London

Overview of London’s Commercial Property Market – 1st Quarter 2016

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During the past two years, the London commercial property market has performed strongly, ending on a high note in December 2015. However, and as expert analysts predicted, 2016 is set to bring about some qualitative changes into the capital’s commercial property market. Below you will find a detailed overview of how the market has fared during the first quarter of the year.

London Commercial Property Market Q1 2016: An Overview

Moderate rental growth has been the key theme emerging from the commercial real estate activity that has taken pace in London over the past quarter. Rents have remained relatively flat across all sub-markets (but especially so in the office sector) despite the rising interest rates. Investment activity also slowed down during Q1, and on this front average returns on commercial property were in the region of 7.5 per cent, slightly lower than 12 months ago. The slowdown has been evident in capital growth rates too, which averaged 2.9 per cent for central London offices, 4.1 per cent for retail properties, and 1.6 per cent for industrial space.

Another important theme that has emerged during the first quarter of this year relates to the impact that the so-called Brexit could have on a market where a large percentage of transactions are backed up by foreign investors. The vast majority of commercial property experts agree that commercial property prices would drop substantially should the UK leave the European Union. Britain’s exit could also result in a dramatic decline in the amount of foreign capital pouring into the London market. In fact, some market analysts affirm that European investors are already putting large-scale property purchases on hold – and may continue to do so until the vote takes place in June. Nevertheless, and until then, enquiries and demand for London properties should remain relatively strong, especially when compared to regional markets. Continue reading “Overview of London’s Commercial Property Market – 1st Quarter 2016” →

Top London Tech Conferences for 2016

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Conferences attract the best minds in tech, as well as the latest and most innovative products. They are opportunities to showcase the latest gadgets, concepts and services in the technology sector. Conferences in London also provide an opportunity to network and connect with others in the sector, resulting in new leads and partnerships. Here is a list of some of the most influential and significant tech conferences being held in the UK’s capital during 2016.

Bett Show 2016

Bett 2016 is a free event at Excel London that showcases the latest technology in the education sector. Held from January 20 to 23, the conference and tradeshow provides educators and others with an opportunity to learn about the latest technology tools that can add new layers to the classroom and learning in general. It is an opportunity to try the latest technology and hear from experts in the industry. The event also provides educators to meet with peers from around the world to discuss how technology is and will transform the way we teach and learn.

Website: www.bettshow.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Bett_show

SkyTech 2016

With drones becoming more and more popular for personal use, they are also becoming important tools for businesses to deliver improved services. On January 27 and 28 at the Business Design Centre, SkyTech will help advance the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) commercial industry in Europe with a two-day business-to-business conference and exhibition. In its second year, the event includes national and international speakers, workshops, product launches and marketing opportunities for the UAV community.

Website: www.skytechevent.com
Twitter: twitter.com/skytechevent

Finovate Europe

Dedicated to effective uses of mobile technology, Finovate Europe is being organised on February 9 and 10 at Old Billingsgate. The conference looks at mobile tech in both private and public sectors, providing a forum to explore the future of banking and finance technology (‘fintech’) in Europe. Covering a broad range of financial technology issues, the agenda includes demo sessions and networking opportunities. FinovateEurope attracts start-up and established companies as well as financial institutions with new fintech innovations. With a selection process focused on novelty and potential, participants will be treated to a diverse and innovative conference. Continue reading “Top London Tech Conferences for 2016” →

Quirky, Cool Christmas Office Party Ideas in London

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With only a few weeks left until Christmas Day, most office managers and business owners are busy organising their annual Christmas office party. Year after year, the festive season presents us with an opportunity to reward our staff and show our gratitude for a whole year of hard work. Corporate Christmas parties are also effective at building team spirit and motivating employees, in addition to being a great PR and marketing exercise.

But perhaps this year you’d prefer to organise something more interesting and memorable than the typical office Christmas lunch or dinner party. If you’d like to bring your team together by doing something fun and completely atypical, read through the suggestions below and learn more about some quirky, cool Christmas office party ideas in London.

Underground Crazy Golf at Waterloo
Underground Crazy Golf is set to become one of the most popular corporate day out experiences in the British capital. We are all familiar with Christmas golf breaks, which can be as appealing as they are costly. If you are looking for a more affordable way to celebrate Christmas with your staff and do not want to leave golf out of the equation, Underground Crazy Golf is the right choice for you. Continue reading “Quirky, Cool Christmas Office Party Ideas in London” →

Overview of London’s Commercial Property Market – 2nd Quarter 2015

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During the second quarter of 2015, we have seen a continuation of the market trends that characterised the first quarter of the year. Overall, the London commercial property market has experienced sustained rental growth in most sub-markets, but particularly in the West End. Researchers attribute continued rental growth to the healthy levels of leasing activity and to the rather reduced supply of Grade A space, and they affirm that increasing rental prices will be the predominant theme in the city’s commercial property market for the rest of the year.

