Dave Pogson recounts a series of "coincidences of coincidences" stretching back 50 years to the start of his surveying career, centered around Plumpton Station Yard in Cumbria, unexpected encounters with his cousin, and near-misses with Willie Whitelaw.

Simon Eades, a chartered surveyor who started his career in 1980, shares his "musings" on life and work, including humorous anecdotes and reflections on his journey from private practice to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, culminating in a memorable trip to Southwold.

Discover how Team London Bridge, a Business Improvement District, has transformed London Bridge over two decades, driving economic growth, enhancing sustainability, and fostering a vibrant community through strategic initiatives and local investment.

Iain Mulvey, an experienced regeneration and business development professional, examines the implications of Local Government Pension Service (LGPS) reform for real estate, highlighting its potential to impact long-term property investment strategies.

This blog post features an "In conversation with the MIPIM Challengers" discussion, focusing on the experiences of Jessie Leung from JLL and Charlotte Leach from Avison Young, and exploring what lies "Beyond the week in Cannes" at MIPIM.

Jen Lemen of Property Elite offers practical advice on running APC e-mock interviews for aspiring RICS Chartered Surveyors, emphasizing the importance of simulating the official interview process and the value of mentorship in guiding candidates to qualification.

Chris Worman, MBE, a veteran in the parks industry, advocates for recognizing parks and green spaces as essential infrastructure due to their significant health benefits, arguing that undervaluing these areas contributes to rising healthcare costs.

Chris Brain, FRICS, demystifies Section 114 notices, explaining their origins in the 1985 rate-capping rebellion and clarifying that they are a measure to prevent, not signify, council bankruptcy. He details the severe financial pressures on UK local authorities due to external forces and increased demand for services, contrasting media portrayals with the true purpose and implications of a Section 114 notice.

Phil Farrell of JLL recounts the complex saga of Nottingham's Broad Marsh regeneration, a project battling past planning mistakes, financial adversity, and the city's Section 114 notice. He highlights the collaborative efforts between Nottingham City Council and Homes England, which are finally bringing the ambitious master plan, including the "Green Heart," to fruition.

Richard Gawthorpe of Local Partnerships explores how public sector organizations can reimagine urban asset management to unlock value from their estates, focusing on collaborative working, data-driven strategies, and aligning property functions with service delivery.

Mark Walton of Shared Assets explores how community ownership models, particularly Agroecological Land Trusts (AFTs), offer a compelling alternative for farmers facing retirement or succession challenges. These models not only protect agricultural land and promote food security but also address complex issues like housing for retiring farmers and farm successors.

Richard Allen, a long-serving honorary member and former President of ACES, reflects on his 35-year career at Nottingham City Council and the "legacy" he left, exploring themes of leadership, knowledge, and the evolving role of chief estate surveyors in the public sector.

Nonye Amatobi, Commercial Lead for the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Estate Category team, introduces the new Estate Management Service 2 (EMS2) RM6343 framework. This framework aims to revolutionize public sector property management by fostering strategic supplier partnerships, driving innovation, and addressing key market challenges like expiring PFI projects and the push for net-zero.

Philippa Rees of AMP Clean Energy introduces "Battery Box," a micro-sized energy storage solution, and explains how it aligns with the UK's Clean Power 2030 initiative. She highlights a successful case study with Suffolk County Council, demonstrating local energy storage in action.

Nyear Yaseen, a chartered surveyor and member of the Compulsory Purchase Association, provides an update on the proposed reforms to Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, highlighting the significant changes expected for the compensation code.

Georgia Lewis of Local Partnerships provides crucial guidance for public authorities on preparing for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract expiry, emphasizing the urgent need for early planning to ensure effective asset handback and mitigate risks.

Kevin Joyce explores the "rooftop revolution" in solar power, discussing the integration of solar installations in new build housing and options for re-roofing listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, aligning with the UK's green energy investment targets.

Vickie Oni, a London-based project manager, shares her unexpected journey into the construction industry, highlighting the transferable skills from her logistics background. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving, stakeholder management, and a commitment to diversity.

Antony Phillips, Head of Real Estate and Property Litigation at Fieldfisher, provides a 2024 legal update, reviewing key court decisions relevant to public sector surveyors. The update covers modifications of lease covenants, consent for alterations, forfeiture and waiver, and lease renewals and redevelopment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Andy Jones of Leaders Romans Group explores the transformative impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill on the private rental sector. He discusses how this legislation aims to enhance tenant protections and raise industry standards, while also examining the growing influence of institutional investors, particularly in Build-to-Rent (BTR), and the need for policy to support this evolving market.