The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee released their report on the draft Building Safety Bill this week outlining their concerns that the draft does not do enough to protect leaseholders. The report states that, in its current form, the draft legislation does not provide adequate protection against leaseholders paying
The emphasis on safety in the workplace has been moved onto social distancing and regular hand cleaning in light of the current pandemic. While clean hands will help you avoid Coronavirus it doesn’t do much for other workplace hazards. Recent numbers from HSE have shown that for 2019/2020, close to
Although most people are currently working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems likely that a high percentage of people will return to the office at least in the coming months with many employers keen to have workers together in one location. So, what might this look like
When you’re trying to create and manage a marketing campaign for your business, it can be a lot to keep track of. A marketing campaign is something that your business will rely upon for likely months, and potentially years at a time for growth—with some necessary audits and updates of
London-based property developer Mount Anvil is the first residential developer to achieve The Planet Mark New Development certification, reflecting its commitment to go beyond compliance to invest in a sustainable future for the built environment throughout the entire development process. With its focus on design excellence and creating the highest
Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, working with Panattoni – the UK’s largest speculative developer – as development manager, has commissioned a new net zero carbon logistics/warehouse development at its Belvedere Wharf site in Bexley, southeast London. Belvedere is one of London’s premiere logistics locations.
Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable
HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major
Overbury has been appointed by international tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars to deliver its new state-of-the-art space at Two Chamberlain Square in Birmingham city centre. The national fit out and refurbishment specialist will deliver a bright, spacious and flexible workplace across 12,000 sq. ft. of office space at the
Colliers Says the Chancellor has a Golden opportunity to re-assure businesses Although the Covid-19 pandemic has forced Rishi Sunak to postpone both his planned autumn budget and the announcement of plans for public spending until the middle of the decade, today he will be outlining what the government intends to spend for
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee released their report on the draft Building Safety Bill this week outlining their concerns that the draft does not do enough to protect leaseholders. The report states that, in its current form, the draft legislation does not provide adequate protection against leaseholders paying the bill for work to remedy fire safety defects, this includes the removal of dangerous cladding. Among the 40 recommendations contained within the report was a review of ‘Building Safety Charges’, a new type of service charge that will be introduced to help fund future fire safety remedial work. However, the report states that these new charges will make long leaseholders of higher-risk buildings liable to pay, making the charges a mechanism for ensuring residents foot the bill, rather than funding the cost of future work. What is the Building Safety Bill? The Building Safety Bill is a new piece of UK Government legislation aimed at reforming the regulations surrounding the safety of high-rise buildings in the UK. A major part of the UK Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is currently being scrutinised while in draft form, but is expected to be brought to Parliament early next year. In September, Propertymark responded to the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Building Safety Bill with a number of concerns, including the way in which the Building Safety Charge is structured, which will make it much easier for building owners to pass the costs of remedial work to leaseholders. ‘Propertymark response to draft Building Safety Bill‘ Lack of detail forces urgent question The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee also highlighted in their report a lack of detail and an over-emphasis on legislation and regulation that has not yet been published, making it ambiguous as to how the new regulations would work in practice. In light of the concerns the Committee provided in their report, Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Committee, tabled an urgent question to Government on Tuesday 24 November on whether leaseholders are expected to pay for the removal of dangerous cladding, with the Housing Minister Christopher Pincher MP taking the despatch box to represent the Government. During the session, MPs repeatedly outlined concerns their constituents had about letters requiring them to pay for the removal of cladding and extreme service charges while the UK Government delayed their response. The Minister stressed that the UK Government writing a blank cheque to developers sends the wrong signal and costs for removing unsafe cladding should fall on those responsible, which includes developers, building owners and other stakeholders. However, he could not guarantee costs will never fall to leaseholders in some circumstances. The Minister was keen to highlight the recent ‘win’ of ensuring that External Wall Fire Review forms (EWS1) are no longer required for buildings without cladding, however, one MP highlighted that this had not been formally agreed, with UK finance and the Building Societies Association not yet backing the announcement. It is pleasing that the Committee has agreed with Propertymark that there needs to be greater protections for leaseholders, including reducing administration and costs, as well as more clarity for those involved in managing property. In particular, greater guidance and support will be needed for Building Safety Managers and Accountable Persons to deliver the new regime as well as the need for the Building Safety Charge to be incorporated into existing Service Charge arrangements. We will continue to press for a holistic approach to ensure that the New Homes Ombudsman works alongside existing, and proposed, regulation of home buying and selling to deliver consistency for consumers moving between property on the existing market and purchasing new build property. Mark Hayward NAEA Propertymark Chief Executive
