Futureal Group has launched the construction of Corvin Innovation Campus. The office complex equipped with contactless technology will offer nearly 30,000 sq m of gross leasable area (GLA) in the immediate vicinity of Corvin Promenade in Budapest. The new-generation building is being developed under Futureal’s Stay Safe initiative designed to
Grosvenor Europe, which manages Liverpool One, has appointed a revised leasing team as part of its commitment to support the city’s shopping centre through what it calls a “difficult time”. The new leasing team will see CBRE acting on the retail leasing, while Savills will act on the food, beverage
Students go to university for academic interest, future careers, not to mention social life. Usually, they start their studies at a local university, which allows them to save money while trying to obtain a bachelor’s degree. At one point to another, they decide to transfer to a different school. They
Which hotels around the world have you been blown away by? Las Vegas is home to so many flamboyant structural designs, including New York New York and Caesar’s Palace, that make Sin City so appealing. The architectural cleverness is something which makes hotels so highly sought after. Gather some ideas
So, what are the top characteristics of the best realtors in San Antonio? What separates the top realtors in the city from the rest? What do they offer to their clients? Detailed Local Knowledge The top realtors in San Antonio offer detailed knowledge of the real estate market. It isn’t
The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region
As growth stagnated around the world in the latter part of this decade, India was often the country bucking the trend. With projected growth of 8% per year from 2016, the belief was that India would go from strength to strength, improving exponentially as its competitors hit the wall. Yet
ISG has created a new managing director role for Europe as it looks to meet demand across the continent. Industry professional Aydin Karaduman has been named as the company’s new leader for Europe. Aydin, a former CEO of DIC Asset AG and Bilfinger Real Estate, will take direct responsibility for
It is unlikely that businesses with operations in Hong Kong or sending employees to the region will be unaware of the current unrest. But some employers may be uncertain about the scale of the risks and what guidance to give to employees. Sebastian Liu, Global Threat Analyst for the Asia
According to the 2019 Vitality Index by Lambert Smith Hampton, Edinburgh is the city with the best prospects for UK economic growth, with Cambridge and Manchester coming in second and third place, despite the UK’s uncertain economic and political environment. Compiled every year, The Vitality Index provides a comprehensive assessment
Futureal Group has launched the construction of Corvin Innovation Campus. The office complex equipped with contactless technology will offer nearly 30,000 sq m of gross leasable area (GLA) in the immediate vicinity of Corvin Promenade in Budapest. The new-generation building is being developed under Futureal’s Stay Safe initiative designed to respond to the changing market demand due to the epidemic. The first phase of the building is expected to be handed over in the autumn of 2022. Corvin Innovation Campus is located at the intersection of Szigony, Tömő, Apáthy and Balassa Street in Corvin Quarter, Central Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. The first phase of the nine-storey complex will provide 15,800 sq m of GLA, while the second has 13,800 sq m of GLA. The category ‘A’ office building with unique facades will be surrounded by renovated and green public space and widened roads as part of the development. Corvin Innovation Campus has been designed to meet the tenants’ requirements shaped by the current global health issue. It has been developed and will be operated according to BREEAM Excellent and WELL Platinum certification system to ensure it has a positive impact on the well-being and health of the people that work there. Based on WELL’s strict health standards and experience, Futureal has launched its brand new Stay Safe initiative. Under the program Futureal is introducing new internal security standards and additional technological solutions to meet the highest market demands for office environment. The building’s highly advanced mechanical system and its outstanding UV filters will provide one of the cleanest air in Budapest. As part of the Stay Safe initiative common areas at Corvin Innovation Campus will become almost completely contactless. Automatic doors and light switches with card sensors, as well as safe distance signs will be set in the building. The elevators can be controlled with a mobile application, the toilets will also be equipped with contactless rinsing, hand washing and soap dispensers. The state of the art infrastructure is also going to be available to tenants that can enable them to create their working environment as healthy as possible. Out of the Corvin Offices, Corvin Innovation Campus has got the easiest access to the two nearest metro stations. Corvin Promenade also offers plenty of services including a fitness-wellness centre, cafés, a laundry, restaurants and a beauty salon nearby the building. The office complex has been designed to meet the expectations of the digital age, while a huge emphasis will be put on creating a green environment. Its courtyard as an extension of Corvin Promenade will offer a nice recreational area. From the main lobby there is a direct access to a 3000 m2 inner garden functioning as a social space for employees. Inside Corvin Innovation Campus a multifunctional room ensures employees’ comfort and well-being. An increased number of bicycle storage spaces as well as separated showers and lockers will also be available to provide a viable alternative for public transport and car use. „Corvin Innovation Campus will open its doors to a new era of health and safety at the workplace. As one of the pioneers of the WELL certification in Hungary, we have been at the forefront of ensuring well-being and comfort of office workers. Our Stay Safe program takes our efforts and services to the next level,” said Tibor Tatár, CEO of Futureal Group. Corvin Promenade is an internationally recognized development project. It has won the European Commercial Property Award for the Best Mixed Use Development of Europe and FIABCI Hungary Real Estate Development Award. In 2014 the project received the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Global Award for Excellence, considered to be the Oscars of city and real estate development. *** About Futureal Group Futureal is one of the leading real estate developers and investors in Central and Eastern Europe and is among the top 10 largest real estate developers in Europe. Since its foundation Futureal Group’s portfolio has included more than 100 real estate projects with a total value of EUR 3 billion and an area of over 2 million square meters.
