Fishers on the Case

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 Case01:00 Arlies Journey Into Property Law01:15 From Wanting to Be a Midwife to Becoming a Conveyancer01:42 Why Arlie Chose the CLC Route02:18 Studying While Working in Conveyancing03:19 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 Specialist05:34 What Makes Shared Ownership So Rewarding?05:55 Why Arlie Visits the Developments Herself06:14 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 Pay08:20 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 Models10:13 Why Shared Ownership Can Be So Much Faster10:59 Why Preparation Can Speed Up Your Purchase11:46 Simultaneous Exchange & Completion Horror Story12:29 When a Buyer Became Homeless!13:02 How Conveyancing Has Changed Over the Years13:47 Why Simultaneous Exchange & Completion Can Go Wrong14:09 The Problem With Waiting for Mortgage Funds15:04 Why Solicitor File Sign-Offs Can Cause Delays15:47 The Challenge of Referral Firms & Estate Agents16:04 Why Shared Ownership Purchases Are Different16:25 What Happens If Mortgage Funds Are Delayed?16:51 Arlies New Management Role at Fishers17:17 Mentoring the Next Generation of Conveyancers17:50 Finding a Better Work-Life Balance18:24 Hiking, Camping & Weekend Adventures18:40 The Jeremy Clarkson Sheep Story!18:54 Wrapping Up the Episode
 

From Solicitor to Law School Leader - Careers, Confidence & the Future of LawIn 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 lawListen now and join the conversation on the future of law, legal careers and education.
00:00 — 20 Years at Fishers00:30 — Welcome to the Podcast00:44 — Meet Brett00:59 — Why Law?01:39 — Studying Law02:16 — Private Practice03:22 — Becoming a Lecturer04:36 — Working at Different Firms05:13 — High Street vs National Firms06:21 — Career Inspiration07:21 — Lecturer Life08:14 — Advice for Aspiring Solicitors09:05 — Is Law Still Worth It?10:12 — Career Progression11:41 — Becoming a Manager12:00 — 20 Years at Fishers12:28 — Leadership & Culture13:12 — Future Career Plans14:54 — Solicitor Apprenticeships15:47 — The Value of University17:03 — Training Contracts18:07 — Personality vs Grades19:00 — AI in Law20:02 — AI Risks21:03 — AI in Education21:49 — Closing Thoughts

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 Highlights00:29 Welcome to Fishers on the Case00:54 Meet Megan from Bright Hope Charity01:01 From Sports Graduate to Charity Operations Manager02:17 Managing 120+ Volunteers at Bright Hope03:40 Fundraising & the Lights of Love Event04:12 The Story Behind Bright Hope Charity04:38 Supporting People with Life-Limiting Conditions05:55 How Networking Helps Local Charities Grow07:12 Megan's First-Time Buyer Journey07:38 Shared Ownership: Is It Worth It?09:00 Buying a Home & Why You Need a Will09:27 How Businesses Can Support Local Charities11:10 Corporate Volunteering & Giving Back12:37 Choosing the Right Solicitor13:30 What Conveyancing Really Involves15:54 How to Support Bright Hope Charity16:23 Closing Remarks

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 ideaHow to use the right media to grow your businessThe role of creativity and innovation in today’s worldWhy 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 Matters00:34 Introduction to Fishers on the Case01:18 Simon's Early Interest in Media01:56 From London to De Montfort University02:36 Helping SMEs and Startups Grow02:55 Supporting Student Entrepreneurs03:30 Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset03:55 Learning Through Events, Networking & Travel05:20 Using Media to Grow a Business05:59 Why Podcasts Are Great for Business07:02 AI, Social Media & The Future of Marketing08:21 Startup Trends and Business Ideas09:21 Career Influences and Creative Inspiration11:07 Legal Essentials for New Businesses12:19 What Success in Business Really Means13:27 Balancing Risk and Financial Stability16:23 Why LinkedIn Is Essential for Business19:32 Building a Positive Workplace Culture22:30 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Simon

