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Positive Outcomes

3 Nov
06:53

Carbon reduction - From Zero to Hero

Submitted by Jonathan Berney, EC Harris, Head of Client Solutions, Asia

Hong Kong will be hosting a C40 cities workshop at the end of this week. I've attended the "carbon tale of three cities" conference hosted by Britcham where Hong Kong, London and Toronto were represented.  While Hong Kong represents 0.1% of the total global carbon emission, buildings are estimated to be responsible for more than 50% of Hong Kong’s carbon emissions. Some simple, tried-and-tested actions that can be implemented for... Read More

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Carbon reduction - From Zero to Hero
29 Oct
06:29

Put your property to the test

Submitted by Richard Marriott, EC Harris, Partner, Singapore

An asset training plan will drive a competitive advantage for assets that can tangibly demonstrate better sustainability, lower service charge and better tenant services. As the Asian market begins to recover from the global financial crisis, there has never been a greater need for fund managers to differentiate fund performance and develop a ‘best in class’ reputation to attract and retain quality tenants. The key to driving improved fund performance is a greater emphasis... Read More

1 Comment (3 Ratings)
Put your property to the test
3 Nov
06:01

Qe 2 - God save the Queen or is it the Titanic?

Submitted by Jonathan Berney, EC Harris, Head of Client Solutions, Asia

Feedback from Yesterday's ANREV conference in Hong Kong, an increasingly confident recovery in world economy coupled with super lose monetary policy means that Asian real estate markets will remain hot for the next 12 months. Key themes Expect sovereign failure in Europe but will be managed to minimise impact globally Super lose monetary policy means that we should expect a continued Asian real estate growth until Q3 next year followed by market corrections throughout... Read More

0 Comments (2 Ratings)
Qe 2 - God save the Queen or is it the Titanic?
15 Nov
10:09

Is Europe getting value from Sustainability?

Submitted by Peter Madden, EC Harris, Regional Leader Mainland Europe, USA and North Africa

  Do you sense that sustainability is an issue of greater importance in Europe than elsewhere and is not going to go away? Or even more importantly, do you think you can gain value from the implementation of sustainable initiatives and methodologies?   Well, I do and I believe that in Mainland Europe, differentiation in the market between sustainable developments and those that are not is just starting to occur, with the former already starting to attract... Read More

0 Comments (4 Ratings)
Is Europe getting value from Sustainability?
11 Nov
09:14

Virtual PC - A new era has begun...

Submitted by Wade Cruickshanks, EC Harris, Partner

With 500 million people expected to be urbanised over the next 25 years globally, this will fuel substantial demand both for residential and office space and we predict there will be an increasing blur between the 2… How will technology help to accommodate people sustainably and shape the workplace of tomorrow? Cisco predicts that within the next 2 years, virtual PC will be become main stream. Home tele-presence will be possible and will allow employees to move freely and work... Read More

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Virtual PC - A new era has begun...
11 Nov
08:55

IT gots the POWER!

Submitted by Wade Cruickshanks, EC Harris, Partner

I attended an industry lunch last week about intelligent buildings, energy management and sustainability... With IT only accounting for 2% of an average building's power consumption,  IT companies like IBM and Cisco are now challenging building owners  on what they are doing about the remaining 98%.  They are producing smart building technology from systems to virtual network connectivity to improve buildings efficiency and reduce the carbon foot... Read More

1 Comment (1 Rating)
IT gots the POWER!
15 Nov
09:49

Czech embraces Sustainability

Submitted by Pavel Cermak, EC Harris, Location Leader, Czech Republic

Sustainability forecasted become increasingly important in Czech Republic We held a morning seminar at our office in Prague last Wednesday, 10 November, to look at the issue of Sustainability within central Europe. Our head of sustainability, Matt Fulford, and I shared with the audience of leading developers and occupiers how  the trends and commercial values will influence the issue of sustainability which is starting to be witnessed within... Read More

1 Comment (4 Ratings)
Czech embraces Sustainability
19 Nov
09:02

Change & innovation... Alive and well in Banking CRE!

