In this episode, we’re joined once again by the brilliant Matt Baldock for a proper deep-dive into the day-to-day realities of running a hands-on estate agency. From building high-performing teams to driving up standards, Matt shares practical insights from the front line of the industry.
We talk culture, accountability, leadership, and the non-negotiables that define great agency today — all delivered with Matt’s trademark honesty and energy.
Whether you're leading a team or just passionate about raising your game, this is an episode packed with value to help you step confidently into 2026 — no fluff, just real agency talk🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
We’ve taken the best bits of the World Class Real Estate podcast and turned them into something your team can actually use.
Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth lift the lid on the brand-new World Class Real Estate Workbook — a practical training guide built from real conversations, real lessons, and real “we should probably write this down” moments.
It’s designed for estate agents who want better habits, tighter numbers, stronger marketing, and a proper culture of learning (without it feeling like a school assembly).
Get on the waiting list here (first access): https://forms.gle/QUj1X6DX5mj7zrep8
Visit the website here: https://worldclassrealestate.co.uk
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why the workbook exists (and why it’s not “just a book”)
How it turns episodes into clear actions your team can implement
The four key topic areas (including cash flow, profit, and marketing)
How to use it for morning huddles, 1–2–1s, and team training
The bigger mission: raising standards in estate agency through consistent development
The charity angle — giving back to the industry while pushing it forward
Who it’s for
Business owners who want a team that runs with intent (not just momentum)
Managers who need a training framework that actually sticks
Agents who want to sharpen up, earn more, and feel more in control of their day
How to use the workbook (without overcomplicating it)
Pick one section per week for a quick team session
Use it for new-starter onboarding and confidence building
Turn it into a monthly “level up” meeting with actions and accountability
Keep it simple: read → discuss → implement → repeat
Giving back
A portion of proceeds will be donated to Agents Giving and Women in Estate Agency, supporting the wider property community and the people in it.
Don’t miss the first print run
If you want first access (and the option to bulk buy for your team), get your name down.
Waiting list: https://forms.gle/QUj1X6DX5mj7zrep8
Website: https://worldclassrealestate.co.uk
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this festive episode, Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth look back on a packed year in the property industry—from Christmas parties to goal-setting workshops—and share how they're preparing for a strong start to 2026. They discuss the pent-up demand expected to fuel a busy January market and unpack the impact of the recent budget on the autumn slowdown.
With UK transaction times averaging 123 days, they highlight the importance of setting clear expectations with clients and solicitors to speed up the process. Mark and Ian also talk through practical strategies for planning ahead, setting goals, and staying proactive to outperform the industry average in the year ahead.
Packed with insight and optimism, this episode is a must-listen for estate agents looking to hit the ground running in 2026.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this episode of The World Class Real Estate Podcast, Irish estate agency leader Regina Mangan joins Ian Macbeth and Mark Worrall to share the powerful impact of consistency, small gestures, and exceptional service in the property world.
Regina draws on her background in hospitality to explain how empathy, attention to detail, and being “boringly consistent” drive client satisfaction and trust. From WhatsApp vendor groups to handwritten notes and always picking up the phone, she believes the little things make the biggest difference.
The conversation also dives into Ireland’s red-hot property market, how regulation and a mandatory two-year college course elevate standards, and the major role that efficient solicitors play in faster completions.
Packed with insights for UK and international agents alike, this episode is a masterclass in combining professionalism with personal touches to build long-term success.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this episode of The World Class Real Estate Podcast, Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth dive into a week packed with insights, celebrations, and sharp market observations.
Ian kicks things off by sharing his 42nd birthday tradition — a personal best 50k run — and his thoughts on growth, health, and the importance of reflection. The duo then tackle the latest UK Budget, weighing its real impact on the property market. While national listings are down 3.5%, Ian highlights a striking 10% drop in affluent areas like Wokingham, but also notes signs of pent-up demand and renewed buyer interest in the upper end of the market.
