2017 / 2018 PROPERTY

A YEAR IN PERSPECTIVE

FOREWORDS The Rt Hon Theresa May MP Brian Berry

REPRESENTATIVES Bericote Hiltongrove HB Reavis Jomast Mizen Group Aviron Associates FCC Paragon James Keiller Investments Leith Planning Limited WMS Gallagher Estates Sanderson Weatherall VenueAware CJH Land Ringley Software Solutions LLP

FEATURES Review of the Year Review of Parliament

©2018 WESTMINSTER PUBLICATIONS www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk Foreword

Th e Rt Hon Th eresa May MP Prime Minister

British politics provides ample material for analysis in the leading in changes to the future of mobility; meeting the pages of The Parliamentary Review. For Her Majesty’s challenges of our ageing society; and driving ahead the Government, our task in the year ahead is clear: to revolution in clean growth. By focusing our efforts on achieve the best Brexit deal for Britain and to carry on our making the most of these areas of enormous potential, work to build a more prosperous and united country – we can develop new exports, grow new industries, and one that truly works for everyone. create more good jobs in every part of our country.

We have already made good progress towards our goal Years of hard work and sacrifice from the British people of leaving the eU, so that we take back control of our have got our deficit down by over three quarters. We are laws, money and borders, while negotiating a deep and building on this success by taking a balanced approach special partnership with it after we have left that is good to public spending. We are continuing to deal with our for jobs and security. The eU Withdrawal Act is now on debts, so that our economy can remain strong and we the statute books to provide legal certainty at the point can protect people’s jobs, and at the same time we are of exit. We have reached agreement on protecting the investing in vital public services. rights of eU citizens living here in the UK and British I believe that Britain can look to the future with confidence. citizens living in the eU, on an implementation period to We are leaving the eU and setting a new course for give businesses time to prepare, and on a fair financial prosperity as a global trading nation. We have a Modern settlement. We are now pressing ahead to reach an Industrial Strategy that is strengthening the foundations of agreement with the eU on our future relationship that our economy and helping us to seize the opportunities of honours the result of the eU referendum and sets the UK the future. We are building on our country’s great strengths on course for a prosperous future. – our world-class universities and researchers, our excellent Getting the right Brexit deal is essential; but it will not services sector, our cutting-edge manufacturers, our vibrant be sufficient on its own to secure a more prosperous creative industries, our dedicated public servants – we can future for Britain. We also need to ensure that our look towards a new decade that is ripe with possibility. economy is ready for what tomorrow will bring. Our The government I lead is doing all it can to make that

Modern Industrial Strategy is our plan to do that. It means brighter future a reality for everyone in our country. Government stepping up to secure the foundations of our productivity. It is all about taking action for the long- term that will pay dividends in the future. British politics provides “ That is why we have set an ambitious goal of lifting UK public and private research and development ample material for analysis in investment to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027. It is why we “the pages of are developing four Grand Challenges, the big drivers of social and economic change in the world today: The Parliamentary Review harnessing artificial intelligence and the data revolution;

FOREWORD | 1 Foreword

Brian Berry Chief Executive, Federation of Master Builders

As we review the current state of the construction But the government can and should lead the way in industry, and anticipate what is to come, it is clear that enforcing good payment practices in its supply chain. our sector is facing a number of major uncertainties. On As a signatory of the Prompt Payment Code, Carillion the one hand, much of the industry continues to grow should have paid 90 per cent of invoices within 60 days, steadily, and the government’s Industrial Strategy and but the reality appears to have been very different. the Construction Sector Deal point the way to a bright The government must penalise those engaged in poor future where we can harness innovative technologies payment practices and, wherever possible, open up and clean growth models. opportunities to a more diverse range of smaller firms. Not only will this prevent another Carillion-style disaster, On the other hand, in what seems like a never-ending it will also have significant benefits. bad news story, material prices continue to rise, skills shortages heighten wage inflation and suppress house In construction, it is the small local firms that train the building, and Brexit is creating short and long-term bulk of our apprentices. Small firms also reinvest profits uncertainties. in local economies, helping spread the value of large government contracts across the whole of the UK. The However, above all the events of this year, the government must seize this opportunity for root and compulsory liquidation of Carillion is the most branch reform – the time for radical action is now.

significant, as it offers the government an opportunity to reassess how it procures both products and services

from the private sector. Carillion’s demise laid bare the toxic culture of late payments entrenched within the construction industry. I know of a small building firm The government must seize“ that was owed more than £200,000 by Carillion when it went under, and another FMB member revealed that this opportunity for root and they had waited as many as 270 days for payment from “branch reform – the time for a major contractor. radical action is now Fortunately, these particular firms were able to weather the storm, but many smaller companies went down with the sinking ship. Poor payment practices are endemic in the industry and, inevitably, it is the smallest companies that are the hardest hit.

2 | FOREWORD Foreword

Brian Berry Chief Executive, Federation of Master Builders A message from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett

The ability to listen to and learn from one another And it is why we, as former Labour and Conservative has always been vital in parliament, in business and cabinet ministers and current members of the House As we review the current state of the construction But the government can and should lead the way in in most aspects of daily life. But at this particular of Lords, feel it is important to put aside our political industry, and anticipate what is to come, it is clear that enforcing good payment practices in its supply chain. moment in time, as national and global events differences and work together to ensure these stories our sector is facing a number of major uncertainties. On As a signatory of the Prompt Payment Code, Carillion continue to reiterate, it is uncommonly crucial that we are given the platform they deserve. forge new channels of communication and reinforce the one hand, much of the industry continues to grow should have paid 90 per cent of invoices within 60 days, In this publication, you will find an insightful take on existing ones. steadily, and the government’s Industrial Strategy and but the reality appears to have been very different. the past year in politics from the BBC’s Andrew Neil the Construction Sector Deal point the way to a bright The government must penalise those engaged in poor With ongoing fractures in Westminster, the and a concise rundown of key events in industry and future where we can harness innovative technologies payment practices and, wherever possible, open up reverberations of which are being felt across the parliament. Most importantly, you will be able to read and clean growth models. opportunities to a more diverse range of smaller firms. country, it is essential that politicians have a firm in-depth accounts from the individuals and organisations Not only will this prevent another Carillion-style disaster, understanding of the challenges with which British who make The Parliamentary Review what it is. On the other hand, in what seems like a never-ending it will also have significant benefits. organisations must contend; and that leaders in bad news story, material prices continue to rise, skills In this edition, representatives made clear their stances shortages heighten wage inflation and suppress house In construction, it is the small local firms that train the both the public and private sectors are aware of the on a number of issues, many of which are related building, and Brexit is creating short and long-term bulk of our apprentices. Small firms also reinvest profits difficulties faced by those working in all levels of to planning policies. Others have offered broader uncertainties. in local economies, helping spread the value of large politics, from local government to the national arena. commentaries on the state of the sector, especially government contracts across the whole of the UK. The This is why The Parliamentary Review combines political regarding housing prices and labour supply. It is our However, above all the events of this year, the government must seize this opportunity for root and content with stories from a wide range of organisations great honour and pleasure to have helped provide the compulsory liquidation of Carillion is the most branch reform – the time for radical action is now. significant, as it offers the government an opportunity – small and large; new and old; those at the peak of platform for these insights to be aired. We hope that to reassess how it procures both products and services their powers and those who have peaks to surmount. you find these articles – which begin on page 13 with from the private sector. Carillion’s demise laid bare the It is why these stories seek to inspire and challenge all a piece from Bericote – as thought-provoking and toxic culture of late payments entrenched within the who read them. informative as we do. construction industry. I know of a small building firm The government must seize“ that was owed more than £200,000 by Carillion when it went under, and another FMB member revealed that this opportunity for root and they had waited as many as 270 days for payment from “branch reform – the time for a major contractor. radical action is now Fortunately, these particular firms were able to weather the storm, but many smaller companies went down with the sinking ship. Poor payment practices are endemic in Rt Hon Th e Lord Blunkett Rt Hon Th e Lord Pickles the industry and, inevitably, it is the smallest companies Co-chairman, Th e Parliamentary Review Co-chairman, Th e Parliamentary Review that are the hardest hit.

2 | FOREWORD INTRODUCTION | 3 Andrew Neil

economy thrives while politics divides

It’s been over two years since the state when it comes to the customs The Parliamentary Review last year, country voted to leave the European union, the Irish border, immigration is the resurgence of the two- Union, but Brexit continues to policy and the single market. Only party system in england, another hang over British politics like an recently, with the Article 50 deadline consequence of Brexit. At the 2017 all-encompassing dark, brooding looming, has some clarity emerged general election, the Leaver Right cloud, discombobulating established – and not always. I believe this collapsed into the Tories and the relationships and upturning widespread prevarication has added Remainer Left flocked to Mr Corbyn’s traditional verities wherever we look. to voter disillusion. Labour party. It is beyond strange that the two main parties should be doing Social class no longer largely Just as important, nearly all non- so well when many regard them determines how you vote in the UK. Brexit matters have been swept as weaker, less talented and more The latest polls suggest the Tories into a Brexit-induced Bermuda divided than they’ve been in living now enjoy a lead among working- Triangle. This is understandable. But class voters. They’ve always won it has added to the gulf between memory. But they got easily over 80 a chunk of working class votes – parliament and the people. per cent of the english vote between Disraeli called them his “Angels in them in 2017 and all polls since The impact of Brexit on the Marble” – but never a majority. suggest that is the new status quo. parliamentary process has been As for Labour, even under its generally unpredictable and often The fundamental parliamentary most left-wing leader ever, it now amusing. Left-wing Remainers now fact in this post-referendum era is garners considerable support among speak of the House of Lords as a that there is no majority for what the professional middle classes, bastion of democracy. Right-wing hardliners on either side of the Brexit especially in the major metropolitan Leavers sound increasingly like divide would like. So, when it comes conurbations. peasants with pitchforks, determined to determining the eventual shape to bring the whole edifice of the of Brexit, parliament is very much in The reason for this psephological upper house tumbling down. the driving seat, as the government seachange is Brexit. If you voted has found out the hard way. Leave, you are now more likely to Jeremy Corbyn, who’s spent his The problem is it’s not sure what vote Tory; if Remain, Labour. political career railing against the parliament wants that shape to be. iniquities of the market economy, Brexit is now the dividing line within now poses as the champion of Business might despair at what it Labour and the Conservatives. It splits business (up to a point). Brexiteer sees as an increasingly dysfunctional the cabinet and shadow cabinet, Tories regularly mutter anti-business political system. But it should backbenchers of both parties and sentiments in unprintable language. take comfort from the fact that their voters in the country. The Tory economics and politics are, for the divisions are more obvious to see Overarching all this turmoil and moment, going their separate ways. because they are the governing party uncertainty, as I explained in No matter how much you might and make big news. But Jeremy think politicians are mucking it up, Corbyn has managed to lose 103 the economy in general and business frontbenchers, often through Brexit- in particular continue to defy them. related resignations, which doesn’t quite have the impact of Boris Johnson I have thought for sometime that or David Davis walkouts, but must be business and the economy are in something of a record nevertheless. much better shape than established opinion would have it. There were Brexit has also induced something of signs in the early summer of 2018 rigor mortis on both frontbenches. that this was indeed the case. But, For nearly all of the past by the time you read this, you’ll have parliamentary year, cabinet ministers a much better idea if I’m right. Keep and leading Labour spokespeople your fingers crossed – not for my have been unable to answer the sake, but for the country’s! simplest questions on our post-Brexit Neil believes the two-party system is the new status quo 4 | ANDREW NEIL Review of the Year

Supermarket mega-merger

at a local level and how they overlap. The CMA will be concerned about whether the deal reduces the number of competing brands within a 10 or 15 minute drive time.”

Mr Haywood was speaking from experience having worked on the 2004 mega-merger between Morrisons and Safeway, which resulted in the disposal of a string of stores.

Though it’s a way off before a decision is made on the Asda–Sainsbury’s deal The proposed merger – with some saying it could take up of Sainsbury’s and to a year – landlords will no doubt be Walmart-owned Asda concerned about this shifting market. would change the The proposed £15 billion mega-merger dynamics of the British between Asda and Sainsbury’s in May The news followed Tesco’s £3.7 billion supermarket sector got everybody in the property sector takeover of wholesaler Booker in 2017, talking. which gained approval from the CMA after a seven-month review. Despite Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe asserting that the tie-up Despite there being concerns that the would not result in store closures, tie-up would lead to other wholesalers many experts believe that a deal of this being priced out the market, the deal size would undoubtedly result in the was waived through without the need opposite. for any concessions such as Tesco disposing of its One Stop convenience Before any change can take place, however, the merger must first be chain. approved by the Competition Markets The CMA said it had considered this Authority (CMA), which is in place but concluded the market would to prevent companies becoming too remain competitive, adding that dominant and harmful to consumers. Booker’s share of the wholesaling experts believe this would probably market “was not sufficient to justify mean a CMA green light would be these long term concerns”. given under the condition of both This decision has given Asda and chains giving up stores. Sainsbury’s more confidence that their Founder of retail consultant Maximise deal will also be approved. UK David Haywood estimated that at The combined company would have least 6 per cent (or 73) of the group’s a portfolio of 2,800 stores, which combined supermarkets were at risk, would include 635 stores from Asda, excluding convenience stores. 605 Sainsbury’s supermarkets, 809 Speaking to the BBC, he said: “The Sainsbury’s convenience stores and 715 real focus will be on how Sainsbury’s Argos shops (the latter of which are and Asda’s main supermarkets operate owned by Sainsbury’s).