Submitted by Jonathan Berney, EC Harris, Head of Client Solutions, Asia

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting the CoreNet breakfast briefing given by Rick Bertasi, Global Head of CRE at Deutsche Bank.   Key take away: SET YOUR STANDARDS: DB New Workplace is being established as the set of standards for DB around the globe. It includes " follow me printing" and log in to your desk top anywhere. This has driven an average of 1.2 FTE/ desk and 10.9 sqm/ workstation. However what was clear was the importance of the improvement... Read More

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Change & innovation... Alive and well in Banking CRE!
24 Nov
14:38

Middle East: An Emerging PPP Market

Submitted by Chris Hinton, EC Harris, Partner

At the recent Construction Week Abu Dhabi conference,  I participated in a panel discussion based on the format of Question Time and chaired by Sachin Kerur of Pinsent Masons. The panel took questions from the chair, and audience, relating to the infrastructure market in the Middle East, as well as how infrastructure projects might be best procured and financed in what is an emerging PPP market. With increasingly tightened federal / treasury purse strings, new projects may find it difficult... Read More

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Middle East: An Emerging PPP Market
16 Dec
05:29

Time Certainty Key to 2022 World Cup Plan

Submitted by Chris Hinton, EC Harris, Partner

As the euphoria of winning the 2022 World Cup Bid recedes, the focus is rapidly turning to the enormous challenge of delivering on the promise: 12 air conditioned stadia (nine new and three to be refurbished), 64 team base camps and 140 new hotel properties, not to mention US$20bn of road upgrades, completion of New Doha International Airport, and a US$25 bn light rail/metro system. My view is that the 2022 plan will need to be about certainty of delivery to time, and that whilst cost should... Read More

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Time Certainty Key to 2022 World Cup Plan
20 Dec
13:24

Why Abu Dhabi Needs to Build Up its Property Services Capacity

Submitted by Bernie Devine, EC Harris, Asset Management Consultant

Having recently reviewed the delivery pipeline of developers who are still active in the Abu Dhabi market, I have identified some real challenges for the property services supply chain in the region. For many years the Abu Dhabi property market has had a growing shortage of acceptable space, particularly as the dynamics of the labour market in the UAE did a flip after the global financial crisis and the commuter traffic started going to Abu Dhabi each morning, rather than what had been the... Read More

1 Comment (0 Ratings)
Why Abu Dhabi Needs to Build Up its Property Services Capacity
2 Feb
17:27

Good news for construction โ€“ but is it sustainable?

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

The release of the Monthly Construction PMI data is not usually an event that quickens the pulse, but I suspect this morning’s release was anxiously awaited from Downing Street to Threadneedle Street.  A fall in construction activity was a major cause of the 0.5% decline in GDP in fourth quarter 2010 – and if the PMI was still falling, then pinning the blame on bad weather would look much less credible. The surprisingly good reading – 53.7 compared to a consensus forecast... Read More

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Good news for construction โ€“ but is it sustainable?
8 Feb
12:00

Economic reality exposed

Submitted by Bernie Devine, EC Harris, Asset Management Consultant

This week the UAE Central bank published some much awaited statistics from 2010 which shed new light on the current state of the country’s economy. In summary, the UAE is struggling to boost bank lending after the recent credit squeeze, and the non-performing loan provisions offered by banks increased by 36% to Dh44.3bn. This represents approximately 4.4% of the total loans offered, higher than you would expect to see in a growing economy, and something which is likely to hurt banks... Read More

1 Comment (2 Ratings)
Economic reality exposed
10 Feb
06:06

Putting Productivity Gains at the Heart of Corporate Real Estate

Submitted by Wade Cruickshanks, EC Harris, Partner

We are constantly striving to achieve greater productivity, especially in the current cost-conscious environment where businesses are looking to maintain cost savings and profitability gains and getting the most out of corporate restructuring. Here are few ways CRE can address the productivity challenge... Workplace: A well executed workplace strategy focused on the configuration and design of the workplace can increase productivity by 10% as well as reduce employee absenteeism. Successful... Read More

