A new survey has revealed a boost in optimism amongst professionals delivering Construction projects following the announcement of a US/UK trade deal, though some concerns remain about the deal’s longer-term implications. The vast majority (85%) of respondents are confident in their organisation’s ability to carry out projects following the deal. The survey revealed this was consistent across key sectors in the UK economy, including Construction (83%), Manufacturing (92%), and Automotive (81%). This renewed confidence is largely driven by two key factors: improved market access and greater regulatory alignment. Over half (51%) of respondents said the deal opened up greater opportunities for trading and enhanced access to suppliers, customers and partners as a key benefit, noting this would significantly improve project feasibility and scalability. A further 48% pointed to reduced compliance burdens as a result of closer regulatory cooperation, which is expected to streamline project execution and reduce delays. The findings were revealed in a survey of 250 project professionals, conducted by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, in partnership with Censuswide. Projects and project management are a key driver of economic growth in the UK. APM research shows the profession adds £4.73bn to the transport sector, £8.44bn to the manufacturing sector and £33.19bn to the construction sector when measured by Gross Value Added (GVA). However, not all professionals are convinced. A small minority of just under 5% reported a decline in confidence, citing lingering challenges that could affect delivery outcomes. Of those who are optimistic, some concerns still remain. Nearly half (48%) of those surveyed expressed worry that the trade deal could disrupt existing relationships with non-US/UK partners, potentially leading to contract renegotiations and supply chain complications. Another 44% highlighted uncertainty around how the deal will be implemented, suggesting that evolving terms may complicate planning and risk assessments. When asked about the expected impact on project delivery over the next 12 to 18 months, responses painted a mixed picture. While a third (33%) anticipate improved project delivery, many foresee challenges ahead. These include: The shift away from environmental priorities is notable and suggest project professionals are concerned that net-zero targets may take a back seat in light of evolving trade agendas. Commenting on the findings, Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said: “This survey highlights both renewed optimism and ongoing complexities for the projects that drive the UK economy following the UK/US trade deal. Confidence is clearly growing across key sectors, fuelled by better market access and improved regulatory alignment, which is positive to see. “At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge the concerns that remain. Particularly around the stability of global partnerships, evolving implementation details, and the potential sidelining of sustainability goals. These factors will demand agile leadership and careful planning from those delivering projects on the ground. “As the project landscape grow more complex and becomes more globally connected, the ability to manage short term uncertainty and maintain a focus on long term outcomes is more crucial than ever. These insights reflect a profession that is alert to both opportunity and risk.” APM offers a wide range of professional development resources, qualifications and networking opportunities to support both individuals and organisations in enhancing project delivery capability. Visit apm.org.uk for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The market for flexible commercial office spaces has been undergoing a substantial transformation, particularly following the pandemic. As businesses continue to navigate the post-COVID era, both demand and supply for flexible offices have dramatically changed, driven now by widespread changes in employee working patterns, digital transformation, and economic uncertainty. The trends shaping flexible offices aren’t exclusively confined to their layout, design and configurations. It’s not a case of simply choosing between designing and fitting a traditional office or avoiding such an investment altogether – it’s about creating environments that can scale and respond appropriately to diverse business needs while championing employee well-being and preferences, as well as cultivating a sense of belonging and environmental efficiency among the workforce.  Landlords embracing managed and co-working workspaces for future growth The commercial property sector is undergoing a significant pivot towards managed and co-working workspaces, with recent projections suggesting that 10% of landlords predict their portfolios will almost entirely consist of flexible workspaces by 2030. The same report found that 59% of surveyed landlords consider converting their commercial spaces into flexible offices a key part of their strategy to keep up with market demands. Small businesses and startups often seek managed and co-working workspaces as an affordable alternative to buying property or land outright, which comes with significant overheads. As such, companies are embracing flexible working policies that facilitate part-time remote work, with affordable managed and co-working workspaces providing employees with the ideal setup for when they do decide to come into the office. The appeal of managed and co-working workspaces lies in the combination of traditional lease stability with the convenience of serviced offices, eliminating the need for significant upfront investment required in conventional office purchases. These spaces provide businesses with scalable professional environments, comprehensive storage space, and the ability to maintain a corporate identity within a flexible framework. Growing companies and established enterprises alike benefit from this setup, allowing them to maintain high-quality workplaces while optimizing cash flow. For landlords, integrating managed and co-working workspaces into their portfolios presents an opportunity to meet the evolving demands of modern businesses while ensuring long-term occupancy and revenue stability. By offering flexible lease terms, premium amenities, and adaptable office solutions, landlords can attract a diverse range of tenants, from freelancers to large enterprises, ensuring their properties remain competitive in an evolving market.  Designing for flexibility and sustainability The evolution of workplace dynamics is significantly shaping flexible office design, with a strong emphasis on adaptability and efficiency. Contemporary offices are increasingly incorporating modular furniture, reconfigurable desks, collaborative areas, and smart storage solutions to maximise space utilisation and employee comfort. Effectively showcasing the design and functionality of these adaptable office spaces is crucial for businesses, making them a powerful draw for talented prospective employees and enhancing the overall employee experience. Resources like those offered by MPB, which provide guidance on interior architectural photography techniques, can be valuable in achieving this. Parallel to this focus on modularity is the growing importance of sustainability in office design in 2025. More organisations are adopting circular economy principles, actively seeking to buy and sell in more sustainable ways. This includes prioritising recycled materials, selecting energy-efficient appliances, and choosing products designed for easy repurposing or recycling. Furthermore, the integration of smart building systems plays a crucial role in enhancing sustainability by providing greater control over energy emissions and consumption. Workspaces will become more tech-enabled The next generation of flexible offices is being shaped dramatically by technology. More offices are being retrofitted and upgraded with smart building systems, giving businesses more control over their environmental conditions. Whether this is exclusively their heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, or deploying AI to optimise their inventory management and supply levels, technology will continue to make offices more efficient and comfortable for everyone. Other technological advancements range from advanced occupancy monitoring systems to integrated booking applications, all of which contribute towards an optimised, flexible working experience for every employee, however frequently they enter the office.  Bring your flexible office design to life The flexible office sector continues to mature and evolve, driven by the trends noted above. Changing business and employee needs, coupled with technological advancement and an underlying need for greater adaptability in office leases and working arrangements collectively create a rather dynamic market.  As businesses reassess and reshape their workplace strategies, the need for adaptable, sustainable, tech-empowered and employee-focused workspaces becomes increasingly important. If it sounds challenging on paper, it’s no less difficult in execution. Businesses must think long and hard about how they approach their next commercial lease and how scalable their space may prove to be in the near future.