REVIEW OF THE YEAR | 5 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of the Year

Spread across the UK, it is argued Morrisons, which is bigger and has for this reason, with digitalisation and there were would be little overlap (and a larger presence in the north, could innovation set to revolutionise this therefore little need for disposal) and be an interested party. Harper Dennis space. that if necessary stock would be sold Hobbs head of retail consultancy The need for a more efficient industrial off as trading entities. Jonathan De Mello told Property Week and logistics sector is also being driven that other spaces may also be easier to exactly who would take up this space is by major cities like London, which convert into other uses. one question being posed by the sector urgently require new homes, said Segro at present. “The high-street stores could head of UK investment Simon Pursey in potentially be converted to uses such a 2017 JLL report on smarter logistics. “For me this is the real issue regarding as residential, leisure, gyms etc, but these overlapping catchment areas,” “The need for new homes in cities, many of the standalone out-of-town Mr Haywood told the BBC. like London, is placing huge pressure stores where overlap exists would on industrial land to be released for “Considering that 66 per cent of the have to be knocked down if they residential development,” he said. stores caught in the overlap analysis closed, as competitors such as Tesco have selling areas over 20,000 sq ft, the already have a considerable presence “This is forcing industrial occupiers key issue is who can actually acquire in these locations, and would be and last mile fulfilment operators to store locations of this size. They’re unlikely to take many of the stores as relocate further from their customer typically too big for an Aldi or a Lidl.” a result.” base, despite the demand for their goods and services increasing. It is essential we provide a robust and Investment and research Industrial and logistics sector benefits into autonomous flexible urban logistics infrastructure delivery systems have Savills’ Sullivan added: “Amazon aside, to halt the loss of industrial land and from ecommerce boom continued apace both ASOS and Pretty Little Thing provide the right environment for the are rumoured to be taking space, sector to thrive.” The UK industrial property sector while Internet Fusion, a sustainable has boomed over the last year, with ecommerce platform, has already electric cars, self-driving trucks and ecommerce fuelling much of that confirmed a deal at Prologis Park in robotics (including the use of drones) growth. Kettering.” are all likely to be used as autonomous solutions for last mile services, with Research by Savills showed that take-up Research by Knight Frank backed up interesting developments taking place in the UK warehouse market (units of this growth, showing that investment over 2017/18. 100,000 sq ft +) was set to reach 13.1 in the sector had increased to £11 million sq ft (1.217 million sq m) in Q1 billion in 2017, up by 80 per cent on In May 2017, Amazon added 400 2018. This was the highest on record the prior year. This means the industrial staff to its research and development and 115 per cent above the long-term sector now accounts for 17 per cent of centre in Cambridge to develop tech average of 6.1 million sq ft (566,708 all commercial property transactions. innovations including delivery drones. sq m). This growth in industrial property A year later, UK-based Starship The property agent attributed this demand and ecommerce has been Technologies, which specialises uptick in activity to online retailers who coupled with complexities around fast in delivery robots, said it planned accounted for a sizeable 42 per cent of and efficient delivery options. The need to expand operations from two occupier activity in Q1. Savills national for high-tech facilities are now ever- campuses to 20 by 2019 with a fleet of head of industrial and logistics Richard more popular, as are local warehouses 1,000 bots. on the edge of major cities. Sullivan said at the time that he had Meanwhile, in China, e-retail giant seen a “phenomenal amount of take- Improved logistics, supply chain Alibaba announced this June that up in Q1, as occupiers resume activity processes and last mile delivery services it would be investing 100 billion following a slow final quarter in 2017”. (the movement of goods between yuan (£11.6 billion) in smart logistics ecommerce has fuelled This growth was demonstrative of the much of the growth in a transport hub to a final delivery as it unveiled a new automated the sector wider e-retailing boom that’s sweeping of retailers moving online as US-based address) are now also seen as a vital vehicle, which it said could be used component to industrial real estate for deliveries. across the world, with more online- Amazon or China’s Alibaba steadily only stores and an increasing number dominate the market.

6 | REVIEW OF THE YEAR PROPERTY

for this reason, with digitalisation and innovation set to revolutionise this space.

The need for a more efficient industrial and logistics sector is also being driven by major cities like London, which urgently require new homes, said Segro head of UK investment Simon Pursey in a 2017 JLL report on smarter logistics.

“The need for new homes in cities, like London, is placing huge pressure on industrial land to be released for residential development,” he said.

“This is forcing industrial occupiers and last mile fulfilment operators to relocate further from their customer base, despite the demand for their goods and services increasing. It is essential we provide a robust and Investment and research into autonomous flexible urban logistics infrastructure delivery systems have Savills’ Sullivan added: “Amazon aside, to halt the loss of industrial land and continued apace both ASOS and Pretty Little Thing provide the right environment for the are rumoured to be taking space, sector to thrive.” while Internet Fusion, a sustainable ecommerce platform, has already electric cars, self-driving trucks and confirmed a deal at Prologis Park in robotics (including the use of drones) Kettering.” are all likely to be used as autonomous solutions for last mile services, with Research by Knight Frank backed up interesting developments taking place this growth, showing that investment over 2017/18. in the sector had increased to £11 billion in 2017, up by 80 per cent on In May 2017, Amazon added 400 the prior year. This means the industrial staff to its research and development sector now accounts for 17 per cent of centre in Cambridge to develop tech all commercial property transactions. innovations including delivery drones.

This growth in industrial property A year later, UK-based Starship demand and ecommerce has been Technologies, which specialises coupled with complexities around fast in delivery robots, said it planned and efficient delivery options. The need to expand operations from two for high-tech facilities are now ever- campuses to 20 by 2019 with a fleet of more popular, as are local warehouses 1,000 bots. on the edge of major cities. Meanwhile, in China, e-retail giant Improved logistics, supply chain Alibaba announced this June that processes and last mile delivery services it would be investing 100 billion (the movement of goods between yuan (£11.6 billion) in smart logistics a transport hub to a final delivery as it unveiled a new automated address) are now also seen as a vital vehicle, which it said could be used component to industrial real estate for deliveries.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR | 7 PROPERTY

At the start of 2018 another policy made the headlines, when the government got behind a piece of planning legislation known as the Agent of Change principle. This was central to a campaign led by the music Bericote industry to protect live venues from closing due to noise complaints.

A sizeable 35 per cent of UK music venues have closed over the past decade, with noise disputes being a common cause for this – particularly as an increasing amount of residential developments are being built in inner city locations close to clubs and bars. Changes in stamp duty have been aimed to help The principle will place the onus on contributions could be set nationally first-time buyers the developer to take responsibility for and be non-negotiable. managing the impact of the existing The NPPF overhaul came ahead of Oliver noise from venues on new developments, Letwin’s government-commissioned, Dartford Power Station, 115 acres rather than the venue having to pay independent review on the “barriers to for costly soundproofing (the common building”, the initial update for which Richard Saint, managing director consequence of which is forced closure). was published this March. ericote are one of the most active developers of Three months later came the first He was tasked with focusing on the overhaul of the national planning development process after a planning distribution space in the UK, with over 4.8 million square policy framework (NPPF) in six years. permission has been granted and to Bfeet developed over the past three years and a further The draft document was revealed as look at the absorption rates – or build 4.2 million in the pipeline. Their clients are some of the UK’s part of a major speech by Theresa May, out rates – to find out why it takes so most highly regarded companies, including Amazon, Rolls-Royce, who reiterated that ministers would be long for homes to be delivered to the taking a more muscular approach to DHL and Ocado. Their approach is one of cooperation and market. increase housebuilding. transparency so that transactions can be conducted quickly in FACTS ABOUT The report suggested that absorption Some of the key announcements that the spirit of openness and trust. Managing director and majority Bericote rates on large sites could be improved were made included a move away from shareholder Richard Saint founded the company in June 2007. – possibly even doubled – by increasing » Managing director: viability assessments in the decision- the variety of housing tenures on sites Richard Saint making stage of development, with to include private rent, affordable, Next day, same day and even within the hour, whether it’s coffee beans or bonsai » Established in 2007 plans for affordable housing numbers social and self-build units alongside trees, whether it’s delivered by DHL, Amazon or Tesco, an intense war of attrition » Based in London, Leamington to be set locally using a standardised homes for market sale. is going on to get modern products to you, faster and cheaper. At the axis of and Manchester method for calculating housing need. this change, we are providing millions of square feet of complex, ever-changing Whenever government introduces a » Services: Development of As Knight Frank pointed out at the high-tech space in the form of automated warehouses. Often sold at £100 new policy, it is essential that they industrial and distribution time, this policy move echoed the million apiece, employing thousands of people, these facilities are driving inward consider its potential impact on warehouses of sizes of up to mayor of London’s fast-tracked investment in the UK, creating diverse employment opportunities and regenerating businesses within the sector. In the one million square feet planning scheme, where there is no neglected or contaminated land. So, how did we become key to this process? following set of articles, this year’s » No. of employees: 7 need for viability assessments when the Parliamentary Review representatives Since our inception, we have enjoyed strong relationships with the food retailing » Employee-owned 35 per cent affordable housing target discuss how government policy, and sector; this client base has since grown to become more diverse. We now specialise is met (or 50 per cent for residential » www.bericoteproperties.com the economic climate, has affected in working with online retailers, delivering bespoke facilities that meet their developments built on public land). them over the years, as well as their increasing demand for automation in strategic hubs and last-mile delivery. The property agent said there was successes to date and their plans for In our early years, we completed a couple of deals, but things really started to get also a suggestion that developer the future. going in 2010 with the roll-out of several Asda distribution centres. That changed things substantially; it provided us with the ability to speculate by acquiring,

BERICOTE | 8 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

controlling and bringing land through proud to say that we have always the planning process. We now have an delivered on our promises and never impressive body of work, completed had a single piece of litigation, across over the past 11 years, and an enviable billions in separate transactions. reputation in the property industry as There’s no better brand or example being both reliable and timely. than Rolls-Royce; their manufacturing director, Frank Ludwig, made us a This process of development is at promise that he would “keep his the heart of everything we do. white vest” while delivering two It is all about land: controlling it, new facilities for them. He explained owning it and bringing it through the German use of this expression;

for employment purposes – be that it is used to denote a delivered We believe in as industrial units or distribution unblemished record. He wanted to

warehousing. A great example of giving back to ensure that the Rolls-Royce production this is our site in Haydock: Florida line would never be impeded or “ Farm North. Five years ago, we “our affected throughout our work with secured an option with a farmer for them. It wasn’t; we delivered early and community the 90-acre site. This site was then on budget and returned for two new incorporated into the borough of and creating deals for the company. Frank’s vest St Helens’ local plan and allocated remains pristine. shared value for employment use. We spent over £2 million achieving planning consent and stabilising old underground mine Our values works. We have since worked with We are committed to reducing the local authority and stakeholders; the environmental footprint of our the site is now ready for development, buildings by lowering the water and will create up to 2,500 jobs for the and energy usage along with the local community. amount of waste generated during Repeat business and white construction and throughout the vests building’s life. The introduction of recycled and recyclable materials Winning the trust of a new occupier where possible, and the usage of is our goal with any given project, natural light and the adoption of and it’s a difficult one, to say the industry best practices, has led least. Delivering late or over budget to “greener” developments. We inevitably dissolves this trust. We are aim to be a responsible developer Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd – 322,220 square feet

9 | BERICOTE PROPERTY from inception to completion, fully engaging with local communities and our customers during the planning and design processes to actively promote sustainability, ecology and the environment. As part of this approach to sustainable development, certain green technologies represent a shopping list for our customers, who may well have their own corporate environmental policies or requirements to meet. We are proud to have achieved a BREAAM “excellent” rating.

We also believe in giving back to our 250,000 square feet built for Sainsbury’s community and creating shared value. day they want it, leaving our customers Over the years we have built strong to focus on the core of their business. relationships with local and national charities, working together to make a We have strong relationships with a difference in the lives of the vulnerable number of funds whom we can use to and less fortunate. We have, for bid for land; they will bankroll the land example, recently sponsored two purchase and appoint us as developers homes in Wolverhampton, alongside to develop the units over an agreed appointing contractors and occupiers timescale and then hold the asset in for a unit we delivered nearby. These their investment portfolio. We have the homes were to be serviced and used Our relationship with a quoted fund, for refugees and those at risk of capacity to be as Tritax Big Box, enabled us to finalise homelessness. We then volunteered, the £65 million purchase of a former “good as, if not as a team, to help refurbish one of the power station at Littlebrook, in homes, ensuring it was ready for the better than, Dartford. This is a major distribution new tenants. development within the M25, offering some of our up to three million square feet of Punching above our weight development on a formerly disused larger plc We have been called best-in-class, I site. Sites like this don’t come along competitors; our believe, because of our size. We have every day; we were able to secure the the capacity to be as good as, if not purchase quickly in the face of fierce being a small better than, some of our larger plc competition. I would estimate that the team allows us competitors; our being a small team final development value could be in excess of half a billion. allows us to provide a personalised to provide“ a edge to every project, which helps clients to feel both valued and secure Looking to the future personalised – we keep them informed through edge to every every step of the process. Our success We currently have a considerable is down to a strong attention to detail, land bank and order book, and will project ensuring close customer relationships, continue to expand our operations in strong links with planning and local the UK through organic growth and authorities, and on-schedule unit partnerships with specialised funds in delivery. We typically appoint a general the commercial property sector. The contractor who would build the unit. leverage from these partnerships will We manage the entire procurement see us expand rapidly over the next process and contract to make sure that five years. the clients get what they want on the

BERICOTE | 10 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

HB Reavis

33 Central, HB Reavis’ first London development, in the heart of the City

Kiran Pawar, UK development director nternational workspace provider, HB Reavis, constructs, develops and manages buildings with one overarching aim: to create remarkable real estate experiences for everyone. Kiran FACTS ABOUT I HB Reavis Pawar, HB Reavis UK development director, explains how in » International workspace London the company is investing directly in the UK economy by provider, established in 1993 strategically developing workplaces that will attract businesses » Based in London with offices of all sizes – from large international companies to start-ups – to in Germany, Poland, Czech collaborate, prosper and grow. Republic, Hungary and Slovakia » Services: Real estate development, one of Europe’s Employees no longer simply value location: they now expect to work in spaces in largest which they actually want to spend time and in positive environments where they thrive. This really matters for business; it has been proven to boost the productivity, » No. of employees: Over 700 performance and wellbeing of employees, so, at HB Reavis, we are ready to exceed » Around 66,500 people use our these expectations. projects as their place of work » As an asset manager, we Founded in Bratislava in 1993, our international firm has successfully delivered continuously improve a more than 11.4 million square feet of commercial space and we expect to deliver a portfolio of services, enjoyed further 14.2 million square feet in the future. We have robust foundations for our by almost 450 clients who development programme, with capital presently exceeding £1.1 billion. have 30,000 employees » Successfully delivered over Committed to the UK 11.4 million square feet of HB Reavis entered the UK in 2013 and we have quickly established ourselves in the commercial space capital’s property market with a development portfolio featuring four major office » www.hbreavis.com schemes in central London. We specialise in unlocking challenging sites throughout Europe, revitalising places and maximising their potential as great assets for communities, businesses and cities.

