Host Ian Preston sits down with his cousin and business partner, James Baker, to discuss the founding of Preston Baker.

This "unusual interview" explores the beginnings of the business, specifically what it was like opening an estate agency in October 2008.James shares his background in the industry, which started after Ian, his cousin, told him to move to Newcastle and become an estate agent.

He recounts his time at Countrywide, moving to Yorkshire, and then the market crash that led to the opportunity to set up a franchise of Bairstow Eves on October 1, 2008.The discussion covers:

• The market conditions in 2008, when people thought they were "insane" for starting an estate agency.
• Why the market in the early days was actually "one of the better markets" they traded in because people had realistic expectations.
• Strategies for tough markets, including being more proactive and going out to "piece deals together".
• A comparison of the 2008 crash to the current market, suggesting today could be tougher due to unrealistic seller expectations.
• The growth and success of Preston Baker Financial Services, which won the best financial services business in estate agency in 2016 and why a good financial services partner is crucial.
• Working with family, which has been successful due to shared values, work ethic, and trust.
• Winning the Best Estate Agent Overall Winners award in 2017.
• The return to core values like "premium," "energy," and "attitude" in the new self-employed model.
• The future of estate agency, including the benefits of technology and the self-employed model.
• Flexible fees and why they are vital to the self-employed model to help new associates get up and running quickly and to ensure sellers are incentivized to move.
• The future of traditional high street branches.