Fishers on the Case

fishersonthecase

Fishers on the Case is the official podcast from Fishers Solicitors, hosted by Amanda Payne. Each episode features honest and engaging conversations with business owners, industry experts and members of the Fishers team. Amanda explores the stories behind local businesses, the challenges people face in their careers and the legal issues that shape everyday life. From property and family matters to commercial law and personal experiences, the podcast gives listeners real insights from the people who live and work in our community. Whether you want practical advice, a closer look at how the law affects you or simply a good conversation with interesting guests, Fishers on the Case brings clarity, personality and down-to-earth perspectives to topics that matter.

  1. Oct 2

    From Ashby Grammar School to Selling Nuclear Bunkers! | Fishers on the Case EP 23 - Carl Finch

    What REALLY happens when you buy or sell a property at auction? How fast can you complete? What happens when you regret your bid? And are property auctions actually a smarter way to buy and sell property? In this episode of Fishers on the Case, Amanda Payne, CEO of Fishers Solicitors, sits down with Carl Finch, Director of BTG Edison's Property Auctions, to take you behind the scenes of the UK property auction industry. From nuclear bunkers and burned-down castles to investment properties, landlords, probate sales and unusual development opportunities, Carl reveals what really happens before, during and after a property auction.  We also explore the legal and financial side of buying at auction including auction legal packs, exchange of contracts, deposits, AML checks, auction finance, bridging loans, property valuations and completion deadlines. If you think property auctions are only for run-down houses and Homes Under the Hammer projects, think again… 00:00 – Highlights & Episode Preview 00:30 – Introducing Amanda Payne & Carl Finch 00:52 – Carl’s Early Career & Leaving School 02:01 – First Jobs & Building Customer Service Skills 02:47 – Getting Started in Estate Agency 03:59 – Property Valuations & Modern Research Techniques 05:08 – Managing Client Price Expectations 06:07 – Why Landlords Are Selling & The Impact of Interest Rates 07:18 – Valuing Tenanted vs Vacant Properties 08:08 – How Quickly Can You Sell at Auction? 09:02 – Security of Auction Sales, Contracts & Deposits 09:57 – What Happens When a Buyer Defaults? 10:43 – Buying Properties Unseen & Unique Auction Listings 11:44 – Unusual Properties Sold at Auction 12:44 – Surveys vs Buying at Auction 13:48 – Why You Should Always Review the Legal Pack 14:48 – The Move From In-Room to Online Auctions 15:39 – How Auction Bidding Works 16:34 – Bidding Dynamics & Competitive Prices 17:15 – Auction Volumes, Schedules & Multi-Lot Sales 18:28 – Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Identity Checks 19:48 – The Modern Client Verification Experience 20:38 – When Should Sellers Consider Auction? 22:10 – Auction Success Rates & Post-Auction Sales 23:33 – Legal Packs: A Solicitor’s Perspective 25:00 – The Benefits of Upfront Information & Final Thoughts

    From Ashby Grammar School to Selling Nuclear Bunkers! | Fishers on the Case EP 23 - Carl Finch
  2. Sep 18

    On the property ladder in just 6 WEEKS! Benefits of working at Fishers and Jeremy Clarkson's sheep? - Fishers on the Case – EP 22 Arlie Asbury