11 | HB REAVIS PROPERTY

In December 2017, we completed Smart approach on the sale of 33 Central, a 226,000-square-foot brand-new office Our innovative business model building, to major US bank Wells Fargo. brings special advantages. As a fully This was one of the largest single City integrated developer, we handle the office deals of 2016, achieved less than majority of the development process a month after the EU referendum. in-house – this spans from acquisition and construction to quantity surveying, We have also recently completed the leasing and servicing; we also act as an refurbishment and extension of Cooper investment manager. & Southwark, a 78,000-square-foot office building in central London. This Radim Rimanek, our deputy CEO, transformed a dated building into an noted: “As one of the very few international-standard workplace; one integrated developers, we’re free to be that has already attracted CBRE’s Global more agile and intuitive, so we have Workplace Solutions division, part of the more control over the quality, speed 20 Farringdon Street, world’s largest commercial real estate and sophistication of our projects. This a new office-led development in the allows us to bring disruptive solutions services and investment firm, who let heart of London’s design the building in its entirety in April 2018. to our clients. We will continue making district bold decisions that create long-term This was followed swiftly by our value – and meet the demands of the delivery of 20 Farringdon Street, an office leasing revolution.”

85,000-square-foot new office building We will which completed in spring 2018. This With schemes in significant sites asset supports the growing strength across central London, we have continue of London’s “Midtown” economy, extensive experience of working with currently experiencing a boost thanks to major public bodies such as TfL, and “making bold “ Crossrail’s arrival at Farringdon station. an in-depth understanding of the decisions that constraints and sensitivities of high- Our fourth and largest purchase in profile developments. At Elizabeth create long- London to date is Elizabeth House, House in particular, we are working Waterloo, a 1960s building located with key stakeholders, including term value strategically between the UK’s busiest Lambeth council, to develop a scheme railway station and the South Bank, that truly meets the needs of the Europe’s largest cultural quarter. Over local community and maximises the 100 million passengers use Waterloo Agora Budapest will opportunity of the site to benefit the station annually, with an increase to provide an office-led local economy and community alike. campus, unlocking 130 million expected by 2020. The jobs for around 12,000 site needs redevelopment in order to people help alleviate the station’s capacity issues and to revitalise an area which, since the 1980s, has seen a significant decline in employment rates. Having acquired the building in May 2017, we intend to deliver and remain long- term owners of a unique development around the station to revitalise this area of outstanding culture.

Working with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Stirling Prize-winning architects, our proposals for Elizabeth House will create office space with the ambition to support around 13,000 jobs for start- ups, SMEs and major corporate bodies.

HB REAVIS | 12 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

developer to join the US-based Well Living Lab, the world’s first scientific research centre dedicated to analysing wellbeing and indoor environments.

We have also partnered with Cambridge Innovation Center, a US real estate services company that develops business ecosystems where exceptional entrepreneurs create new products and companies better and faster. Marian Herman, our CEO, remarked: “Our alliance with Cambridge Innovation: HB Reavis Innovation Center directly supports our has its own co-working offering, HubHub We bring extensive experience from strategy of partnering with innovation our major overseas projects where and workspace specialists to provide we use the best architects, firms outstanding workplace solutions for that are frequently British. Examples businesses of all sizes.” include Varso Place, Warsaw, We’ve launched services that put us at where internationally renowned the forefront of occupiers’ emerging UK architects Foster + Partners are needs too. These include HubHub, designing central Europe’s tallest a co-working space for start-ups and tower, Agora Budapest, a significant scale-ups through to large corporates new commercial development by with a programme of educational UK practice MAKE Architects that events, and Origameo, a workplace will support regeneration of the consultancy staffed by designers, city’s office market, and Nivy Tower architects, social scientists and business Our and Station, Bratislava, a mixed-use experts. developments complex comprising a transport hub, shopping centre and rooftop gardens. Our leading-edge nature is best “attract the demonstrated in our events series, most Innovation Talks by HB Reavis, which features some of the world’s most exciting discerning Our developments attract the most leading thinkers. These have previously

discerning occupiers, from world- included happiness guru Mo Gawdat, occupiers, leading employers to dynamic start-

formerly of Google X, and sound expert ups. Our offices therefore enhance from world- Julian Treasure of The Sound Agency. occupants’ wellbeing to improve leading“ productivity and happiness, with Looking ahead employers to features such as air filtration, circadian lighting and an emphasis on green This is an exciting time for HB Reavis, dynamic start- space. For example, 33 Central and we are making a real difference features a beautifully planted roof in London. With a strong portfolio garden and both Cooper & Southwark ups of completed developments and and 20 Farringdon Street incorporate the prospect of Elizabeth House terraces with spectacular views. on the horizon, as well as a focus Projects acquired from 2017 onwards on innovative services, we plan will be built to the newly developed to continue to grow in the UK, global WELL Certification standards. creating places that boost happiness, Strategic partnerships are being motivation and productivity for used to further innovation. Earlier in everyone’s benefit. 2018, we became the first European

13 | HB REAVIS PROPERTY

Mizen Group

Bernard Tansey, executive chairman izen Group was founded in 1986 by chairman, Bernard Tansey. His two sons subsequently joined the business Mas part of a process that has brought together a team of skilled people in construction, commercial and design management, and project finance. Mizen core services include new builds, refurbishment and conservation area regeneration and they have developed an ethos which focuses on straightforward contracts and sensible land acquisition. Bernard FACTS ABOUT Mizen Group discusses their vast catalogue of work as well as the impact of issues such as planning regulation and Brexit. » Executive chairman: Bernard Tansey » Established in 1986 The Mizen Group boast a combined 700 years in industry, 3,000 homes, 72 » Based in St Margarets, projects and 500,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space. We have had Richmond upon Thames, 24 public sector clients and are looking to continue growing. We provide a range London of services, bringing together external architects, engineers and town planners to » Services: New builds, meet the needs of our clients. Our business model engages the best and latest in refurbishment and design and sustainable technologies, using our in-house project management and conservation area regeneration construction skills to execute our work. » No. of employees: 50 » www.mizen.co.uk Our ethos

We are a design-led developer with a focus on excellence without compromise in the creation of contemporary buildings across a broad spectrum of styles. Our developments have included starter homes, joint ventures, Help to Buy housing and large tailor-made projects. Recently, we have branched out into larger-scale industrial and commercial developments to fill the industrial accommodation deficit.

MIZEN GROUP | 14 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Our clients recognise that our ethics UK economy. There are 2.4 million EU and integrity are fundamental to our workers in the UK, and 30 per cent of business. Our projects are delivered on construction workers in London are EU time and budget, thanks to carefully nationals. EU migrants are necessary selected development teams, put for the British construction industry together by our management. We to support the maintenance and Every home is prefer graduates and professionally expansion of economic activity and to

qualified people as our team leaders, counter the effects of falling UK birth someone’s as the discipline and decision-making rates. We fear that a number of skilled

“dream and it skills required cannot be easily and unskilled workers from the EU may substituted otherwise. leave because of an inadequate Brexit “ deal and the prolonged uncertainty. is our When the principals established St responsibility Mark Homes plc, a public company, Recently, we have encountered sales they did so to attract inward risk resistance on several of our sites and to deliver that investment, to facilitate peer-to-peer this is an issue that is not just affecting dream lending and to support the open- the construction industry. Iconic market housing sector. These actions businesses such as Rolls-Royce have were taken in response to the project announced job losses of 4,000 people, funding crisis that emerged after the and many other firms are relocating financial collapse of 2007. abroad. This change is a result of urgent business planning terms, which Brexit and property aim to balance the risk of economic development contraction following an unsatisfactory Brexit settlement. We wanted to remain part of the EU in order to maintain a pool of competent Our work labourers who continue to drive the growth of both our business and the We have been “around the block” several times, but we are seen to be entirely supportive of the aspirations of our clients, and our work is often a true joint venture between partners. This is always the case, whether we’re working on a small housing scheme in Ealing or a multistorey 220-dwelling project in east London. Every home is someone’s dream, from an apartment in Canning Town to a bespoke home near Brentwood, Essex. It is our responsibility to deliver that dream.

We have recently completed a project at St Margarets that was carefully built above a 3.6m diameter network of tunnels adjacent to the Isleworth Thames Marina. Near Chester, we took the lead in the restoration and enlargement of what is now a Bridgettine monastery and hospice. In the process, we won an award for the built environment and architectural heritage.

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Planning regulations recognisable – somebody needs to take responsibility. While we are a growing SME, we are concerned that the SME is a Following on from the negotiation diminishing business model in our and granting of a planning consent industry. In 1990, 40 per cent of new in one London borough, we were homes were delivered by SMEs, but invited back by the head of planning that figure has since fallen to 12.5 per and the responsible cabinet member cent. Across the industry, only 20 per to discuss how the planning system cent of SMEs that existed in the 1980s might be made to work better for are still trading today. In the property all stakeholders. This seemed like and construction industry this can be a new beginning at the time – an explained by the difficulty in obtaining examination of how planning consent the working capital and the funding documentation might be reduced in necessary to procure and deliver size, how consent often granted with It is important planning consent. 60 conditions might be simplified and to defend how the inputs of statutory consultees

Successive governments have tried to might impact the work of planning “local simplify the planning code, but all such

officers, planning committees and attempts have failed and will continue democracy, consent notices. to do so. This is until there is a focus but not at the “ on the actual development needs of The administrative element of planning society, rather than MPs focusing on processes was discussed in depth, expense of just their constituency. It is important not the least element of which was to defend local democracy, but not an “obligation” on planning officers progress on a at the expense of progress on a to rubber-stamp the advices given by national scale national scale. consultees, irrespective of whether The government needs to introduce or not the advice in question related planning policy directives that would, to infrastructure, highways, the therefore, carry greater authority. environment or sustainability. After This would hopefully lead to a more all this examination and discussion, efficient planning system, with fewer however, we saw no tangible referrals to the planning inspectorate in result. The UK is an excellent place circumstances where local councillors to do business and our people are are reluctant to make decisions at committed to the Mizen Group. Such all. This is giving rise to unnecessary is teamwork; we win or lose together. cost and delay which is ultimately

MIZEN GROUP | 16 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

FCC Paragon CC Paragon was incorporated in 1996; their managing director, Bryn Cole, has been operating in the property Fsector for over 25 years. Since its establishment, it has concentrated on providing services to tenants, landlords and a monumental number of letting agents. From their offices in Portsmouth, their nationwide operation encompasses tenant referencing, building and contents insurance, rental warranty provision for landlords and no-deposit warranties for tenants. Their success is due to a number of key values, including a strong ethos of positivity and excellence in risk management. They view themselves as mediators, working towards the best moral and financial outcomes for all parties involved.

Bryn Cole, managing High-quality referencing with a positive attitude director at FCC Paragon Even before incorporating FCC Paragon, my background was in risk management. While looking at the requirements for suitability referencing, I was asked to form a tenant reference report working alongside insurance companies and other firms in the private renting sector. That project was where it all began. From there, we started the company officially, and began providing other services, including insurance and extensive rental warranty products: guaranteeing rent for landlords FACTS ABOUT and legal expenses for, in the worst-case scenario, eviction. FCC Paragon Our industry seems to be negatively regarded in some cases; this is a serious » Managing director: Bryn Cole misconception. In the vast majority of our work, what we do is mediate and talk. » Established in 1996 The last thing we want to do is take people to court and evict them; it’s costly » Based in Portsmouth for everyone involved, and never a desirable outcome. Above that, however, » Services: Tenant referencing, referencing underpins everything we do – ensuring that remains of the highest quality is key to our operation. After that, we deal with warranty, and allow people building insurance, contents to look for different solutions to a default situation; but with the right referencing, insurance and rental warranty often, it never has to come to that. provision » No. of employees: 110 With a default rate of just three in every 1,000 tenants we reference, across 150,000 to 160,000 references every year, our excellence in this area cannot be » Turnover: Between £4 million disputed. We look at everything pertinent – employment references, salary details, and £5 million pensions, savings and a basic county court judgment search, just to start – and » Serving over 4,000 letting make a decision. We are always looking to place a tenant; without our company- agents wide positive attitude, we would not enjoy the success and custom that we do. » www.fccparagon.com Testament to this is the fact that we work with around 4,000 estate agents across the country, who provide roughly 90 per cent of our business. At the bottom line, we are a company grounded in empathy, especially towards tenants. This allows us to move things forwards quickly, accurately and efficiently, managing the risk appropriately while protecting our clients. The fact that our claims handling is geared towards mediation, rather than eviction, helps us achieve the best solution for tenant, landlord and letting agent almost every time.

17 | FCC PARAGON PROPERTY

Valuable culture at a Clients stay with us for years, and successful company when letting agents move, they often take us from one agency to another. We began with a team of two in No matter how well things are doing, 1996; over 22 years, we have seen our however, the public rental sector workforce increase to 110 employees. remains tumultuous. With a lack of Alongside this, our turnover and housing stock nationwide, the climate profitability has grown; the former is is worsening steadily for everyone, between £4 million and £5 million, while tenants, landlords and letting agents the latter has seen recent year-on-year included. We can see it changing growth of between ten and 15 per cent. month by month, and a central issue Kally Gibbs presents The private rental sector is always up and compounding this is next year’s Sam Ayling with 2017 Apprentice of the Year down – at the moment, it is in a stage pending tenant fees ban. While this is of particular flux. We have been here for obviously intended to protect tenants so long, however, that we’ve seen it all and their welfare, consequences may through sector and competitor trends. prove to be detrimental. Rent could Having seen other firms come and go, increase instead of a one-off fee, we have always stuck to our own, unique making it more costly for the tenant. strategy, and it has always worked. We do agree with fee capping. There Instrumental to this historic success has are unscrupulous bodies out there who been our employees; over the years, we unfortunately seek to take advantage have taken on numerous apprentices, of tenants – we are not one. With a fee a significant number of whom are ban, however, landlords are affected now senior within departments in – to counteract the decreased income the company. We believe that it’s just from tenants, they will increase rent prices or sell their properties, further as important to grow people as it is Our employees exacerbating the shortage of housing statistics. From 1996 up until the present stock. Consequently, we need to look at day, we have taken on at least 20 have been “ ways to make our service more beneficial apprentices, and are recruiting heavily to assist landlords, letting agents and “instrumental to at this moment in time. Since Christmas tenants; the future will undoubtedly see 2017, we have taken on 22 members of greater numbers of rentals year on year our historic staff, and we are ensuring everyone who as fewer people buy houses. There is a comes on board has the appropriate success way of making things work and moving training – our credit reference handlers’ forward: we want to find it. programme takes between six and nine months to complete. We reference a monumental number of overseas tenants, and with Brexit on the A perfect storm horizon, we hope that doesn’t change – it’s good for the economy and good We have been lucky enough to work for the country. The increasing lack of alongside one of the biggest housing housing stock is obviously worrying, and associations in Europe, and some there is a significant amount of potential incredibly prestigious letting agencies legislation pending. The industry is in a in London. We continue to work on period of uncertainty and turmoil; we, a case-by-case basis, nationwide, and however, believe that the future beyond we are dealing with several projects of this is bright. We know our direction considerable size which will not come and recognise that our ethics and service to fruition until 2019. We have seen will ensure our security. We have been the majority of our new business come a part of the private rental sector for in through referral; our field sales over 20 years, and we intend to stay department consists of one individual, here. and our network is growing steadily.

