Today Theresa May has triggered Article 50, slightly ahead of schedule. This is more than even the most enthusiastic Leaver could have hoped for at the start of the year. But as our recent report highlights, unusually smooth progress in these early stages is no guarantee of plain sailing ahead. UK road is clearer, but […]
The dictionary definition of ‘Agile’ is: to be fast, nimble, responsive and powerful. A great word, with many positive connotations. In recent years it has been co-opted into corporate vocabulary, coming to symbolise the aspirational qualities of ideal workplaces. I think it is a word we will hear used with greater frequency by businesses in […]
2015 is out of the starting blocks. For me, it has begun the same way as 2014 ended and by that I mean very busy! Business activity across the company is increasing. This is a positive sign for a service company, meaning that our clients are busier. Growth for UK companies seems to be back […]
Following my recent blog ‘Better by design’, in which I highlight the strategic importance of interior office design solutions for corporates, I thought it would be interesting to illustrate with a close to home example, … JLL’s own new interior fit-out at 30 Warwick Street, London completed earlier this year. JLL appointed Tétris to plan, […]
A firm favourite of mine, The Great Interior Design Challenge is back on the BBC. I enjoy watching the ‘wannabe’ interior designers attempt to satisfy high expectations of both homeowners and judges, whilst working to a tight budget. The end results are, in the main, pleasing and a definite improvement on the original décor and […]
Thanks to Twitter I recently discovered a gem: footage from 1964 of Arthur C Clarke predicting the virtualisation of work and the rise of remote working. Clarke envisaged instant communication being possible between anyone anywhere on the planet. Remote working would replace the fixed workplace. The daily commute, Clarke promised, would be consigned to history. Source: http://workplaceinsight.net/video-arthur-c-clarke-predicts-the-virtualisation-of-work-in-1964/ Fifty […]
I’ve got used to booking my train tickets in advance online to get a good discount on the fare. I reach the final payment screen and I’m prompted to pay an extra £2 per journey to allow flexibility on travel times. Each time I decline! Usually, I can keep to my pre-booked times but plans […]
Most adults, young, old or middle aged will have come across The Terminator films at some point. Whilst they do not feature on my A list, I have to admit there is something interesting which elevates them out of the usual run-of-the-mill. Perhaps it is the mixture of action and ideas combined with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s memorable […]
Following a regular quarterly office agency catch up I recently became aware of a local issue in Bristol which could have significant implications for office occupiers. The issue in question, which could shape the Bristol office market in 2014 will be the Residents’ Parking Zone initiative aimed at banning commuter parking around the centre of […]
With an improving economic prognosis and increased corporate confidence in the air, companies with available funds are starting to position themselves for growth and formulate longer term plans. In considering growth strategies, it will be necessary to develop a focus on future talent requirements. There is no doubt in my mind that companies who recognise […]
More and more companies are shifting their growth to emerging markets, and technology multinationals are showing the way. According to Jones Lang LaSalle’s Global Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Survey, technology companies are the most aggressive in expanding their footprint in emerging markets, with key growth destinations being BRIC countries, Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast […]
Moved into new home in October (after many months waiting in a housing chain..). Enjoying doing it up and unleashing my ideas on interior design. There is only one thing that obviously lets it down now in my opinion – the kitchen (which only loosely meets the definition of the word). Obviously for me as […]
Just after the financial crisis hit, I was asked to present to a new corporate client. It became apparent during my preparation that the senior most attendee from the client shared my love of Charlton Athletic Football Club. Keen to make an impression and prove that research presentations can deliver serious insight without sacrificing fun, […]
Those architects of BritPop, Blur, once recorded an album entitled ‘Modern Life is Rubbish’. It is not a sentiment I support. In fact when it comes to modern living and working my glass is most certainly three quarters full. To me technology, so often criticised as taking society to the abyss, has an empowering quality. […]
Towards the end of 2013 we released a short paper: The return of M&A: Property Implications highlighting our belief that foundations are in place for an upturn in M&A activity in the year ahead. This view is rapidly gaining currency. Hardly surprising given what happened on what some are calling Mega Monday whereby half a […]
With Christmas approaching, and with partridges ensconced in pear trees, it’s time to reflect on last year and make resolutions for the New Year. So I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on some of the themes that have emerged from my blogs and columns over the last 12 months and signpost some […]