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Putting Productivity Gains at the Heart of Corporate Real Estate
16 Feb
14:39

Beating the Market

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

2011 is shaping up to be another challenging year for construction and property, with many economies slowing and continuing headwinds from scarce finance and soaring commodity prices.  Positive action creates conditions for success, and clients with a proactive approach to project set-up, procurement and delivery will be best placed to secure value and viability.  Those who assume that they can rely on weak demand to obtain best value may not obtain optimum results and may be taking... Read More

0 Comments (2 Ratings)
Beating the Market
3 Mar
10:34

Public Infrastructure needed for Arab world stability

Submitted by Andrew Jeffery, EC Harris, Location Leader, UAE

With reports of further unrest in the Arab world continuing to dominate the news agenda, it is easy to overlook one of the themes that is common and unifying to all of the protests; the dearth of public infrastructure including schools, hospitals, transportation and welfare facilities provision. If we look more closely across the wider GCC, it is clear that the region has definite room for improvement before it can claim to offer the public services that people in the developed and Western world... Read More

0 Comments (4 Ratings)
Public Infrastructure needed for Arab world stability
15 Mar
01:04

Partnership in China... Success lies with 3Rs

Submitted by Simon Baxter, EC Harris, Partner, Hong Kong

International investors and developers who are successful in China have adapted their investment strategy to build local relationships and respect the Chinese culture. This approach has enabled them to overcome some of the perceived barriers to entry. They have not tried to impose ‘a Western way’ of doing business. Success lies in spending more time with greater depth on the selection and alignment of; the right partner, the right people, and the right product. Right partner:... Read More

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Partnership in China... Success lies with 3Rs
15 Mar
01:05

Sustainable workplace strategy in Asia

Submitted by Jonathan Berney, EC Harris, Head of Client Solutions, Asia

Many organisations are not gaining the full benefit of sustainability and are focusing on the more urgent need for rapid cost reduction. There is a widespread sentiment that environmental and sustainability measures are ‘nice-to-haves’ that should be addressed in better times. In addition, culture in Asia often means space issued according to hierarchy rather than business and operating needs. However, by evaluating the overall contribution that property can make to reducing occupational... Read More

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Sustainable workplace strategy in Asia
30 Mar
08:31

Hong Kong... Victim of its own success?

Submitted by Wade Cruickshanks, EC Harris, Partner

Carrie Lam, Secretary for Development hosted a seminar on Office Development in Hong Kong last week.  John Tsang gave the opening address and several highly respected speakers from the industry. The seminar was held in response to a growing concern in the private sector: Hong Kong is facing a crisis of quality office space. Predictions are that the annual average supply of new office space over the next 3 years will be 50 % of the past 15 year annual average which will... Read More

1 Comment (0 Ratings)
Hong Kong... Victim of its own success?
24 Mar
04:46

China... Bears Gather (not Pandas!)

Submitted by Oliver Jones, EC Harris, Head of Corporate Real Estate

The annual CoreNet Asia conference is always a test of market confidence and in Hong Kong today, the vibrancy of the region showed clearly as 400 delegates from corporate end users and service providers from all around the world gathered in Hong Kong.  The opening address therefore came as a bit of a shock to many as Dr Jim Walker of the economic research and consulting business Asianomics, presented a very bearish analysis of the prospects for China… Get 2 economists in a room... Read More

0 Comments (4 Ratings)
China... Bears Gather (not Pandas!)
29 Mar
12:21

Patient Choice โ€“ The Middle East High-Life

Submitted by Andrew Jeffery, EC Harris, Location Leader, UAE

Unlike many European countries where national healthcare is a central provision, the Middle East has emulated, with great enthusiasm, the American-style private health insurance to fund health care provision for both nationals and expats alike. Where things differ from the norm in the Middle East, is the growing supply response, especially in the UAE, for five star hospitals – resembling and feeling more like luxury hotels than the sterile, ‘magnolia’ institutional buildings... Read More

0 Comments (5 Ratings)
Patient Choice โ€“ The Middle East High-Life
15 Jul
11:20

Fire Risk Assessment - The assessors in the dock?