FCC PARAGON | 18 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Leith Planning Limited olitical debate in Britain is dominated by three huge issues: how to sustain economic growth post-Brexit; how to plan Peffectively for the welfare of an ageing population; and how to boost home-building dramatically so that the generations in their twenties and thirties can get a foot on the housing ladder. As far as housing is concerned it is widely argued that the planning system stymies development. Claims and counter-claims are batted to and fro: that there is a plethora of unimplemented planning consents; that developers are taking too long to build properties; that we should build on green belt land (fiercely resisted); that all necessary development could be accommodated on brownfield sites. Leith Planning, with offices in Lytham St Annes in Lancashire and Wigmore Street in London, is a boutique town planning consultancy operating nationwide. We seek to deliver for our Chris Plenderleith, executive chairman of Leith Planning clients a sane path, knowing that politics plays a major role in the planning process and that uncertainty is a fact of life. Chris Plenderleith, executive chairman, elaborates.

FACTS ABOUT National politics and planning Leith Planning Limited Long-term planning, beyond the political cycle, is critical, and while consensus is » Executive chairman: Chris often difficult to achieve, it must remain a goal. We are involved in land disposals to Plenderleith HS2, major development projects in London stimulated by Crossrail, and we support Hounslow council in promoting a rail link between Heathrow and Waterloo, including » Established in 1992 a station at East Bedfont. We are also supporting and promoting the Northern » Offices in Lytham St Annes, Powerhouse. We promote sustainable development on behalf of clients with well Lancashire, and London over £1 billion to invest. Connecting the parties on the ground is key to delivering » Services: Include initial site/ growth from infrastructure investment. project assessment, planning One of the key drivers of demographic change is our ageing population. In the applications, planning appeals, 75 to 84 age group there will be a 30 per cent increase in households during the planning objections and period 2014 to 2039. In the 25 to 34 age group over the same period, however, judicial reviews there will be a reduction in households of four per cent over the same period. Social » No. of employees: 13 infrastructure must meet these challenges, in the knowledge that resources will always be finite and the money available must be used effectively. This challenge will » We have two other arms to inevitably require greater collaboration on the ground, particularly between social the business, Leith Capital services and the NHS. Management & Leith Planning Ventures Over recent years there has been support, from both sides of the House, for investment in mental health. We are working with Lord Patel of Bradford on new » www.leithplanning.co.uk initiatives, including the “Breaking Barriers’ programme. In Exeter, we are working with officers and members to deliver an independent hospital for Cygnet Health Care, owned by Universal Health Services, a Fortune 500 company. In London, we are working with St Martin of Tours and Wandsworth and Westminster Mind,

19 | LEITH PLANNING LIMITED PROPERTY developing services fit for purpose. reduction in their need figures are in Mental healthcare needs its champions, areas without many constraints and of which we are proudly one. so would have the capacity for greater housing. The local political narrative, Since the 1970s, there have been on however, is generally sceptical of average 160,000 new homes built each providing housing above the minimum. year in England. It is argued that we need from 225,000 to 275,000 or more Many planning applications are decided homes a year – some housing lobbies by officers, under delegated powers, go as high as 300,000 – to keep up with albeit most major planning applications population growth and start to tackle are determined by members. Breaking years of undersupply. I recently published down the “them and us” mentality is an article in the Journal of Planning and not always possible, though it should Environmental Law entitled: “The Holy always be an aim. We recognise the Grail: Delivering Housing Need”, an importance of the Planning Inspectorate article written with Michael Bullock of and the courts; however, we also Arc 4. The conclusion is very relevant: invest significant time and effort in understanding the local political narrative, “However, the starting point for any engage with members and local residents evaluation (of housing) is objectively and endeavour to deliver consent by assessing requirements in a consistent negotiation. Leveraged negotiation is Long-term manner, endeavouring to strike a one of Leith Planning’s core skills. balance between rented and owner planning, In the 2017 Parliamentary Review I occupied property, providing clear commented that: “Effective town guidance on assessing affordable “beyond the planning helps provide people with jobs, need and taking account of homes, schools and hospitals. It also demographic change, in particular political cycle, is helps reconcile the potential tension

the needs of the elderly. between protecting the environment critical, and From the point of view of the and accommodating sustainable

property industry, tinkering with economic growth and development. while consensus leaks and blockages creates However, to be effective it is necessary is often“ difficult uncertainty. The planning system to review organisational methods and needs to be fit for purpose and strategy, communicate concepts clearly, to achieve, it that includes correctly identifying promote best practice and respond housing requirements. However, positively to today’s challenges.” must remain a the system must facilitate the development of innovative solutions We firmly believe in “participation”. goal to existing and future challenges. It “Consultation” too often becomes an must also facilitate the reincarnation end in itself. Grassroots “participation”, of tried and tested solutions, which drawing on local expertise in innovative includes new towns and villages. ways, can deliver results. “Socially responsible development”, which seeks The search for the Holy Grail is a to consider both financial return and legend and goal elusive; delivering social good, to bring about social change, an adequate supply of good quality is capable of being a sound model housing has proven elusive albeit it for public, charitable and the private is too important to the welfare of sector organisations. At Leith Planning the nation to give up the search.” we embrace change. It is, however, often surprising what can be achieved Local politics and planning working with the planning system we have and working with the resources at It is evident that many authorities which our disposal; more money is not always see a large increase in their housing the answer. Ultimately, those involved need are also those with acknowledged in the planning process are judged by constraints (green belts, AONBs or results, and that means delivering the national parks). Furthermore, a number development the country needs. of authorities which have seen a

LEITH PLANNING LIMITED | 20 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice Ringley Software Solutions LLP ince the early 2000s, Proptech has merged the lines between our physical, digital and biological worlds. SA home that offers merely refuge is second rate, the age of discovery is here and speaking to your gadgets is no longer a sign of madness but an enhanced communication way.

For 20 years Ringley have served freeholders, leaseholders and resident management companies managing their homes, investments, facilities, major works, bad debts and more. Property management is only successful if customer journeys are planned, their preferences stored and the minutia is well taken care of.

Arguably both managing agents and politicians are judged by the state of the rubbish, Mary-Anne Bowring, Ringley so our journey with technology started with fast-tracking “housekeeping” issues to CEO and relentless idea keep things moving on site. Some ten years later Ringley continues to design out risk: creator. The real engine of physical risk of the Grenfell kind, contractual risk and legislative compliance risk. the company – a forward thinker Events and customer journeys are designed, planned and underpinned by Proptech, and our API connected apps have become mobile friendly. Designing with consideration for all the stakeholders and ourselves as first customer in mind was indeed the turning point to sail in the actual relationship-marketing era.

Our journey to PlanetRent: an app for all the stakeholders As a major player in the emerging build-to-rent (BTR) sector, Ringley started its research from the seven concepts that give life to the most impactful customer’s journey for the so-called “Generation Rent” and reimagined them. FACTS ABOUT RINGLEY SOFTWARE » Anticipation; » Immediacy; » Trackability; » Reliability when receipted; SOLUTIONS LLP » Rating; » Sharing; » Sustainability and ethics. » CEO: Mary-Anne Bowring Those are the seven pillars on which our PlanetRent stands. The huge Ringley’s » Established in 1997 database has given us the opportunity to fetch useful data and conduct surveys setting » Based in Camden Town, up PlanetRent to deliver 100 per cent transparency to its users: landlords, agents and London tenants. The compliance dashboard is intuitive and constantly audits the compliance with: » Services: Property and risk management » Right-to-rent checks: the » Deposit certificates: Housing Act 2004; » No. of employees: More than Immigration Act 2014; » EPC: the Energy Performance of Buildings 85 » Gas safety: the Gas Safety Regulations 2012 (England and Wales); » The company continuously Regulations 1998; » DCLG “How to Rent” booklet: Deregulation gives opportunities to inner- » HMO: Housing Act 2004; Act 2015. city students by keeping its The compliance dashboard shows what’s missing, expired or expiring soon. Our doors open for internships, STOP mechanisms protect the less organised, preventing sending expired docs apprenticeships and work to tenants, reminding the user of the legislation and penalties, and providing a experience “one-touch jump” to the right place to upload what’s missing, thereby making it www.ringley.co.uk » easy not to fall foul of legislation, providing an extremely fulfilling service to both www.planetrent.co.uk newbies and ad hoc users.

21 | RINGLEY SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS LLP PROPERTY

PlanetRent is a central hub between A safety alert advises the user if a landlord, agents and tenants. In fact, document has expired or is missing, while the first two can easily interact and one-touch takes you to the place with each other, not being affected by to upload it fast. Extras, if uploaded, geographical or time boundaries, tenants such as washing machine manuals and will benefit from the same process pictorial guides of how to care for the immediacy when it comes to repairs appliances, can be triggered also. and looking after their new home. The paperless concept of the The communication between landlord app simply works through offers, and agents has probably never been references, e-contracts, move-in checks and welcome letters, cutting those so quick before. A landlord can in fact obsolete traditional costs and hours of see all his properties at a glance in the time: we timed it, and it all could be “Tracker”, on which his properties’ completed in less than ten minutes! status is continuously updated; he can invite one or more agents to find PlanetRent makes technology its main tenants or advertise properties himself. driver, cloud-storing documents and The future in For landlords who choose to self- collecting payments via card or online manage, PlanetRent provides instant bank transfer. the palm of membership of “Viewber”, a national The app never seems to stop “your hand, viewings service, and “Evolve”, who

surprising, as repairs can be reported, offer a national inventories service, as immediate tracked and rated through it, from the well as a handy 25 per cent discount moment the tenant photo reports an “ on photos, 3D and floor-plan packages service, risks issue, to contractor selection, repair for all PlanetRent users. sign-off and the post-repair contractor managed, The agents in turn, after receiving rating. Smoothly done, you would say, tenants photos, floorplans, EPC and any other especially when e-keys can be sent available document, can accept the through the app, another sensational delighted feature that will save a lot of time and landlord’s suggested fee, or not, worries for all the parties involved! and finalise advertising on Zoopla or Rightmove, through the app’s publish Advanced, immediate, social, ethical: feature – billed to their normal account. PlanetRent.

Tenants can start their search for a new home on PlanetRent. At the peak »BRIGHT, BUSY, FUTURE LIVING of their excitement, the viewing, they can make their offer including special Our meticulously designed smooth journey is now ready and available requests, with floor plans, photos and for all our users. The property industry is clearly facing a crisis the like of the EPC emailed straightaway. (Our which has never happened before. We wanted to provide a powerful survey of 100 tenants found that 83 weapon to combat the Tenant Fees Bill while not only cutting costs per cent had not received a copy of but giving a solution beyond what the market already offers. the EPC in line with the regulation requirements.) We created PlanetRent, an app that aims to give life to a huge community, which then leads into our other creation, a pure BTR app, PlanetRent makes every step quick and “Busy Living”. Designed for marketing facilities for hotel, BTR and immediate and captures the emotion, student housing users, this app monetises on-site facilities, enables enabling tenants to share the moment third-party service tie-ups, has built-in community building sporting on social media. and social events marketing, and gets the tenants checking in online Coming back to legal compliance with our e-check-in to deliver an unforgettable experience. aspects, in the “Welcome & Utilities” The future is now and in our hands and at Ringley we are striving area the landlord can just tick to send to be an active and supporting part of it, making “innovation” and deposit and gas safety certificates, HMO “adding value” prominent core values like never before. declarations, inventories, and more.

RINGLEY SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS LLP | 22 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Gallagher Estates

The primary school at Northstowe, the first new town to be commenced in the UK for 50 years

Gregg Wilkinson, group managing director allagher Estates is a long-established property development and investment company specialising in the identification, Gacquisition and promotion of strategic land. Its focus is the planning and delivery of large residential, mixed-use and commercial development sites, where it utilises its significant financial resources, experience and expertise to assemble land and promote and secure planning permission, prior

FACTS ABOUT to delivering the infrastructure required to facilitate much- Gallagher Estates needed development. Above all else, Gallagher Estates is a » Group managing director: “placemaker”, which it believes is the golden thread that runs Gregg Wilkinson through all of its developments. These can range from 50-home » Established in 1956 sites on the edge of villages to 10,000-home new settlements » Based in Warwick complemented by the delivery of employment, education » Services: Property development and community facilities. More on this below, written by the » No. of employees: 38 company’s managing director. » Gallagher Estates was acquired by L&Q in 2017 Where we sit in the sector » www.gallagherestates.com Our portfolio of sites has the capacity to deliver circa 47,000 homes, employment land and community uses. These sites vary in maturity, from land in the initial stages of promotion, through to sites in development. In the last year we sold 2,663 plots to ten housebuilders across a portfolio of 12 different sites and secured consent for and sold 1,875,000 square feet of B8 distribution warehousing, providing significant employment at Wixams to complement and further bolster the thriving community we have created. In 2017/18, Gallagher Estates was responsible for the funding and/or delivery of three primary schools and a secondary school.