Mark and Ian then challenge the conventional Boxing Day listing strategy, suggesting a smarter, earlier launch date of December 20th for maximum exposure and momentum. They also share strategies for using AI tools like Nano Banana to create festive property images, ensuring listings stay fresh and seasonally relevant.
The conversation rounds out with a look at the value of conferences, the importance of strategic planning, and Ian’s analogy of a "box of matches" to explain how rest fuels long-term performance.
🎯 Action Items:
Prepare festive AI-powered photos for listings.
Speak with clients about budget-driven opportunities.
Schedule a team planning session to finish the year strong.
Whether you're planning your December slow-down or ramping up for a Boxing Day blitz, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and actionable takeaways for estate agents looking to level up.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this episode, Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth sit down with Ben Roberts, a leading estate agent in North Wales, Chester, and the Wirral, to explore how values, leadership, and business systems have transformed his agency.
Ben shares the pivotal moment when he realised he wasn’t running a business—just doing a job. Inspired by Gina Wickman’s book "Traction" and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Ben restructured his team and embedded core values like consistency, proactivity, expertise, and solution-finding into every aspect of the business. The result? A culture shift that led to significant growth and performance improvements.
From upfront surveys and quicker zombie listing turnarounds to calling out discount-driven competitors, this episode is packed with insights for agents who want to lead with integrity and drive results.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this face-to-face episode, Ian and Mark sit down with seasoned recruitment expert and top headhunter Morne Ackerman to unpack the evolving world of headhunting and talent acquisition heading into 2026.
With a proven track record in the staffing and recruiting industry, Morne brings a no-fluff perspective on what it takes to identify, attract, and retain high-performing individuals in a hyper-competitive market. Drawing on his deep experience in negotiation, sales, and the property industry, Morne shares how estate agents—and business leaders more broadly—can sharpen their recruitment game to build winning teams.
Expect real talk, practical strategies, and forward-thinking insights to help you stay ahead in the recruitment race.
Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth sit down with Mal McCallion, founder of My Porta, to reveal how AI is quietly transforming the way buyers search for property — and why the traditional portal model may not survive the next five years.
Mal explains why filters are finished, how voice-led AI searches are already here, and what estate agents need to do to make their listings visible to machine intelligence as well as humans.
Whether you're sceptical or sold on AI, one thing’s clear: the way people find property is changing fast — and most agents aren’t ready.
What you’ll learn:
Why discovery is replacing search in the AI era
How to make your listings AI-optimised (hint: it’s not just better photos)
Why platforms like Rightmove could fade if agents don’t adapt
How older generations are becoming unexpected early adopters of voice AI
🎙️ Listen now to stay ahead — or risk being left behind.
In this no-punches-pulled episode, Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth sit down with Mal McCallion, founder of My Porter, to reveal how AI is quietly transforming the way buyers search for property — and why the traditional portal model may not survive the next five years.
Mal explains why filters are finished, how voice-led AI searches are already here, and what estate agents need to do to make their listings visible to machine intelligence as well as humans.
Whether you're sceptical or sold on AI, one thing’s clear: the way people find property is changing fast — and most agents aren’t ready.
What you’ll learn:
Why discovery is replacing search in the AI era
How to make your listings AI-optimised (hint: it’s not just better photos)
Why platforms like Rightmove could fade if agents don’t adapt
How older generations are becoming unexpected early adopters of voice AI
🎙️ Listen now to stay ahead — or risk being left behind.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this episode, Ian Macbeth shares a practical framework his agency is using to tackle stale listings: the PACE process—Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency. Adapted from military planning, it helps agents respond quickly when a listing underperforms, giving structure to price changes, marketing tweaks, and vendor conversations.
From strategy to tech, the conversation moves into the growing role of AI in estate agency. Ian discusses turning Google reviews into AI-generated video testimonials, voice cloning, and the balance between innovation and authenticity in a client-facing business.
