In the latest episode of the politics and property podcast, EG's senior writer Piers Wehner and former Conservative minister Mark Prisk take a look at the contents of the Spring Budget.  They have digested 61 minutes of the chancellor's speech, 122 pages of the Red Book and reams of supporting documents so that you don't have to.  They also have a look at what the politicians get up to in Cannes, why this might finally be the last gasp for Prisk's baby, the Local Enterprise Partnerships, and how he may have provided the inspiration for The Thick of It.

This latest episode of Bricks & Mortar sees EG’s Sarah Jackman catch up with Davies Jiva, a consultant at property regeneration firm AspinallVerdi. The pair discuss his early experiences of the real estate sector in Malawi, his studies – which eventually brought him to the UK – and how he’s finding the APC pathway. He highlights the benefits that come with RICS qualification, not least its international recognition. And as ever on Bricks & Mortar, there are words of encouragement for those looking to explore a career in the sector: “Nothing is impossible as long as you remain resilient… and focused with your aspirations”.

ESG was one of the hottest topics at this year’s MIPIM conference in Cannes and one of the most sought-after certifications in that space is the B Corp status. A B Corp badge is widely viewed as one of the key benchmarks for ESG performance, but how much value can it really add to a real estate business? At the EG Pavilion at the Palais des Festivals, EG news editor Pui-Guan Man had the opportunity to sit down with Craig Cullimore, chair of ADP Architecture, and Claire Mantle, executive director and education lead at ADP Architecture, to talk about the process of applying for the certification, how it ensures its values are upheld, the importance of bring joy to a space and how one might go about measuri,ng that. Listen in to this 30-minute discussion, recorded live at MIPIM on Tuesday 14 March, to find out more.

On the 100th edition of the weekly round-up podcast, Jess Harrold is joined by senior writer Julia Cahill and reporter Chanté Bohitige. To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, Cahill discusses an extensive feature in which 14 prominent female leaders in real estate write letters to young women interested in careers in property, and the valuable lessons on offer. Bohitige shares insights from her fascinating EG Interview with Zac Goodman, founder of real estate investor and manager TSP - and updates us on her pre-MIPIM preparations, plus what she's looking forward to from her first MIPIM experience. Plus, Cahill has major news from Liverpool, and urban planning innovations from the Netherlands. But who will triumph in the quiz of the week on the rest of the latest headlines?

Today’s episode of Bricks & Mortar features Vikki Aitkenhead, director and head of environmental consultancy at Hollis, in a special International Women’s Day edition. Vikki started her career in real estate over 20 years ago and brings her wealth of experience to topics including career progression as a woman, balancing the demands of professional life with motherhood, and why mentoring and role models can be hugely beneficial in supporting women in their careers. The pair reflect on the recent resignations of Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon and what can be done across all sectors to assist women in leadership roles.

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast EG editor Samantha McClary sits down with four of 14 female leaders in the built environment who have put pen to paper in this week's EG Magazine, writing a letter to the next generation of women who should look to real estate to build a career. Over the course of this 30-minute conversation we hear insights from Anji Hobson, director of Seam Consultancy, Emma Goodford, partner and head of life sciences at Knight Frank, Dellah Gilbert, partner and head of property litigation at Maples Teesdale, and Charlotte Glazier, an EG Future Leader and programme manager for greening the public realm at Islington Council, about their experiences as women in the sector and the advice they put forward in their letters. The conversation paints a picture of real estate that any individual should be clamouring to enter. A sector which allows you to build a career that helps solve big problems, that enables you to shape places, to give back and, importantly, to make a difference. Listen in to hear how we should be talking differently about real estate if we really want to open it up to a wider selection of talent and be sure to pick up your copy of EG Magazine this weekend to read all 14 letters in full. You can head to www.egi.co.uk/news now to read them too.

In the latest episode of EG's political podcast, senior writer Piers Wehner and former housing minister Mark Prisk head to Westminster to meet Labour MP Clive Betts.  Betts has been chair of the House of Commons' Levelling Up select committee for 12 years, investigating and assessing the work of the government department in its numerous guises. In that time he has challenged policy, honed legislation and grilled innumerable ministers - including Prisk! But can the select committee ever really hope to influence legislation? And what will it investigate next?   

In the latest episode of In on the Act, EG’s Sarah Jackman catches up with Michael Ranson, barrister at Falcon Chambers, to discuss the Charities Act 2022. Due to come into force in three stages, the Act contains changes relating to the disposal of charity land, which are due to be implemented this spring. Ranson highlights the background to the changes, how they apply to property as well as detailing what’s contained in each of the relevant sections.

Piers Wehner is joined this week by deputy editor Tim Burke and residential reporter Akanksha Soni to review the week's real estate headlines. Burke looks at the eye-watering $1.7bn fall in capital markets revenue among the big agents, while Soni takes us once again into the world of BTR, were everything still seems to be going swimmingly.  But, with the quiz of the week containing a special St Piran's round on Cornwall, which jammy dodger will be the cat that gets the cream - Soni, or native Cornishman Burke?

The gap between the best and the rest in the UK’s office market continues to widen as demand for prime and super-prime space in the major cities significantly outweighs supply. Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report into take-up and delivery in key cities around the country showed the market bolstered during the final months of 2022 but still facing challenges as companies weigh new workplace strategies. In this 30-minute roundtable podcast, EG’s London and offices reporter, Chanté Bohitige, speaks with partners from across Cushman & Wakefield’s office business to delve into the trends now shaping activity in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and elsewhere.  Tune in to hear EG’s guests discuss increasing divergence in the quality of space, shifting occupier attitudes, rising rents for Grade-A stock, and how to create opportunity out of obsolescence. Sharing their insights are Cushman & Wakefield’s: • Mark Denford, international partner and head of tenant advisory • Steve Lane, head of office agency, Bristol  • Scott Rutherford, partner, Birmingham and the Midlands • James Thompson, partner, Edinburgh • Andy Tyler, head of London office leasing • Rob Yates, partner, Northwest For more on office leasing and investment, head to https://www.egi.co.uk/news/

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary assembles a cast of experts from across the real estate sector to explore why some of the transparency and simplicity of the auctions method hasn't been adopted in the private treaty world.  In this big EG listen, we look at  how the auctions market continues to push forward regardless of economic conditions and why, while not totally immune to the chill winds of  recession, the ballroom (virtual or real) continues to be busy. We ask whether the unique nature of what’s on offer and the openness of a catalogue offers a purity of transaction that the private treaty world cannot (or perhaps, will not) deliver? And whether in times of fluctuating values and nervousness about the economy, this attracting more and more buyer and seller types to the ballroom. Listen in for insights from: John Maddison, head of asset management, Quadrant Estates Vijay Parikh, managing partner, Harold Benjamin Jo Seth-Smith, investment manager, OLIM Property George Walker, partner and auctioneer, Allsop    

In this EG Property Podcast, deputy editor Tim Burke gathers a group of experts to discuss the state of real estate auctions after a tough 2022 for the UK economy and investment markets, comparing their fortunes with those of the private treaty market. What level of activity did auction professionals and financiers witness over the course of the past year, and what does the pipeline look like now? How have the funding markets changed? And as some auctioneers prepare to return to the ballroom, what’s next for the new, hybrid nature of the business? Coming together to discuss these issues and more are: Scott Hendry, auction finance director, Together Money Max Mason, head of sales, 574 Emily Wood, director, capital markets, Lambert Smith Hampton

Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke, news editor Pui-Guan Man and residential reporter Akanksha Soni to review the week's real estate headlines. Soni discusses a pair of big money BTR schemes, Burke recounts his visit to a major development site as the long-awaited £8bn Earls Court masterplan is unveiled, and Man tackles Aldi's expansion plans - plus more of the week's news.

Jess Harrold is joined by Roger Cohen, senior counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, to discuss the latest decision in Ludgate House Ltd v Ricketts (valuation officer) and London Borough of Southwark – a dispute over the impact of the use of property guardians on empty rates. Having failed to convince the Court of Appeal in 2020 that the occupation of its premises by property guardians meant it was not liable for non-domestic rates, Ludgate House Ltd turned its attention to how the rates should be calculated. Now, Cohen explains the Upper Tribunal's reasoning on that matter, and what it means for the rating of premises with property guardians. In addition, he surveys the field of potential rates mitigation measures for empty properties in the wake of the decisions in Ludgate House.

On this week's episode of Bricks & Mortar, EG's Sarah Jackman speaks to Kate Taylor, lead trainer in the RICS APC Faculty and managing director of APC Taylormade, about how to achieve the best results from the APC journey. They discuss choosing a pathway, the mechanics of the process and how candidates can achieve - and document - the experience they need to demonstrate to qualify. Taylor imparts some excellent practical advice, making this episode a must-listen for anyone embarking - or currently thinking of embarking - on the process.   

In this EG Property Podcast, deputy editor Tim Burke discusses the real estate finance market and sentiment with three lenders as they look ahead following a tough 2022. After months of political turmoil and challenges from soaring inflation and rising interest rates, what schemes and assets are drawing lenders’ attention? What does supportive government policy look like to firms, and what are some of the house views on how the rates environment plays out from here? Joining the discussion from the EG studio are Gavin Eustace, founding partner, Silbury Finance Paul Oberschneider, chief executive, Hilltop Credit Partners Will Scoular, head of private client lending, Investec Real Estate

Jess Harrold is joined by residential reporter Akanksha Soni and senior writer Piers Wehner for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Soni tackles Inland Homes' hunt for a BTR investment partner for three schemes with a total value north of £800m, and news of an innovative museum/PBSA hook-up. Wehner covers the beleaguered state of Home REIT, and wider advice to REITs in general that calls for a history lesson on King Canute and his tidal legacy. But who has a skate park tale of woe to share? And who will triumph in a hotly contested quiz of the week?

Jess Harrold is joined by barristers Simon Allison and Brooke Lyne, of Landmark Chambers,  to discuss the Supreme Court decision in Williams and others v Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Ltd and another [2023] UKSC 6; [2023] PLSCS 29. Allison and Lyne, who represented the successful respondents, explain the court's decision in a highly important case on landlords' discretion to apportion service charges. In addition, they outline the significant implications of what they describe as a rare case that should be beneficial for both landlords and tenants.

Jess Harrold is joined by legal and professional editor Sarah Jackman and senior writer Piers Wehner for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Wehner tackles the fallout from the latest cabinet mini-reshuffle, with Michael Gove standing firm and yet another new housing minister passing through the office's revolving door. Jackman celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a summary of the opportunities available in real estate. But who will triumph in the quiz of the week, this time with a "news and legal" twist?

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary is in conversation with new RICS president Ann Gray and recently installed chair of the board Martin Samworth. Listen in to the 30 minute discussion to find out a little bit more about the who Ann Gray is, what makes her tick and what she hopes to bring to the RICS in her 12 month presidency. Martin Samworth gives the inside track on what his role as chair of the board will mean for the future of the RICS, how passionate he is about bringing pride back to the institution and how he wants members to be the greatest advocates for the RICS. This was recorded live in the belly of the RICS HQ at Parliament Square, which is not the most modern of buildings as those who have been there will know – but that’s on Samworth’s to do list too. So, if the audio is a little less perfect than you’ve come to expect from an EG Property Podcast that is why. But if you want to understand more about how those leading the RICS plan to make it great again, listen in and enjoy.

Surrey’s thriving high-end manufacturing sector has given it a solid foundation on which a plethora of new independent shops and restaurants have been able to thrive, according to Curchod & Co partner Nick Reeve. Curchod & Co sits at the top of Surrey’s Radius On-Demand Rankings for 2022, with 391,995 sq ft transacted across 104 deals. Reeve says the county has seen the emergence of technology clusters such as Guildford’s gaming sector, suppliers of services to McLaren’s giant R&D plant in Woking and also the defence sector, which is benefiting from extra government spending. These provide Surrey with well-paid jobs which, so far, have helped keep the county’s new shops and restaurants extremely busy.

Jess Harrold is joined by EG court reporter James Lumley, and partner James Souter and associate Sam Lear, both from Charles Russell Speechlys, for a detailed discussion of the Supreme Court's decision in Fearn and others v Board of Trustees of Tate Gallery [2023] UKSC 4; [2023] PLSCS 22. Together, they address the court's landmark ruling in favour of the residents of Neo-Bankside that the visual intrusion from a viewing platform at the Tate Modern - from which tourists can stare straight into their flats - constitutes a nuisance. Bearing in mind the extreme nature of the facts of the case, they address the implications of the decision and the potential development of the law of nuisance that may follow in its wake.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, this latest episode of Bricks & Mortar is dedicated to real estate apprenticeships. To discuss the topic, EG’s Sarah Jackman is joined by Richard Adamson, partner, head of residential auctions and lead for Allsop’s firm-wide recruitment programme; alongside Ysabella Argentieri, an Allsop apprentice. Adamson discusses how apprenticeships have worked at Allsop, the benefits they bring and how the firm expects to develop them in the future. To add practical context, Ysabella reflects on her journey onto the real estate apprenticeship, how she’s found the programme over its initial 18 months and how she balances work and study. She highlights the benefits of training via the apprenticeship route – as well as giving all-important advice for those considering an apprenticeship in the sector.

Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke and court reporter James Lumley for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Burke discusses the launch of the British Property Federation’s latest Property Leader Sentiment Survey, which has revealed that months of political turmoil have damaged the UK’s reputation globally and deterred investment from international real estate investors. And Lumley sums up the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in favour of residents in their long-running nuisance claim against the Tate Modern art gallery over its viewing platform that gives tourists the opportunity to stare straight into their luxury flats. 

In this latest episode EG's Piers Wehner and former housing minister Mark Prisk discuss two Michaels - or is it three? - and a couple of missions. First up is the lasting impact of Michael Heseltine's approach to regeneration, which you can hear more about in this full-length interview.  Then its the turn of Michael Gove, both the latest allocation of levelling up funding and his rather Heseltinian speech in Manchester, in which he proclaimed levelling up to be a 'moral mission'. And finally, it is the turn of Chris Skidmore's report on the path forward for the government's net zero strategy, Mission Zero. 

With only a few weeks to go until his 90th birthday, Lord Heseltine talks to EG's Piers Wehner about regeneration, levelling up, Liverpool and leadership. In a special, hour-long interview, the Godfather of Regeneration - or is that Grandaddy? -  explains why enterprise zones aren't always the answer, why the LDDC shouldn't be used as a model, why the levelling up agenda is a busted flush and how Liverpool left him 'transformed'.  

Jess Harrold is joined by a panel of leading barristers and solicitors to discuss the impact of mental health when it comes to the operation of our planning system.  Tracy Lovejoy, senior associate in the planning and environment department, and Joanne Fraser, partner in the Court of Protection department, both at Irwin Mitchell LLP, and Rachel Sullivan and Celina Colquhoun, barristers at 39 Essex Chambers, discuss the ways in which mental health can affect engagement with the planning system, the systems already in place to address these issues, and what improvements could be made to planning in order for it to be more inclusive for those affected.  

Jess Harrold is joined by associate editor Julia Cahill and reporter Akanksha Soni for the latest weekly round-up. Cahill addresses the dire warning in Landsec's Shaping Successful Future Cities report that our cities may well become "unliveable" within a decade, as well as the steps it recommends to avoid such a fate. To add to the gloom, Soni outlines the "inflation triple whammy" that has hit housing schemes across the country. On the bright side, she does at least have news of some potential developments that may come to fruition, and which will hopefully make our futures a little more liveable. But who will triumph in the quiz of the week?

EG’s Sarah Jackman catches up with Falcon Chambers barristers Daniel Black and Edward Blakeney to discuss the Leasehold Reform (Forfeiture) Bill. The private members Bill, introduced in the House of Lords, is awaiting its second reading. They discuss the rationale behind it, provisions contained within it, along with its possible effect should it be enacted.

Bricks & Mortar starts its 2023 schedule with an interview with ex-Brecher managing partner, Nicky Richmond. Following a legal career spanning several decades, Richmond stepped down in 2021 and is now training to become a professional coach and mentor. EG’s Sarah Jackman speaks to her about her journey into the law, what she enjoyed about practising in the real estate sector, how she accelerated her career and why she felt it was time to move on. Richmond has plenty advice for those starting out in the industry, including the need to be honest with yourself and the benefits of something else you’re known for, to make you stand out from the crowd.

Jess Harrold is joined by reporters Evelina Grecenko and Akanksha Soni to round up the week's news, with a special focus on their particular areas of expertise: life sciences and residential. Grecenko addresses how demand continues to outstrip supply for lab space, the ways that demand is being met and some of the issues involved in office conversions. Soni rounds up the drop-off in BTR figures from late 2022, and where things stand right now, including news of major inward investment into PBSA - plus, news of a major office deal in Cambridge. But can these newshounds be separated in the quiz of the week?

Jess Harrold is joined by Matthew Bonye, partner and head of real estate dispute resolution, Shanna Davison, professional support & knowledge development lawyer and Martyn Jarvis, senior associate in the planning team, all at Herbert Smith Freehills, to discuss the firm's latest Forearmed report for 2023. Together, they look at the 12 major issues for the year ahead that HSF has identified as posing potential risks for developers, investors, landlords and occupiers, and which may well lead to property disputes in the year ahead. From "tenant activism" and the impact of the Building Safety Act 2022, to ESG and green leases, the importance of decarbonisation, demand for life sciences space and a potential rise in professional negligence cases - and even more - these are the major topics to be forewarned about in 2023. For more detail, read the firm's full report at: https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/latest-thinking/real-estate-disputes-in-2023-%E2%80%94-what-you-need-to-know-to-be-forearmed     

Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man for the first podcast round-up of the year, beginning with a clarion call to the industry to keep decency at the top of the agenda in challenging times. Together, they discuss the state of the sheds sector, with Amazon setting out plans to shut three warehouses in the UK, which could bring some 1.3m sq ft of space back to the market. But who will be 2023's first champion in the quiz of the week?

Following the lifting of the moratorium on forfeiture for commercial rent arrears on 25 March 2022, commercial landlords once again have a range of options available to either recover outstanding debt or regain possession of their premises. To discuss those options, Sarah Jackman is joined by Ian McEwan and Paula Green, property dispute partners at law firm RWK Goodman. They remind listeners of the restrictions imposed under the moratorium, reflect on the arbitration scheme and consider which remedy might be appropriate in a particular scenario.

Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary, deputy editor Tim Burke and news editor Pui-Guan Man for a special podcast review of 2022. Together they discuss how the year started out brightly before storm clouds gathered as a result of the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices, inflation and the economic and political volatility that resulted. What is the state of the property market and its various sectors as 2022 draws to an end? What are their expectations, and even hopes, for 2023? And, most importantly of all, who will triumph in the very special quickfire quiz of the year?

In this EG TechTalk episode of the EG Property Podcast EG editor Samantha McClary is in conversation with Tripty Arya, founder of Tratvus, an AI technology company focused on multi-family real estate and John Helm, partner at RET Ventures, which recently led a $4m funding round into the business. In this 35-minute listen find out what it is like securing funding for a US business that is committed to being based in the UK, what that new funding from RET Ventures means for the growth of Travtus, insights into the US multifamily market, and why while investment is great (and necessary for growth) it is partnership that really adds value. Listen in for all that and much, much more. Enjoy.

In EG's final 2022 episode of In on the Act, Sarah Jackman speaks to Falcon Chambers' Oliver Radley-Gardner KC about the requirements contained in the Agriculture Act 2020. They discuss the reasons why it was implemented, the timeframes for compliance and how landowners need to respond.  

In this EG Cities Live podcast, recorded at a breakfast briefing in Leeds, guests from across the built environment discussed how the city region could forge a new vision for its future while respecting the heritage of its past. Joining EG deputy editor Tim Burke on stage were Clare Bailey, director, commercial research, Savills Angela Barnicle, chief officer, asset management and regeneration, Leeds City Council Tori Critchley, development director, innovation, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Nasreen Karim, director, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Matt Lonergan, partner, Shoosmiths

Welcome to the final episode of EG Property Podcast's Fundamentals of the Future series, recorded live at our Sustainable Outcomes: Make better ESG decisions event. This episode, recorded as part of a panel discussion, seeks to understand how real estate can better embed the E and S of ESG into corporate governance. We ask whether the real estate sector could ever have its own Yvon Chouinard and make earth its only shareholder, we  uncover the importance of board maturity and we take look at what other sectors real estate could and should be learning from. Listen in for insights from: Dr Seyed Ebrahimi, principal consultant, sustainability strategy, Alfa Energy Group Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive, UK Green Building Council This episode was recorded outside of EG’s specialist podcast studio so the audio quality may not be as quite as excellent as you have come to expect. I can promise, however, that the quality of the most definitely is.

Sarah Jackman and Jess Harrold present their annual count down of the 10 biggest property law decisions of the year. From planning to telecoms, from enfranchisement to proprietary estoppel, these are the judgments with the biggest implications - and, for the top five, some special guests lend their expertise to explain their importance. But which case will secure the coveted number one slot?

Tough times lie in wait for the industry’s squeezed middle, according to straight-talking Compton co-founder Shaun Simons, who warns of a very difficult year ahead both for average agents and for owners of mid-range office stock. Compton is a City Fringe office specialist and sits at the top of the area’s Radius On-Demand Rankings, with 818,000 sq ft transacted across 144 deals. Simons believes there has been a polarisation of the office market whereby demand will remain strong for either best-in-class stock or for “cheap and nasty” space so long as it is priced accordingly. The problem area, he believes, will be all the “sludge” that falls between the two. He also believes many “average” agents who prospered prior to the pandemic are going to struggle as the market becomes increasingly competitive.

Welcome to the third episode of EG Property Podcast's Fundamentals of the Future series, recorded live at our Sustainable Outcomes: Make better ESG decisions event. This episode, recorded as part of a panel discussion, dives into the S of ESG and questions whether measurement really matters, if a badge of some sort would drive more action and whether delivering social value is actually the core purpose of the built environment. Listen in for insights from: Holly Brown, director, Colliers Helen Goulden, chief executive, Young Foundation Vivienne King, head of real estate social impact, The Good Economy This episode was recorded outside of EG’s specialist podcast studio so the audio quality may not be as quite as excellent as you have come to expect. The quality of the content, however, most definitely is.

Welcome to the second episode of EG Property Podcast's Fundamentals of the Future series, recorded live at our Sustainable Outcomes: Make better ESG decisions event. This episode, recorded as part of a panel discussion, takes a look at what needs to change for real estate to deliver on its net zero ambitions. Listen in to hear what the industry can expect from former energy minister Chris Skidmore’s soon-to-be released Net Zero Review, and how when it comes to regulatory sticks, the one that is really needed is based solidly around data sharing. Key insights come from: Bim Afolami - MP, Energy & Climate Change Intelligence Unit Jose Alvarez, head of buildings physics, Hollis John Davies, head of sustainability, Derwent London Alex Hill, managing director, ZTP Sarah Ratcliffe, chief executive, Better Buildings Partnership This episode was recorded outside of EG’s specialist podcast studio so the audio quality may not be as high as you have come to expect, the quality of the content, however,  most definitely is. And a mild parental warning that this episode does contain too many references to balls.

In this Fundamentals of the Future episode of the EG Property Podcast, Better Buildings Partnership chief executive Sarah Ratcliffe delivers a rousing - if not mildly depressing - call to action for the real estate sector. In this episode, the first of four recorded live at EG’s Sustainable Outcomes: Make better ESG decisions event, Ratcliffe takes a look at real estate’s journey through the lens of ESG, how far we have come and how much more is needed to be done. This episode was recorded outside of EG’s specialist podcast studio so the audio quality may not be as silky smooth as you have come to expect, the quality of the content is most definitely out of this world.

In this 50-minute episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG’s Julia Cahill finds out how digital transformation is shaping the life sciences industry in Oxford.   Joined by experts from across the region, she uncovers how the real estate sector is striving to keep pace with the advances accelerated by the digital transformation; how Oxford compares to other cities; what space being delivered in Oxford in the near and longer term; and tackles some of the challenges the life sciences space faces.   Listen in to hear insights from:   Artem Korolev, chief executive and founder, Mission Street Charles Rowton-Lee, head of commercial agency, Savills Oxford Anna Strongman, chief executive, Oxford University Development

Jess Harrold is joined by Chanté Bohitige and Piers Wehner for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Wehner tackles the latest government announcements on housing targets, wind farm developments and more - and Bohitige covers the competition between law firms for the very best office space, with some already planning moves years in advance. Bohitige discusses doomed Chinese embassy plans, and Wehner addresses a BTR boom from John Lewis - but how closely have they followed the rest of the latest news? Find out, in the quiz of the week!

In the first weekly round-up of December, Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke and offices reporter Chanté Bohitige to see whether they - and the market - have summoned up their Christmas spirit. After preliminary discussions on advent calendars and the bane of a parent's existence that is "elf on the shelf", discussion turns to the increasing complexity of lease terms, with a couple of major deals in this week's headlines indicating that occupiers are looking to future-proof their requirements with in-built flexibility. But can two experts in their field like Burke and Bohitige be separated in the quiz of the week?

"There are two things in the world you never want to let people see how you make 'em - laws and sausages" Leo McGarry, The West Wing. The levelling up bill has stalled in its passage through parliament, as Conservative MPs put forward rival amendments that could sink the government's flagship policy.  Is this an unfolding crisis, or is this simply the way the sausage is made?  Join former housing minister and some-time government whip Mark Prisk and EG's senior writer Piers Wehner for a trip to the sausage factory.