    How does shared ownership actually work? How much of a property do you need to buy? What are the hidden costs? And why can some shared ownership purchases complete in just six weeks? In this episode of Fishers on the Case, Amanda Payne sits down with Arlie Asbury, Associate and residential conveyancing specialist at Fishers Solicitors, to take a behind-the-scenes look at shared ownership, property conveyancing and the journey to becoming a homeowner. Arlie shares her journey into property law and explains how she developed a specialist niche in shared ownership conveyancing, before breaking down what buyers really need to know. In this episode, we discuss: -How shared ownership works for first-time buyers -Buying a share of a property from as little as 10% -Why 25% ownership is still a popular starting point -Mortgage payments, rent, service charges and other costs -Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and how it can affect shared ownership buyers -What staircasing means and how buyers can increase their share -Why some shared ownership purchases can complete within six weeks -How preparation can speed up the conveyancing process -The difference between a solicitor and a licensed conveyancer -The realities of simultaneous exchange and completion -What can go wrong when a property transaction doesn't complete on time -The changing world of residential conveyancing -Arlies career journey, benefits of working at Fishers, mentoring and life as a working mum -And, a rather unexpected story involving camping, a sheep and the Cotswolds!  Whether you're a first-time buyer, considering shared ownership, working in property, or simply curious about what really happens behind the scenes of a house purchase, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights and plenty of honest conversation.   00:00 How Long Does Shared Ownership Take? 00:09 How Much of a Shared Ownership Property Can You Buy? 00:18 A Shared Ownership Completion Horror Story! 00:35 Welcome to Fishers on the Case 01:00 Arlies Journey Into Property Law 01:15 From Wanting to Be a Midwife to Becoming a Conveyancer 01:42 Why Arlie Chose the CLC Route 02:18 Studying While Working in Conveyancing 03:19 How Long Does It Take to Qualify? 03:38 Solicitor vs Licensed Conveyancer — What’s the Difference? 04:13 How Arlie Became a Shared Ownership Specialist 05:34 What Makes Shared Ownership So Rewarding? 05:55 Why Arlie Visits the Developments Herself 06:14 How Quickly Can You Buy a Shared Ownership Home? 07:07 What Percentage Do Buyers Usually Purchase? 07:16 Can You Buy Just 10% of a Property? 07:26 The Stamp Duty Surprise Buyers Often Miss! 07:40 Mortgage, Rent & Service Charges — What You’ll Pay 08:20 When Should You Pay Stamp Duty? 08:43 How Does Staircasing Work? 08:59 You Can Now Buy Just 1% More! 09:39 Old vs New Shared Ownership Models 10:13 Why Shared Ownership Can Be So Much Faster 10:59 Why Preparation Can Speed Up Your Purchase 11:46 Simultaneous Exchange & Completion Horror Story 12:29 When a Buyer Became Homeless! 13:02 How Conveyancing Has Changed Over the Years 13:47 Why Simultaneous Exchange & Completion Can Go Wrong 14:09 The Problem With Waiting for Mortgage Funds 15:04 Why Solicitor File Sign-Offs Can Cause Delays 15:47 The Challenge of Referral Firms & Estate Agents 16:04 Why Shared Ownership Purchases Are Different 16:25 What Happens If Mortgage Funds Are Delayed? 16:51 Arlies New Management Role at Fishers 17:17 Mentoring the Next Generation of Conveyancers 17:50 Finding a Better Work-Life Balance 18:24 Hiking, Camping & Weekend Adventures 18:40 The Jeremy Clarkson Sheep Story! 18:54 Wrapping Up the Episode

    On the property ladder in just 6 WEEKS! Benefits of working at Fishers and Jeremy Clarkson's sheep?  - Fishers on the Case – EP 22 Arlie Asbury
  3. Sep 4

    1,000 Applicants. Is a Degree Enough? Career pivots - Fishers on the Case – EP 21 Brett Koenig

    From Solicitor to Law School Leader - Careers, Confidence & the Future of Law In this episode of Fishers On The Case, Amanda Payne, CEO of Fishers Solicitors, sits down with Brett Koenig, Associate Head of De Montfort Law School and former solicitor and commercial litigator, to explore his journey from aspiring lawyer to legal educator. Brett shares an honest insight into the realities of studying and practising law, including the leap from learning “black letter law” to working with real clients, and discovering where your skills and personality fit within the profession. With Amanda also reflecting on her own 20 years at Fishers Solicitors, the episode becomes a wider conversation about career progression, leadership, workplace culture and finding genuine enjoyment in your work. The conversation covers: -The differences between studying law and practising as a solicitor -Why Brett made the move from private practice into academia -High Street firms vs larger national and international practices -What life is really like as a law lecturer and Associate Head -The changing route into the legal profession, including apprenticeships -Why academic results aren't the only thing that matters when securing a training contract -How personality and real-world experience can help candidates stand out -The growing impact of AI on legal education and the legal profession -Why human judgement and critical thinking remain essential -Leadership, career progression and staying connected to the reason you entered the profession -Advice for anyone considering a career in law Listen now and join the conversation on the future of law, legal careers and education. 00:00 — 20 Years at Fishers 00:30 — Welcome to the Podcast 00:44 — Meet Brett 00:59 — Why Law? 01:39 — Studying Law 02:16 — Private Practice 03:22 — Becoming a Lecturer 04:36 — Working at Different Firms 05:13 — High Street vs National Firms 06:21 — Career Inspiration 07:21 — Lecturer Life 08:14 — Advice for Aspiring Solicitors 09:05 — Is Law Still Worth It? 10:12 — Career Progression 11:41 — Becoming a Manager 12:00 — 20 Years at Fishers 12:28 — Leadership & Culture 13:12 — Future Career Plans 14:54 — Solicitor Apprenticeships 15:47 — The Value of University 17:03 — Training Contracts 18:07 — Personality vs Grades 19:00 — AI in Law 20:02 — AI Risks 21:03 — AI in Education 21:49 — Closing Thoughts