Also in this episode:
📉 October market performance: Why exchanges were strong despite fewer listings
🧠 Personal branding: 90% of new agents at Ian’s agency now choose face-on boards—what that says about trust and visibility
✍️ Creative marketing: From handwritten Christmas cards to new ways of generating listings
💰 Budget speculation: What upcoming changes might mean for agents and their clients, including mortgage product updates and the impact of the renters’ reform bill
📊 Year-end planning: How both agencies are reviewing performance, setting goals, and preparing pipelines for a strong start to 2026
This episode blends tactical advice with forward-looking insight—ideal for agents who want to finish the year strong and stay ahead of the curve.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this groundbreaking episode, Mark Worrall, Ian Macbeth, and guest Mark Burgess dive into the next evolution of estate agency operations: AI Scouts. Inspired by football scouts, these AI-powered systems are revolutionising how agents source leads, manage databases, and personalise outreach.
Mark Burgess shares the journey behind the development and testing of AI Scouts across 138 postcodes, revealing how they delivered 750+ personalised emails and WhatsApp messages within 24 hours. From monitoring CRMs and property portals to matching listings with buyers, these digital scouts are doing the heavy lifting—freeing agents to focus on high-value, human-centric work.
💡 Key topics in this episode:
What AI Scouts are and how they work
Real-world results from testing with 34 agencies
Why revenue per employee is the new benchmark
The danger of falling behind tech-savvy agents like “Fraser”
How to start using AI today—even if you're not on Iceberg
Whether you're sceptical or excited, this episode is a wake-up call for estate agents. The AI revolution isn't coming—it's here. And those who adapt will lead the industry.
In this episode, Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth dive into the latest rumours ahead of the UK Budget and their potential impact on the property market. From proposed tax changes on homes over £500,000 to the removal of capital gains exemptions for high-value properties, they explore how these shifts could affect estate agents, sellers, and buyers—particularly in London and the South East. They also unpack the emerging trends among first-time buyers and debate the real value of industry awards versus Google reviews when building a trusted agency brand. Plus, there’s seasonal chat on morning routines, market slowdowns, and the importance of staying proactive as agents navigate political and economic uncertainty.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this episode, Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth dive into the communication habits shaping modern estate agency — starting with their love-hate relationship with voice notes. They explore the growing power of WhatsApp in client communication and how it could revolutionise offer presentations and scheduling. Mark shares a cautionary tale of a six-month sale collapsing on exchange day, sparking a wider discussion on the emotional strain agents face and why the system needs reform. From upfront fees to pre-condition reports, Ian and Mark unpack proposed changes that could reduce fall through's and raise industry standards. This episode is a call to action for agents to be proactive, educate clients, and embrace the evolving property landscape.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
In this episode of The World Class Real Estate Podcast, Jonny Palmer joins Mark and Ian to break down the essential ingredients of a truly world-class estate agency. From the power of relentless standards and consistency to the importance of building strong, collaborative relationships with conveyancers, Jonny shares actionable insights every agent can implement today.
He introduces the RARE formula for choosing solicitors – Reviews, Awards, Referrals, and Experience – and explains how his FAST service is transforming transaction speeds through better systems, weekly updates, and tech-led communication like WhatsApp.
If you're looking to level up your operation, streamline completions, and retain exceptional people in your business, this conversation is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
Why systems and standards beat talent alone.
How to choose the right conveyancers using the RARE method.
What the FAST service means for speeding up transactions.
Simple yet powerful action steps to improve communication between agents and solicitors.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
Ian Macbeth and Mark Worrall discuss their excitement about being name-dropped by Gary Vaynerchuk on the Tom Ferry podcast. They explore the benefits of using ChatGPT for content creation, leveraging voice prompts for more detailed inputs. Ian shares his experience with ChatGPT for estate planning and market updates. They also discuss the potential of AI in improving conveyancing efficiency and the importance of early adoption in real estate. The conversation highlights the value of AI in enhancing productivity and content creation, emphasizing the need for estate agents to embrace these tools for competitive advantage.