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

My November blog on the prosecution of Pound Stretcher (EC Harris Built Asset Blog, November 2010 Articles) questioned the Client's role in ensuring the requirements of fire risk assessments were implemented to prevent fire compliance issues, but what if the assessment they relied upon wasn't as it should be? It therefore seems only right to balance the argument, by looking to see the role the assessors themselves play. The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council emerged from the fire... Read More

7 Comments (2 Ratings)
Fire Risk Assessment -  The assessors in the dock?
22 Aug
15:03

PFI doesnโ€™t have to be โ€˜poor valueโ€™

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 doesnโ€™t have to be โ€˜poor valueโ€™
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
9 Sep
16:33

The time is now...

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

With construction prices at their lowest since 2006 and pressure on commodity prices higher than at any time since 2007, there is a sound argument that 2011 could be an optimum time for procurement. Whilst the private sector may be reluctant to proceed due to a lack of debt finance and unreliable demand forecasts, it is less clear why the public sector is so reticent about procuring planned infrastructure at a time when there is real value on offer.  There is no doubt that the fallout... Read More

1 Comment (0 Ratings)
The time is now...
16 Sep
14:34

Can strategic procurement deliver promised savings?

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

With growing evidence that economic conditions are getting tougher, we recognise that there is no let up for clients who need to remain competitive in their own markets. Construction has played its part in delivering deep discounts to clients since the downturn commenced in 2008. However, these savings might not be sustainable in the long run – and in any case – clients need to review their own operations to identify opportunities to improve performance.  Strategic... Read More

1 Comment (1 Rating)
Can strategic procurement deliver promised savings?
21 Sep
07:16

U-Airport or shall we say i-Airport?

Submitted by Caspar Baum, EC Harris, Head of Aviation, Asia

While I was attending Smart Airports World Asia Conference few days ago, Sei-Chang Sohn did a very informative presentation on how Incheon Airport is focusing on optimising IT services for customers. The U-airport framework includes U-Fast passenger (self check-in, immigration and cyber Terminal) and U-Dynamic Guide (signage, board and mobile) increasing significantly customers’ satisfaction. While there is definitely a need for technology, I tend to agree with Fraport’s opposite response... Read More

1 Comment (1 Rating)
U-Airport or shall we say i-Airport?
22 Sep
05:36

All about communication!

Submitted by Annabelle Taylor, EC Harris, Marketing manager

I went to the Real Estate Asset Enhancement Asia Conference 2 days ago and there was a very interesting session on 'how can commercial landlords introduce building upgrades and improve service offerings to office tenants' .  Vito Chiodo, Director of Property for Telstra in Australia, has demonstrated that the best way to undertake some major building refurbishment work,  Landlords need to include tenants in the process. By making the process more official with... Read More

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
All about communication!
22 Sep
12:21

The rules of the game

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

Quite recently I overheard a rather heated argument at a local ‘minor league football match’ involving a parent whose son (an outstanding striker with huge potential, who had premier league scouts watching him every week blah blah) had been hurt having been tackled by a ‘lumping great central defender’. The irate supporter shouted at the referee that he would ‘sue him for every penny’ if the child was injured as a result, 'I’d like to see you try,... Read More

2 Comments (5 Ratings)
The rules of the game
2 Nov
14:21

Latest construction figures may provide only short term relief

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

Positive growth in the October UK Construction PMI contrasts strongly with this week’s numbers for UK GDP and UK Manufacturing.     I expected Construction PMI figures to fall below 50 during October, as public sector cuts began to bite deeper and growth in the commercial sector proved elusive.  The increase in the PMI to 53.9 is welcome, but probably short term relief.   This week’s GDP data recorded that construction output had fallen by 0.7% during... Read More

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
Latest construction figures may provide only short term relief
16 Nov
06:19

