this compelling episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, host Steve Blight welcomes Stewart Baseley, Chairman of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), for a wide-ranging discussion on the housing industry, leadership, and navigating change.Stewart provides a seasoned perspective on the current state of the property market, unpacking key challenges like government regulations, housing supply, and market trends. He also reflects on his distinguished career, sharing valuable lessons from his journey to becoming a leading figure in the industry.The conversation also touches on the human side of leadership, as Stewart discusses the importance of mental health. Whether you’re passionate about property, interested in leadership stories, or curious about the future of housing, this episode delivers inspiration and insights from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

This week on Blighty Talks Bricks, we’re joined by Danny Gray, founder and CEO of Zump, to explore the crossroads of technology and property. Danny shares how his journey from professional rugby to entrepreneurship shaped his mission-driven approach, his insights on industry tech shifts, and how Zump is revolutionising the property market. Tune in for a conversation packed with vision, resilience, and practical advice for staying focused on your goals.

Kicking off Season 5 of Blighty Talks Bricks, host Blighty welcomes golf legend Trish Johnson to the podcast. From her early days conquering the amateur golf scene in England to her record-breaking career on the Ladies European Tour and beyond, this episode is a deep dive into the remarkable journey of one of golf’s most decorated players. With her latest major victory at the 2023 US Senior Women’s Open, Trish shares insights into what it takes to compete at the top level for over three decades. Blighty and Trish dig into her iconic technique, the mindset that helped her dominate the LET with 19 wins, and the pivotal moments that shaped her legendary career. From representing Europe in eight Solheim Cups to clinching her third senior major, Trish proves she’s as tenacious as ever. But it’s not all swings and scorecards—Trish reflects on the evolving world of women’s golf, the camaraderie of team events, and her secret to staying motivated after decades in the spotlight. Plus, expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few surprises. Whether you’re a golf fanatic or just love hearing from inspiring sports icons, this episode is a hole-in-one!

In the season 4 finale, Blighty Talks Bricks welcomes none other than Jason Leonard, one of the most-capped England rugby players and a true legend of the sport. Join us as Jason takes us on a riveting journey through his career, sharing the incredible highs of World Cup victories and the unmatched pride of representing the British and Irish Lions. Beyond the pitch, Jason sheds light on his impactful work with The Atlas Foundation. An International Children's Charity providing children with the chance to thrive in extreme poverty worldwide. From iconic matches to his status as rugby’s GOAT (in every sense!), this episode is packed with tales, triumphs, and a few surprises that only Jason could deliver. Don't miss this legendary wrap to season 4!

This week on Blighty Talks Bricks, we’re joined by the legendary Ian Stone, ranked among Britain’s top ten stand-ups by The Independent and a true master of the UK comedy circuit. Known for his edgy humour and easygoing, self-deprecating style, Ian brought plenty of banter to his chat with your host, Steve Blight. From how he broke into comedy to top tips on making it in such a competitive industry, Ian shares it all—along with chats for the love of Arsenal, of course! Take a look at the link below to grab tickets for what’s left of his tour dates! https://www.ianstonecomedian.co.uk/

In this unfiltered episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, we sit down with industry heavyweight Steve Morris, Founder and Managing Director of Linfield Construction, to unpack 30+ years of his experience in house building. From working with major names to forging his own path, Steve shares the highs, the hard truths, and the personal moments that changed everything. We dig deep into self-care in the construction world, how COVID reshaped his perspective after a life-changing event with his mother, and why looking after ourselves matters more than ever in this demanding industry. Don't miss this honest, no-nonsense conversation!