Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Brigade Commissioner

Black Cat Chat returns for Series 2 with a fascinating conversation between Andy Clow and London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith BA MSc. In this episode, Jonathan shares the scale and complexity of leading London Fire Brigade, the UK’s largest fire and rescue service, and explains how London’s unique built environment creates challenges unlike anywhere else in the country. From high-rise and ultra high-rise buildings to heritage assets, subterranean infrastructure, climate-related wildfire risk and lithium-ion battery fires, Jonathan explores how risk is changing and what that means for the fire service, the property sector and the wider built environment. The conversation also looks at the lasting impact of Grenfell on building safety culture, the importance of early engagement between the public and private sectors, and why fire safety must be embedded from planning through to occupation. A must-listen for anyone working in development, construction, building consultancy, asset management or property.  We're looking forward to welcoming guests from across the built environment in upcoming episodes. Hit Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode!

Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast. Ep.12 with Ben Pountney

Andy Clow sits down with Ben Pountney, Associate Director at Black Cat, to explore his career path, his promotion just weeks after joining the business, and the niche project management expertise he brings to large-scale development projects. Ben shares insights into working on complex regeneration and masterplanning schemes, the differences between corporate and independent consultancy life, and why Black Cat is increasingly well-placed to deliver major projects across the UK and Ireland. The episode finishes with a forward look to 2026, discussing the realities of planning, regulation and development viability, and where the biggest opportunities lie for clients and consultants alike.

Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast. Ep.11 with Rob Green & Mack Argent

We’ve taken Black Cat Chat on the road (and into a proper recording studio for the first time) for an episode with the Birmingham team. Joined by Birmingham lead Rob Green and Director / Building Surveyor Mack Argent, Andy Clow explores how the Birmingham office has grown, how Rob and Mack’s different specialisms complement each other, and the kinds of work keeping the team busy, from retail regeneration projects to fast-turnaround technical due diligence across national industrial portfolios. We also talk about what makes Black Cat different as the business has scaled (now truly multidisciplinary), why the Director-led model matters, and what opportunities are opening up in the Midlands as the team continues to grow. If you’re interested in building surveying, project work, technical due diligence, retail and industrial assets, grassroots cricket, or you’re simply curious about life at Black Cat, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and let us know what you’d like to hear next!

Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast. Ep.10 with BCAM

In this episode of Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast, Andy Clow (Marketing Director at Black Cat) is joined by Ruth Moorhouse and Tim Cornford to introduce BCAM – Black Cat’s new Asset Management offer.Ruth joins as Director & Head of Impact, helping to strengthen the foundations for Black Cat’s next stage of growth, while also driving BCAM’s development. Tim leads our London office, bringing over a decade of experience delivering town-centre and retail asset strategies – including working closely with Black Cat across a major national portfolio.Together, they unpack what modern town centre-focused Asset Management really looks like: hands-on problem solving, partnering with councils and private investors, and driving real change beyond the traditional “NOI-only” model. They also share how BCAM has already secured key mandates (including Charter Walk Shopping Centre in Burnley) and why 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for the market.Watch now and find out how BCAM and Black Cat are working together to help town centres thrive.

Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast. Ep.09 with Allegro Real Estate

In this episode of Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast, Andy Clow sits down with our first non-Black Cat guests – Joseph Russell and Ian Fairweather, the founders of Allegro Real Estate. Fresh from launching their new consultancy, they share the excitement, pressure and practical realities of stepping out on their own. From early wins to tough lessons and the evolving demands of the commercial property market, this is a candid conversation about what it takes to build a business from the ground up.