    1,000 Applicants. Is a Degree Enough? Career pivots - Fishers on the Case – EP 21 Brett Koenig
  4. Aug 21

    Ashby Charity: Community, Shared Ownership & Conveyancing Explained - Fishers on the Case – EP 20 Megan Bright Hope Charity

    In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne welcomes Megan, Operations Manager at Bright Hope Charity, to discuss her career journey, the vital work the charity does across North West Leicestershire, and how volunteers and local businesses can make a real difference in their community. The conversation also explores Megan's recent experience as a first-time buyer using shared ownership, the realities of the conveyancing process, and why choosing the right solicitor is so important. Amanda shares practical insights into buying a home, navigating legal requirements, and what every first-time buyer should know before collecting the keys. Whether you're considering buying your first home, looking to support a local charity, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring local stories, this episode is packed with valuable advice and community-focused conversation. Topics covered: • Shared ownership and first-time buyer experiences • What conveyancing really involves • The work of Bright Hope Charity • Volunteering and corporate community support • Choosing the right solicitor • Building stronger local communities 00:00 Preview Highlights 00:29 Welcome to Fishers on the Case 00:54 Meet Megan from Bright Hope Charity 01:01 From Sports Graduate to Charity Operations Manager 02:17 Managing 120+ Volunteers at Bright Hope 03:40 Fundraising & the Lights of Love Event 04:12 The Story Behind Bright Hope Charity 04:38 Supporting People with Life-Limiting Conditions 05:55 How Networking Helps Local Charities Grow 07:12 Megan's First-Time Buyer Journey 07:38 Shared Ownership: Is It Worth It? 09:00 Buying a Home & Why You Need a Will 09:27 How Businesses Can Support Local Charities 11:10 Corporate Volunteering & Giving Back 12:37 Choosing the Right Solicitor 13:30 What Conveyancing Really Involves 15:54 How to Support Bright Hope Charity 16:23 Closing Remarks

    Ashby Charity: Community, Shared Ownership & Conveyancing Explained - Fishers on the Case – EP 20 Megan Bright Hope Charity
  5. Aug 7

    What does it really take to start a business? Fishers on the Case – EP 19 Simon Baines

    In this episode of Fishers on the Case, Amanda Payne sits down with Simon Baines from De Montfort University to explore the journey of entrepreneurship, creativity, and turning ideas into reality. Simon shares his experience supporting students, graduates, and aspiring entrepreneurs as they navigate starting a business from finding the confidence to take the first step, to understanding the risks, opportunities, and importance of building the right foundations. They discuss: Why taking action matters more than just having an idea How to use the right media to grow your business The role of creativity and innovation in today’s world Why getting the right advice early can help avoid problems later Whether you're thinking about starting a business, growing an idea, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward. 00:00 Why Taking the First Step Matters 00:34 Introduction to Fishers on the Case 01:18 Simon's Early Interest in Media 01:56 From London to De Montfort University 02:36 Helping SMEs and Startups Grow 02:55 Supporting Student Entrepreneurs 03:30 Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset 03:55 Learning Through Events, Networking & Travel 05:20 Using Media to Grow a Business 05:59 Why Podcasts Are Great for Business 07:02 AI, Social Media & The Future of Marketing 08:21 Startup Trends and Business Ideas 09:21 Career Influences and Creative Inspiration 11:07 Legal Essentials for New Businesses 12:19 What Success in Business Really Means 13:27 Balancing Risk and Financial Stability 16:23 Why LinkedIn Is Essential for Business 19:32 Building a Positive Workplace Culture 22:30 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Simon