23 | GALLAGHER ESTATES PROPERTY

The key to our success is our completing 600 new homes per willingness to engage with the annum. Our emerging strategy will communities in which we operate, see us bring forward smaller parcels and to deliver a development legacy of of land to facilitate SME developers which we can be proud. Unlike many working with us more readily. of our competitors, we acquire land as Greater competition in the housebuilding a raw material prior to implementing sector is critical, and working with SMEs our “part” or “fully serviced” models. will aid healthy competition. Many On smaller schemes, our “part” serviced smaller house builders do not benefit Greater model ensures land is remediated from the same access to finance that and all statutory agreements for the the bigger players enjoy. The SME competition provision and adoption of, among developers will deliver smaller sites and other things, roads and sewers are in represent a critical tool in speeding up “in the place prior to onward sale. housing delivery across the UK. housebuilding

On larger sites, we adopt a “fully In 2017, Gallagher Estates was sector is critical serviced” approach, which sees acquired by L&Q, a charitable organisation with a traditional focus us deliver the full suite of strategic and working “ infrastructure across the site, on the delivery of affordable housing comprising roads, sewers, reservoirs, in London and the southeast. The with SMEs will balancing ponds, utilities, community acquisition comes at a time when L&Q aid healthy and educational facilities etc. has committed itself to deliver 100,000 new homes over the next ten years, its competition This tried-and-tested approach appeals geographical reach now encompassing to our customers, as it better enables new markets outside London. them to control their risk and return on capital, while also enabling us to sell to This marriage will undoubtedly pay multiple housebuilders on each site and dividends. L&Q offers a similar “patient capital” model of investment to thereby accelerate housing delivery. Gallagher Estates, enabling us to deliver For example, the Milton Keynes developments with stewardship, legacy, Western Expansion Area is being community cohesion and the long-term delivered by seven housebuilders, well-being of residents at their heart. Gallagher’s Heathcote development at Warwick

GALLAGHER ESTATES | 24 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

»OUR SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE ARE:

» Land purchase and site assembly » Development and planning promotion » Master planning and urban design » Infrastructure design and technical approvals » Community and political engagement » Regeneration » Remediation » Infrastructure provision and site servicing » Delivery – the implementation of major development projects The opening of Fairfields Primary School in Milton Keynes Gallagher Estates and land, development regardless of size site or sensitivity. and investment companies are just one This is undoubtedly contributing to cog in the housing delivery machine. significant lag in delivery. The industry is under increasing pressure That aside, I think every industry to assist the government in achieving its own ambitious housing targets. professional who is concerned with speeding up housing delivery would say that if they were promoted to housing Factors impeding progress minister, their top priority would be a In order for this to be achieved, holistic review of the green belt, which factors which need to be better is now simply an outdated response Above all else, understood are: to a very important issue. Gallagher 1. What is creating delays between The sacrosanct nature of the green allocation in an adopted local plan and belt is undoubtedly leading to vastly “Estates is a the grant of outline planning consent? unsustainable patterns of development and contributing to an overreliance on “placemaker” 2. Why are there delays between the new settlements as a means to deliver granting of outline planning consent housing. While new settlements are and and commencing development on site? a very important part of the overall

placemaking is Both need to be streamlined for the true solution, a balanced approach is

the golden capacity of the housebuilding sector to required, one which seeks to deliver be realised in terms of delivering homes a range of site types ranging from small “in-fill” village developments thread that “ quickly. Significant delays are created by the requirement to discharge pre- (serving to improve the viability and runs through commencement planning conditions vitality of local rural services) through all our before starting development. These to sustainable urban extensions and pertain to, for example, archaeology new towns. and ecology, and can take many developments The green belt is imposing a significant months to satisfy. restriction on development and its While the application of pre- impact is most widely felt in those commencement conditions is often areas which are most in need and appropriate, there is often a “blanket” typically where issues of housing approach to the imposition of such affordability are most crippling. conditions on planning consents,

25 | GALLAGHER ESTATES PROPERTY

VenueAware

The VenueAware live stadium dashboard

Amanda Giles, managing director enueAware is a market leader in facilities and resource management systems. The success of the system has Vbeen in its ability to adapt, allowing it to fit into different and more niche markets with specific business demands. Most recently, its focus has been on sport stadiums, with the ability to provide solutions to the day-to-day challenges facing these FACTS ABOUT specialist venues. VenueAware’s innovative ways of working to VenueAware produce new software also mean parent company ATI gets a » Managing director: real insight into its clients’ needs, while being able to perform in Amanda Giles a way usually reserved for much bigger companies – hence its » Established in 2007 work with Emirates Stadium. What follows is a more thorough » Based in Bromsgrove, account by ATI’s managing director, Amanda Giles. Worcestershire with remote working » Services: Stadium Already well established in the US, VenueAware was founded in the UK in 2007 management software for and has a strong reputation for delivering proven operational and resource scheduling, incidents, work, management systems. Still a growing company with bases in both Boston, USA accreditation and inspections and Bromsgrove in the UK, our software and mobile applications have allowed » There is a client base of seven organisations on both sides of the Atlantic to optimise their operations, delivering in the UK and more than 20 in the best possible experience for their guests, casual workers and employees. the US Our company is run by a small, closely knit team, the majority of whom worked » www.venueaware.com together in the City on early day trading systems. We are always looking to open up new avenues and try new ways of working. Many of the team which now works at VenueAware were also part of the team which facilitated the very first internet FX trades. It is this diverse range of expertise and our ability to adapt which means we can create the best solution for our clients’ needs. This, combined with our

VENUEAWARE | 26 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

domain expertise allows us to deliver safety, but when Arsenal went looking software to more niche sectors which for that system, there simply were not have struggled to find quality solutions quality solutions out there. that fit their criteria. Our dedicated So the team at Arsenal looked to support team ensures that the VenueAware, who already provided common (and costly) implementation trusted maintenance and incident roadblocks often associated with tracking across the venue on both event rolling out a new system are avoided. and non-event days. They approached us to see if we would be willing to It had become Working with Arsenal Football work collaboratively to produce a apparent there Club management system that fitted the brief. VenueAware was an established It was a challenging brief, but we “was a large presence at Arsenal Football Club’s relished the opportunity to develop hole in terms Emirates Stadium when the club a new system. The software would found itself with a significant problem manage casual workers within the of providing around the operations and systems venue, and due to the stadium’s high-quality which supported its management of fixtures the deadline was set in stone casual staff on event days. Looking which meant we had 18 months to

solutions for for a solution, it had been out to build the system the club required tender, visited other stadiums and from the ground up.

the very come to the conclusion that a solution which provided the functionality specific “ A big challenge they required using leading edge challenges technology did not exist. We were under no illusions: this was a big project. We are a small facing larger It had become apparent there was company and have a product that venues a large hole in terms of providing is well established, but to move into solutions for the very specific new areas and to carry out greenfield challenges facing larger venues, development with a very fixed go live particularly dealing with large numbers date in an environment as complex and of people in an environment as busy as frenetic as a stadium on event day is an event day. It is crucial that robust, always likely to be tricky. But with that secure and transparent management said, it was also a fantastic challenge systems are in place for everyone’s and opportunity for VenueAware. Arsenal Football Club’s Emirates Stadium

27 | VENUEAWARE PROPERTY

Writing new, innovative software is costly and writing business systems is not a quick process. When large companies need new software, they go out to market and undergo a procurement process, or they write it in house. The same is true for large software companies. They see a need within the market so they set aside the budget required and develop the software themselves.

However, we are a small company without the resources of our much larger competitors, so we needed to look at another way of working to bring the product to market. Working in collaboration with key clients such as Arsenal provided the avenue we needed to develop new, innovative The VenueAware mobile software by sharing the cost and risk app involved. It was agreed that Arsenal market, investing heavily in automation Football Club would fund part of the and best practice, the compact team work developing the new software can provide an infrastructure which and, if we hit the deadline, we would bears a heavy level of scrutiny. be guaranteed our first customer. The outcome The approach VenueAware has found collaborative Our team works with a select client working is not only mutually beneficial list, preferring to develop a strategic with the cost and risk shared, but, working partnership rather than selling by working closely with a client, the VenueAware’s in a completed product. We always company also gains a real working look to develop these key software knowledge of the sector or business innovative packages with clients which means, as the system is being designed for, and with all our clients, we could work on the customer receives a solution that, “approach to the best solution for Arsenal’s needs. while generic, also fulfils all of their key technology also requirements. By using agile development, starting means it can without a fully defined end product, This collaboration meant we were able

VenueAware focuses on a small but to produce not only a product which provide highly skilled set of individuals. The team solved the challenges Arsenal faced, has full stack development experience but one that would provide a generic enterprise-level and, by working from an initial set of framework for stadium venues. The solutions with a“ requirements, the product is developed framework covers a stadium’s core needs and refined by the clients on a regular but could also be tailored to provide much smaller basis. The whole process means there custom solutions for individual venues. is a greater investment from both the team than its Since working with Arsenal Football developers and our clients. Club, the model has been extended, and competitors VenueAware’s innovative approach to specific features developed for clients infrastructure also means we can provide including in all four major US sports enterprise-level solutions with a much leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL) as well smaller team than our competitors. as Manchester City Football Club. By finding the best class tools on the

VENUEAWARE | 28 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Hiltongrove

Dubois scheme, Walthamstow

Guy Davis, CEO iltongrove is a design-led property company focusing on quality residential developments and high-end Hoffices, studios and retail properties. Driven by a genuine passion for regeneration, architecture and delivering outstanding schemes, the company owns and manages over FACTS ABOUT Hiltongrove 200 apartments, offices and shops around the country. They » CEO: Guy Davis also plan to deliver up to 300 new housing units over the next » Established in 1994 two years. Guy Davis, their chief executive, discusses all things » Based in Walthamstow, Hiltongrove in the article below. London » Services: Residential development What we do » No. of employees: 12 Put simply, we buy buildings to convert into residential schemes, offices and retail » Offices: The Quant Building hubs coupled with sourcing development land for new-build homes. Our ethos » Originally founded as a music is simple: design and build homes in which we’d like to live, and provide working business environments in which we’d like to work. » www.hiltongrove.co.uk History

I founded Hiltongrove as a music business in 1994 from a back bedroom in Walthamstow with a £10,000 loan from Barclays to create a small mastering studio. A move to a local business centre soon followed, and the number of studios grew to five within three years. Customers included the BBC, Warner Brothers,

29 | HILTONGROVE PROPERTY

EMI, Universal, the London Symphony housing crisis we found (and continue Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic to find) ourselves in. This single Orchestra and many more. decision was a significant first step in the right direction to help alleviate the The formation of a property company housing crisis. happened by accident. A number of Victorian buildings within a cobbled The housing crisis is real. It affects mews in Walthamstow came up for hundreds of thousands of “invisible” sale, and made the ideal setting for people: the hidden generation – the We design a growing media company whose workers we know exist but know and build reputation had started to percolate next to nothing about. As a property throughout the music industry, both developer, we have witnessed the “homes in within the UK and beyond. problems first hand. For example, which we’d some time ago, one of the Hiltongrove As the studios and offices themselves

staff members showed a Polish brother took up only a relatively small like to live, and sister a small studio apartment percentage of the floor space, the to rent in Walthamstow. The space and provide decision was made to rent out the was modest, to say the least: a single other rooms for small start-ups, working “ room with kitchenette, double bed provided that they had something to and a bathroom. When my colleague environments do with music, media or the arts. Thus, suggested that it may not be suitable the first Hiltongrove media business for a sibling couple, the two were in which we’d centre was born, and, as the rental insistent to the point of desperation income increased, more buildings like to work that they take it there and then. It within the area were purchased to wasn’t hard to understand why. grow the property side of the business. After all, they were living in a house My passion for architecture and all in East Ham with 12 other Polish things property related overtook the men and women – 14 adults, in one music side of the business, and, with dwelling with one kitchen and just one the onset of the internet revolution bathroom with a single toilet. and the prevalence of downloading, The Hiltongrove N1 business centre I decided to sell the music business in 2006 to concentrate on property.

The housing crisis

Despite the downturn in 2008, Hiltongrove continued to grow and was able to carve a niche business by offering small flexible workspace opportunities. The biggest change to the business came about in 2013, when the then secretary of state for environment, Eric Pickles, announced that it would be possible to convert existing office buildings throughout the majority of London, to residential use, without going through the planning process.

This was an absolute boon, not just for property developers like Hiltongrove, but – more importantly – for the dire

HILTONGROVE | 30 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Proposal by Guillaume Dubois for new penthouse scheme This state of affairs is horrendous – on what the market needed. It meant in Walthamstow, harking back to the Victorian era, in that Hiltongrove was able to create London E17 the worst possible sense. Speak to 60 apartments in a former HMRC almost any London postman or delivery building, providing excellent housing driver and you’ll hear similar horror accommodation with a range in size stories of the number of places they from micros to two-bed units. Significant have visited, seeing contained within What was also particularly welcome them half a dozen sleeping bags on changes for about this was that we could make the floor in one room. “the UK will be any and all design decisions, provided Indeed, one of my gardeners sleeps they were compliant with building forthcoming on a bunk bed with three others in his regulations, without interference from

in terms of room. Moreover, it isn’t even his bunk people who were patently out of step bed – he has occupation rights for only with the housing needs of the UK.

12 hours a day. No one planned ahead both the Significant changes for the UK will for the incredible population growth be forthcoming in terms of the architectural focused“ in London and the southeast; architectural landscape and the density no one thought through the realities. landscape and of housing more generally. There will As a result, it is the poorest and lowest- have to be an acceptance that this the sector paid that are paying the highest price. is the price we will all have to pay more generally The genius of the PDR (permitted for a vibrant growing economy and development rights) decision was incredible population growth. As a that it allowed developers to create company, we aim to be at fore of dwellings without having to refer to these exciting new changes. local authority planners and their views

31 | HILTONGROVE PROPERTY

Jomast

PRS at Jesmond 360

Stuart Monk, managing director ounded in 1971, Jomast has since established itself as an eminent force in the UK property market, and is now Fa leading innovative developer, owner and manager of commercial and residential properties. With a strong financial base and a dynamic management team, Jomast employs a highly successful occupier-led approach to property development and investment through opportunistic acquisitions, joint ventures

and active asset management. In addition, Jomast invests FACTS ABOUT heavily in its strategic land developments, both short and long Jomast cycle, promoting sites through the planning system and working » Managing director: Stuart Monk with housebuilders to deliver new housing opportunities. Its » Established in 1971 extensive property portfolio and development pipeline covers » Based in Stockton-on-Tees, all market sectors, with particular emphasis on residential and County Durham comprehensive mixed use schemes. On this, Stuart Monk – the » Services: Property development company’s managing director – has more to say. and investment » No. of employees: 128 » www.jomast.co.uk Partnerships

Cultivating strong and enduring relationships and working in close partnership with key stakeholders in the development process is instrumental to the group’s success. We work in close partnership with landowners, occupiers, local authorities, community groups, government agencies and private investors across the UK. Through development agreements, management contracts and joint ventures, we breathe new life into regeneration areas, creating sustainable working, living and leisure space.

JOMAST | 32 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Residential direct development and partnership agreements with volume housebuilders We have a distinguished reputation on existing landholdings and land in delivering quality and sustainable acquisition. residential development that incorporates progressive design and Commercial a clear understanding of location. The ownership, management and The group has built an impressive track development of all types of residential record in delivering quality commercial properties forms a fundamental developments and gaining recognition and increasingly important part of as a major player, particularly in the the business. The diverse nature of retail and leisure sectors. Recent these properties can be categorised developments have included multiple Elder Way Leisure as follows: projects for Marks & Spencer, Scheme, Chesterfield 1. Rented: We are at the forefront Travelodge, Premier Inn and the Co-op. of the provision of privately rented We have a housing accommodation in the Mixed use UK, with an extensive portfolio At Jomast, we are skilled in distinguished of accommodation comprising transforming urban landscapes through traditional terraced housing, luxury

comprehensive mixed use development. “reputation in apartments, student accommodation, The radical refurbishment, conversion

family homes and land interests delivering and extension of Jesmond 360 – a capable of delivering substantially more dated, vacant former office scheme quality and “ rental opportunities We are committed to significantly expanding our privately – into a prestigious landmark scheme sustainable rented development interests with is one such example. The site will residential further schemes planned on existing ultimately comprise 300 luxury land as well as the acquisition of new apartments, 35,000 square feet of developments sites in strong sustainable locations. high specification offices, a 150-bed premium hotel, bars/restaurants, 2. Sale: We have an increased focus on retail space, a gym and a 355-space delivering new-build housing through multistorey car park. Knitting all these Jesmond 360 mixed use components together in a courtyard scheme of the highest standard of design contributes to the sense of community and place enjoyed by the occupants.

Recognition

We strive to achieve excellence in all aspects of delivering development schemes. Many of these have been benchmarked against the finest in the industry and duly recognised as outstanding examples of best practice. Recent examples of award- winning schemes include the M&S Foodhall in Northallerton; Phase One of Jesmond 360; Parkfield, Stockton’s housing renewal scheme; and Gresham, Middlesbrough’s housing renewal scheme.

33 | JOMAST PROPERTY

Vision fewer regulations would help smooth out this process. This is so despite the Jomast’s many achievements form the best intentions of central government foundations and help to shape the to build more homes. For whatever company’s enterprising and exciting reason, this urgency does not seem vision for the future. to reach local government level, at The Company’s vision inspires and which point we experience delays provides the motivation to deliver in the order of months. Indeed, excellence in all disciplines with housebuilding more generally across the following areas identified as the country seems to suffer from this instrumental to this success: problem, including funding as well as planning approval. » Strong inclusive management There is also a perception among » Inspirational and innovative design New M&S Foodhall, some segments of the country that Northallerton » Exhaustive attention to detail and developers are engaging in land quality banking. Often, though, developers » Driving excellence through are sitting on land through no desire We are sustainability of their own, but rather as a result of committed to » Controlling risk and enhancing long delays in the planning process.

opportunities Less or, in any case, faster bureaucracy “significantly

» Cultivating and maintaining strong would be of general help to the sector. partnerships expanding our Whatever challenges we face, These are not free-floating ideals however, we will overcome. When privately “ for their own sake; they genuinely working in the business of property, rented percolate throughout all aspects of responsiveness and adaptability the business and there is a collective are crucial – and these are traits of development passion for this approach. which we are in no short supply. Expansion of our portfolio shows no interests In addition to managing the existing sign of deceleration and it’s along the property portfolio, the business trajectory we want to continue. strategy moving forward will focus on extending the PRS portfolio; New executive housing growing the residential land pipeline; at Wynyard delivering substantially more housing developments; and continuing to bring forward commercial developments throughout the UK.

Planning approvals, local plan allocations, resolution of planning agreements and discharging of planning conditions will all play a critical role in the scale and speed of the group’s housing delivery in particular. A more commercial and collaborative approach to housing delivery at a local authority level would undoubtedly help to unlock and accelerate such schemes.

We currently feel that slow bureaucracy hampers developments, and that either more resources or

JOMAST | 34 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Aviron Associates

A strong and cohesive team

James Burkitt, founder ituated in Henley-on-Thames, Aviron Associates Limited celebrated ten years of successful trading in February 2018. SSince their inception, they’ve been providing assured, competitive and compliant ground investigation consultancy to the FACTS ABOUT land, property and construction industries. Their clients use their Aviron Associates services because Aviron make it clear that they know what to do, » Founder: James Burkitt the best methods, the likely results and their applications in real » Established in 2008 development situations. A chartered surveyor’s focus is rare in the » Based in Henley-on-Thames ground investigation industry. Their founder, James Burkitt BEng » Services: Ground investigation CEnv MRICS, qualified as the youngest chartered environmental consultancy, including but not surveyor in the UK at the age of 25. An early tutelage from a former limited to land contamination RICS environment faculty chairman set the scene of understanding assessments, geotechnical design, infiltration testing and a client’s commercial ambition. ground gas risk assessment

» The Aviron team have Ground investigation isn’t just about finding data in the ground. While it is in combined experience of fact the essence of the job, it’s understanding how to get the most reliable data, almost 100 years how it works and – most importantly – how the client can make it work which » James qualified as the is also crucial. Our consultancy services include land contamination assessments, youngest chartered geotechnical design, infiltration testing, ground gas risk assessment and generally environmental surveyor in the all aspects of below-ground appraisal. UK at the age of 25 » www.aviron.co.uk What we’re about

I founded Aviron in 2008 from the back bedroom of a small Berkshire terrace. I set up shop with a simple office set-up, trusted business partners, a library of guidance

35 | AVIRON ASSOCIATES PROPERTY documents and the ambition to work homes, luxury gated estates, simple harder than my peers – and to never extensions and modest housing. let anyone down in so doing. We’re at equal ease dealing with Our growing team, which is now the nation’s wealthiest and most based in Henley-on-Thames, thrives discerning clients, ruthless house- on efficiency, knowledge and good builders and families looking to gain humour. We believe in only doing a job extra income. No two projects are the once, so it has to be done well. With same and it’s our knowledge of the over 100 years’ combined experience industry, best practice and the desire in the sector, we’re unfazed by difficult to understand our clients which allows situations and have the ability to find our diverse and tailored approach. a solution in the most challenging of It simply isn’t sites and business environments. We’re nothing without best possible to

practice Operating across the South and the “undertake our Midlands, my focus remains at the It simply isn’t possible to undertake our front line. I like to understand every work without observing our industry’s work without“ client and their problem, and I drive best practice. Our investigations and observing our the team to do the same. Our business assessments have to meet the criteria model is simple: we talk to our clients, of the British Standards Institute, industry’s best understand them, give them exactly Building Research Establishment and practice what they need and what we promise, CIRIA – to name but a few. In the land and then they come back. The contamination sector, we must fully simplicity of our approach at Aviron to understand environmental legislation difficult and technical problems is why and, in the context of construction and we have been successful and retain a development, its relationship to the loyal client base, many of whom have National Planning Policy Framework. remained since our inception. Without continued professional Our projects vary from volume housing development and a desire to keep developments, trading estates, hotels, learning, improving and moving with hospitals and schools down to small the industry, we’ll fail our clients and projects such as single super-prime their business. Individuals make a

Working over land and Restricted access water

AVIRON ASSOCIATES | 36 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Comfortable with the simple approach team, and for a team to be strong, indemnity insurance, which isn’t the individuals must be too. In this subject to a decreasing and sliding regard, we host regular training scale dependent on project value. This days to share knowledge, and invite is our commitment to the quality of fellow professionals to collaborate. our work; in short, to practise we must In my Assessment of Professional be insured, and to be insured we must Competence to become a member be competent. Since our inception, we of the RICS, I highlighted that haven’t received a single professional Aviron’s communication is key. To this end, indemnity claim or had to report any growth has we promote transparency and injuries at work. We value safety very communication throughout our team. highly, and believe all our employees “been organic The office door is always open and and contractors have the right to turn calls are received with a willingness to up to work and go home safely. over the last help. It is this sharing of knowledge and ideas that enhances ambition ten years, The future and achievement, which is a healthy maintaining addition to the workplace. Aviron’s growth has been organic over

the last ten years, maintaining sound sound We take the time to understand finances and the capacity to deliver

our regulators, from councils and finances and high-quality work while doing so. We boroughs to warranty providers. We only employ the best talent who fit our the capacity to “ aim to ensure we do things properly dynamic and accountable ethos. In the and the way they like it. As clear as deliver high- the guidance of best practice is, it can near future, we plan to open offices in quality work still be subjective. We must be skilled the South West and the Midlands so enough to interpret the guidance and that we can be local to our clients. while doing so apply it in the most effective way. Over Our platform for growth is governed the years, we’ve been responsible for by the quality of our work and the the discharge of so many planning appreciation of our clients. Aviron’s and build warrant conditions that growth shall be carefully crafted it is simply no longer possible to and controlled, such that we ensure count them. everyone who joins us on our journey For every project, we hold an industry- enjoys the ride. leading £5,000,000 of professional

37 | AVIRON ASSOCIATES PROPERTY James Keiller Investments

Grosvenor Casino, West Marketgait

Bruce Linton, CEO ased in Dundee, a city of many discoveries, James Keiller Investments is a residential and commercial property Bdevelopment company with a property portfolio exceeding 2.5 million square feet in size. Founded by Dundee local Bruce Linton in 1993, they have developed a diverse portfolio that includes properties across the whole of Scotland. Their developments have helped evolve the property landscape of Scotland, and Dundee more specifically, by taking old factory FACTS ABOUT space and turning it into, among other things, modern office James Keiller Investments space or contemporary housing. Bruce explains how James » CEO: Bruce Linton Keiller Investments will continue to help regenerate cities, » Established in 1993 in spite of the regulatory challenges facing the property » Based in Dundee investment space. » Services: Residential and commercial property development, investment and Since our foundation in 1993, we have been lucky to play an instrumental role in management the development of some outstanding properties across Scotland. JKI began by » No. of employees: 15 developing large vacant factories, redundant and out-of-use mills and tired space » Over £100 million portfolio from the 1960s or 1970s. This style of investment not only presented us with » jameskeillerinvestments.com good value, but also gave us the opportunity to turn empty brownfield space into property that could help the city and its population.

Our portfolio now encompasses many different asset classes including offices, warehouses, factory space, retail, pubs, restaurants, night clubs, farmland and housing. We let all of them out to a diverse range of occupiers from small start-up and scale-up businesses, to multinational corporations.

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The brownfield sites we purchase The Discovery Centre is now used are given a new lease of life through as the world-leading research and refurbishment and division into much development centre for NCR. This smaller units. We are able to lease facility is now one of the dominating out the space on flexible terms, which features of Dundee’s ring road. Our enables us to attract both national and Riverside development serves as a key local occupiers. logistics centre for Hermes, and was built adjacent to Dundee Airport. In many instances, we will undertake Our Blue Mountain development the complete redevelopment of a consisted of the large-scale construction site, allowing us to embark on both of affordable residential apartments. residential and commercial ventures. JKI is proud of This was built in association with the

After analysing the various strengths Hillcrest Housing Association and its roots, and and weaknesses of the site, we decide

hopes to provide affordable housing what sort of development would “many of our for the city’s population. provide the best fit. We will then act landmark “ on this, taking into account potential In Dundee, we are also currently yields and the costs associated with a working on a range of new developments complete redevelopment. developments. The Wallace Craigie have been in Works site, overlooking Dundee Landmark developments Waterfront, will have around 100 Dundee units for mid-market rent built, while JKI is proud of its roots, and many of the Stewarts Loan project is a further its landmark developments have been example of brownfield regeneration, in Dundee. The development of West with Persimmon Homes partnering us Marketgait comprised the conversion in the construction of 90 homes. of the historic Tay Mill and former jute Finally, the Balgillo Heights development works. This modern commercial space is the major expansion of Broughty now has tenants including Travelodge Ferry to the east of the city. We are and PureGym, and an additional working with Kirkwood Homes with development followed with tenants the first phases comprising 250 homes, including Grosvenor Casino and which is part of a wider masterplan for Tesco Express. the construction of 1,000 homes. Research and development centre for NCR

39 | JAMES KEILLER INVESTMENTS PROPERTY

Regulatory challenges We are concerned by aspects of the Scottish rating and planning systems, as well as the non-performance of both the private and public utility companies.

Due to the continued levying of “empty rates” on vacant properties, JKI has been forced into prematurely demolishing certain older buildings before planning permission for change of use is secured. If permission is not gained we can be saddled with a derelict site, while paying the rates on the empty building is an unsustainable burden. The Barclay Review did not address this issue and the Scottish government has made little progress.

The increase in council planning fees, which are neither ring fenced nor linked to performance, has failed to improve turnaround times for applications, which causes costly delays. The Planning Bill currently before the Scottish parliament will only exacerbate these failings, and if the Hillcrest HA’s Blue local government committee scraps the Mountain proposed monitoring of performance, Our future things will only become worse. JKI has high hopes for the future,

Recent projects have also been held and we intend to continue with a up by bureaucracy, which has deemed regeneration approach largely focused standard transactions as material within Dundee. The city continues to changes. Material changes require attract major investment across many a new planning application, which sectors, including recent investments “ then takes months to be signed from the V&A and renewable energy JKI have high off. We believe that the protracted and North Sea decommissioning planning bureaucracy is a root cause of businesses attracted to the upgraded hopes for the Scotland’s housing shortage. port. More new hotels, such as “future IHG’s Indigo, are planned, and also a Despite various watchdog bodies headquarters for the newly created overseeing the utility companies’ Scottish Social Security Office which activities, they still outwardly act as a will create 750 jobs. law unto themselves. This is particularly the case with Scottish Water, whose We believe JKI is well placed to out-of-control billing system, absence respond positively to the multiplier of available access to its asset register, effects of these investments. and woefully inadequate connection In particular, we feel we are in timeframes go unpunished. Unless these a very strong position to cope issues are addressed by the Scottish with the housing needs of the parliament, the country’s economic growing population. performance will continue to falter.

JAMES KEILLER INVESTMENTS | 40 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

WMS

The WMS senior management team

Michael Sussex, managing director tarting a new business is daunting, but when Michael Sussex established Westcountry Maintenance Services S(WMS) in October 2007, the economy was experiencing a particularly serious downturn. Although it was a particularly FACTS ABOUT difficult time, he strongly believes this has contributed to the WMS successful business it is today. Starting in a recession meant » Managing director: that WMS had to tailor everything to clients’ requirements, Michael Sussex trade keenly and keep overheads to a minimum, and, moving » Established in 2007 forwards, they have continued to trade with these principles. He » Based in southwest England started the business after an MBO, and was fortunate enough » Services: 24/7 responsive, to novate all previous customers across, which provided them planned and cyclical painting and decorating, alongside with a solid foundation to continue. commercial and heritage refurbishment for local authority bodies, housing I started my career as a carpenter and joiner through an apprenticeship scheme, associations, architects and and then continued to supervisory level before moving into management. My surveyors understanding of site logistics and what things are like on the ground has helped to contribute to our success. From the outset, my wife Anthea, who has extensive » No. of employees: 78 experience in finance, has been our finance director, and a massive asset to the » Regularly work with around business. 80 subcontractors » www.wms-gb.com Family values

Our approach right from the offset has been not to be the largest company, but to aim for high standards, flexibility and quality. Our company values are honesty, trustworthiness and a constant focus on delivery. This in turn has led to establishing

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Planning a job strong, long-term relationships with older, and the need to train more clients, which are built on honesty and tradesmen is of paramount importance a high level of trust. to our future. This is why we actively work with local schools to support We aim to run WMS as a family work experience, and aim to take on at business by working as a team and least four apprentices each year. treating everyone as an integral part of what we do. We are certified as Investors in People, and the values Remaining local It is important from this accreditation fit with exactly It is important that we remain a local how we want to run our business. We that we remain SME contractor. Over the years, I have want employees that are efficient and seen many large organisations “talk “a local SME can work as a team, and we endeavour the talk”, but fail when it comes to to retain these people by supporting contractor. Over delivery. On several frameworks, we them and making sure they feel have been the smallest contractor, but valued. All management operate an the years, I have open-door policy, and are encouraged by doing what we say and delivering a seen many large to support their team, which provides programme both on time and within positive working conditions where all budget, we have been able to increase organisations employees are valued and encouraged our work packages to become the to develop their skills. largest. Being a smaller company ‘talk the talk’“ means that we have a smaller chain but fail when it Employing new people can be difficult of command; clients know that all our at times, and we work with our clients staff live within the local community, comes to to headhunt the correct people within and, therefore, we are responsible at the marketplace. This approach has all times for what we deliver. At the delivery reaped rewards with our clients, end of the day, I always try to remain and together, we have been able available. to continually improve what we do. We recognise that the construction This also means that the cashflow industry workforce is generally getting stays within the local community.