This week, Ian and Mark sit down with Ben Hicks, a self-employed estate agent with a fascinating journey that began at just 17 years old—right before the 2007 credit crunch.
Ben shares openly about the highs and lows of his career, from juggling multiple jobs and living apart from his family in the early days, to building a successful business grounded in honesty and trust.
The conversation dives into some of the biggest themes shaping estate agency today:
Why being upfront with clients—even when delivering bad news—builds stronger, lasting relationships.
The realities of self-employment and the sacrifices required in those first crucial years.
How AI is transforming the way agents work, from research and emails to client support.
What the property market might look like in the months ahead, with Ben’s thoughts on a flat period until next year.
It’s an inspiring, no-nonsense look at what it really takes to thrive in estate agency—and why truth, adaptability, and technology are key ingredients for success.
Quick episode asking for some help from our listeners....
In this powerful episode, renowned industry leader Iain White sits down with WCRE to explore what it really takes to build a successful modern estate agency. From the early days in the industry to advising some of the UK’s top-performing agencies, Iain shares invaluable lessons on leadership, technology, and the importance of cultural fit in recruitment.
The conversation dives into how agencies can harness data-driven decision-making, embrace AI, and implement technology that actually solves business problems—rather than just chasing the next shiny object. Iain also talks about the critical role of mindset, sharing insights from his time at Romans, where a culture of excellence and intentional leadership produced industry-defining results.
If you're grappling with recruitment, retention, or how to evolve your agency model for the future, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve and attract high-caliber, high-performing agents.
Actionable Takeaways:
Review your tech stack and align it with business goals.
Adopt a culture-led, data-backed recruitment strategy.
Build a winning mindset across your leadership and team.
Details for ICG Event 08/10/14: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-marketing-mastery-for-estate-letting-agents-free-1-day-power-up-tickets-1565764807689?aff=oddtdtcreator
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
Wait… Ian and Mark have 23 years of experience in estate agency? Surely they started at 10 years old, right? 😅
In this episode, they reflect on what two decades plus in the property game has really taught them – from knocking doors and printing particulars to embracing CRMs, video marketing, and, of course, the small matter of the iPhone changing everything.
They dive into:
📱 How tech has transformed the role of the agent
📦 What’s improved (and what hasn’t) in agency culture
🧠 The biggest lessons learned – sometimes the hard way
🔮 What the next 23 years could look like (spoiler: more change, less nonsense)
Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting started, this one’s packed with insights, laughs, and a little bit of nostalgia for a pre-Zoom world.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
This week, Ian and Mark dive into the latest market stats to answer the burning question on every agent’s mind: just how good is the property market right now?
With transaction volumes up and buyer activity heating up, it feels like a strong market — but do the numbers back that up?
Tune in as the guys break down what’s really happening beneath the headlines, compare this year’s performance to previous years, and share their top tips for staying sharp in a high-volume market. Whether you’re flying or just keeping up, there’s practical advice here to help you maximise every opportunity.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/
Mark Worrall and Ian Macbeth are back from their holidays and diving straight into the latest shifts in the property market. In this episode, they share fresh insights from a surprisingly busy August and predict a listing surge as September kicks in. With potential tax changes on the horizon and a patchy market landscape, the duo breaks down what agents really need to focus on.
From pricing with confidence and managing motivated sellers to preparing for Q4 like a pro, this episode is a must-listen for any estate agent looking to finish the year strong. Mark and Ian offer straight-talking advice on why being selective matters, how to spot opportunity in quieter times, and what it really takes to stay ahead in an unpredictable market.
🔊 This episode is sponsored by Iceberg Digital – Revolutionising the estate agency industry through automation, innovation, and world-class marketing. https://iceberg-digital.co.uk/