Grosvenor Europe, which manages Liverpool One, has appointed a revised leasing team as part of its commitment to support the city’s shopping centre through what it calls a “difficult time”. The new leasing team will see CBRE acting on the retail leasing, while Savills will act on the food, beverage and leisure leasing, with both working alongside incumbent, Metis Real Estate. Commenting on the revised team, Alison Clegg, director, asset management, Grosvenor Europe, said in a statement: “To maintain Liverpool One’s success, it is imperative we have the right team to help navigate through the significant changes the industry is facing. The experience, reach and passion demonstrated by CBRE, Savills and Metis is the perfect combination to maintain Liverpool One’s long-term success and vitality.” This news follows a number of leading UK and international brands signed for new stores at Liverpool One in the first three months of this year, including MAC Cosmetics, Penhaligon’s, Kiehl’s, Virgin Holidays for its largest store in the UK, and premium British sportswear pioneer, Castore, which will open its first store outside of London in Liverpool later this year. Mark Disney, executive director, retail, CBRE, added: “Liverpool One is one of the best-known and highly regarded mixed-use destinations in Europe. Its positive impact on the region, and UK industry as a whole, is well-documented and we are delighted to be part of the team to move it forward even further.” Steve Tregenza, co-founder of Metis, commented: “We have been involved in Liverpool One since before construction began, and retaining our brief across all aspects of the leasing is a very proud moment for the business. We will work alongside CBRE and Savills, complementing their expertise with our unique understanding of the destination, the city, and the strong regional operators for whom Liverpool One is perfect.”
Students go to university for academic interest, future careers, not to mention social life. Usually, they start their studies at a local university, which allows them to save money while trying to obtain a bachelor’s degree. At one point to another, they decide to transfer to a different school. They think about attending university abroad. The United States is renowned for higher education opportunities, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that international students apply to American universities. Do you want to study in the United States? If the answer is yes, you’re in luck. It’s not that hard. The transfer of credit from non-U.S. universities Thanks to the flexibility of the credit system, you can transfer from any university to a U.S. university without losing your valuable academic credit. You can transfer up to 75 credits from your prior studies. For a B.A., you need a minimum of 45 credits. Determine how your foreign credit is evaluated by consulting with the admissions counselor or international student advisor. The more credits you’re able to transfer, the fewer courses you have to take. And the more likely you are to earn your bachelor’s degree. Demonstrating English language proficiency International transfer students are required to take English proficiency exams to demonstrate that they have a good command of the language. Educational institutions want to ensure that students can cope with the demands of the degree-level study. Standardized testing includes TOEFL. The test focuses on how English is deployed in academic settings. If you manage to pass the TOEFL, you’ll assure the American university that your English skills are strong enough to enable you to succeed. The score you need depends largely on where you choose to study. Applying for admission The transfer application process isn’t complicated, but you could use a little bit of help. With proper assistance, you can successfully navigate the process. Work with experienced counselors that will provide useful information, strategies, and tactics to help you meet your admissions goal, all in an effort to make your transition smoother. It’s ideal for international students thinking about applying to several highly-selective schools. If the road you’ve previously taken doesn’t fulfill your academic needs anymore, seek opportunities in your field of study. Universities in the United States are becoming a popular study destination for Chinese students. If thousands of students go abroad to study, why shouldn’t you? You’ll get more than a tangible degree. The transfer timeline for international students The recommended timeline for a 美国大学转学 reflects that of prospective first-year students. To be more precise, it’s necessary to kick off the application process 12 months in advance. Students who want to begin studying in the autumn should send over the application materials in early spring. On the other hand, those applying for spring have to submit their application materials by early autumn. There is no deadline as far as some institutions are concerned. However, they do have priority dates that you must respect.