The emphasis on safety in the workplace has been moved onto social distancing and regular hand cleaning in light of the current pandemic. While clean hands will help you avoid Coronavirus it doesn’t do much for other workplace hazards. Recent numbers from HSE have shown that for 2019/2020, close to 700,000 workers sustained injuries on the job. Of those, 65,427 were serious enough to be reported to RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). According to these findings, the most likely causes of non-fatal workplace accidents were: Slips, trips and falls on the same level Handling, lifting or carrying Being struck by a moving object Falls from height Workplace violence Fatal accidents have steadily been decreasing over the years but we are still in triple figures, with 111 recorded for 2019/2020. Falls from heights are the leading cause of fatal injuries, affecting mostly individuals in the construction industry, followed by forestry, fishing and agriculture. While there is no denying that certain industries are more dangerous than others, it may surprise you to find that across the board, construction is, in some ways, one of the safest professions. In fact, hairdressers are one of the most at-risk groups of workers when it comes to non-fatal accidents in the workplace – those scissors are sharp after all. Hairdressers are 7 times more likely to have an accident than a carpenter. We should also spare a thought for personal trainers who are considered to be three times as likely to hurt themselves on the job as a bricklayer. Following procedures and safety precautions should help you avoid the more common workplace accidents. It can be easy to forget proper lifting techniques when you are in a hurry, but you do so at your own risk. Similarly, falls from heights can be prevented thanks to safety harnesses. You have a right to be safe at work; effective safety equipment is also a right, not a privilege. The majority of the accident at work claims that Thompsons Scotland deal with are down to negligence on an employer’s part. So it is truly in their best interest to improve safety standards. If your workplace is unsafe your employer has a responsibility to make it better. You, as an employee, also have a responsibility to report unsafe working conditions. Your first step should be to report your concerns to your immediate supervisor. Most businesses will have a procedure for safety concerns so this may mean that you are asked to submit a written report outlining the unsafe conditions. If you are part of a union, then find out who your safety representative is and report the situation to them. If none of these avenues is successful you can reach out to HSE either online or by telephone. They will need to take your details, but you can ask them not to disclose this information to your employer if they contact them. Coronavirus has certainly brought new challenges to the workplace this year but we cannot allow it to make us complacent to the other dangers that exist. Hopefully, the number of accidents in the workplace will continue to fall and the statistics for 2020/2021 will be even more encouraging.
Although most people are currently working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems likely that a high percentage of people will return to the office at least in the coming months with many employers keen to have workers together in one location. So, what might this look like in the office as we emerge from the pandemic? Socially Distanced Workspaces One of the most important steps that employers need to take when it comes to the office is creating socially distanced workspaces. People need to be at least one metre away from one another, which will also be intelligent after the pandemic as it could reduce illness. Obviously, this is a challenge which is why many businesses may have to have some people WFH and some in the office and rotate. Health & Safety Health and safety will be critical as we emerge from the pandemic and business will want to do all that they can to provide a safe and healthy work environment for staff. Staying compliant with changing regulations will be vital and is likely to include things like proper ventilation, regular cleaning, availability of hand sanitiser and the use of contactless technology. New Equipment & Technology Following this point, businesses may need to invest in new equipment and technology that will enable them to carry out their operation safely. Many businesses have had to adapt as a result of COVID-19 which may require large investments in tech and equipment such as remote working tools, contactless solutions and augmented reality. This can obviously create a financial challenge, so a business cash advance could be a smart way to get the capital that you need to replenish the business for a post-COVID-19 operation. Employee Management Businesses will also need to consider the way in which they manage staff when they return to the office. It will create a challenge, but trying to enforce social distancing, reducing meetings and making sure that people are greeting each other in a safe manner will all be key moving forward. It is likely that people will start to return to the office in the coming months even if this involves WFH a few days a week. Businesses need to take action to make sure that they are providing a safe work environment for their team so that they can protect the health of employees and the public as a whole – the above are a few changes that will need to be made to create a suitable office space for staff.
