In the latest property news, mixed views can be perceived in the varying performance of renting rates across Scotland, in comparison to those rates witnessed, and reported on for across England and Wales. The figures, effectively showcasing the overall rise in rent rates across the UK, display that Scottish property
As previously reported, concerns have already been raised as to the division of governmental spending between SME and larger enterprises. And while governmental figures have highlighted a marked increase in the usage of SMEs on key contracts, further woes have been raised as to the skewing of such results where
In recent building news, it has been announced that Ney & Partners has successfully won an enviable position to design the new £4m Tintagel Castle footbridge, Cornwall, for English Heritage. The winning team, based out of Brussels, saw the team, alongside William Matthews Associates, an up and coming architectural practice,
In the latest property news, mixed views can be perceived in the varying performance of renting rates across Scotland, in comparison to those rates witnessed, and reported on for across England and Wales. The figures, effectively showcasing the overall rise in rent rates across the UK, display that Scottish property rents, although successfully rising, have only done so at two thirds of the rate seen in England and Wales, with a rise of circa 2.1% each year – reported in the latest but to let index from Your Move. Across England and Wales, an increase of rents has been reported to sit at some 3.3% each year, greatly outpacing the aforementioned rise in Scotland. Additionally, it has even been highlighted that pockets of Scotland have even witnessed periods of stagnation in rent prices on a monthly basis, with some areas, including Glasgow and the Highlands actually facing a fall in rents compared with January. The result come at a curious time, with Scotland simultaneously seeing a period of extensive governmental intervention into the private rent market, whilst simultaneously experiencing markedly slowed down growth in rents. Though, as highlighted by Brian Moran, Your Move Scotland’s Lettings Director, the figures do indeed still point to a degree of growth, yet against a considerable degree of stronger tenant finances. “Like any market, affordability is a fundamental check on prices. Rental arrears are a great benchmark of affordability in the market, and their frequency is falling,” explained Brian Moran. In fact, it is not the first time in which governmental intervention has led to similar levels of effect, likened to the 2012 tenancy fee abolition. Yet, how the sector now reacts to the changes presently being faced, and also how plans are made to ensure continued profitability in the sector, is yet to be fully seen – time, however, will tell.
As previously reported, concerns have already been raised as to the division of governmental spending between SME and larger enterprises. And while governmental figures have highlighted a marked increase in the usage of SMEs on key contracts, further woes have been raised as to the skewing of such results where subcontractor works are performed on behalf of the larger enterprises. As such, the National Audit Office has highlighted that it could not be certain as to whether there has actually been an increase in direct spending with SMEs, with the previous indirect spending figures being entirely incomparable with earlier statistics. A worrying notion, to be sure, with the NAO stressing the increased importance for more governmental focus on spending within the SME base of the supply chain. With concerns already having been raised as to the continuity of the government’s success in integrating SMEs into the supply chain more appropriately, the notion comes at a time whereby increased questions are being raised as to just how much extra is actually being spent with SMEs, both directly and indirectly. A positive sign can be seen in the increased accessibility of application for governmental works by SME practices as a bare minimum on the progress made thus far, however it is becoming increasingly evident that competing for such works and securing spending from the government may not yet be a great degree easier than has previously been seen. BIFM’s Chair of the Procurement Special Interest Group, Wendy Sutherland, commented: “The ability for SMEs to actively participate in this environment is challenging despite the best intentions of central government, as can be seen when reading the list of the successful suppliers.” Of course, as previously highlighted, the position is one whereby the government has been urged to reassess and identify further ways in which it can both engage with, and sped directly with the SME supplier base else, it is feared that targets for SME spending will not be met.
In recent building news, it has been announced that Ney & Partners has successfully won an enviable position to design the new £4m Tintagel Castle footbridge, Cornwall, for English Heritage. The winning team, based out of Brussels, saw the team, alongside William Matthews Associates, an up and coming architectural practice, prove their talents and come head and shoulders above the rest. Beating off 136 other keen industry competitors in the multiple stage competition, the judges for the competition came to a majority decision on selection the team, thus granting them the enviable engineering and architectural commission. As for the reasoning behind their selection, the judges commented that the design concept was for the elegance, structural ingenuity and delicate profile of the presented design which allowed it to stand apart from the others presented. Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of English Heritage provided her thoughts on the winning design, stating: “The winning team’s concept is daring and very exciting. It is not the final design but instead a brilliant indication of the team’s talent and imagination.” Inspiration for the solution presented has been stated to have come from Celtic history and how the Tintagel Castle drawbridge was originally arranged and designed. In accordance with this, the design proposal has included the usage of local slate for the decking and a mixture of both non and weathered steel so that contrast can be provided – this, in effect will be most notable when hit by sunlight, allowing it to provide a striking visage at the backdrop of the coastal scenery. As a result of the win, Ney & Partners will now begin developing their final designs, with consent applications set for a later date in the year, and a predicted completion date set as 2019. Set to entirely change the experience gusts will have when visiting the castle, the 28m high bridge is a must-watch to see how the final designs are developed and put into action.