Professional Comment and Legal Views – Page 9
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ProfessionalThe case for foundation reuse
Prior to the 20th century, it was common practice to reuse foundations. We have now come full circle and are once again seeing a push towards reuse. This time, the pressure to change approach is being driven by the climate emergency.
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ProfessionalWhat factors have been driving the leap in company insolvencies?
The UK is set to reach pre-pandemic levels of corporate insolvencies this year. April figures for England and Wales showed that company insolvencies had more than doubled year on year.
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ProfessionalHow can property buyers get a handle on cryptocurrency deals?
Cryptocurrency can feel complex. The data, jargon, and pace at which the sector evolves all add to a perception that it is not just difficult to understand, but nigh-on impenetrable unless you’ve majored in computer science.
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ProfessionalRising to retrofitting challenge
Retrofitting homes and buildings is fundamental to achieving the government’s net zero commitment, something we give extra thought to on World Environment Day on 5 June.
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ProfessionalA solution for profit and planet
If you are looking for new ways to maximise the potential of your property and have unused outdoor space, solar developments can be an investment that is both profitable and environmentally sustainable.
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NewsIt is time to reap the benefits of urban farms in the office
Greenery has long been a decorative feature of real estate schemes but it can play a more functional role
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NewsEPC rating deadline is looming
By April 2023, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations will come into force, prohibiting landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of ‘F’ or lower. Those continuing to do so risk a fine ranging from £5,000 to £150,000.
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NewsThe cost of cutting ground rent
Recently, the government announced that landlords would be banned from charging ground rents to future leaseholders. Those caught ignoring these new rules risk being fined between £500 and £30,000.
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ProfessionalWhat do new energy standards mean for commercial landlords?
Scientists have made it clear that it is a case of now or never to limit global warming, with warnings of extreme weather events if dramatic cuts in CO2 emissions are not made.
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ProfessionalHow can we use data to enable more sustainable developments?
With the built environment contributing 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, the industry must broaden its data horizons and use the Internet of Things to develop intelligent information models that enable sustainable development and better operational decisions over the building’s life cycle.
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ProfessionalPlanning reform is still needed
Although planning reform was hinted at in the Queen’s Speech, we are not getting it with the new Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill. However, as the new legislation works its way through Parliament, there is still an opportunity to get things right.
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ProfessionalThe flexible power of feedback
As companies reduce office-space requirements to accommodate staff more likely to work from home, tenants are starting to demand spaces that more ably accommodate flexible working and the renewed focus on wellbeing in the workplace.
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ProfessionalWe need more female leaders
Female representation at board level in real estate stands at a staggeringly low 22%. Following a UK trend, this suggests a lack of female entrepreneurs within the sector.
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ProfessionalCould online tax save the high street?
The government’s current consultation (due to close on 20 May) on the benefits of an online sales tax to relieve pressure on business rates arose following calls from the retail and rating industry for a fairer tax system.
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Professional‘Traditional’ offices shunned amid shift to hybrid working
Companies want lifestyle-focused spaces to meet the needs of a workforce split between work and home.
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ProfessionalHow can mentoring programmes benefit big property companies?
Learning to see things differently is always important to enable us to broaden our horizons. It is not only how we develop ourselves, it is also a key leadership skill – valuable in any environment.
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ProfessionalWhat does the recent EE Tribunal decision mean for landowners?
The recent case of EE and Hutchinson 3G UK v Affinity Water has done little to further endear the Electronic Communications Code introduced in December 2017 to landowners.
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ProfessionalGreen belt narrative has to shift
Levelling-up is a term that has become synonymous with the north-south divide, with the government’s agenda often focused purely on the significant investment needed in many northern towns to revive their economies and attract private investors.
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ProfessionalSmart retrofits fight fuel poverty
Fuel poverty is a fact of life for around four million households across the UK. This number is set to climb by an additional two million following the raising of the utilities price cap last month by the government.
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ProfessionalBenefits of biodiversity net gain
The Environment Bill, set to become law next year, requires all new developments to deliver a minimum uplift of 10% in biodiversity.