Which hotels around the world have you been blown away by? Las Vegas is home to so many flamboyant structural designs, including New York New York and Caesar’s Palace, that make Sin City so appealing. The architectural cleverness is something which makes hotels so highly sought after. Gather some ideas from our guide below and start planning your next escape… The Luxor, Las Vegas, USA It’d be rude not to start with a Vegas delight and, while there are many magnificent choices that could make this list, this Egyptian design is a building which doesn’t gain as many plaudits as it perhaps should. It’s arguably one of the most unusual actual designs in the Nevada hotspot (no weather pun intended!) with 30 floors to take in in the gigantic Sphinx. With huge pharaoh statues welcoming you in the lobby, the Luxor opened for business as the first (and only) pyramid-shaped hotel in Vegas in 1993 and remains an architectural marvel gracing the famous strip. Hoshinoya Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko, Japan Let’s face it — glamping is a worldwide phenomenon these days. There are so many luxurious pods popping up across the globe that could tickle your fancy. The Hoshinoya Fuji in Japan however offers something a little bit unique. Step inside your cosy pod and you’ll be met with an air-conditioned unit with an array of comfortable furnishings and an ensuite bathroom. But what’s so special about this spot? Well, the ceiling-to-floor windows provide an exquisite view of the scenery surrounding you — the awesome beauty that is Mount Fuji. While that may sound great, it gets better! You can step outside your space and onto a private timber decking area to fully bask in the natural glory. The patio isn’t just any plain space either. Instead, it includes hammocks and fire pits to allow you to relax in style. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya Going on a safari adventure is on many people’s bucket lists. But, instead of being in the comfort of a vehicle driving up to the animals, why don’t you let the wildlife come to you? In Kenya you can do just that thanks to Giraffe Manor. This delightful hotel is found in one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings and enables the resident giraffes to pop their heads through the dining room windows in search of a treat. You really can’t get much closer to living with wildlife! Sun Cruise Resort, Jeondongin, South Korea Have you always fancied a holiday on a cruise ship but are wary about getting your sea legs? This quirky number in South Korea gives you all the luxury of a cruise liner while still being on dry land. With a claim to fame of having the best view of the sunrise in South Korea, the Sun Cruise Resort will see you spend your quality time aboard a liner that is carefully placed upon the cliff top of Jeondongin. With over 200 rooms, guests can take advantage of more than just the views, with a revolving sky lounge, night club, karaoke and sea water pool all on offer. Lover’s Deep Submarine, St Lucia Okay, so sometimes quirkiness comes at a cost — as is evident in this submarine offering. The underwater hotel can be yours for a little over £200,000 per night. Bargain, eh? Well, although this option is head and shoulders above the others on this list in terms of cost, for those with money to burn, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is ideal. Delve beneath the deep blue sea and you’ll have the choice to moor at your own chosen location, meaning you can take in any view you like, such as St Lucia’s stunning coral reef. Not only that, but you can also choose your own décor for the duration of your stay. While this luxury bedroom will be out of reach for most of us, it definitely deserves its ‘quirky’ title. La Balade des Gnomes, Durbuy, Belgium If dogs aren’t quite your thing, this Belgian boutique offers up an array of designs, including a Trojan horse. With 10 rather unique rooms, ‘The Walk of the Gnomes’ to give it its English name is situated in an elegant 17th Century town and gives visitors the choice of rooms that each could be at home on a Tim Burton movie set. Alongside the giant wooden horse on offer, you can also choose from the likes of a Macquarie Island room in which your boat-like bed mysteriously appears to be floating on real water and you’ll also find some sandy stretches! The world of hotels is a fantastic place and each year architects are outdoing themselves and producing some out-of-this-world designs. The main question is, what will the future hold for hoteliers? Article provided by leading UK decking boards retailer: Arbordeck. Sources