This trend is particularly evident in the London office market. According to PropertyWeek.com, supply shortages in the city’s office stock are becoming “serious” and total supply dropped by 4 per cent between January and May 2015.

The London office market Q2 2015

Rising prices are the main theme in areas like Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, and Southbank. This trend is contributing to reduce the office cost disparities that have characterised the city core market for years. It is expected that price gaps across postcodes will be further reduced as these sub-markets become more consolidated. Another sub-market that has greatly benefited from strong demand is Hammersmith. Property Week has reported that this office sub-market is becoming a highly-sought after location that has gone from being a peripheral market to an extension of the West End. Similarly, those areas of the Thames Valley that are closer to the city have witnessed a noticeable surge in demand. This increase in demand is most likely caused by the improved transport links that will become a reality thanks to the Crossrail project. According to Colliers International, by the end of this year the office market in this area is expected to grow by 13 per cent.

Demand for serviced offices in London has experienced further growth during the past quarter. The number of serviced office space in central London has grown by 11 per cent so far, and growth is even more impressive in areas like the Southbank, where growth levels are around 17 per cent. In fact, Property Week reports that this sub-sector has outperformed all other market sectors not only in London, but also nationwide.

As far as new office developments are concerned, the most noteworthy deal closed during the second quarter of the year involves the agreement signed by Brookfield Mutiplex. This US-based firm has agreed to develop a £1 billion office complex in what will be London’s biggest skyscraper. The building will be located at 100 Bishopsgate, and once completed it will add 900,000 square feet to the city’s office stock. Other important projects in the city’s development pipeline include 5 Broadgate (700,000 square feet), 1 Bank Street (nearly 670,000 square feet), and 1 Angel Court (300,000 square feet). Continue reading “Overview of London’s Commercial Property Market – 2nd Quarter 2015” →

London Commercial Property Conferences, Events and Meetups for 2015

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There is a wealth of opportunities to learn about London’s property market through conferences and other forums in the capital. These gatherings bring together practitioners, policy and decision makers, investors and others. They are opportunities to network and build relationships, while also making deals with new partners and investors.

The RICS Commercial Property Conference on 27 November 2015 provides market insight through keynotes and panels. The second edition of the conference is also an opportunity to debate macro triggers that impact property market growth. In 2014, speakers included GVA Chief Executive Rob Bould, real estate columnist Peter Bill, Legal & General Property Managing Director Bill Hughes, and Union Investment Real Estate’s Head of Investment Management International Martin Brühl. Other speakers represented leaders in the market, including Deutsche Bank, Segro, DTZ, Grosvenor and more.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) stages a variety of conferences, seminars and workshops in London each year. Established by Royal Charter, RICS accredits some 118,000 professionals around the world. More than 50 RICS conferences and seminars are scheduled in London throughout 2015, including events that delve into dispute resolution, construction regulations, contract negotiation, and more. RICS will also organise the RICS Building Surveying Conference on 23 April 2015, the RICS Property Leaders’ Summit on 5 June 2015, and the RICS Residential Conference on 2 July 2015. To learn more about RICS conferences and other events in 2015, visit www.rics.org/uk/training-events. Continue reading “London Commercial Property Conferences, Events and Meetups for 2015” →

Key Office Space Trends and Statistics for London 2015

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The London commercial property market is expected to show positive results in 2015. During the last year, office property market sector has shown of a number of trends including accelerated rental growth, declining vacancy rates, and stable investment yields are some of the key trends that have characterized the office market across most London areas over 2014.

The key trends expected across the London office space rental market include increased demand, vacancy rates as low as 4.5%, an increase in rental costs across London up by 4.3% overall and the commercial property market as a whole expected to experience double digit growth.


London office rental market 2015 - Key trends infographic

London Office Space 2015: Expected Growth Areas

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Expected London Office Market Growth Areas in 2015

Last year was undoubtedly a positive year for landlords and tenants in the London commercial property market. Towards the end of the year, real estate experts released their forecasts for 2015. The predictions are full of positive and encouraging figures and point at a healthy market where growth is set to dominate. Take a look at some of the most important trends regarding the key growth areas for the commercial property market in London during 2015.

2015 Outlook: What landlords and investors need to know

According to market analysts at Schroders, during 2015 a number of factors will result in a very attractive property market for landlords and investors interested in London properties. A recovering economy, decreasing unemployment rates, and a limited development pipeline are set to drive demand for existing floor space and to push commercial property values even further. For investors, this means that property yields can reach double digit levels, although all the predictions point at the commercial rental market as the best performing over the next 12 months. According to data from the Investment Property Forum Consensus Forecast, total returns could be as high as 15 per cent during 2015. Rising interest rates are not expected to become a possibility until 2016.