WMS | 42 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Going forwards

It is important that we take on projects that fit with our skill set. While we are always striving to find new opportunities within the marketplace, it is important that we do what we are best at. We always need to evolve, challenge ourselves and look to innovate further, but by delivering on familiar projects, we have grown year on year when the funding available has diminished through social housing rent cuts.

Having this ethos has set us apart from many competitors as one of the best providers for social housing and local authorities within the South West. Recently, we have started to take on larger one-off refurbishment projects, such as working in Great Torrington to refurbish the town hall through a grant-aided project supported by the National Lottery. In 2015, we diversified slightly by purchasing a specialist painting company, Williams WMS team at work and Martin, based in Cornwall. This has strengthened our existing painting When we work in our area, 63p in skill set and capabilities in the county. the pound goes into the regional economy, as opposed to 40p when a Have we been successful? I think so. national company carries out contracts. In 2007, we employed six people, and We actively look to support local achieved a turnover of over £2 million; subcontractors and suppliers. If we win this year, however, our workforce is 78 While we are a new tender, we work with our clients strong, and we expect our revenue to always striving to use smaller subcontractors, taking reach £10 million. More importantly, them under our umbrella, offering we have put ourselves in a position to “to find new programmes such as health and safety take on larger projects and support our training. We also inform them about existing clients in all areas of our work, opportunities preferred payment schemes, which, whether a contract is commercial,

within the in turn, help them to take on larger residential or heritage, whether it’s contracts and grow their business. refurbishment, painting or decorating.

marketplace, We’re now operating throughout We are always keen to support local the South West with a dedicated “ projects and organisations. Social value it is important workforce supported by a strong is a vitally important part of what we management team. This growth is that we do can provide, and, currently, we are against industry standards and bucking supporting a number of projects either what we are the trend of our local economy. This for the associations we are working is something I am personally very best at with, or local community projects such proud of, and I look forward eagerly to as the Mayflower 400-year celebration another ten years of WMS thriving. bonfire in 2020, hosted by the Great Torrington Cavaliers.

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Sanderson Weatherall

A brilliant work environment

David Rastrick, shareholding partner and COO wned and run by a group of commercial property experts, Sanderson Weatherall is a well-established Oproperty consultancy that is proving to be an increasingly popular alternative to the industry’s larger international firms. FACTS ABOUT With a history in property consultancy dating back to 1833, the SANDERSON WEATHERALL firm has adapted and evolved to be one of the leading SMEs » COO: David Rastrick in the industry. Working with owners, occupiers, investors, » Officially formed in 2001 following the merger of developers and financial advisers of commercial property, Weatherall Green & Smith and Sanderson Weatherall’s 29 shareholding partners and 200 Sanderson, Townsend & Gilbert employees provide property and asset services from its nine » Based across 9 UK offices in UK offices. David Rastrick, the firm’s chief operating officer, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, explains the company’s success. Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Teesside and York » No. of employees: Over 200, 136 of which are RICS An approachable alternative qualified chartered surveyors People are at the core of our ethos at Sanderson Weatherall, which is the key to » A general practice firm with our success. A collaborative mindset among all the team engenders a sense of experienced specialist teams ownership and belonging at our firm, which is genuinely empowering for everyone. » Independently owned with When you work in an environment where everyone has the freedom to bring new 29 shareholding partners ideas to the table, and make a difference, you create a positive and productive » An award-winning national culture. firm of chartered surveyors, property consultants and asset Where we can see a declining appetite for the more corporate business advisers relationships, it’s our culture that’s attracting clients towards firms like ours, and » www.sw.co.uk away from the larger ones. People want to do business with people who share

SANDERSON WEATHERALL | 44 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

similar values, and because of the way general assumption that working with we treat our employees, we’ve built a a large corporate minimises risk, but reputation for the care they put into over recent years we’ve started to see looking after our clients. that perception change.

A strong belief in well-being and work- It was encouraging to be appointed life balance also plays an important on the Crown Commercial Service role in the company culture at (CCS) National Estates Professional Sanderson Weatherall. Working hard Framework for a second successive but knowing when to take time out period, which happened earlier this to enjoy the other things in life makes year. We think the government’s people happier and more productive. decision to appoint us on a national Being Coming to work healthy, positive and framework showed confidence enthusiastic undoubtedly makes a in what SMEs can deliver as a independently person better at their job. genuine alternative to a national or international firm.

“owned and Being an independently owned SME is a crucial factor in helping us to To win and retain the CCS framework

staying at SME sustain our company values. When we formed the “Regional Agent you grow on a global scale and are Partnership (RAP)”: a partnership size are crucial“ governed by external investors and of six SMEs that together provide factors for us stakeholders, it can be difficult to the manpower and geographical in sustaining give enough attention to the people spread to meet the necessary criteria in and around your business in the for the framework. The partnership our values way that we do. If business objectives has proved to be a popular choice are aggressively focused on short- for procurement officers, with a term profit and return on investment, multibusiness collaboration providing client relationships can become greater transparency in pricing, impersonal and purely transactional. driving performance and practice Without those external influences, up, as well as spreading risk across we can strike a balance between several suppliers. being driven by our values, as well as financial goals. A new chapter for the company The perception of risk For us, getting the right accreditations When it comes to SMEs winning big in place has been a game changer in contracts, the perception of risk has terms of being able to pitch for and historically been a stumbling block. win the larger national contracts. For a long time, there has been a Securing ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS

»WHAT IS THE REGIONAL AGENT PARTNERSHIP (RAP)?

» A partnership of six regional property firms: Sanderson Weatherall, Alder King, Ryden, Harris Lamb, Budworth Hardcastle and Lisney. » RAP has a combined turnover over £45 million and more than 700 chartered surveyors. » With 30 UK offices, RAP offers leading regional property knowledge and national coverage. » RAP provides services to the public sector through the Crown Commercial Service Estates Professional Services (RM928) framework.

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Building great client relationships 18001 and Cyber Essentials Plus have are excited to be a part of the journey, all been a way for us to demonstrate making an impact where we can, and our high standards and ability to adapting when we need to. handle larger contracts with the same Following our appointment by the level of professionalism that is often For a long time, expected from larger firms. The hard CCS, we have a responsibility to work has paid off too, with several further promote the role that SMEs there has been national contract wins with major UK can and should be playing in state procurement. Concepts like RAP can “a general brands over the past few years, who all moved away from our international be duplicated in all industries, and assumption that competitors to benefit from what we create a stronger proposition for can offer as an SME. national contracts than one company working with a can in isolation. large corporate

What lies ahead for We hope our recent bid successes minimises risk, Sanderson Weatherall and continued investment in our

people and our business will further but over recent In 2018 we are celebrating a five per develop our brand as a well-known cent increase in turnover and a new alternative to the larger property years we’ve“ generation of shareholders who were consultancies. Our success, after all, appointed from within the firm. We started to see has been a persistent feature of our have also launched a new logo and are nearly 200 years of existence – and that perception embarking on a programme to further this trait is something we expect to solidify the values of our brand both replicate yet further into the future. change internally and externally. Indeed, it’s not at all unreasonable to As the property industry continues believe that our best days lie ahead to transform through influences in of us. technology, culture and economy, we

SANDERSON WEATHERALL | 46 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

CJH Land

Land development ased in Bristol, CJH Land is an independent land and development agency dedicated to the sale of land and Bproperty for residential purposes, mainly for retained clients. In the course of doing this, CJH Land is careful not to broadcast their clients’ properties. On top of all this, they assist greatly in the procurement and delivery of affordable housing, with a view to maximising value from all aspects of residential FACTS ABOUT development. Indeed, maximising value forms a key component CJH Land of their ethos. Chris Glover and Matthew Hiles, their two » Directors: Chris Glover and directors, have more to say. Matthew Hiles » Established in 1996 » Based in Bristol Our role in the sector » Services: Land development Before providing a detailed account of the company, it’s first necessary to discuss agency who we are and the area in which we operate. In essence, we pursue land » Heavily involved in the opportunities – this could be a green field with no planning consent, for example procurement of affordable – and from that land create value by selling it on to the open market. It’s worth housing saying, however, that we do this in a way that is not loudly broadcast to the world – something that many of our clients appreciate. In practice, this might mean not » www.cjhland.co.uk advertising the land in national newspapers. Indeed, for one of our projects, not a single person in the industry was aware of the sale for four months, such was the discreet quality of our services.

Our core aim, though, is to advise clients on the sort of schemes they should be promoting. Our operations range in scale from small developments of 20 or more units to much larger schemes of many thousands of units. For instance, we have one in the pipeline containing 4,500 dwellings, and several more between 1,500 and 3,500 units.

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It’s not just in this wholly private » Advising on and negotiating the sector that we operate, though; six satisfactory wording of Section 106 years ago we expanded into the Agreements affordable housing sector as a result » Procuring 100 per cent affordable of sea changes in the market after the housing or mixed tenure schemes on 2008 financial crash. We now possess behalf of our RP client base dedicated offices in Bristol and Exeter. We have For a great many plc housebuilders » Preparation of Affordable Housing around southern England, we assist, Statements to support new planning earned a advise and chair panels with regard applications to affordable housing. This is a major “reputation for » Review and interrogation of housing and audacious area of expansion needs assessments and data identifying and for us.

» In-depth knowledge of government maximising the policy on affordable housing

Our services value of land Over the course of our many years of Difficulties in the sector and property“ experience within these sectors of the In the course of doing all this, though, industry, we have earned a reputation throughout challenges do present themselves. For for identifying and maximising the us, the main challenge that comes to the sale value of land and property throughout mind is that of the planning system. the sale process. process As things stand, it is an enormously It is true to say today that, in terms of cumbersome and extremely lengthy property development, our services process with often very little that is now include: positive coming out of it. During a lot of planning applications, there » Advising on the most appropriate is much frustration among vendors marketing strategy for each site’s and applicants in negotiation with specific requirements Cumbersome planning system » Preparation and production of the marketing material and collation of all relevant technical information » Comprehensive coordination of the marketing process, advertising and site viewings » Skilled negotiation on behalf of our clients in achieving the maximum value for the site » Agreement of the heads of terms of sale with the purchaser and continued liaison with both parties’ solicitors until the sale is completed.

And with regard to affordable housing – an area in which our staff has a combined 40 years’ worth of experience – we offer:

» Negotiating best value for the sale of Section 106 affordable housing on larger, developer-led sites

CJH LAND | 48 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

We facilitate housebuilding local authorities. Thus, numerous What also makes this process applications are refused, and the problematic is that investment is system only allows for appeals through drained as uncertainty increases; the planning inspectorate. This is not when, after all, land remains for an just a challenge for us; it’s a challenge indefinite period in this limbo zone, As things for companies like us all across the prices fluctuate greatly, leaving stand, it is an south of England. investors uninterested. Worse still is the fact that developers “enormously are often blamed for this stall in Looking forward development, under the misguided cumbersome The future, however, is something view that they are sitting speculatively to which we look forward. These on land rather than using it for and extremely problems described above are more productive ends. Developers want to frustrating than they are lethal. lengthy develop; affordable housing can be Opportunities, including those

built in sufficient numbers. To allow this process with relating to affordable housing, to happen, what’s principally required are proliferating – indeed, even in

is for this stage to be made swifter. often very the student housing sector we’re beginning to spot further potential. little that“ is We’re actively working with local authorities to make this process One of our key traits is adaptability positive smoother and quicker, which would to the market, and – in staying true coming out benefit not just us, but the country to this – we will always be on the at large. Indeed, I have even brought lookout for new opportunities. For of it these issues to the attention of then these reasons among others, we’re housing secretary, Sajid Javid, upon optimistic regarding the future growth meeting with him. No doubt, political of the company, especially in light of figures are aware of this problem, but the overall need for future housing. not enough is being done to fix it.

49 | CJH LAND Review of Parliament

A game of Chequers

The white paper that emerged after the Chequers summit focused on four key areas: economic partnership, security partnership, future areas of cooperation and the frameworks needed to enforce any eventual agreement. It contained details on the “facilitated customs arrangement”, whereby the UK would collect tariffs on behalf of the eU.

It called for the end of the free The cabinet gathered movement of people but laid out plans at the prime minister’s for eU citizens to come here without country residence On Sunday, July 8, Britain was awash visas for “paid work in limited and clearly of Chequers in Buckinghamshire for a with sunshine and optimism. england defined circumstances”. As regards crunch meeting football fans were preparing for their benefits and social security, it advocated first world cup semi-final in nearly thirty “reciprocal” arrangements with the eU. years, while some Scots were hurriedly A “joint institutional framework” buying the chequered shirts and flags would be established to interpret UK- of england’s opponents, Croatia. And eU agreements. In the UK, this would the weather, the hottest summer since be overseen by our courts and in the the seventies, was keeping everyone in eU it would be overseen by theirs. good spirits. In other words, it was the Some cases would be referred to the perfect time for a political crisis. european Court of Justice, though it While Gareth Southgate’s team spent would be unable to resolve disputes their Saturday doing battle with Sweden, between a UK and an eU court. Theresa May’s spent theirs battling The white paper also confirmed that each other. Late on Sunday evening, we will exit the european Union at 11 after another day of disagreements, the o’clock in the evening on March 29, results of the crucial cabinet meeting 2019, which will be midnight central at Chequers (the prime minister’s grace european time. and favour country residence) began to materialise. The most significant In her foreword for The Parliamentary of these was the resignation of David Review, the prime minister suggests Davis as secretary of state for exiting that a Brexit on these terms would the european Union. mean we “take back control of our laws, money and borders.” Mr Davis found himself unable to support a proposal that would see In his resignation letter, Mr Davis took the UK maintain a common rulebook a different stance: “In my view the with the eU for all goods. This would inevitable consequence of the proposed mean a co-operative arrangement with policies will be to make the supposed eU regulators and very little room for control by Parliament illusory rather divergence. than real.”