So, what are the top characteristics of the best realtors in San Antonio? What separates the top realtors in the city from the rest? What do they offer to their clients? Detailed Local Knowledge The top realtors in San Antonio offer detailed knowledge of the real estate market. It isn’t enough to say that a neighborhood is affordable, desirable, or up-and-coming. They know which neighborhoods provide a fast commute to downtown or are the lowest cost homes assigned to a top school. They have detailed knowledge about specific property markets, whether you’re looking for a condo or luxury single family home. Note that this means a realtor who specializes in luxury properties may not be of much assistance when you’re looking for an affordable family home, and someone who is knowledgeable about downtown may not able to give much advice about the San Antonio suburbs. Attention to Detail The best realtors in San Antonio have an eye for detail. They find issues with the property that can be used to lower the price. For example, they may be able to bring up the HOA dues owed or upcoming neighboring development that affects the property’s value. They find overlooked properties that may be available at a bargain. They can advise clients on legal matters and their own unique situation instead of giving canned advice. Negotiating Skills Great realtors don’t just set or offer a good price for a home. They’ll negotiate the value of the home. And they’ll negotiate other aspects of the deal such as property repairs, cash toward home renovations, and associated closing costs. Note that negotiating skills are very different from listening skills, but a realtor who won’t listen to you won’t be able to adequately argue your case. Nor will they be able to find the right property for you. Speed Real estate is a classic example of Pareto’s law. The top 20 percent of realtors sell 80 percent of the homes. The best realtors are able to move real estate far faster than everyone else. They’ll sell your home in weeks, not months. They’ll home in on the perfect property for you based on your budget, desired amenities, and personal requirements. You don’t waste time touring thirty homes while debating which of the four mediocre candidates are good enough. Instead, your checklist is compared against a massive inventory, and you’re shown two to four properties that are all perfect. The realtor has a team working to maximize efficiency. This means you are shown the best homes for your situation so that you can close on it as quickly as possible. Honesty and Integrity Real estate is the largest single purchase any of us make. You can’t afford to make a mistake. Attention to detail can reduce the odds of accidents, but it won’t make up for fraud or deceptive marketing. This is why the best realtors have honesty and integrity. They’ll admit when they don’t know something before referring you to someone who can answer your questions.
The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region over the next few years. The rapid growth of online casinos in Japan sparked a clamour amongst consumers for brick and mortar venues to be allowed to open across the country. The Japanese government subsequently reacted to the calls by agreeing to allow new casinos to be constructed at up to three different locations. Tokyo, Hokkaido, Chiba, Yokohama and Nagoya are amongst the cities vying to host what could be the most stunning casino resorts on the continent. There have been some truly staggering venues built in Asia over the past few years and Japan can be expected to follow suit when construction begins. Read on as we look at the latest state of play regarding major casino developments across the Asian continent. Iconic Singapore venue set for huge expansion Owned by the Las Vegas Sands organisation, the Marina Bay Sands resort is undoubtedly one of the most iconic properties in Asia. The three-tower design, which was inspired by decks of cards, originally cost $5.5 billion to build but its owners are not resting on their laurels. The operator is planning to add an impressive arena, exhibition halls and a new luxury hotel tower that will take the total number of rooms to more than 3,600. Las Vegas Sands believe that the $3.3bn investment will keep the resort at the pinnacle of the gambling industry over the coming years. While the casino is a hugely important part of Marina Bay Sands, experts believe that the provision of other facilities will ensure it remains a successful venture for years to come. Operators plan massive investment in Macau Having generated Gross Gaming Revenues of nearly $38bn in 2018, Macau is firmly established as one of the most important gambling destinations in the world. Many of the main operators there are planning major new developments over the next few years, with a view to ensuring that the government issues new licenses to them when they expire in 2022. Galaxy Entertainment is leading the way with plans to expand the stunning Galaxy Macau over the next couple of years at a projected cost of HK$45bn. SJM Holdings are also planning major investment in Macau, with the Grand Lisboa Palace scheduled to open during the second half of 2020 at a cost of HK$36bn. MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts & Entertainment have also confirmed ambitious expansion plans in the region. NagaCorp ready to cash in on monopoly in Cambodia NagaCorp Ltd’s position of dominance in Cambodia is set to continue with another expansion of its superb NagaWorld casino resort in Phnom Penh. Naga 3 will feature a theme park with the latest digital rides and attractions, plus world class shopping, restaurants and much more. The venue will be the largest resort in Cambodia, further cementing NagaCorp’s status as one of the biggest casino operators in the world. The company currently has a 41-year gaming monopoly within a 200-kilometre radius of the Cambodian capital that runs through until 2035. Their gaming license runs for a further 30 years after that, and their latest multi-billion dollar investment in the area highlights their ongoing commitment to remain at the forefront of the industry in the region.
