Blog
Shiny, Happy People…
Birmingham has been getting some long-overdue glowing praise in recent months, and this latest piece of good press, courtesy of The Guardian, is particularly welcome. Apparently our beloved Second City is one of the top ten happiest places to work… Read More
Our concerns over the impact of enterprise zones
Harris Lamb’s Rating team has voiced its concerns over the financial incentives being offered to Enterprise Zones in comparison to those areas that fall outside their boundaries. Nigel Fletcher Nigel Fletcher of the rating team said: “Enterprise Zones are central to the Government’s long-term economic plan,… Read More
In the black
Harris Lamb’s Retail team has been working with clients with a view to boosting their high street presence ahead of November 27th. The Black Friday phenomenon is no longer the online secret for savvy shoppers that it once was – the last Friday in November is now… Read More
A second city with a first class future
It’s been a few short weeks since the long-anticipated new-look New Street and Grand Central shopping centre revealed itself to the public, and what a welcome addition to Birmingham they’ve proved. The always great second city has become a real force to be reckoned with as it welcomes… Read More
ANOTHER TRIO OF TROPHIES FOR THE AGENCY TEAM
The Harris Lamb trophy cabinet continues to grow after our agency team was presented with three accolades at the CoStar Agency Awards. The business has been named top West Midlands industrial agents within the availability, deals and instructions categories at the prestigious industry awards… Read More
The JLR Effect
For many months now, the Midlands media has been full of stories about luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover going from strength to strength as it drives the UK economy, particularly here in the Midlands. High-level development by the brand has ensured that its Solihull plant represents… Read More
Magnificent men and their flying machines
Occasionally, the Harris Lamb team likes to take a step back from the commercial property world and turn their hands to something different. The business’ annual conference took place this month, and colleagues found themselves split into teams facing an extraordinary challenge. Each team was presented… Read More
Planning Uses Simplified – An Agents View’
With activity increasing in the commercial world as a result of the rise in market confidence, the outlook for the future is bright. Over the past 12 months I have been incredibly busy making the most of this revival within Harris Lamb’s Agency Team where we have concluded record levels… Read More
Worcestershire – The County to do business in
As we, at Harris Lamb prepare to support the Chamber of Commerce ‘Expo’ at the County Showground in Worcester, we are getting ready with all the property details and profiles of opportunities across the County of Worcestershire where we are adding value to clients property holdings and where we will… Read More
Profitable Housebuilders
When financial analysts start talking about a national housebuilders published accounts as being “outrageously impressive figures” as Alistair McCraig of IG has just said about Barratt Developments, then you know the housebuilding market must be pretty good at the moment. Barratt’s Chief Executive said earlier this week that it sold… Read More
Building Obsolescence and the Challenges for Building Surveyors
How long will my building last? Not a question that many people ask frankly but everyone in property should consider the implications around property lifecycles more carefully. The reaction to the age of buildings can vary depending on your place in the property market, if presented with a 20 year… Read More
Demolition Desires: Do i need planning permission to demolish a building
It sounds like people have grand plans ahead, as Harris Lamb’s planning team has been deluged with enquiries regarding the necessity of obtaining permission from local authorities before demolishing buildings. Fortunately, Sam Silcocks is on hand to help. As you’d expect from a planning… Read More
What are Planning Departments ‘Special Measures?’
The news last week that Bromsgrove District Council’s Planning Department had gone into ‘special measures’ has wide implications for the Midlands property market, but what does it mean. Mid December and the Department for Communities and Local Government served the designation notice on the planning service at Bromsgrove, despite… Read More
Royal Mail – The New Property Company?
One of my colleagues Blogged a few months ago about the potential for some large companies to focus more on their property assets than perhaps they have done in the past. The trend for more intensive development on sites, particularly inner urban locations in the south east has grown stronger… Read More
What is the market view of Midlands Industrial Agents?
Not the most scientific of studies I will admit but the Industrial Agents Society (IAS) for the Midlands is a body of the principal warehouse and industrial property agents’ active in the region. I am a member of the IAS and 2013/2014 Worcestershire EGi ‘Dealmaker of the year’. The… Read More