London office space market growth areas in 2015 infographic

Continue reading “London Office Space 2015: Expected Growth Areas” →

Top London Tech Conferences for 2015

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As the UK’s technology hub, London is the home of leading businesses and innovators in the sector. It is no wonder that the capital hosts some of the top technology conferences in the world. The following are just some of the best technology conferences that will be held in London during 2015.

Big Data Week
Celebrating its fourth year in 2015, Big Data Week is the world’s largest global big data festival. Big Data Week runs from 20 to 26 April in more than 40 cities around the world, including London. Events focus on the social, political and technological impacts of data. It connects cities with events, networking opportunities, demonstrations, discussions and debates, meet-ups and more. The annual festival brings together technology experts from various industries, including media and entertainment, health and science, finance, retail, public and government, and other sectors.

London Technology Week
London Technology Week features major international conferences, investor meetings, pitching competitions, workshops, hackathons, and much more. The week-long festival is London’s premier technology gathering. In 2014, 203 events brought together more than 40,000 people from over 40 countries. Events cover a range of themes, including gaming, IT, wearable technology, music, education, big data, science, finance and other topics. Organised by UBM, London Technology Week 2015 will run from 15 to 21 June and focuses on six themes: talent and education, innovation and growth, investment and funding, coming to London and going global, diversity, and social impact.

Interop London
The flagship event of London Technology Week, Interop London connects the IT community and helps drive innovation. The conference provides a forum to share global trends and vendor solutions in a range of areas, including IT infrastructure, cloud computing, security, mobility, software and business intelligence. Interop London’s programme includes a variety of demonstrations, case studies, world-class education sessions including workshops and training sessions, and vendor clinics. The conference also hosts hundreds of vendors. It will run from 16 to 18 June at the ExCeL London. Continue reading “Top London Tech Conferences for 2015” →

Focus on Business in Camden

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When it comes to London boroughs that are known for their artistic value, Camden reigns supreme. Around 10,000 members of the Camden population are employed within the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs), which is one of the dominant industries in the borough. While it’s well known for its CCIs, Camden continues the tradition of small and large markets. Over 25,000 businesses and 240,000 jobs exist within Camden, which means it’s the second best borough in London in terms of existing businesses and employment prospects.

Industries that Dominate Camden’s Business Activities

While Camden is well known for its CCI activities, the most dominant businesses are service firms. This includes solicitors and other legal practices, accountants, and bookkeepers. Service firms account for around 37% of Camden’s employment and it’s thought that this is due to its close proximity to the city centre and excellent transport links. The majority of these businesses are concentrated in the south of the borough, which is part of London’s central business activity zone.

CCIs account for around 37,000 jobs in Camden, which includes advertising, marketing, and publishing. While these industries have seen a decline throughout the UK and London during the recession, it’s expected that they’ll experience growth in Camden in the near future.

Camden’s Biggest Employers

University College London (UCL) is the largest employer in Camden, and is one of the largest employers in Central London. With over 10,000 staff and a litany of students, it make a significant contribution to the local economy, features one of the UK’s best medical schools, and is known for its academic excellence worldwide. Continue reading “Focus on Business in Camden” →

London’s Commercial Property Market 2014: The Year in Review

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As 2014 draws to an end, we can safely say that the London commercial property market has laid out the foundations for continued growth. Take a look at the latest developments that have taken place in the commercial property market across the UK’s capital city. But first, let’s get started with a synopsis of the year so far.

London’s commercial property market: the year in review


Overall, this year has been marked by steady growth and increasing optimism among both investors and occupiers. According to research carried out by M&G Real Estate, this upward trend can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, the labour market has become stronger over the past 12 months. In November 2014, the unemployment rate reached a five-year low of 7.1 per cent. This fact has had a positive effect on the property market, especially in the retail sub-sector.

Secondly, there is the widespread belief that economic risks have decreased substantially in many Eurozone countries. As a result, commercial property rents have stabilised, and in some areas of London commercial rental values have even begun to grow. From an occupier perspective, changes in risk perception have also meant that firms in the financial, banking, insurance, and ICT sectors are now ready to extend their leases or to move on to larger premises.

Towards the end of 2013, market analysts predicted that rental growth values across all commercial sub-sectors would average 2.1 per cent. The predicted growth rates have been largely surpassed in the office property market, especially in areas like Midtown, where office rents have increased by nearly 6 per cent. In addition, the London office market has also seen the revival of the so-called fringe locations, where the demand for refurbished office floorspace has been steadily increasing. Continue reading “London’s Commercial Property Market 2014: The Year in Review” →