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August 2011

30 Aug
08:38

Can developers continue to propose bold, iconic office buildings?

Submitted by Richard Taylor, EC Harris, Head of Commercial

London’s skyline is set to be transformed. The Shard will open in 2012 and with the Cheesegrater, Walkie Talkie and Helter Skelter buildings all under construction, the question could be asked whether the London office boom returned. In reality, rents in real terms are no higher than they were in the late 80s or early 90s, and funding is extremely difficult to obtain. Only a discount of about 25 per cent on contractors’ prices caused by the recession is making these projects viable.  Because... Read More

2 Comments (2 Ratings)
Can developers continue to propose bold, iconic office buildings?
23 Aug
12:03

Extension to the Health and Safety reporting regulation

Submitted by Mark Bargna, EC Harris, Head of Business Assurance

“The extension to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995” – ‘Why oh, Why oh, Why?’ It's not often these days that anything in the world of health and safety surprises me – whether it’s a ‘red top’ stating yet another urban myth, an over zealous bureaucrat banning yet another worthwhile pastime or simply an organisation falling foul of the Law for things it really shouldn’t do, are just part... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
Extension to the Health and Safety reporting regulation
22 Aug
15:03

PFI doesn’t have to be ‘poor value’

Submitted by Russell Gates, EC Harris, Partner and Head of PPP

Following the launch of the Treasury Select Committee’s report, scepticism around the role of PFI in helping to fund major projects is once again top of the news agenda. However, if you scratch beneath the surface and examine the statistics in greater detail a more balanced picture begins to emerge. Whilst the reality is that a PFI approach may cost the tax payer more when compared with the equivalent borrowing, the statistics quoted in the report compare costs at the tender stage for traditionally... Read More

0 Comments (4 Ratings)
PFI doesn’t have to be ‘poor value’
2 Aug
11:08

The Shrinking Window of Opportunity

Submitted by Graham Kean, EC Harris, Head of Public

Local authorities across the country are moving quickly to reduce their cost base. Many have developed sophisticated plans, and political leaders are becoming more and more aligned behind programmes of cost cutting measures. Most councils have initiated a reduction in the services that they will provide - a move that may prove to be unpopular within the wards of some elected members. However, are councils genuinely overhauling the way in which frontline local services are delivered? And are... Read More

0 Comments (3 Ratings)
The Shrinking Window of Opportunity