Investing in Gulf Education โ€“ moving beyond the crossroad

Submitted by Andrew Jeffery, EC Harris, Location Leader, UAE

At the recent BFE MENA conference in Abu Dhabi, there was widespread consensus that investment in education was one of the more important elements of the social reform now being demanded across the MENA region. However, whilst all were in agreement that better educating future generations could help to drive economic prosperity, a strange sense of nervousness also pervaded with many delegates concerned that the ongoing turmoil in the global financial markets could threaten the region’s ability... Read More

0 Comments (2 Ratings)
Investing in Gulf Education โ€“ moving beyond the crossroad
29 Nov
15:01

The Autumn Statement - Plan A+

Submitted by Graham Kean, EC Harris, Head of Public

The Autumn Statement – Plan A+ With the OECD predicting that the UK will shortly slide back into recession; the ongoing eurozone crisis; and the OBR’s grim growth forecasts, the Chancellor had little choice but to try and stimulate the economy in his Autumn Statement. Osborne announced £30bn would be set aside within the National Infrastructure Programme to try and kick-start economic growth through ‘shovel-ready’ infrastructure programmes.  His plans... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
The Autumn Statement - Plan A+
9 Dec
11:50

Construction stats: 2011 better than expected, but 2012 still looking gloomy

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

Today’s release of construction output statistics includes a welcome upward revisions to second and third quarter 2011 output, adding to +0.7% aggregate output this year.  £300 million of this increase is data sourced from a more complete survey of work, but the rest of the change is related to technical adjustments to constant prices. This upgrade is a salutary reminder that it is dangerous to base too much reliance on early statistical releases, so the emerging... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
Construction stats: 2011 better than expected, but 2012 still looking gloomy
13 Jan
11:09

Construction output - we haven't fallen off the cliff yet

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

The latest construction output data from ONS confirm that the construction industry continues to defy the odds in 2011, but that storm clouds are gathering for 2012. The headline results are that output increased marginally month on month and that compared to 12 months ago, activity for the Sept – Nov period is down by 1.2%.  Looking at activity during 2011, both new build and total activity looks as if it will be at least 3% higher than in 2010, and could be higher given the appalling... Read More

1 Comment (2 Ratings)
Construction output - we haven't fallen off the cliff yet
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

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
UAE Government Reaffirms Plans
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

0 Comments (3 Ratings)
Solving the Emerging Skills Gap
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

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
Selling Surplus Attractively
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

0 Comments (2 Ratings)
Not So Cool!
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

0 Comments (1 Rating)
Talent Fight Club
2 Mar
09:01

All about behaviour!

Submitted by Annabelle Taylor, EC Harris, Marketing manager

I’ve received an email from the Climateers this morning and they were asking people to go beyond the hour of the Earth Hour and set our own energy saving targets to reflect on and change our energy consumption habits. It really got me thinking and especially as a communication professional, you can never neglect the power of your employees! Involve your employees in saving energy. Don’t forget security guards and cleaners--often the lowest-paid support staff can make a... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
All about behaviour!
22 Mar
00:56

Cut of foreign workers, impact on construction!

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

I had a TV interview for Channel News Asia yesterday to talk about the cut of Foreign workers in the construction industry in Singapore and thought I'd share few highlights with you... Will there be an impact? There will be an impact as the construction industry accounts for 38% of all work permit holders (excluding domestic workers). Whilst acknowledging that transition arrangements are in place over next 2 years , we need to consider both the short... Read More

0 Comments (3 Ratings)
Cut of foreign workers, impact on construction!
22 Mar
01:16

Views on 2012 February Property price in China

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

Here are some of my thoughts on last month Property Price report in China. On property prices As China’s Premier Wen Jiabao recently reiterated, the central government is determined to continue its efforts to curb real estate speculation. These policies are expected to be maintained for the foreseeable future. As a result, I believe that China’s property prices will likely continue their downward trend, likely going into the... Read More

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
Views on 2012 February Property price in China
23 Mar
10:02

UK Budget 2012: watch our full analysis

Submitted by Simon Rawlinson, EC Harris, Head of Strategic Research

Following the budget 2012 announcement, our experts have provided their view and what this means for our clients.    Read More

0 Comments (3 Ratings)
UK Budget 2012: watch our full analysis
27 Mar
08:41

Creating 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,... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
Creating an adaptive organisation
30 Mar
04:06

Leading by example

Submitted by Christopher Chew, EC Harris, Senior Project Manager

 As I walked pass the contractor’s site office this morning, lights were turned on, computers flashing graphics and the air-conditioning working hard (maybe since yesterday?!). And there’s hardly anyone in yet! Here’s a reality check - It is Earth Hour tomorrow and this is a gentle reminder we all need to watch out our energy consumption. This month also marks one year since the tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan. As we take a solemn moment... Read More

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
Leading by example
12 Apr
19:25

The future is now!