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, Amanda Payne is joined by Lee Robinson from Leicester Movers and Storers.Lee shares how he went from playing professional rugby for Bristol, Leicester Tigers, Wasps and in Italy, to building a removals and storage business from one van into a growing local company.Amanda and Lee discuss moving house, choosing the right removal firm, late key release, storage, common moving day problems, and why the property process can take so long. Lee also shares a brilliant story about packing Rebekah Vardy’s kitchen, accidentally boxing up Range Rover keys, and dealing with the unexpected chaos of moving day.Chapters00:00 Intro00:56 Lee’s rugby background02:55 From rugby to removals03:13 Starting LMS with one van05:51 The biggest challenges in removals06:52 When to book a removal company08:18 Exchange, completion and late keys11:21 Preparing for moving day13:50 Rebekah Vardy’s kitchen story16:21 Top tips for moving house22:03 Amanda on the housing market and conveyancing delaysFor more conversations with local business owners, legal professionals and industry experts, subscribe to Fishers on the Case.

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 Timestamps01:00:23 – 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

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.

Welcome to another episode of Fishers on the Case, the podcast where we dive into the lives and careers of business owners and industry experts. In this episode, host Amanda Payne, CEO of Fishers Solicitors, sits down with Elaine Penhaul, the founder of Lemon and Lime Interiors.Elaine shares her fascinating journey from a background in mathematics and actuarial science to becoming a leader in the UK home staging industry. She explains how a "sleeping beauty" house and a direct conversation with a friend led to a sale £60,000 over the guide price—and sparked the beginning of her staging empire.In this episode, we explore:The "Accidental" Business: How Elaine transitioned from managing rental properties during the 2008 crash to professional property presentation.Systemizing Success: Why a mathematician's hatred for paper led to a highly scalable, franchise-ready business model.The Science of Sale: Achieving faster sales and guide price results through "desirable interiors".The Portfolio Career: Elaine’s experience running a Greek sailing school and how every past role shaped her current success.Whether you are a property professional, a homeowner preparing for a sale, or an entrepreneur interested in scaling a niche business, Elaine's insights on "professional property presentation" are not to be missed.01:00:25 - Introduction to Elaine Penhaul and Lemon and Lime Interiors01:01:45 - The 2008 Crash: Learning to eliminate void periods01:02:38 - The "Sleeping Beauty" House: A £60,000 turning point01:03:56 - Defining Home Staging vs. Property Presentation01:05:00 - Scaling & Systemization: The mathematician’s approach01:06:01 - Why the US staging model doesn't fit the UK01:07:00 - The Journey to Franchising: From lockdown to national growth01:09:00 - Managing 13,000 pieces of furniture and sustainability01:10:00 - Case Study: The "Sad House" and pest control01:12:00 - Working with family and balancing four children01:13:30 - Career History: From Actuarial Science to sailing schools01:16:00 - The "Divorce Save": When staging makes you fall back in love with your home01:17:00 - Final Tip: Getting your house ready for sale

What happens when you trade the courtroom for the copy desk? In this episode of Fishers on the Case, CEO Amanda Payne sits down with Kirsty France, founder of Kirsty France Writes, to explore her fascinating transition from a 10-year career as a solicitor to becoming a professional copywriter and fiction author.
Kirsty reveals how her legal background specifically her time in personal injury and defendant litigation gave her a unique "Guide" authority, allowing her to translate complex technical jargon into compelling stories for businesses. We dive into the importance of networking, overcoming writer's block by "writing nonsense," and the mindset shift required to move from professional services to creative entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, Amanda Payne sits down with Jack McBillips from Digital Office to talk about local business, family-run companies, and how Ashby has changed over the years.
Jack shares his journey from studying business and marketing to joining the family business, starting from the ground up, and helping Digital Office grow into a modern provider of print, IT, cloud and telecoms solutions.
Amanda and Jack also discuss the growth of Ashby, the importance of face-to-face relationships, working in a family business, and why local businesses continue to play such an important role in the community.