As growth stagnated around the world in the latter part of this decade, India was often the country bucking the trend. With projected growth of 8% per year from 2016, the belief was that India would go from strength to strength, improving exponentially as its competitors hit the wall. Yet growth has slowed in the past two years, and currently rests at 6.8%. While this is by no means bad – the United States is considered to be doing well with 3.1% – it reflects a slight stagnation that ought to be addressed. The best candidate for what’s holding India back is infrastructure, and the myriad different ways in which it affects Indian society. The question is this: how much is being invested in infrastructure at the moment, and how much more money is needed? Investing in infrastructure The need to improve Indian infrastructure has not gone unnoticed, nor has it been unheralded. Infrastructure investment has been a pillar of Narendra Modi’s government, a policy most evident in the creation of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund in 2015. India’s first Sovereign Wealth Fund now manages almost ₹28,000 crore ($4 billion), which is continually reinvested in new green and brownfield infrastructure projects. However, the government’s substantial commitment to infrastructure investment is still not enough to satisfy demand. At present, the government invests between $100 million and $110 million annually; yet a recent economic survey by the Indian Parliament concluded that $200 million a year was required if India was going to hit its growth targets. This leaves an almost $100 million annual shortfall – one which can only be made up by the private sector. The problem with this is that India has not always been an attractive destination for private investment, both foreign and domestic. Past problems, such as the legal challenges to the 2016 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, have led many to believe that investing in India represents a substantial risk. With infrastructure investments, you also have the issue that investment is needed across the country – not just in the large cities that are attractive to investors. Foreign funding Manufacturing has provided much of India’s recent growth, and currently accounts for 16% of national GDP. Yet the government has set a goal of 25% of GDP through manufacturing, and growth has hit a brick wall. By building and improving transport links and strengthening the power grid, it’s hoped that people and goods can be transported more quickly, and that electricity shortages will be a thing of the past. This would allow factories to be built further out from major population centres, improving growth and boosting local economies. Another significant benefit of infrastructure investment is improving people’s quality of life. India’s population growth and internal migration have left many cities overcrowded, placing a strain on public transport and contributing to severe air pollution. This not only decreases productivity, but can also damage people’s health in the long term, placing an additional strain on healthcare providers. By expanding public transport through new metro lines and better bus networks, congestion can be reduced, saving people time and improving the quality of the air. Counter-intuitively, sourcing greater foreign investment for infrastructure could also make India more self-sufficient. At present, the large quantity of diesel train stock around the country means that India imports huge amounts of diesel oil to fuel them. By electrifying all broad-gauge routes around the country – a target for 2022 – India can not only avoid any geopolitical difficulties with oil, but could also reduce its energy consumption by as much as ₹13,000 crore per annum. Passengers will also benefit from newer train stock, with benefits to safety and speed of travel. Renovating railways also allows for new optical fibre cables to be laid, which can distribute high speed internet through the heart of the country. This will link stations together, allowing for up-to-date tracking of train delays, which could provide millions in efficiency savings. More broadly however, it could also deliver faster internet to the masses – providing all sorts of benefits to individuals and businesses around India. This is important to mobile internet too, as the next generation (5G) uses many smaller connected antennae instead of large towers. By installing high-speed cables, 5G can be rolled out more quickly, opening India up to technologies like driverless cars. Safety standards While the primary aim of attracting foreign investment is the money it offers, there are also some less heralded benefits. By working with international companies, the national and state governments can share expertise, and become more familiar with international standards and techniques. Our recent installation of Durasteel fire protection barriers in the Kolkata Metro Line 2 is one such example; by working closely with the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, we were able to share our knowledge of working on other metro projects in Europe and the Middle East, and produce a solution that helped to make passengers and staff even safer. Safety is an underappreciated but paramount concern when it comes to attracting investment. At present, Indian infrastructure suffers from a negative image abroad, where many people think of passengers clinging to unsafe trains, and city streets choked with traffic. By reaching out and working with foreign companies to install advanced safety equipment – some of which may exceed required standards – India can start to project a different, more safety-conscious image. This in turn will help to expedite the funding for infrastructure projects, as people will have more confidence in the commitment to producing effective infrastructure with positive outcomes. Fundamentally, foreign investment also attracts more foreign investment. Seeing other companies and funds investing in India will further increase confidence, and the results of this investment can have a snowball effect. By improving things like transport links and the power grid, you are improving the arteries that carry people and products around the country. With these links, more foreign businesses will be open to investing in the country, both through infrastructure and the opening of