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

Just got back to Shanghai after a really thought provoking Corenet Global Summit in Singapore...  This years theme was Reimagine: Reorient, Reignite Reinvent and it really brought a lot of dynamic ideas to the sessions and forums.  Summit kicked off with Jonathan Pain with his Pain Report giving a passionate take on submerging and emerging countries.  It was great to hear someone with strong and positive views about China and how the emerging middle... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
The future is now!
12 Apr
19:04

Concessions ease Foreign Worker Restrictions in Singapore

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

A restriction on the employment of new foreign workers, introduced in the 2012 Singapore Budget, was a challenge on the Construction industry that I highlighted in my latest blog. The potential impact of this restriction has however been reduced over the last few days with an announcement by the Singapore Government that the maximum period of employment for existing unskilled work permit holders will be increased from six years to ten years. Allowing the retention of skilled operatives in the... Read More

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
Concessions ease Foreign Worker Restrictions in Singapore
17 Apr
08:10

People, Performance, Place

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

I have attended a session on flexible workplace during the Singapore Corenet Summit last month discussing why 80% of respondents worldwide now offer flexible working including: improved productivity, reduced overhead, and an improved work-life balance for staff. It was very interesting to share how we can apply strategies to increase employee productivity and satisfaction and how to connect benefits of a wider talent pool to fast scalability of the business. Both public and private sector... Read More

0 Comments (2 Ratings)
People, Performance, Place
20 Apr
08:34

And prices continue to drop!

Submitted by Simon Baxter, EC Harris, Partner, Hong Kong

I was invited to be interviewed by Bernie Lo on CNBC Asia yesterday morning to talk about the property prices' drop in China. Below are few points I thought I could share with you regarding this, this is good follow up on last month blog written by our China Location Leader. Why are property prices across China dropping? Prices are decreasing due to a suite of measures that... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
And prices continue to drop!
20 Apr
14:38

RealGreen: A postscript

Submitted by Nick Hayes, EC Harris, Head of Sustainability

Off the plane at Luton airport after RealGreen event in Warsaw, Poland! We had a great evening at the CEEQQ (Central Eastern European Quality Awards) Gala dinner and were well represented by EC Harris and ARCADIS colleagues from across the region. Big success all round, Richard Clare from EC Harris, received the lifetime achievement award and we also picked up the award for 'Development Services Company of the year' fantastic achievement and so good couple of days all... Read More

0 Comments (0 Ratings)
RealGreen: A postscript
24 Apr
09:43

Just around the corner or a distant dream?

Submitted by Andrew Macpherson, EC Harris, Partner

   I have attended a number of conferences recently  including RICS “Fit for the Future” Conference in Beijing. Opinions from these conferences together with feedback from our own clients regarding the current status of Property and Facility Management in China prompted me to write this blog. In regions with rapidly developing built assets and an apparent rush to beat competitors, it’s little wonder there is a focus on development management, and... Read More

0 Comments (1 Rating)
Just around the corner or a distant dream?
15 May
07:08

Is China the country to grow older?

Submitted by Karen Prosser, EC Harris, Partner, Health sector

  I've seen an article in the Economist recently talking about the changing face of Chinese society.  The article correctly identified the rapidly growing elderly population as a potential barrier to the country’s future economic growth. However, by looking at this issue in purely financial terms I thought the author underplayed a more pressing concern – the inadequacy of the country’s current healthcare facilities... Read More

1 Comment (7 Ratings)
Is China the country to grow older?