When you’re trying to create and manage a marketing campaign for your business, it can be a lot to keep track of. A marketing campaign is something that your business will rely upon for likely months, and potentially years at a time for growth—with some necessary audits and updates of course. Creating a marketing campaign is a big job in and of itself, and one that takes up much of your time as a marketing manager or business owner. It’s an important aspect of the business and something that will play a vital role in the success and life of the company. Considering how important a marketing campaign is, one can only deduce that the actual implementation of said marketing efforts is as well. A plan is no good without the action that follows, and neither is a marketing plan without proper implementation and management of it. Just as marketing itself is a big task and a whole division of a business on its own, so is managing and keeping up with those efforts too. A marketing strategy, especially one that spans the long-term, is something that’ll require much time and effort on part of those in charge of it. Because of this, and the importance of it, it’s crucial that you find ways to better manage your marketing efforts that can help contribute not only to growth, but sustainability and efficiency as well throughout the life of your business. There are a number of different tools and tactics you can implement to start this process, with a few listed below. Options To Better Manage Your Marketing Efforts For Your Business In 2020, the market for marketing and automation tools presented to business owners is ripe like never before. The sheer number of different and similar software available to business owners and marketing managers alike is overwhelming, and it’s crucial to be able to apply your situation in picking the right options for your business. Some are more useful than others, boasting a wide range of capabilities that can be applied across multiple aspects of a business to cover various needs, but there are also specialty products and tactics you can implement as well to help better manage your marketing efforts. Both are equally useful, and both undoubtedly have their place. Make Use Of Phone And Text Software There’s perhaps no more useful software a business can start using than something that can automate their dialing and text message marketing process. Client communications is an absolutely critical aspect of the success and marketing of any business, and something that can, of course, never be overlooked. This can be time consuming though, especially if you find your marketing campaigns to be rather successful, and your employees are trying to onboard and communicate with multiple new clients a day. Calling each appointment individually can be a rather inefficient process, even more so when you take into account the fact that many won’t be available to talk the first time. Because of these exact situations, software like Call Cowboy and others was created to help with this. Services such as these can be put into place to do a range of functions for your business, ranging from telemarketing with predictive dialers all the way to text message marketing. All of these tools contribute to making managing your marketing efforts that much simpler. Auto Dialers One of the most common features of this software is the auto dialer, which is something businesses can use for several different things. It can be used to follow up on clients and see how their experience with your product or service is going, remind them of appointments, call back missed calls, leave a voicemail, and many other features. Predictive Dialers You can make use of predictive dialers to automate your marketing process to an extent, only further increasing your efficiency and the ease with which you can manage your marketing efforts. A predictive dialer will typically automatically make calls from a list of numbers you feed it from whatever source you may choose, and it’ll keep going until it makes a connection. It will then refer that connection to a live agent for further conversation. You can even get a free 800 number for this if you don’t wish to use your present one to reach out. Text Message Marketing Text message marketing is a classic in the marketing world, and something that will likely continue to be useful for years to come. Text messaging is a great way to contact your clients in a way that they’re almost sure to see, and in a subtle way that doesn’t interrupt their day either. Not all customers will be checking their emails or able to answer the phone at any given time, and this is why using text message marketing to send out reminders and other forms of communication like sales and promotions can be a great method for both you and the customer. Text message marketing can make managing your marketing efforts easier because of automation as well, alleviating some of the repetitive manual aspects that have been traditionally associated with this type of marketing. 2.Don’t Overlook Implementing A CRM If you’ve been in business or entrepreneurship for any length of time, it’s unlikely you’ve made it this far without being shown an advertisement or two about a CRM that your business could use. Whether you’ve given into the hype or not though, the value presented by this incredibly flexible software is not something to be overlooked. A CRM stands for customer relationship management, which may sound vague for some. A CRM allows you to manage multiple streams of information in one place, with each software having several different extensions and plugins that handle different aspects of your overall marketing efforts and communications as a whole. The uses of CRMs can range from customer support, social media, marketing campaign data analysis, contact management, and a lot more in some cases. Using CRMs For Data Analysis With the