The best property management group for commercial spaces helps you protect your investment while making your life easier. When you bring in a professional team, you get a partner who can reduce vacancies and streamline daily operations. From managing budgets to boosting tenant retention, the right company takes care of the details so you can focus on growing your business. Working with a top-tier management group is wise if you want peace of mind and long-term value from your project. Why Property Management Matters for Commercial Assets The best property management group for commercial spaces understands your project’s unique challenges. It takes a proactive approach to solving them. Commercial spaces have complex regulatory requirements and tenant expectations that can quickly become overwhelming. Without proper management, you risk tenant turnover, rising operational costs and potential legal trouble. A reliable management company handles lease enforcement, budgeting and tenant communications, which gives you consistent results and peace of mind. What Is the Best Property Management Group for Commercial Spaces? Choosing the right property management group for commercial spaces can make or break your investment. Whether you own one office building or manage a portfolio of retail centers, the right team keeps operations smooth and tenants satisfied. 1.   Property Management, Inc. If you are looking for a dependable commercial property management group in Pennsylvania, Property Management, Inc. (PMI) offers services tailored to your needs. With over 50 years of experience, it manages more than 6 million square feet of commercial space, including office buildings and retail centers. Its services encompass lease administration, facility maintenance, financial planning and tenant relations. PMI’s dedicated team provides on-site staff management and strategic consulting to help you maximize your investment. Recognized as the No. 1 Best Commercial Property Management Firm by the Central Penn Business Journal, PMI stands out among its competitors for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. 2.   Cushman & Wakefield If you manage a high-value commercial asset, Cushman & Wakefield brings global reach and deep local expertise to help you elevate your property’s performance. Its management services go beyond basic operations. It focuses on delivering workplace experiences that attract and retain top tenants. You will benefit from smart building technology, real-time data insights and a team that tailors solutions to your business goals. With a presence in over 60 countries and a team of more than 50,000 professionals, it brings global expertise and local market knowledge to every client. Cushman & Wakefield’s dedicated teams create engaging workplace experiences by maximizing your investment’s value while providing superior tenant service. 3.   CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE combines global expertise with innovative solutions. Managing over 3.1 billion square feet across 19,000 properties worldwide, CBRE can help enhance your establishment’s performance and value. It offers lease administration, facility maintenance and financial planning to ensure your property is efficient. CBRE’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its integration of environmental, social and governance principles and smart building technologies. Its expertise helps you meet environmental goals while reducing operational costs. With a dedicated team of over 16,000 professionals, CBRE provides personalized service tailored to your specific needs, which makes them a top choice among commercial property management groups. 4.   JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) JLL is a strong contender if you want a property management group for commercial spaces that brings innovation and reliability. It offers a full range of services that cover building operations and lease administration, energy management and workplace experience design. What sets Jll apart is its focus on using real-time data and advanced technology to drive smart decision-making and reduce costs. You will also benefit from its deep commitment to sustainability, with tailored programs that help your property meet environmental goals without sacrificing performance. Whether managing an office tower, industrial park or mixed-use development, JLL delivers consistent results with a focus on tenant satisfaction and long-term asset value. 5.   Lincoln Property Company Suppose you want to partner with a company that combines national scale with personalized service. Seek the services of Lincoln Property Company (LPC), which offers solutions to enhance your project’s performance and tenant satisfaction. It covers lease administration, facility maintenance and tenant relations, which ensures your property is profitable. Its proactive approach focuses on creating premier environments and engaging tenant experiences, leveraging the latest technologies and innovations to optimize real estate investments. Whether managing an office tower or industrial park, LPC’s dedicated team provides tailored solutions to meet your needs. How to Choose the Right Property Management Partner The best property management group for commercial spaces responds quickly, uses smart technology and understands the unique needs of your project. Take the time to compare offerings because the right partner can protect your investment and support long-term stability.