ISG has created a new managing director role for Europe as it looks to meet demand across the continent. Industry professional Aydin Karaduman has been named as the company’s new leader for Europe. Aydin, a former CEO of DIC Asset AG and Bilfinger Real Estate, will take direct responsibility for ISG’s businesses in Germany, France, Spain, Luxembourg and Switzerland. This appointment further strengthens ISG’s global leadership team and demonstrates the contractor’s ambitions to grow its European business across its core office, retail and datacentre sectors. Aydin Karaduman commented: “Watching developments at the ISG business since privatisation in 2016, it’s been clear to me that this is a radical and transformative organisation that has global appeal and a leadership team that supports and nurtures innovation. ISG has big ideas and significantly invests in its people to positively affect that structural change that our industry needs to deliver better for customers. “It’s this ambition and commitment that permeates throughout the global business that first attracted me to join ISG, and I see major opportunities for our European operations as we move forward into what will undoubtedly be a highly dynamic built environment market over the short to medium term.” Matt Blowers, chief operating officer for Fit Out, added: “Attracting leaders of Aydin’s calibre is a real testament to the overall market perception and future growth prospects of the ISG business across Europe. We are breaking new ground in how we operate across the continent, introducing new procurement approaches, technology and enhanced transparency – with a different way of doing business, based on trust, relationships and collaboration. “Based out of our Frankfurt office, Aydin will spearhead our European operations, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role, supporting both our growing global and domestic customer base to create spaces that help businesses and individuals thrive. He has an exceptionally talented team across Europe, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Aydin as he builds upon our international reputation for excellence.”
It is unlikely that businesses with operations in Hong Kong or sending employees to the region will be unaware of the current unrest. But some employers may be uncertain about the scale of the risks and what guidance to give to employees. Sebastian Liu, Global Threat Analyst for the Asia Pacific region at Healix International, the global provider of travel risk management and international medical, security and travel assistance services, has identified some of the key issues that firms should consider. “Overall, Hong Kong is assessed by Healix International as a LOW security risk country owing to the relatively low levels of crime, conflict, and militant activity. However, over recent weeks, ongoing unrest in the territory has resulted in significant operational and travel disruption, and has eroded confidence in the territory being a safe and reliable global hub for economic activity. Therefore, Healix currently assesses the risk of unrest to be HIGH in Hong Kong. “The likelihood of protests taking place in the short term is determined to be LIKELY and whilst the majority of the initial demonstrations were concentrated around government buildings in the vicinity of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Central, more recently the protesters have changed their targeting patterns. Protests are increasingly impacting transport infrastructure, including Hong Kong International Airport [HKG], as well as the Mass Transit Rapid (MTR) network. Protests took place at HKG airport from 9th – 13th August, and resulted in the disruption of hundreds of flights on 12th and 13th August. Clearly this presents a very disruptive issue for businesses. “The risk of foreign nationals being caught up in the protests has also increased as the decentralised nature of them is making it more difficult to project the next protest location; ‘hit and run’ tactics are increasingly being used, with demonstrators avoiding prolonged confrontation with the police and moving from location to location on foot or via the metro. “Whilst the unrest is the current focus on Hong Kong, there is also a HIGH risk of natural disasters in the region, predominantly deriving from typhoons. The rainy season tends to run from April until October annually and the highest risk period for typhoons runs from July to September. Strong intensity typhoons can cause damage and localised flooding, and result in a significant impact to business operations. “The risk to foreign nationals from crime is, however, considered LOW. Non-violent and opportunistic crimes, notably petty criminality in the form of pickpocketing and snatch theft, are the most common. And there is a slightly increased incidence of such crime in areas frequented by foreign