London-based property developer Mount Anvil is the first residential developer to achieve The Planet Mark New Development certification, reflecting its commitment to go beyond compliance to invest in a sustainable future for the built environment throughout the entire development process. With its focus on design excellence and creating the highest quality end product, sustainability has been at the heart of Mount Anvil’s business strategy for many years. Its inhouse design and planning teams ensure the company is driving the sustainability agenda so that it designs and delivers built environments that leave a positive legacy for future homeowners as well as existing local communities, businesses and other stakeholders. As part of The Planet Mark’s partnership with educational charity the Eden Project, Mount Anvil has commissioned a sustainability outreach programme which will engage with a local primary schools through the New Development programme. This involves working with both pupils and staff to help children connect with and understand the importance of nature. Mike Valmas, head of Pre-Construction, Energy and Sustainability at Mount Anvil, says “Our commitment to The Planet Mark New Development certification aligns with our investment into measuring the ways we can maximise space and biodiversity while also reducing the environmental impact of a building. It’s a great partnership and one that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to deliver environmentally and economically sustainable places. “As well as the positive benefits to climate change, our residents are at the heart of our work with The Planet Mark. We know that fuel poverty is a huge issue in London and so this focus leads to well insulated homes with a highly efficient energy provision, keeping energy affordable and in the process tackling fuel poverty and underpining positive health and wellbeing. “We’re also really proud of our commitment to working with the local community. I’m excited to see us giving back to local schools as part of our sustainability outreach programme together with the Eden Project – whilst also being able to introduce further sustainability themes to our existing community engagement platform Makers & Mentors.” Steve Malkin, CEO and founder of The Planet Mark, adds, “We’re delighted Mount Anvil is joining The Planet Mark as the first residential developer to achieve our New Development certification. Its heritage and longstanding commitment to deliver sustainability throughout its build process and usage means that carbon savings, energy performance as well as maintenance, running and end user costs are constantly being considered throughout the lifetime of the building. Its culture and stakeholder engagement resonates perfectly with The Planet Mark’s three-step process to certification, and the genuine passion for sustainability, demonstrated from the board right through to all of its employees, will ensure the company continues to deliver a legacy of positive change for the better.” About The Planet Mark The Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification which recognises continuous progress, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals. It is awarded to businesses, properties, new developments and projects that are committed to reducing their carbon emissions. Together, building and construction is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. With operational emissions alone (from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) accounting for up to 28%. Any New Development can have a significant impact on the environment, communities, and the people that it serves. At The Planet Mark we think that those impacts should always be positive. The Planet Mark for New Development’s requires the measurement and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions, engagement of the supply chain and the inclusion of the local community. In this way every building from its design through to its operation can combat climate change, support biodiversity and contribute to the society that it serves. The Planet Mark partners with the Eden Project, the educational charity and visitor destination in Cornwall that houses the largest rainforest in captivity, to deliver a schools programme that engages with local primary schools to work with both pupils and staff to help the children connect with and understand the importance of nature. The Planet Mark is partnered with Cool Earth, the award-winning charity that works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction, to protect an acre of rainforest for every new business certificate it delivers. Deforestation contributes up to 20 per cent global CO2 emissions. The only way to halt destruction is to align the future of the rainforest with the people best placed to protect it. This means placing forest in the hands of the people who rely on its survival for their survival. As part of the New Development programme, companies will have the opportunity to work with the Eden Project to engage with a local primary school; working with pupils and staff to connect and understand nature. For more information please visit www.theplanetmark.com
Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, working with Panattoni – the UK’s largest speculative developer – as development manager, has commissioned a new net zero carbon logistics/warehouse development at its Belvedere Wharf site in Bexley, southeast London. Belvedere is one of London’s premiere logistics locations. It will be the final phase of speculative development at the site following the successful disposal of the previous two phases. The new project involves the redevelopment of a six-acre site providing up to 112,842 sq ft of industrial/distribution space. The brand new development can be taken as a combined 112,842 sq ft unit or as two separate units of 51,446 and 61,376 sq ft each, and will be ready for occupation Q4 2021. Lucy Winterburn, Director, Investment, Savills IM, commented: “Belvedere Wharf is in an area with great potential for regeneration and growth. There is a growing shortage of land suitable for redevelopment within the M25, and this final phase of speculative investment in this asset demonstrates the confidence that we have in the resilience of London despite Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. To deliver a net zero carbon product is a first for our client, but a commitment that we are embracing across the portfolio in both standing investment stock and new development. It is an exciting milestone for the fund.” James Watson, Director, Panattoni, commented: “The UK’s industrial market remains robust despite current economic challenges. Supply of high quality logistics/warehouse accommodation is very low in the southeast, and as the economy normalises, Belvedere Wharf will offer a unique opportunity for us to capitalise on the current supply dynamics. We are delighted to be working once again with Savills IM, this time showcasing a net carbon zero development.” The agents on the scheme are Savills, Glenny and DTRE.
Stoford Developments has achieved practical completion of two speculative units in a multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, heralding the completion of the first phase. Units 3 and 4 at Spa Park comprise 61,075 sq ft and 30,715 sq ft of space respectively, including ancillary offices, and are suitable for advanced manufacturing, e-fulfilment and distribution uses (B1, B2 and B8 classes). The units, which are now available to let, sit alongside a 50,000 sq ft unit, which is occupied by Liberty 920E, part of the prestigious Liberty Vehicle Technologies; and US-based Martin Sprocket & Gear, which occupies unit 5, a 41,173 sq ft warehouse and offices. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford Developments, which is developing the site jointly with leading asset management company BlackRock, said: “We’re pleased to have completed this critical first phase of the development and are confident that our investment in these two high-quality speculative units will attract ambitious businesses to Spa Park. “Despite the challenges of 2020, we are still seeing a strong demand for units of this size at the park, thanks to its strategic location and excellent road network. We are talking to a number of interested businesses and hope to be able to welcome new occupiers soon.” Spa Park comprises four units and is located on Tachbrook Road. It is close to the A46 and junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. Leamington Spa train station is less than one mile away. Spa Park is already home to lingerie and swimwear brand Bravissimo, Detroit Electric and global medical company Smith + Nephew. Stoford and BlackRock are also to construct a second phase, with units of 30,000 sq ft to 290,000 sq ft, available on a build-to-suit basis, which will provide occupiers with the opportunity to tailor the specification and design to their specific requirements. For all enquiries, contact the scheme’s retained agents: CBRE, Bromwich Hardy or M1. Details can be found at www.spapark.co.uk
HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major works contracts to be awarded on Phase 2a of the project and confirmed the latest ground investigation work package award. Linking Birmingham to Crewe, Phase 2a will carry trains bound for destinations such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, speeding up overall journey times and freeing up space on the existing network. Known as ‘Early Civils Work – Package 2’ (ECW2), the new £50m programme includes a range of enabling works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project. This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 58km route. The works will be the first major preparatory activity to be carried out for Britain’s new high speed rail line beyond its first phase, which is now being built between the West Midlands and London. HS2 has already begun a detailed programme of ground investigation along the 2a route and today also confirmed that the latest package – worth £25-30m – has been awarded to Balfour Beatty. Data from this, and previous geological investigations, will inform ongoing design development. Once complete, HS2’s Phase One and 2a will significantly reduce journey times between the