A new report by CBRE, commissioned by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), has highlighted the acute need for more grow-on space for life sciences, and in particular digital health companies if the region is going to fulfill its potential and retain its home-grown talent. CBRE’s research found that with over 600 health and life sciences companies, including 250 MedTech firms and over 90 digital health enterprises, West Yorkshire is emerging as a top ten cluster due to its vibrant start-up culture, skilled graduates and strong research network.  The 51,618 sector professionals across the region represent a 10% annual growth and Leeds has a significantly higher density of these employees than the national average. The UK is aiming to develop 21 million sq ft of lab space by 2030 and investment currently remains concentrated in established hubs. CBRE’s report shows increasing investor interest in the sector, with 58% of funding from Venture Capital funds into West Yorkshire going to life sciences and technology. However, if the region is going to continue to attract investment and retain home grown talent, it will need to address the supply issue. Jonathan Lowe, Head of Science & Technology for the North at CBRE, explains: “West Yorkshire has done a fantastic job of enabling start-ups to get established, evidenced by the fact that Leeds University’s Nexus incubator is nearing capacity, so the question now is where these companies will move to. The key is to keep that talent, innovation and the associated jobs within the region and provide a range of flexible space with a combination of offices, labs and industrial facilities to satisfy demand. It is important to encourage clustering to enable knowledge and resource sharing and avoid new facilities becoming too disbursed.” CBRE’s report shows there are 44 live occupier requirements in West Yorkshire, with remaining lab availability limited at Nexus in Leeds and Huddersfield’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre.  All of the available lab space across the region is within suites of 2,000 sq ft and below, leaving little room for growth. Most grow-on requirements start above 5,000 sq ft, therefore intervention is required to bridge this gap. Lowe continues: “The repurposing of office stock is certainly a viable solution, particularly for digital health companies who don’t typically require the same specific requirements of wet lab facilities. Redundant space within medical and university estates could present opportunities, providing the buildings have the underlying building infrastructure fundamentals within locations surrounding the key research institutions.” Looking ahead, there is 45,166 sq ft of lab and office space to come forward at Old Medical School in Leeds but this isn’t set to be available until 2027. The future development pipeline for West Yorkshire also includes future phases of Innovation Village in Leeds, the National Health Innovation Campus in Huddersfield and the focus in Bradford on the Knowledge Quarter. CBRE’s report concluded that the West Yorkshire life sciences sector holds significant growth potential and that by addressing specific real estate needs, fostering clustering and investing in targeted incubator and grow on development, the region can solidify its position as a competitive player in the UK life science landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Despite the seismic shift towards hybrid working, the physical office is far from obsolete. In fact, a new global survey from workplace experience experts ISS suggests the opposite: while remote work is here to stay, the modern office still plays a vital role in how we connect, collaborate and thrive at work—if it’s designed with intent. Drawing insights from nearly 11,000 office workers across multiple continents, the study reveals that 81% of professionals now operate in a hybrid model. Working from home one or two days per week is the most common set-up, allowing employees to strike a better work-life balance, reduce commuting time and gain more control over their daily routines. But the office, it seems, still has a heartbeat. Seventy-one per cent of respondents said the physical workplace remains important to them—though not for the reasons one might expect. Productivity, while essential, isn’t the sole draw. Instead, the office is prized for the human experiences it enables: spontaneous conversations, shared learning, and a break from the solitude of home working. According to the data, 99% of workers identify specific advantages to office attendance. Chief among them are social interaction, informal knowledge exchange, and simply the act of ‘getting out and about’. Yet one somewhat unexpected finding stood out: food is a major factor. From well-thought-out breakfast offerings to quality coffee and healthy lunch options, curated food experiences are now seen as key motivators for returning to the workplace. It’s here that ISS introduces the idea of the purpose-driven office—a reimagining of the workplace not as a default location, but as a destination in its own right. When asked to picture their ideal workspace, over half of respondents described environments that directly support how they work: ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, well-integrated technology and flexible areas for collaboration. A further 25% focused on how the office makes them feel, citing features that support physical and mental wellbeing—natural light, quiet zones, greenery, and areas to decompress. The findings highlight a truth many organisations are now grappling with: the office must earn its place in people’s lives. It needs to provide more than just a desk—it must offer experiences, inspiration, and the kind of human connection that simply doesn’t happen over Zoom. Carl-Fredrik Bjor, Group Commercial & Revenue Officer at ISS, sums it up: “Today’s workforce has high expectations. While it’s not always possible to meet every request, it’s essential that businesses understand what motivates and engages their people. Often, it’s the smaller, everyday experiences—great coffee, thoughtful design, the buzz of collaboration—that have the most lasting impact.” The purpose-driven workplace is not about gimmicks or empty gestures. It’s about creating spaces that are both functional and fulfilling—where people feel seen, supported, and energised to do their best work. In a world where home is always an option, the office must become something more: a place people choose to be. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals