In this latest episode of Bricks & Mortar, Sarah Jackman speaks to Greg Manson, director of debt finance at OakNorth Bank. Manson practices within OakNorth's property finance team and recently received accreditation to become a chartered surveyor via the senior professional route.  They discuss his motivation for seeking MRICS accreditation, how he managed studying alongside his day-to-day work and the benefits that his recent qualification has brought to his current role. Tune in to hear the full discussion.    

On this week's episode of Tech Talk Radio, host Emily Wright speaks to someone not known to mince his words. Ility founder and chief executive Marcus Moufarrige pulls no punches when it comes to his thoughts on the future of tenant engagement apps as his platform is rolled out across portfolios within major real estate companies including L&G and Deloitte.  "I have always said that tenant engagement isn't an app, it's an outcome," said Moufarrige. "If it isn't an app, why do we need them?" Moufarrige added that getting people to engage with a building via an app has traditionally been a tough sell with low uptake and something that usually requires "a lot of pushing" because "no one gets turned on by engaging with a building." He said that New York-based Ility's strategy comes at the problem more from an asset management approach, giving the landlords the tools they need to collect and own their own data while creating flexible, profitable spaces with a focus on ESG.  To hear more about Ility, Moufarrige's thoughts on apps, data ownership and the difference between a sector which is digitised and one which has been digitally transformed, tune in to this episode of Tech Talk Radio. 

Just 13% of the UK real estate workforce is female. Even less – a lot less – of it is made of of black women. That is not right and it is not okay. As real estate continues to transition and understand its importance in delivering places and spaces for human beings to thrive the need to diversify our workforce and become a truly inclusive sector has never been more important. To help highlight and showcase the black women there already are in the sector Black Women in Real Estate has teamed up with recruitment specialists Madison Berkeley to launch the #IAMWOMAN campaign. The campaign took place last week and highlighted five black women from across the built environment sharing their stories of success. The campaign was designed to help improve visibility of black women in the sector, to encourage more black women into real estate and to show all of us, that while the numbers of black women in real estate may be low today, there are many very highly skilled and talented women out there that this sector needs. In this podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary sits down with Hanna Afolobi, founder of Black Women in Real Estate and new development consultancy Mood & Space, Faith Locken, development manager at Countryside and founder of We Rise In and Clare Coe, co-founder of Madison Berkeley to find out more about IAMWOMAN, why the campaign was needed and how we all need to work hard to uncover the untapped talent this industry has and need to attract. Find out more about the campaign and read Faith and the other women’s stories at https://www.madisonberkeley.com/i-am-woman/

Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke and, making her EGLSM debut, residential reporter Akanksha Soni, to round up the hottest week in UK history. Burke tackles the real estate industry reaction to the record temperatures, and the stark warning they offer of the realities of climate change - as well as the latest news on RICS and what he learned from his EG Interview with Here East chief exec, Gavin Poole. Soni offers her thoughts on the resi sector after her first few weeks on the beat, and rounds up her major stories of the week. But can she compete with Burke as she is put to the test in her first quiz of the week?  

Sheffield is poised to reinvent itself as one of the greenest cities in the UK, with a raft of environmentally sustainable new developments about to come online and a wealth of older stock ripe for redevelopment, according to Colloco founder Tim Bottrill. Colloco sits in second place in the Radius On Demand Rankings for South Yorkshire, with 12 deals across the line so far this year. It was established five years ago by Bottrill following a 20-year career in the city, first with Knight Frank and then Fernie Greaves. Sheffield is seeing a huge remodelling of its city centre thanks to Heart Of The City 2, a huge mixed-use redevelopment that includes Elshaw House, touted as Sheffield’s first “zero carbon ready” office. The city is also rich in older industrial buildings ready for development alongside the ongoing modernisation of the iconic Park Hill scheme.

Piers Wehner is standing in this week for Jess Harrold, and what could possibly go wrong?  He talks to EG's editor Samantha McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man about the dark clouds hovering over the industry - from analysts predicting Global Financial Crisis II (the sequel no-one wanted), to the threat of bubbles bursting.  And with inflation rising and the dreaded R-word on the horizon, is now the time to put faith in the wisdom of old age?  Meanwhile, Sam and Pui go head-to-head to see who will be Queen of Quiz.  Let's face the music and dance.

In episode four of EG’s new monthly podcast series – In on the Act – Sarah Jackman catches up with Falcon Chambers barrister Mark Sefton QC to discuss the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. A cornerstone of landlord and tenant practice for almost 70 years, the Act has attracted calls for reform, with the government announcing in 2020 its intention to review it. Sefton explains the background to the Act, the practical difficulties in its operation and the effect of the S Franses Ltd v Cavendish Hotel (London) Ltd decision on ground (f): redevelopment.

Dublin’s growth is the envy of Europe. Demand across all sectors is high, with increased interest in the life sciences, living sectors and industrial space. But with planning constraints starting to choke off supply, and ESG requirements potentially rendering 80% of Dublin’s stock uninvestible, is the situation sustainable? Piers Wehner heads to Ireland’s capital to ask an expert panel what the future holds. Patrick Phelan, managing director, Ballymore John Ring, director of research, Savills Colm Lauder, head of real estate, investment banking, Goodbody Mairead Finlay, associated partner, head of real estate, EY Law Ireland Hazel Jones, strategic planning director, Bartra

Jess Harrold is joined by Emily Wright and Piers Wehner for the latest weekly round-up - which inevitably begins with a discussion of the events at 10 Downing Street, and what the upheaval may mean for real estate. On a happier note, Wright shares her excitement for having returned to the stage for an in-person Tech Awards after two years of virtual ceremonies. As well as celebrating the worthy winners, Wright expresses her hope that next year will see an even more diverse line-up of entrants. But, as Wright and Wehner's memories are put to the test, who will show the best recollection of arguably the most revolving role in government? Find out in the first (and only) game of Play Your Housing Ministers Right.

In this week’s Bricks & Mortar, Sarah Jackman catches up with Steven Cronin and Cillian Doyle, co-founders of development management business – Kimberlite – based in Dublin. They discuss their routes into the profession, the decision to upskill and study part time at UCEM and how they started their own firm earlier this year, having worked at real estate companies together during their careers. Both have advice for those developing a career real estate and, without giving too much away, reflect on what's next for their new venture.

In this latest installment of EG Property Podcast's  Fundamentals of the Future programme, a series of listens focusing on real estate’s role in the helping solve the world’s climate crisis, EG editor Samantha McClary introduces an hour-long roundtable, hosted by Civic Engineers, that brings together a collection of experts from across the built environment to talk about the big issues real estate faces and the big solutions it can and should be coming up with. Listen in to understand more about the need for retrofit to be a sexier word than development, the role that placemaking has in greening up our built environment and the policy changes needed to turn real estate from a polluter to a protector of the planet. An advisory warning for listeners. This roundtable was not recorded in a studio so at times you may need to lean in a little closer to the conversation. But while the quality of sound may not always be top notch, the content most definitely is. Enjoy.

In the first in a new podcast series on residential law, Jess Harrold is joined by co-host Elizabeth Dwomoh, barrister at Lamb Chambers, and guest Neelam Sharma, in-house solicitor at Walsall Housing Group Ltd, to discuss the difference between a lease and a licence, and the different types of tenancies. Together, they address the main characteristics of Rent Act 1977 tenancies, secure tenancies, assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, they look at key contractual terms for each type of tenancy, and some of the issues that can arise in practice.    

Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man to discuss the implications of the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the landmark ruling in Roe v Wade and place the availability of abortions in the hands of individual states, with the possible result that more than half will outlaw them.  Together, they share their dismay at the impact the decision will have, praise Cushman & Wakefield for being the first US-based advisory firm to pledge financial support to their affected employees, and discuss the steps that real estate should take to stand up for important rights. In addition, they address more of the week's headlines - including a report into CVAs that offers a surprising conclusion for landlords, big news at Avison Young and a possible boost for the UK high street.

In this panel discussion, EG’s guests explore Cambridge’s position as a hub for technology and not just, as some would have it, life sciences. Joining EG deputy editor Tim Burke to discuss what tech has done for development in Cambridge, the growth opportunities for the sector, and what the city is doing to retain and grow talent are: Wei Meng, head of innovation and director of operations, TusPark Cambridge James Parton, managing director, The Bradfield Centre Claire Ruskin, executive director, Cambridge Network Mark Taylor, director and head of business space, Cambridge, Savills

At this EG Cities Live panel discussion held in Manchester earlier this month, EG deputy editor Tim Burke and guests discuss the post-pandemic workforce and what it’s taught real estate about the outlook for offices.  More than two years on from the first work-from-home order of the Covid-19 pandemic, business leaders are still grappling with changes to working practices and what they mean for office occupancy. Despite the best efforts of many businesses to encourage workers away from Zoom screens and back into the office, our speakers acknowledged that, across industries, the challenge is stark. Joining the panel are: Kirsty Black, partner, Shoosmiths James Evans, national head of office agency, Savills Caleb Parker, founder, Bold Simon Bedford, partner, real assets advisory, Deloitte Dan Hyde, development director, MEPC 

In the latest episode of On the Case, Jess Harrold is joined by Martin Garner, partner at CMS, to discuss the first disputes under the Electronic Communications Code to reach the Supreme Court:  Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd v Compton Beauchamp Estates Ltd and conjoined appeals [2022] UKSC 18; [2022] PLSCS 99. Garner explains the operation of the Code, the issues that led to the three cases concerned here, and how the Supreme Court determined the appeal. In addition, he addresses the implications of the decision for landowners and telecoms operators, and outstanding issues under the Code that will continue to occupy the higher courts.

Jess Harrold is joined by head of special content Emily Wright and reporter Evelina Grecenko for the latest weekly round-up podcast - with a focus on talent. Wright rounds up EG's latest Talent special, including the back-to-the-office lessons from a building tour of CBRE's revamped flagship HQ, Henrietta House... and from further afield, out in the country. Grecenko shares what she learned from EG and Bidwells’ Creating a Scientific Superpower conference, as well as Oxford Properties' big plans for life sciences. But when their own talents are put to the test, who will triumph in the quiz of the week?

Some three years after the government first announced it’s intention to abolish section 21 notices under a Renters’ Reform Bill, it has published it’s white paper on reform of the private rental sector. To help explain the proposals is Eleanor Murray, partner and head of residential disputes at law firm CMS, who sets out the rationale for change, what the government is proposing as part of its “12-point plan of action” and what landlords can be thinking about now in advance of change being implemented.

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary sits down with Paul Lawrence, head of real estate at Taylor Wessing, and Dan Bayley, director in the tenant representation team at JLL. Both are huge supporters of EG’s Future Leaders programme and both joined many others to lean in, learn and support our latest cohort at their showcase event on 9 June. In this 40-minute listen, they talk about the importance of the programme not only for what it delivers for EG’s Future Leaders but for the messages it gives to the audience and the market as a whole. This latest cohort was united on showing how much power and influence the real estate sector can have at effecting change and making the world a much better place. Listen in for a run through of each of the amazing Ted-style talks. And if you’re hungry for more, make sure to head to www.egi.co.uk/news to watch the six insightful, emotional and just quite brilliant talks in full.

Swansea council confirmed Urban Splash as its development partner on a £1bn regeneration of the city earlier this month. Here Urban Splash’s Jonathan Falkingham and David Warburton lay out their plans for a levelled-up, liveable city in what might be their biggest test to date.

This latest episode of Bricks & Mortar sees host Sarah Jackman discuss a new initiative from Close Brothers Property Finance: Tomorrow’s Developer. Launched in 2021, the network seeks to support the next generation of SME housebuilders into the industry via regular events, where attendees have an opportunity to hear from industry speakers and network amongst peers. Its business development manager, Andrew Argent, discusses how the initiative has evolved since launch, what’s next in its development and what he hopes to achieve from it. Alex MacDonald from Macar Developments and Ross Finck from The Griffin Residential Group give their perspectives as a speaker and attendee respectively.

Jess Harrold is joined by EG's former editor and current director of market development, Damian Wild, for the latter's final episode of EGLSM as part of the team. Wild discusses his impending departure from EG after 13 years, reflects on how the real estate industry has changed in that time, outlines plans for his new role as managing director of ING Media, and offers his thoughts on the sector - and EG's important role in it - in 2022 and beyond. Plus, discover where his fascination with public toilets began and learn more about his life in music - including his soft spot for a certain Kylie Minogue classic.

Jess Harrold is joined by news editor Pui-Guan Man and senior writer Piers Wehner for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Man shares the latest on department store chain John Lewis and its plans for a 10,000 home build-to-rent portfolio, and more of the latest headlines. Wehner tackles the fallout of the confidence vote in Boris Johnson, a government consultation that could shake up compulsory purchase and one of his favourite topics, levelling up. But, with "hope" a recurring theme, will their aspirations of victory be realised or dashed in the quiz of the week?  

Offices have become a want rather than a need, and if landlords want to attract occupiers back they need to introduce cool, quirky elements that make them a mixture between home and office, according to Belcor partner Oli Cohen. Belcor, which rebranded from Belchak Corin & Co earlier this year, sits in fifth place on the Radius On-Demand Rankings for City Fringe in terms of transacted space and has transacted the third largest number of deals. City Fringe, particularly the converted warehouses of Shoreditch, has an office offering strong on character and quirkiness and Cohen believes this has helped lead the market strongly out of the pandemic as occupiers look for more than simply a space for a desk. He believes City Fringe needs to be the case study for where the wider office market is heading.

In this episode to Fundamentals of the Future, EG Property Podcast’s series of discussions looking at real estate’s role in the climate crisis, EG editor Samantha McClary is joined by George Roberts, outgoing chair of the Property Advisers Forum and head of UK & Ireland at Cushman & Wakefield, Sarah Ratcliffe, chief executive of the Better Buildings Partnership and Emily Hamilton, head of ESG at Savills Investment Management, to talk about the very real need to close the skills gap when it comes to sustainability in real estate. The BBP, with funding from the Property Advisers Forum, has launched a new training programme focused specifically on the advisory sector. The course, which follows the success of a similar training programme launched last year for portfolio, fund and asset managers, will be delivered by specialists Hillbreak. Listen in to this 32-minute discussion to find out how vital education is within all parts of the real estate sector if the industry – as one of the biggest emitters of carbon – really is to play its part in solving the climate crisis. For more information on the BBP’s new course visit https://www.betterbuildingspartnership.co.uk/

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG Samantha McClary dons her Lycra for a conversation about a different kind of brick…The brick training one might do when preparing for a triathlon. As the countdown to the JLL Property Triathlon on 1 July begins, she sits down with Emma Hoskyn, head of sustainability at JLL, and Abigail Dean, head of strategic insights at Nuveen Real Estate, for a relaxed chat about tactics and training for this year’s big race. The trio even share a few tips on what it might take to win this year…the fancy dress round at least. The annual event is one of the biggest sporting gatherings in real estate, bringing thousands from across the sector together to network, engage in a spot of friendly competition and raise huge amounts for charity. A few last-minute spaces remain for individual races. Head to https://www.propertytriathlon.com/ if you’d like to secure your spot.

In this week’s EG Like Sunday Morning, Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke, fresh from his delve into the EG archives to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Burke shares some of the highlights of the special coronation edition of “The Estates Gazette” – and marvels at how many of real estate’s concerns 70 years ago still strike a chord even now. In addition, Burke rounds up the week’s news, and shares some recommendations for suitable listening to mark the Queen’s big weekend. Plus there’s an audio treat from yesteryear, courtesy of The Estates Gazette Wireless Edition from coronation week, 1953, as presented by the legendary Piers Cholmondley-Wehner.

In this latest episode of Bricks & Mortar, Sarah Jackman catches up with William Riordan, chair of the ULI’s Young Leaders Group for Europe. Riordan completes a two-year term in the role in July and reflects on the importance of the network in connecting people from different parts of the industry and in enabling “the leaders of tomorrow to engage with the leaders of today.” He discusses the priorities he established for his tenure, the change that the industry has seen in the time that he’s been chair and what it was like being in the role during the pandemic – a period which saw membership of the Young Leaders Group in Europe increase by 60%. He highlights potential areas for future development, as well as sharing his top tips for those currently developing a career in real estate.

Episode two of our new monthly podcast series: “In on the Act” – in which Sarah Jackman discusses a legislative topic with a member of Falcon Chambers. Tune in to hear barrister Martin Dray discuss the property-related aspects of the new Act, which received royal assent on 15 March and brings into force a new register of overseas entities and their beneficial owners. He discusses the rationale behind the Act, its provisions, penalties for non-compliance and what affected parties and their advisors need to be thinking about in advance of it coming into force.  

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, EG editor Samantha McClary sits down with the six members of its latest cohort of Future Leaders ahead of their grand showcase on 9 June. Listen in to find out about their journey to becoming Future Leaders, their intense training with the excellent Ginger Leadership Communications and why you can’t afford to miss the grand finale at London’s Royal Institute on 9 June. The EG Future Leaders programme began life as a D&I initiative aimed at showcasing how many very wonderful, talented women there are in the real estate sector - and to show other women, that they could be wonderful and appreciated in this sector too. Today this is more than just a D&I event. Yes, the people you will see up on stage may well be from groups that are largely under-represented – currently – in the real estate sector. Yes, they all represent different facets of the built environment. Some may even talk about ED&I. But what this event is, is a money-can’t-buy insight into the power that real estate has to effect change. This event – to which you are all invited – is a chance for those who want to succeed in a rapidly changing sector to lean in and learn. To thrive, to beat the competition. These are real estate’s transformers. And you can’t afford not to see them. Listen in to find out why and head straight to https://www.eg.co.uk/eg-events/future-leaders/ secure your free space at this unmissable event. To find out more about EG Future Leaders programme, past and present visit https://www.egi.co.uk/futureleaders/  

First, Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke and head of content Emily Wright to round up the week. Burke shares his considerable excitement for the opening of the Elizabeth Line, assessing its impact on real estate, and shares the rest of the latest headlines. Wright offers some of the highlights of EG's latest ESG special, including biodiversity and the importance of stepping out of the echo chamber, to take the climate change message out to the not-yet-converted. Then, Harrold welcomes Priya Aggarwal-Shah, founder and director of BAME in Property, and Lauren Doy, communications & engagement manager at Land Aid, to discuss an initiative they have been working on in the run up to World Menstrual Health Day. Together, they discuss the steps being taken to provide access to free sanitary products for homeless women, and address the need for a wider conversation on menstrual health.

In this episode of the the EG Property Podcast, brought to you in partnership with DWF, EG editor Samantha McClary is in discussion with three experts from across the real estate sector to understand why everyone wants green leases to work but their take up remains low.  Listen in to this podcast, first broadcast as a webinar and available to watch (and read) at https://www.egi.co.uk/news/turning-over-a-new-leaf-for-green-leases/ to hear from Melanie Williams, head of real estate sector at DWFK, Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director, ESG Consultancy & Sustainability Services at CBRE and Sophie Goddard, director of sustainability at Canary Wharf Group about why we need to fundamentally change our approach to green leases if the industry really is committed to sustainability. A fascinating 45 minute discussion about why collaboration not conflict is key to making green leases - or something similar - work. 

After years of delays and disappointment, London’s Elizabeth Line has finally opened. Real estate players have made bets on a boost to their assets right the way along the line, as travel times are slashed between various parts of the capital. Shobi Khan, chief executive of the Canary Wharf Group, told EG deputy editor Tim Burke what the Elizabeth Line, or Crossrail, means for the estate. Canary Wharf is changing at pace – in the past few months it has announced a biodiversity tie up with the Eden Project, a new push to develop a life sciences hub, and a flexible office offering. There are many areas of London for which the Elizabeth Line too is said to be a game changer. Is that the case for Canary Wharf?

Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke, news editor Pui-Guan Man and reporter Alex Daniel for the latest weekly round-up podcast. Burke and Man tackle the cost of living crisis, rising inflation and what that means for the big agency's financial outlook, development costs and land values. Man reviews more of the week's major headlines, and Daniel talks about the collapse of modular housing provider, House. But, in his final week at EG, how does Daniel assess the London office market he has covered with distinction... what is he going to be up to next... and how will he fare in his very special last EGLSM quiz? Join the team in bidding Alex a very fond farewell... and discover whether conversation will turn to the Marble Arch Mound one more time.

On this week’s Bricks & Mortar, Sarah Jackman is joined by Vikki Aitkenhead, a senior associate at Hollis and Laura Chappell, a brand & comms executive at Hollis, for a look at their mentoring relationship and the benefits they derive from it – as a mentor and a mentee. As initiator of the Hollis mentoring scheme, Aitkenhead reflects on how it was set up, its success since launching in 2019 and plans to develop it in the future. She describes the joy of watching her mentees progress and grow in confidence, as well as the ability to be able to give something back. Chappell meanwhile highlights the benefits not only of taking part in a formal mentoring programme, but of being able to speak to someone who works in a completely different area of the business.

Jess Harrold is joined by senior writer Piers Wehner and reporter Evelina Grecenko to round up a busy week. Wehner tackles the Queen's Speech (delivered by Prince Charles) and digs into what detail there is in the ensuing Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill - plus the political backdrop against which its policies have been formed. Grecenko shares her big life sciences news on Breakthrough Properties and its WeWork-style lab concept. But who will prevail in the quiz of the week?

This EG Property Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Savills and Shoosmiths, features a live recording from EG’s first back-in-real-life regional event. Team EG headed to the wonderful city of Birmingham to discover just how the UK’s second city was going for gold as the countdown to the Commonwealth Games begins. The Games, which take place in the city from 28 July, have already been helping Birmingham meet its potential as not just a leading UK city but on global stage too. In this discussion EG editor Samantha McClary is joined by experts from across the city to understand more about how Birmingham is going to capitalise on the Games to ensure that the region and all of its residents and businesses prosper long term. Listen in to hear from: Henrietta Brealey, chief executive, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Michael Davies, director, Savills Paul Kitson, strategy director – place, prosperity & sustainability, Birmingham City Council Tim Flight, partner, Shoosmiths To find out more about EG’s Cities Live events, how you can get involved and join us as we traverse the country, visit www.eg.co.uk/eg-events/

Jess Harrold is joined by head of special content Emily Wright and senior writer Piers Wehner to round up the week, with a focus on EG's latest Tech special. Wright shares what she learned at the CREtech conference about the importance of failure, why it's becoming a sought-after skill, and the fun that can be had at "F-up nights". Wehner reports a sighting of what could be Europe's first tech unicorn, and talk turns to other highlights of the Tech special - including the innovations driving community engagement in planning. In addition, Wehner tackles the week's major headlines, including the seismic impact of Amazon's £3bn Q1 loss. But how will they fare when their tech credentials are put to the test in the marvellous quiz that can only be called "Metaverse or Multiverse?"

Logistics is still king in the West Midlands - despite the shockwaves created by Amazon’s strategic reassessment this week - with rents and capital values continuing to blossom, according to Siddall Jones managing director Ed Siddall Jones. The company leads the way in the 2022 Radius On Demand Rankings for the West Midlands, with 306,782 sq ft of space transacted across 51 deals. Chief among these has been a 71,000 sq ft letting at Hawthorns70 on the Park Rose Industrial Estate in Swethwick to logistics operator World Depot Inc. Siddall Jones says logistics is still taking up a “ridiculous” amount of space and rents are continuing to rise, with the only limit being the availability of stock. However, he expects specialist manufacturing to become a bigger part of the industrial picture as international supply chains come under increasing pressure. He also expects the Commonwealth Games to create a legacy that will benefit the region’s wider CRE market.

This week’s Bricks & Mortar guest is Joanna Lampert – a partner at law firm Mishcon de Reya, who advises on property disputes and sits part time as a deputy master of the Chancery Division, hearing cases in the Business & Property Courts. In a wide-ranging discussion looking back at over 20 years in the profession, Lampert reflects on what she loves about this part of the industry and why “property litigation is not simply landlord and tenant law.” She highlights the breadth of work that she’s involved in, attributes her success to tenacity and commitment (something that has “never wavered”) and offers advice for those seeking to progress within a law firm. Lampert acknowledges a lack of awareness amongst school age students of “what property lawyers actually do” and is keen to point out the benefits: “Property litigation is far more interesting than it might first appear. It exposes you to a challenging range of legal issues, it exposes you to a challenging range of business issues and I take great pride in being able to drive around the City of London pointing out the buildings that I’ve had some input into. It’s richly rewarding both for its legal challenges and also for the rich variety of what it involves.”

Jess Harrold is joined by deputy editor Tim Burke to round up the week's news. Burke discusses Amazon's big plans for Cardiff, a major new scheme in Aldgate that has secured approval, more planning news from the City of London and the rest of the latest headlines. And, in a special bank holiday treat, he shares his five-track (well, one is an album) real estate-themed hip hop playlist. Give the "Burke mix" a listen at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7rvc3wbsf6iQb73iHTxJKq  - and tweet us your suggestions for tracks to add @EGPropertyNews @_tim_burke

EG today launches a new podcast series – In on the Act – which will see a member of property set Falcon Chambers joining EG each month to discuss a legislative topic. What better way to start the series than with a catch up with joint head of chambers – Guy Fetherstonhaugh QC – for a look at the recently enacted Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022, which introduces a new arbitration scheme for the recovery of ring-fenced rent arrears (those incurred during the pandemic by business tenants that were forced by coronavirus-related laws to fully or partly close their business or premises). Fetherstonhaugh discusses how the new Act works, the benefits of using arbitration to resolve rent disputes, the time frames that apply and Falcon Chambers’ work as an approved arbitration body under the Act.

Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary and news editor Pui-Guan Man for the latest weekly round-up. McClary digs into the results of EG's fourth annual  LGBTQ+ Attitudes and Actions in Real Estate survey, which, after a backwards step last year, shows some positive signs in 2022 - albeit still with much work yet to be done. Fingers crossed the whole industry can learn from the 27 companies named by survey respondents as exemplars of inclusivity. Man offers an update on the ever-troubled landscape for retail and leisure, and shares the industry's reaction to plans that could force landlords to rent out vacant shops. But is it time to stop using the word "landlord" altogether? This and other questions await in the quiz of the week.

In this week’s episode of Bricks & Mortar, Sarah Jackman catches up with Colliers’ Paddy Allen to discuss his work for Pathways to Property, which he chairs. The not-for-profit initiative run by Henley Business School at the University of Reading and supported by stakeholders in the real estate industry to increase diversity, social mobility and inclusion within the sector, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and has recently launched the programme for its 2022 summer school, which returns in person after going virtual during the pandemic. Allen reflects on how the initiative has evolved over the last decade, the breadth of support and opportunity that it offers to participants, and the generational change that he ultimately hopes will flow from it.

In a bumper episode of EG's weekly round-up, Jess Harrold is joined by editor Sam McClary, head of special content Emily Wright and senior writer Piers Wehner for a veritable basket full of treats. Wehner discusses the international trial of the four-day week, and how willing - or reluctant - real estate might be to embracing this employment revolution. Wright rounds up the highlights of EG's latest talent special, including the growing impact of youth boards on the industry, and the pioneering climate-risk work being done by Lukky Ahmed's Climate X platform. McClary shares her excitement at the launch of not only the latest Future Leaders program, but the 2022 EG Awards. All that, plus this year's student essay competition and a quick tour through the headlines in the latest quiz of the week.

Michael Beckerman's efforts to inspire the real estate sector to tackle climate change are not always met with positive feedback. The chief executive and founder of CREtech, which runs real estate tech conferences across the globe, says that the move towards real estate addressing ESG is clearer to see in Europe. But in the US there is further to go. "I get a tremendous amount of hate mail," he adds. It's venomous. There are the climate deniers - and these are often people from within the real estate sector. Then there are the people who ask 'why should I be paying for this?' It is really, really hard." That is why, he says, CREtech is set on travelling outside of the States to cities like London and Copenhagen to discuss these issues and bring together the key players required to make significant in-roads in addressing some of the industry's thorniest ESG-related problems.   The hope is that the resulting intel will help to move the US market forward at a more rapid pace. Because, he adds, the time is now. "Real estate doesn’t move organically. It moves when external factors force change. Change, right now, is being forced." To hear more from Beckerman tune into the podcast or join him at CREtech London on 27th-28th April https://www.cretech.com/events or CREtech Climate in Copenhagen https://cretechclimate.com/.  

The real estate industry continues to strengthen its commitment to investing in ESG-positive assets, offsetting carbon emissions and plans towards achieving net-zero targets. However, this initiative is not just about eco-friendly buildings, but the impact on the community including aspects of diversity. There are opportunities to make a social impact, that will contribute to building “smart cities”. This session will explore how ESG can be used to drive value, increase investment opportunities and how real estate can become sustainable champions. 

Redefining real estate as a product rather than as asset could be the trick to tackling complex and overwhelming ESG targets, says the founder of one of Europe’s most active sustainable urbanism funds. Speaking on an episode of Tech Talk Radio, Mikkel Bulow-Lehnsby, co-founder of Copenhagen-based fund 2150 said that property companies have been lulled into "short-term shareholder timeframes" and that 2150 has been set up to help the industry reframe the urban environment. "We should try not to see real estate as an asset, but as a product," he said on this episode of Tech Talk Radio. "We need to focus on how we make that product more sustainable, customer-centric and efficient." Bulow-Lehnsby, who also co-founded European real estate investor NREP, added that anyone who is still part of the climate change problem within 10 years "won't have a business." He was joined on the podcast by former Sidewalk Labs head of sustainability Nicole LeBlanc who is now platform partner at 2150. She said that with so much time pressure on the sector to embrace and fuel change fast, the noise within the industry around ESG can be overwhelming. She said that 2150's investors often come to them saying they have more than one tech company offering the same solution and they don't know where to start. "Don't get analysis paralysis," she said. "Put them all up against each other, work out what the outcome would be if you implemented each of them within your business. Ask for customer references and feedback. Pilot two of them if you still aren't sure. But you have to start somewhere." For all of this and more on everything from first steps to the importance of funds and real estate firms sharing key tech solutions rather than curating technology for their own benefit, tune in to the podcast.  You can also join both LeBlanc and Bulow-Lehnsby at CREtech Climate in Copenhagen on May 17th-19th. Find more information and registration details here www.cretechclimate.com