capital, north west England and Scotland with services joining the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. This will allow shortened high speed train journeys, including: Glasgow – Euston will be 3hr 45min, saving 44mins Liverpool – Euston will be 1hr 34min, saving 39mins Manchester – Euston will be 1hr 29min, saving 36mins Crewe – Euston will be 53min, saving 34mins Alongside speeding up journey times, the new infrastructure will also free up capacity on the existing network for more local trains and freight by rail. This could see services rise from hourly to half-hourly or better between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent to Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield and Rugeley, as well as more services from Crewe and Runcorn into Liverpool, as well as via Crewe between North Wales, Chester and London. The ECW2 package will awarded via the government’s existing Construction Works and Associated Services framework, streamlining the procurement process, benefitting HS2 and potential bidders with contracts expected to be awarded in early 2021. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “The winner of this contract will play a vital role in delivering the next stage of Britain’s new high speed railway, taking the route north from Birmingham to Crewe and by using the government’s existing framework we hope to streamline the procurement process.” “HS2’s Phase 2a represents a massive opportunity for businesses in the north of England and across the UK in the short term, and in the longer term it will speed up journeys for trains bound for places like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West, and release much-needed extra capacity on the existing mainline.” Draft legislation to seeking powers to build operate and maintain HS2 phase 2a are currently proceeding through Parliament. Royal Assent is anticipated during the winter.
Overbury has been appointed by international tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars to deliver its new state-of-the-art space at Two Chamberlain Square in Birmingham city centre. The national fit out and refurbishment specialist will deliver a bright, spacious and flexible workplace across 12,000 sq. ft. of office space at the landmark Paradise Birmingham development. Overbury will configure the space specifically for Mazars’ team and clients, reflecting progressive ways of working and the needs of a modern firm in a post-covid working environment. The cutting-edge design comprises several multi-task, flexible and connected spaces and is tailored to suit the needs of five different generations of employees, all working side-by-side. Mazars employees will be able to choose to work from classic, campus and hotelier-style desk space and a combination of more than 30 agile working spaces, including meeting rooms, booths, breakout spaces and other collaborative working areas. Staff will benefit from a wellbeing lounge, coffee bar and cafe/restaurant, as well as lockable storage. A fully glazed boardroom and meeting suites will make best use of natural daylight and provide striking views of Chamberlain Square throughout the workspace. The installation of folding glass partitions will allow the office to be reconfigured into one large innovation hub with various flexible room arrangements for training, client meetings, conferences and town hall events. A sense of place is reflected in the choice of materials, with stone, limestone, heritage brick and clockwork craftsman detailing, balancing the use of integrated technology. Feature lighting, exposed ceilings and biophilia will create an inviting and contemporary finish. The new space is expected to be completed in Q1 2021 when Mazars will relocate its 200-strong Birmingham team from existing offices in nearby Church Street. Michele Clifton, Office Design Account Manager at Overbury’s Birmingham-based team, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering such a dynamic and collaborative working environment on behalf of Mazars. The design is based on creating the very best workplace for now and the future and has been shaped by input from Mazars’ diverse local team and our learning as an office fit out and refurbishment specialist in developing post-covid spaces. We want to create a truly exceptional experience through a workplace that will be an academy for learning, somewhere that allows for choice and autonomy, encouraging social interaction and striking a balance between work and wellbeing. We’re looking forward to delivering a fully inclusive fit out that places the user at its very heart, giving people a choice of where and how they want to work.” Mazars Birmingham Office Managing Partner, Ian Holder, said: “Our new office in the city centre reinforces our commitment to remaining part of the fabric of the vibrant Birmingham business community, and underscores our confidence in the continued growth of the team for years to come. “Our new office space reflects the firm’s newly launched global brand identity: it is designed for modern ways of working, reflecting the needs of a dynamic and diverse team and client base. It will offer dedicated spaces for sharing ideas, collaborating, and deep focus. Both our team and our clients will find that the office reflects their needs exceptionally well, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming them through the doors.”
Colliers Says the Chancellor has a Golden opportunity to re-assure businesses Although the Covid-19 pandemic has forced Rishi Sunak to postpone both his planned autumn budget and the announcement of plans for public spending until the middle of the decade, today he will be outlining what the government intends to spend for the next financial year 2021-22. According to John Webber, Heads of Business Rates at Colliers International, it is essential the Chancellor does not ignore business rates, which contribute £26 billion net to the economy. The business rates team at Colliers suggests the Chancellor: Announces an extension of the current 2020/2021 100% business rates holiday for the retail and hospitality sectors which is due to end next March- for another six or even twelve months from April 2021; giving the sector time to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is indeed inconceivable that retailers would be able to take back their business rates commitments in April, particularly as they have missed their normal lucrative November trading period. Provides business rates relief for other sectors who have not had the advantages of the business rates holiday. This includes the office sector where many businesses were prohibited from using their offices during Lockdown and workers were told to work from home. Since then many offices have remained empty or only became partly occupied, particularly as the Government insisted on social distancing rules, limiting numbers, discouraging workers from using public transport and now are resorting to lockdown measures again. The financial implications have been dramatic. Colliers appealed to the Government to introduce a business rates holiday for the period of Lockdown and to introduce some reliefs for the disruption to businesses seen since. As we get through a second period of lockdown, this is more important than ever. The Government must extend the deadline dates for applications for the lockdown grants– so that businesses can take advantage of the forthcoming relaxation of current State Aid limits. The European Commission’s “Temporary Framework” states that limits on State Aid will increase to euro 3 million per business for those facing a declining turnover (at least 30% compared to the same period of 2019) due to the coronavirus outbreak. The UK Government has applied to introduce the revised limits but is still waiting for clearance to put this into practice. Meanwhile grant application deadlines are looming; so, without an extension it may be too late for many businesses to benefit. At current limitation levels, only the smaller businesses can benefit from grants. Yet these larger employers are the ones responsible for the majority of jobs. Makes good on the promise to bring in proper business rates reform. The current system is outdated and puts bricks and mortar retailers at a disadvantage to purely on-line rivals or to other sectors. The Government had said it would report back on the first tranche of its consultation on reform this Autumn. As we move into December, we are still waiting… In particular, Colliers urges the Government to bring about an immediate reduction in the multiplier to £0.30, from current levels of £0.51 – making business rates a more affordable tax across the board- so all rate payers can benefit. There should also be an immediate reform of the reliefs system also. Brings in a business rates arrears moratorium for those businesses, who because of the pandemic have been unable to pay their business rates bills. Colliers suggest this should be until April 2021, allowing businesses a chance to sort out their finances. According to latest appeal figures, in the period April 1st to September 30th 2020, an average of 1000 businesses began the appeal process against their businesses rates assessments, on the grounds of an MCC (Material Change of Circumstance) to their business operations as a result of Covid-19 and Lockdown. This shows the scale of the disruption to businesses from the pandemic. Many hard-pressed businesses are now receiving enforcement orders from their billing authorities for failure to pay their rates bills. Colliers urges the Government to instruct Local Billing Authorities to show flexibility and support to business rather than stepping up the heavy-handed court summons. John Webber, Head of Business Rates at Colliers concluded, “The Chancellor has a golden opportunity today to bring some relief to businesses across the country who are struggling as a result of the unprecedented circumstances we have seen in 2020. We urge that he does not ignore business rates and that he reassures businesses that they will not be faced with either untenable bills next Spring or court action now. Failure to do anything may mean the bloodbath we are currently seeing in the retail sector could well spill across other sectors, leading to more closures and job losses across the board.”