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Positive Outcomes

28 Feb
08:04

Talent Fight Club

Submitted by Richard Warburton, EC Harris, Area Leader, South East Asia

I participated in a RICS Roundtable on Corporate Real Estate and attended a CoreNet Chapter Economics Briefing over the course of the last few weeks. Both events were held in Singapore and focused mainly on the Asia market.  The key message was that Asia is the place to be for the foreseeable future to take advantage of economic growth  - no surprises there but interestingly one of the key themes which did come out of both sessions was that ‘Access to Talent’ is... Read More

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Talent Fight Club
24 Feb
10:19

Not So Cool!

Submitted by Annabelle Taylor, EC Harris, Marketing manager

As we are organising one of the Educational Site Tour at the CoreNet Global Summit next month in Singapore, I visited uTown to better understand their philosophy and map out what our session. Being part of the Green Mark district programme, the university is now Green Mark Gold certified. What a disappointment it was when i heard they were missing 2 points to be Platinum! The reason why they are... Read More

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Not So Cool!
23 Feb
11:02

Shaped for the Future

Submitted by Conor Ellis, EC Harris, Global Account Leader, Health

In 2008/09 there was more than 3 million m² of underused or wasted space in the NHS. In 2009/2010 this figure dropped to 2.1 million m². The latest figures released for 2010/11 show that since our last annual review the ‘wasted’ space in the NHS has been reduced by circa 210,000 m², leaving 1.898 million m² (of which 1.23 million is in the acute) underused or unused.  This is a step forward and should be celebrated, however, major financial and... Read More

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Shaped for the Future
22 Feb
09:38

London Office Development Pipeline: the challenge ahead

Submitted by Richard Taylor, EC Harris, Head of Commercial

The London office development pipeline is significant and growing with a total construction value in excess of £12 billion that could be spent over the next 4-5 years. There are currently 150 projects with the potential to deliver over 53 million sq ft of floor space by 2016, but, not all will be delivered. Tenants are becoming rarer and much more cautious about committing to new space. So what space will tenants be choosing? We have reviewed what developers will need to do to... Read More

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London Office Development Pipeline: the challenge ahead
22 Feb
12:50

Selling Surplus Attractively

Submitted by Mark Budden, EC Harris, Area Leader, North Asia

Based on recent announcements released by the Chinese Government, 970 million sqm of residential units were sold in 2011, while 1.4 billion sqm of residential projects are currently under construction in China. This shows a significant surplus of residential units in the coming year. Due to these surplus, developers face increasing pressure to attract buyers. Developers are also feeling the heat as the China Banking Regulatory Committee has mandated five years for the collection... Read More

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Selling Surplus Attractively
17 Feb
16:10

Government property savings โ€“ a drop in the ocean

Submitted by Alan Kemp, EC Harris, Head of Central Government

Francis Maude’s announcement  that the Government  has saved £130m on its property costs is good news and a step in the right direction, but it is still a drop in the ocean when compared to the circa £20 billion total cost of running the public sector estate. Most of the savings to date can be attributed to tighter control of new leases and new buildings as well as better use of the estate through initiatives such as the sharing of offices between different departments. However,... Read More

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Government property savings โ€“ a drop in the ocean
13 Feb
16:35

What is on the horizon for international retailers?

Submitted by Colin Turner, EC Harris, Head of Retail

Given the tough consumer spending scenarios ahead - at least in the Eurozone countries - it’s going to be a tough year ahead for retailers, but if you look closely the trends are there: 1. Make more of the stores you’ve got. Consumer research suggests that cash-strapped customers are more likely to treat themselves if the store environment is easier to shop and invites them to feel special. Tired stores leak sales, and discretionary sales in particular. Many of the major... Read More

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What is on the horizon for international retailers?
13 Feb
16:46

European Retail Investment: Where are the opportunities?

Submitted by Richard Taylor, EC Harris, Head of Commercial

It's going to be another tough year ahead but the market will provide pockets of opportunity for those across Europe. Food store development will continue at a pace, but mainstream retail development looks set for a relatively quiet period. We expect to see continued investment in to retail assets across Europe, where there is the opportunity to generate greater value and income. Therefore we predict greater demand for active asset management, skills and capabilities. We see... Read More

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European Retail Investment: Where are the opportunities?
13 Feb
16:47

What is on the horizon for the London office development?

Submitted by Richard Taylor, EC Harris, Head of Commercial

Investment remains very strong for London’s prime assets and competition is extensive. Insurers, Private Equity, Institutional Funds and Sovereign Wealth Funds are all fighting to secure prize and ‘trophy’ assets to bank within their portfolios. This is set to continue throughout 2012 and beyond.  Refurbishment remains a strong option, with a lower risk profile, reduced capital costs and earlier to market opportunity. We expect to see the extent of refurbishment projects... Read More

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What is on the horizon for the London office development?
3 Feb
17:31

Solving the Emerging Skills Gap

Submitted by Richard Bonner, EC Harris, South West Location Leader

The current economic climate and forthcoming rise in tuition fees means that more school and college leavers will be considering alternative options to full time degree courses over the coming years.  Earning a salary whilst gaining further qualifications and professional expertise is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect.  In September 2012, university tuition fees for full time degree courses will rise to £6,000 - £9,000 per year.  School leavers will increasingly... Read More

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Solving the Emerging Skills Gap
8 Feb
16:14

How can we create an adaptive organisation?

Submitted by Jonathan Moore, EC Harris, Head of Property, Asia

The key driver for corporate property executives is to reduce operating costs, improve margin and to free up capital to allow for investment in new and more profitable markets. The boardroom agenda will become more agile and responsive, improving speed to market and allowing their business to execute plans efficiently and effectively, to grow and sustain revenues. Weighed down by an excess of property assets, the successful corporate will be those that manage their assets strategically, put... Read More

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How can we create an adaptive organisation?
2 Feb
09:56

UAE Government Reaffirms Plans

Submitted by Nick Smith, EC Harris, Head of Commerical - Middle East

Abu Dhabi Executive Committee’s (ADEC) decision to formally approve a number of high-profile development projects is undoubtedly positive news for both Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole, and reaffirms the government’s commitment to making the country an attractive, growing and sustainable market.  Many of the projects that were officially confirmed yesterday are already well known within the and it will have came as  no surprise to anyone that transport and social infrastructure... Read More

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UAE Government Reaffirms Plans