BOPP Discovery Day: Property Networking, Education and Expert Insight in Knowle
Property investment can create valuable opportunities, but successful projects rarely begin with a property listing alone. They depend on having a clear strategy, understanding the risks and building relationships with people who have the right experience.
The Business Owners’ Property Panel, better known as BOPP, is a monthly property networking community operated by our client, Raj Sharma. It brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, new investors, experienced property professionals and specialist advisers who want to learn, exchange ideas and make more informed property decisions.
BOPP is designed for people who are serious about starting or growing their involvement in property. Its focus is not on hype or unrealistic promises, but on practical education, honest conversations and introductions to people who are actively working within the property sector.
A different kind of property networking event
Property networking is most valuable when it offers more than a room full of business cards.
BOPP holds regular monthly meetings featuring expert speakers, live questions and answers, panel discussions and opportunities to meet other investors and trusted property professionals. Topics are selected to reflect the real decisions facing investors, landlords and business owners in the current property market.
Each meeting provides attendees with the opportunity to hear directly from people with practical experience across different parts of the industry. This can include property investors, developers, lenders, brokers, solicitors, contractors, architects and specialists working within areas such as HMOs, social housing and portfolio development.
The events are suitable for people at several different stages of their property journey. Some attendees may be considering their first investment, while others are already managing portfolios and looking for new strategies, professional contacts or opportunities.
BOPP also helps business owners explore how property might form part of a longer-term investment strategy. Its structured Property Plan programme supports people who want to develop an approach based on their individual objectives rather than simply pursuing the latest property trend.
The result is a professional but approachable environment where attendees can ask questions, learn from real experiences and form meaningful connections with like-minded people.
The BOPP Discovery Day – 5 August 2026
On Wednesday 5 August 2026, BOPP will be holding a special Discovery Day at Knowle Masonic Lodge.
The event provides an opportunity for people who have not attended BOPP before to meet the team, understand what the community offers and experience a selection of the subjects covered through its training and networking programmes.
Attendees will receive an introduction to The Property Plan, BOPP’s property education programme, together with an insight into its done-for-you property portfolio investment service.
Raj Sharma will be joined by experienced guest speakers, including Gerard Davis and Adam Lawrence.
The Discovery Day will include discussions covering:
- Raising private finance for property projects
- Opportunities and considerations within social housing
- The types of property deals experienced investors look for
- Developing a clearer property investment strategy
- Property business education and professional development
- Building relationships with investors, advisers and industry specialists
The day is intended to give attendees a realistic introduction to the property sector and the different routes that may be available to them.
Whether someone is considering purchasing their first investment, wants to expand an existing portfolio or is looking to understand an unfamiliar property strategy, the Discovery Day offers an opportunity to learn directly from people with practical experience.
Why professional advice matters
The potential of an investment property is not always obvious from an estate agent’s description or a brief viewing.
A building may initially appear suitable for an HMO, residential conversion, extension, apartment scheme or redevelopment. However, its true development potential can be affected by planning policy, Article 4 Directions, permitted development rights, minimum space standards, access, parking, neighbouring amenity, fire safety and the condition of the existing structure.
These issues can significantly influence whether a project is viable.
For example, a property may be large enough to accommodate several bedrooms but fail to provide the required communal space for an HMO. A commercial building may appear suitable for residential conversion but require a detailed assessment of natural light, access, noise, fire safety and the relevant planning use class. A site may look capable of accommodating another dwelling but be constrained by access arrangements, overlooking or local planning policy.
Obtaining professional advice at the beginning of the process can help investors understand these risks before committing substantial time or money.
At Hepburn Architects, we work with homeowners, landlords, investors and developers to assess the architectural and planning potential of residential properties and development opportunities.
Our services include:
- Property feasibility assessments
- HMO conversions and Article 4 planning applications
- Residential changes of use
- Commercial-to-residential conversions
- Planning applications and permitted development advice
- Building Regulations drawing packages
- House extensions and loft conversions
- New homes and small residential developments
- Apartment and multi-unit conversion schemes
An early feasibility assessment can identify opportunities, expose significant constraints and help establish a more realistic development strategy before a property is purchased or detailed design work begins.
This is where events such as BOPP can be particularly valuable. They allow investors to build relationships with the professional team they may need before the right opportunity arises.
Building stronger property connections
Successful property projects are rarely delivered by one person working in isolation.
They often require collaboration between investors, architects, planning consultants, surveyors, lenders, brokers, solicitors, contractors and specialist operators. Having access to trusted professionals can make it easier to investigate opportunities, understand risks and move forward with greater confidence.
BOPP creates a setting in which those relationships can develop naturally. Its combination of expert education, open discussion and strategic networking helps attendees gain knowledge while meeting people who understand the practical realities of property investment.
For business owners considering their first property purchase, experienced investors looking for their next opportunity or professionals wanting to build stronger connections within the West Midlands property community, the BOPP Discovery Day provides an inviting introduction.
BOPP Discovery Day event details
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Venue: Knowle Masonic Lodge
Hosted by: Raj Sharma and the BOPP team
Suitable for: Business owners, property investors, landlords, developers and property professionals
Places can be reserved through BOPP.
Reserve your place at the BOPP Discovery Day →