    What does it really take to start a business? Fishers on the Case – EP 19 Simon Baines
  6. Jul 10

    Why Early Advice is Key to Your Property Sale - Fishers on the Case - EP 17 Tom Blake

    In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne welcomes Tom Blake, a Partner at Fisher German with over 23 years of experience in property agency and advisory services. Tom shares his journey from a childhood fascination with building and architecture to managing regional teams across the Midlands. The discussion focuses on the shifting landscape of the property market, the rise of rural diversification—including solar energy and holiday lets—and a critical warning for anyone entering a property transaction. With a national sale fall-through rate of approximately 30%, Tom highlights why "day one" due diligence and early legal instruction are the most effective tools for ensuring a successful move. Episode Timestamps 01:00:23 – Introduction: Amanda introduces Tom Blake and his role at Fisher German. 01:01:05 – Early Ambitions: Tom reflects on his childhood interest in architecture and construction. 01:02:45 – Career Evolution: A look at Tom’s 23-year career path and his focus on prime regional property. 01:05:12 – The Rural Shift: How traditional estates are diversifying into renewable energy and farm shops. 01:08:30 – The Challenges of Development: Why modern barn conversions and single-plot developments have become commercially difficult post-COVID. 01:12:15 – Relationship-Driven Industry: Why AI cannot replace the human element of trust and relationship-building in property and law. 01:15:40 – Critical Advice for Sellers: Tom explains the 30% national fall-through rate and why you must engage a solicitor on "day one." 01:19:10 – Regional Market Nuances: Managing property teams across the Midlands and the importance of local expertise

    Why Early Advice is Key to Your Property Sale - Fishers on the Case - EP 17 Tom Blake
  7. Jun 26

    Ashby Connect, AI and Protecting your Data Fishers on the Case - EP 16 Tom Parkman

    In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne sits down with Tom Parkman from MT Services to discuss the critical intersection of IT, cybersecurity, and modern business. With over 13 years at MT Services, Tom provides a deep dive into how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) protect small to medium businesses and how tools like AI are reshaping the technical landscape. 00:00 – The Impact of Ashby Connect: Reflections on two years of local networking and fostering business growth in Ashby. 00:41 – Welcome Tom Parkman: An introduction to Tom and the technical support mission of MT Services. 01:09 – Career Beginnings & Ambition: Tom discusses his early motivations and the drive to enter the workforce for independence. 02:48 – Growing Up in IT: From learning networking commands at age 10 to finding a natural flair for tech. 03:59 – Life Outside the Office: Moving past the "IT stereotype" and Tom’s history with gaming. 04:42 – Specializing in Infrastructure: A breakdown of Tom’s role as a generalist and his focus on new business strategies. 05:43 – AI as a Fact-Checking Tool: How Tom utilizes AI to filter noise and cross-reference complex technical data. 07:07 – Protecting Your Company Data: A vital warning on the dangers of putting sensitive info into public AI tools. 07:38 – The Role of an MSP: Defining Managed Service Providers and the shift from "break-fix" to proactive management. 08:52 – Cyber Security Foundations: Why firewalls and security certifications like Cyber Essentials are non-negotiable. 11:15 – The Digital Conveyancing Shift: Discussing the certification standards companies are working toward today. 15:30 – Technology vs. Transaction Speed: Exploring why transactions often take longer now despite advanced IT tools. 22:15 – Future-Proofing Your Business: Tom’s final advice on staying at the cutting edge of infrastructure and security. 28:45 – Closing Thoughts: Final insights from Amanda and Tom on the future of the Ashby business community.

    Ashby Connect, AI and Protecting your Data Fishers on the Case - EP 16 Tom Parkman

About

Fishers on the Case is the official podcast from Fishers Solicitors, hosted by Amanda Payne. Each episode features honest and engaging conversations with business owners, industry experts and members of the Fishers team. Amanda explores the stories behind local businesses, the challenges people face in their careers and the legal issues that shape everyday life. From property and family matters to commercial law and personal experiences, the podcast gives listeners real insights from the people who live and work in our community. Whether you want practical advice, a closer look at how the law affects you or simply a good conversation with interesting guests, Fishers on the Case brings clarity, personality and down-to-earth perspectives to topics that matter.