Built environment brief is the podcast from Mills & Reeve that brings clarity to the complexities of the built environment. Each episode explores the legal, commercial and strategic issues shaping the sector – from real estate investment and finance to development & regeneration and living matters.
With insights from our leading specialists and industry guests, we unpack the trends, challenges and opportunities that matter most to those driving change across the built environment. Whether you're an investor, developer, funder, owner or occupier, this series offers practical guidance and fresh perspectives to help you stay ahead.
Ep. 6 - Shaping communities: Navigating stewardship and placemaking
In this episode, the discussion revolves around the critical themes of stewardship and placemaking in new town developments.
Host Anna Aldous is joined by SallyAnne Logan (Community Stewardship Solutions) and Katy Lock (Town and Country Planning Association).
They explore the meaning of stewardship, its distinction from placemaking, and its importance in long-term community development. The conversation also covers legal and financial considerations, lessons from past new towns, and the need for supportive government policy to create sustainable, thriving communities.
Find out more and get in touch with Anna Aldous (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/anna-aldous/) by visiting our website (https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/sectors-we-serve/built-environment/).
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve/) for more updates.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.
30 Apr 2026
Ep. 5 - Renters' Rights Act explained
In this episode, Samuel Maw speaks to James Hordern about the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May – the biggest shake up of the private rented sector since 1989.
They cover the end of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, the move to periodic tenancies, new rules on rent, discrimination and rent in advance. They also explore what a more complex possession process means for landlords and tenants, now and in the years ahead.
Find out more (https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/sectors-we-serve/built-environment/) and get in touch with Samuel Maw (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/samuel-maw/) or James Hordern (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/james-hordern/) by visiting our website (https://www.mills-reeve.com/).
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve) for more updates.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.
9 Apr 2026
Ep. 4 - Business rates assessments, serviced offices and the VOA
In this episode, Richard New, real estate partner at Mills & Reeve, is joined by Richard Roberts, chartered surveyor and managing director at Roberts Vain Wilshaw. Together, they unpack a major shift in how the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is assessing business rates for serviced office buildings.
They discuss the impact of the Ludgate House decision and “paramount control”, the loss of small business rates relief, inconsistencies between similar buildings, and why minor assessment requests can prompt deeper scrutiny of license agreements.
Find out more and get in touch with Richard New (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/richard-new/) by visiting our website (https://www.mills-reeve.com/).
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve/) for more updates.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.
22 Jan 2026
Ep. 3 - Unlocking growth in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: In conversation with Paul Bristow
In this episode, Beverley Firth (planning lawyer at Mills & Reeve) sits down with and Paul Bristow (mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority) to discuss his vision for growth in the region.
Paul talks us through his ambitions for the region’s future. He outlines his new growth plan, the infrastructure and political alignment and collaboration needed to deliver it (from both government and the private sector alike), as well as why he thinks a Mayoral Development Corporation would be a useful delivery vehicle.
This episode is a must listen for anyone interested in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth beyond the headline number of houses, and particularly those invested in the ambition and success of one England’s most vibrant regions.
Find out more (https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/sectors-we-serve/built-environment/) and get in touch with Beverley Firth (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/beverley-firth/) by visiting our website (https://www.mills-reeve.com/).
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve) for more updates.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.
18 Dec 2025
Ep. 2 - Let’s talk about tech
Anna Aldous is joined by construction engineer and proptech startup founder Nathan Reid, Urban&Civic and Morero.
They discuss how technology interacts with the construction industry and what opportunities there are to make further progress. Is it a case of an outright replacement of a labour force by technology? What’s the future role for consultants in advising on the built environment sector shaped by ever-changing technology?
Find out more (https://www.mills-reeve.com/sectors-and-services/sectors-we-serve/built-environment/) and get in touch with Anna Aldous (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/anna-aldous/) by visiting our website (https://www.mills-reeve.com/).
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve) for more updates.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.
5 Nov 2025
Ep. 1 - To BE or not to BE
Welcome to Mills & Reeve’s “Built environment brief”, our new podcast exploring the stories behind transforming spaces into great places.
In the first episode, Anna Aldous is joined by our newly appointed sector leader and real estate partner, Carina Davis, and our head of affordable housing, Namita Matkar. Together, they discuss the evolving built environment, our real estate sector rebrand, and current challenges and opportunities within the market.
You can find out more and get in touch with our hosts by visiting our website:
(https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/carina-davis/) (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/carina-davis/)Carina Davis (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/carina-davis/)
Anna Aldous (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/anna-aldous/)
Namita Matkar (https://www.mills-reeve.com/people/namita-matkar)
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve) for more updates.
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.
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