nationals, including the Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai districts, particularly around nightlife areas. Areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as the large marketplaces throughout the city and the MTR network, present attractive targets as perpetrators are able to utilise crowds to remain undetected. Other pickpocketing hotspots include tourist attractions, like the Peak Tram and Star Ferry.” Healix advice to travellers visiting Hong Kong Travel to Hong Kong can continue but itineraries should be flexible owing to likely operational disruption in the short-to-medium term. Developments regarding the ongoing unrest should be closely monitored via social media, local news outlets, the Telegram encrypted messaging platform, and local internet forums, like the LiHKG website. Routes should be planned to bypass the vicinity of planned protest locations, and flashpoints for unrest. It is important to not stop, watch, film or take photographs of protests owing to the incidental risk of violence. Civilians, journalists and bystanders have all been targeted or indirectly impacted previously. In the event of encountering a potentially hostile demonstration, move from the area and return to a secure accommodation or office location. Black and white clothing have both been associated with protesters and counter-protesters; it’s advisable to refrain from wearing these colours on protest days. Also, limit carrying any items that may give the impression to the authorities of involvement in protests; this includes masks, hard hats and umbrellas. Refrain from political discussion in public and making statements on social media. If travel is essential through protest locations, the MTR is likely to be a better option as opposed to over-ground transport. However, business people should be aware that MTR services have been disrupted previously and delays may be encountered. Airport Express services may also be impacted on days when protests are due to be held at Hong Kong International Airport [HKG]. Remain aware of surroundings, especially when using the public transportation system or in high congestion areas such as tourist attractions. Abide by all official directives issued by the relevant authorities. Take note of typhoon warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the type of signal issued. Businesses and facilities are expected to close when a Typhoon Signal 8 or above is issued. Utilise the ‘Watch Country’ function on Healix’s Travel Oracle app to receive notifications on alerts for potential security incidents and disruption. For more information about the security and health risks in Hong Kong visit https://healix.com/sharing-knowledge-and-news/hong-kong-travel-advisory/
According to the 2019 Vitality Index by Lambert Smith Hampton, Edinburgh is the city with the best prospects for UK economic growth, with Cambridge and Manchester coming in second and third place, despite the UK’s uncertain economic and political environment. Compiled every year, The Vitality Index provides a comprehensive assessment of the health of UK towns and cities, considering education, entrepreneurialism, affluence, productivity, growth and environmental factors. By identifying the best destinations to support future economic growth and provide opportunities for business expansion, the top ten rankings for 2019 are as follows: Edinburgh Cambridge Manchester Brighton & Hove Oxford Bristol Reading Guildford Cardiff Colchester Climbing from 2018 position number five, Edinburgh has risen to the top of the ranking, knocking Cambridge off the top spot for the first time since 2016. The city has seen one of the highest rates of house price growth of any location, alongside strong wage growth. The only Scottish location in the top 10, Edinburgh has a highly qualified population and is forecast to see one of the strongest rates of job growth over the next five years. Followed by Cambridge at second place, the city has retained its first place as the most highly educated, being home to the UK’s top-ranked university and one of the highest proportions of residents qualified to a degree level or above. Manchester remains in position number three and is the sole Northern location to rank within the top ten, seeing strong growth in both population and commercial property rents. As one of the fastest-growing locations, the city has shown a robust GVA growth in the UK as well being one of the most entrepreneurial cities of the year. The South East region currently dominate with four locations featuring in the top ten. Brighton comes in fourth place, holding the top spot for growth in commercial property rents. While Oxford and Guildford both fell slightly in the ranking from last year, they remain in the top 10 with Oxford showing the fastest rate of workforce job growth forecast over the next five years. Elsewhere, Reading takes seventh position, having seen a substantial improvement in wage growth. Although still dominated by the South East of England, the Welsh capital Cardiff feature in the top ten for the first time, at position number nine, due to increasing house prices and strong job growth. The city has been forecasted to see job growth of 6% over the next five years, the strongest of all the locations. Colchester also featured in the Index’s top ten for the first time, due to its rates of job growth and the city’s ambitious growth plans, which include a £3bn transformation project. The Essex town is forecast to see one of the fastest rates of job growth over the next five years and has recently witnessed sizeable increase in commercial property rents.
