Chartered Surveyor Laura Boutle argues that the public estate is a powerful lever for resilience and growth, challenging the status quo by insisting on aligning property with purpose. Following on from Richard Gawthorpe’s article, she identifies two "golden threads" for unlocking potential: regular, structured stakeholder engagement to define community need and investing in a comprehensive asset register—the "engine room of effective estate strategy."

Richard Gawthorpe of the Norse Group argues that facing a new reality of financial pressure and reorganisation, local authorities must shift their mindset from viewing public estates as liabilities to seeing them as engines of fiscal resilience and growth. He advocates for bold leadership, strategic repurposing (like converting offices to housing), and using innovative financing tools like joint ventures to generate revenue while retaining strategic control.

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.

David Bentley, now semi-retired and running a successful B&B in the Scottish Highlands, recounts part one of his New Zealand adventure. From navigating a last-minute tour change to a thrilling night walk where he encountered four elusive kiwi birds, his journey highlights unexpected joys and challenges.

Tom Procter and Yvette Black of JLL explore the potential of Open Mosaic Habitats (OMHs) in meeting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. They highlight how transforming brownfield sites into habitat banks can not only achieve ecological targets but also generate revenue, offering a unique opportunity for local authorities and developers.

Nick Helm and Adam Hulme highlight the significant opportunities for local authorities in developing heat networks. They discuss how these networks can help achieve net-zero targets and lower costs, while emphasizing the increasing regulatory support and the critical need for legal expertise in navigating procurement and real estate complexities.

Alan Wright, a Senior Architectural Technician with 19 years of experience in residential architecture, shares professional insights and personal experiences on the Future Homes Standard (FHS). He discusses the challenges and benefits of the proposed changes, including the new Home Energy Model (HEM), and recounts his own "experiment" in retrofitting his 1970s home to meet stringent energy efficiency standards.

Kevin Moore of Worcester City Council details the complex and rewarding project to demolish 56 Foregate Street, creating a vital link between Worcester City Centre and the River Severn, transforming the railway arches into a vibrant destination, and showcasing the impact of proactive council intervention

Sam Caulton of Re-Leased argues that AI is transforming property management, enabling firms to scale operations and elevate service quality. He emphasizes that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the property manager's role, shifting focus from manual tasks to proactive, strategic management and deeper tenant relationships.

Jess Bradley explores the expanding natural capital markets in the UK, highlighting opportunities for landowners and businesses in biodiversity, carbon, and other ecosystem services. She emphasizes the crucial role of public sector policy and funding stability in attracting private investment to achieve nature recovery goals.

Rebekah Formosa of Lambert Smith Hampton outlines how the government's 2025 Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies present a blueprint for transforming UK cities and towns. She emphasizes the critical role of local authorities in securing funding by adopting a holistic approach to regeneration that integrates social, environmental, and economic value.

With the Community Ownership Fund closed, Mark Walton of Shared Assets argues that local authorities are now crucial in supporting community asset ownership, acting as landowners, facilitators, and regulators to empower communities and revitalize neighborhoods

Kevin Joyce explores the unexpected opportunities for UK property investment arising from global tariff trade wars. He discusses how investor sentiment is shifting away from volatile markets, potentially positioning the UK as an attractive destination for new inward investment through strategic alliances, joint ventures, and mergers.