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If the Brexit secretary’s departure threw the government into a spin, it was nothing compared to what came next. The meaning of the meaningful vote On Monday afternoon, with the ink on Davis’ letter not yet dry, Boris Johnson The day before, peers had voted in announced that he was following suit. favour of plans to give MPs a greater For two years, pundits had speculated say – a move that David Davis, the about the imminent departures of the then-Brexit secretary, warned could Brexit and foreign secretaries. Now they undermine the prime minister’s were both gone within 24 hours. In his negotiating position because it seemed letter, Mr Johnson said the prime minister to foreclose the possibility of Britain was leading the UK into a “semi- walking away with no deal. Mr Davis Brexit” with the “status of a colony”. now offered another compromise that President Trump’s trip would, he said, ensure that there would Jeremy Hunt, who had just become to the UK added to the be a ministerial statement and a motion the longest serving health secretary in The first of these called for the UK to political drama of an to the House of Commons in the event already hectic month history, was chosen to replace him, with refuse to collect duties for the eU unless of no deal, but the key point was that before the summer recess member states did likewise. The second culture secretary Matt Hancock moving David Davis, the his plan would not offer MPs a chance to the Health Department. Mr Davis compelled us to have an independent then-Brexit Secretary, to instruct ministers – because the was replaced by Dominic Raab. Further regime for vAT. Labour MP Stephen warned that the Lords In June, seven months on from his motion that would be put down would amendment could resignations included Steve Baker, Kinnock responded: “By capitulating success in attaching a “meaningful vote not be amendable. be used by some to Maria Caulfield and Ben Bradley. to their proposals on the Customs and frustrate the process of amendment” to the eU (Withdrawal) Bill But Mr Davis added that the procedural [the] Trade Bill she is accepting that the leaving the eU in the Commons, the former attorney- It was under this cloud that Gareth details were far less important than Chequers deal is now dead in the water.” general Dominic Grieve was still fighting Southgate’s Three Lions took on, and the expressed mood of the House of the same cause on the same bill. were defeated by, Croatia. After which, Two days later, Mr Johnson decided Commons in a moment of crisis, and from both a sporting and a political point to deliver a resignation speech in the In what proved to be the final round he warned that the Lords amendment of view, it was fair to say that england House of Commons, in which, while of the long parliamentary battle over could become a mechanism for had been chastened by chequers. praising the prime minister for a the bill, MPs were considering changes frustrating Brexit. number of things, he contrasted her made in the Lords, which included If Mrs May was in need of a brief As part of the elaborate legislative Lancaster House speech of January a tougher version of the meaningful reprieve, she was unlikely to get one dance, Mr Grieve had put down a new 2017 with what was agreed at vote than Mr Grieve’s original. In with Donald Trump arriving for his amendment. But now a compromise Chequers, speaking favourably of the earlier rounds of consideration he had long-awaited UK visit. Amid huge had been offered, he dropped it: former and less so of the latter. accepted a compromise proposal from protests, Mr Trump decided to give “Having finally obtained, with a little the government, only for the consensus an interview with The Sun, in which Shortly before The Parliamentary more difficulty than I would have he lambasted Mrs May’s Brexit Review went to print, Johnson’s around it to break down when wished, the obvious acknowledgement negotiations and suggested that Boris former cabinet colleague, the trade Downing Street presented an analysis of the sovereignty of this place over the Johnson would make “a great prime secretary Liam Fox said he believed a of what it would mean that seemed far executive, I am prepared to accept the minister”. This was followed by a “no-deal” Brexit was now odds-on. weaker than Mr Grieve had thought. government’s difficulty, support them characteristic backtrack, where he said As the following articles demonstrate, That in turn prompted the Lords to and accept the form of amendment they want.” he would support whatever stance the parliamentary intransigence makes it replace the compromise with a beefed- “incredible” Mrs May took on Brexit. incredibly difficult for agreements to be up version – and this was what MPs, The government proposal seemed reached. With no clear majority for any No sooner had the president left for the second time in a week, were to put the issue into the hands of one Brexit plan, a “no deal” scenario than Mrs May was back in the bear now considering. the Speaker, who, in the event of no may well become a reality. deal, would have to decide if a future pit of parliament. On the Monday, The issue remained the narrow but motion would be amendable. There her customs bill faced a series of Whatever happens, it’s likely that 2019 potentially crucial question of what were attempts to ask the Speaker, John amendments from the pro-Brexit will see an MP address parliament and leverage MPs would have in the event Bercow, what he would do in those european Research Group, two compare what was agreed at Chequers that either parliament rejected the Brexit circumstances, but he declined to say. of which were accepted by the with whatever is agreed, or not agreed, deal between the UK and the european government and each passed with a with Brussels on March 29 as the Union or no deal was reached at all. What was not clear to MPs was who majority of just three votes. central european clock strikes twelve. Should there be a vote in the Commons was climbing down. Had Mr Grieve to instruct ministers on what to do next? allowed ministers a face-saving solution,

51 | REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT PROPERTY

The meaning of the meaningful vote

The day before, peers had voted in favour of plans to give MPs a greater say – a move that David Davis, the then-Brexit secretary, warned could undermine the prime minister’s negotiating position because it seemed to foreclose the possibility of Britain walking away with no deal. Mr Davis now offered another compromise that would, he said, ensure that there would be a ministerial statement and a motion to the House of Commons in the event of no deal, but the key point was that David Davis, the his plan would not offer MPs a chance then-Brexit Secretary, to instruct ministers – because the warned that the Lords In June, seven months on from his motion that would be put down would amendment could success in attaching a “meaningful vote not be amendable. be used by some to frustrate the process of amendment” to the eU (Withdrawal) Bill But Mr Davis added that the procedural leaving the eU in the Commons, the former attorney- details were far less important than general Dominic Grieve was still fighting the expressed mood of the House of the same cause on the same bill. Commons in a moment of crisis, and In what proved to be the final round he warned that the Lords amendment of the long parliamentary battle over could become a mechanism for the bill, MPs were considering changes frustrating Brexit. made in the Lords, which included As part of the elaborate legislative a tougher version of the meaningful dance, Mr Grieve had put down a new vote than Mr Grieve’s original. In amendment. But now a compromise earlier rounds of consideration he had had been offered, he dropped it: accepted a compromise proposal from “Having finally obtained, with a little the government, only for the consensus more difficulty than I would have around it to break down when wished, the obvious acknowledgement Downing Street presented an analysis of the sovereignty of this place over the of what it would mean that seemed far executive, I am prepared to accept the weaker than Mr Grieve had thought. government’s difficulty, support them That in turn prompted the Lords to and accept the form of amendment they want.” replace the compromise with a beefed- up version – and this was what MPs, The government proposal seemed for the second time in a week, were to put the issue into the hands of now considering. the Speaker, who, in the event of no deal, would have to decide if a future The issue remained the narrow but motion would be amendable. There potentially crucial question of what were attempts to ask the Speaker, John leverage MPs would have in the event Bercow, what he would do in those that either parliament rejected the Brexit circumstances, but he declined to say. deal between the UK and the european Union or no deal was reached at all. What was not clear to MPs was who Should there be a vote in the Commons was climbing down. Had Mr Grieve to instruct ministers on what to do next? allowed ministers a face-saving solution,

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which gave him what he wanted? Or have significant consequences for many said that, globally, aviation would grow The short debate ended up with a had he flinched from rebellion and years which the majority in [the House anyway – the question was whether majority of 296 in favour of the NPS. In accepted a fig leaf in place of the of Commons] did not approve of… the Britain would share in that growth. the end, eight Conservative MPs voted guarantees he really sought? idea that that is how we would achieve against the government and Labour was Some of the most wounding criticism an orderly Brexit is for the birds.” split almost in half, with slightly more Labour’s shadow Brexit secretary, Sir came from Conservatives, notably the Labour MPs supporting the expansion Keir Starmer, hoped that MPs would In the end, six Conservatives voted former transport secretary, Justine than opposing it. Their leader, Jeremy still vote for the Grieve amendment: for the Grieve amendment, while four Greening, whose Putney constituency is Corbyn, was against it. The NPS does “Standing back, that looks like Labour MPs defied their party whip and directly under the Heathrow flight path. not grant final planning permission common sense. It is unthinkable that voted with the government. And later Another Conservative, Greg Hands, for the third runway: it sets the policy any prime minister would seek to force that evening, peers accepted the bill – resigned as trade minister in order framework against which planners (and through a course of action that would which allowed it to become law. to keep his election promise to vote probably the courts) will judge whether against the Heathrow expansion. the scheme should go ahead. Parliament approves a third runway at Heathrow airport Tributes to Tessa Jowell in a debate on

Fifty years after the Wilson government cancer treatment set up the Roskill Commission Sarah Jones said that her father had to examine options for London died of cancer just three days after she airport expansion, MPs backed a was elected to parliament. She recalled planning document that endorsed how, as culture secretary, Tessa Jowell a third runway for Heathrow with a had won first the Labour cabinet and resounding majority: 415 votes to 119. then the country over to the idea of hosting the games: “She would go and The decision to endorse a national talk to a group of children about how policy statement (NPS) for airports, they would directly benefit, and then which supported a third runway, she would dash across the country and followed an intense 90-minute debate. deliver a wordy lecture to a load of The result was not really in doubt economists about the evidence base for – Conservative MPs were on a three- sporting-led regeneration.” line whip, which meant that they were ordered to back the NPS, while Heathrow airport: Now she had a new cause and had Tessa Jowell was hailed Labour MPs, reflecting the considerable MPs vote in favour of again thrown herself into a campaign failed to meet air quality standards. expansion as an inspiration during differences of view in their party, were her battle with cancer When former Labour culture secretary for people to live longer lives with There would be a generous £2.6 billion given a free vote. Tessa Jowell was diagnosed with a cancer, “with exactly the same compensation package for people brain tumour, she launched a personal relentless optimism and total bloody Transport secretary Chris Grayling laid displaced by the new runway, plus a campaign to highlight the need for doggedness as she did with the out his case: “All five of London’s main noise insulation programme for homes better cancer treatment. The result was Olympics. When faced with this woman airports will be full by the mid-2030s, and schools. who walks through walls, never gives and Heathrow is full today. We are two emotional debates in the Lords up and always gets what she wants, seeing business leave the UK and go But there was considerable resistance. and the Commons, with speeches from Labour’s shadow transport secretary, her many friends in both houses. we could almost feel sorry for cancer.” to airports like Frankfurt, Amsterdam Andy McDonald, warned that and Paris, which have made additional The Commons debate was opened by There was praise for Lady Jowell from the Heathrow expansion would capacity provision... We are losing Labour MP Sarah Jones, who was part the then health secretary, Jeremy “generate many winners, not least those connections to other countries, of the team working for Lady Jowell Hunt, who said that she left two great the shareholders of Heathrow Airport and we are losing the investment that on the bid to hold the 2012 Olympics legacies: “her amazing achievements Ltd, but it risks making losers of many, goes around those connections.” in London. Lady Jowell watched with with London 2012 and her amazing including the communities in which her family in the under-gallery of the campaigning on cancer. It is our He promised that there would be tough thousands of people will lose hundreds Commons. privilege to take part in this debate and environmental conditions: the runway of homes.” He was interrupted by a would not be allowed to open if it Labour colleague, John Spellar, who

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said that, globally, aviation would grow The short debate ended up with a anyway – the question was whether majority of 296 in favour of the NPS. In Britain would share in that growth. the end, eight Conservative MPs voted against the government and Labour was Some of the most wounding criticism split almost in half, with slightly more came from Conservatives, notably the Labour MPs supporting the expansion former transport secretary, Justine than opposing it. Their leader, Jeremy Greening, whose Putney constituency is Corbyn, was against it. The NPS does directly under the Heathrow flight path. not grant final planning permission Another Conservative, Greg Hands, for the third runway: it sets the policy resigned as trade minister in order framework against which planners (and to keep his election promise to vote probably the courts) will judge whether against the Heathrow expansion. the scheme should go ahead.

Tributes to Tessa Jowell in a debate on cancer treatment

Sarah Jones said that her father had died of cancer just three days after she was elected to parliament. She recalled how, as culture secretary, Tessa Jowell had won first the Labour cabinet and then the country over to the idea of hosting the games: “She would go and talk to a group of children about how they would directly benefit, and then she would dash across the country and deliver a wordy lecture to a load of economists about the evidence base for sporting-led regeneration.”

Now she had a new cause and had Tessa Jowell was hailed again thrown herself into a campaign as an inspiration during her battle with cancer When former Labour culture secretary for people to live longer lives with Tessa Jowell was diagnosed with a cancer, “with exactly the same brain tumour, she launched a personal relentless optimism and total bloody campaign to highlight the need for doggedness as she did with the better cancer treatment. The result was Olympics. When faced with this woman two emotional debates in the Lords who walks through walls, never gives and the Commons, with speeches from up and always gets what she wants, her many friends in both houses. we could almost feel sorry for cancer.”

The Commons debate was opened by There was praise for Lady Jowell from Labour MP Sarah Jones, who was part the then health secretary, Jeremy of the team working for Lady Jowell Hunt, who said that she left two great on the bid to hold the 2012 Olympics legacies: “her amazing achievements in London. Lady Jowell watched with with London 2012 and her amazing her family in the under-gallery of the campaigning on cancer. It is our Commons. privilege to take part in this debate and

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our duty to act on what she says.” This who is living with cancer you have thought was echoed by Steve Brine, the shone a light on a cruel curse and the cancer minister, who quoted what he need for collaborative, resourced and Legalising abortion in Northern Ireland had found the most moving line in her unflagging devotion to the effort to that the people of Northern Ireland speech in the Lords: “In the end, what tackle that curse. [Sarah Jones] said should not be treated differently to gives a life meaning is not only how it is that you loved this place. I hope that it other UK citizens after Brexit, saying lived, but how it draws to a close… She is blindingly obvious to you, Tessa, that that this should apply to women’s is giving that line great meaning.” we love you.” In her seat in the gallery, rights too. Then she invoked the words Unusually, the Speaker, John Bercow, Lady Jowell was visibly moved. She died of the Irish prime minister Leo varadkar intervened from the chair: “As somebody a few weeks later, on May 18, 2018. that Ireland will no longer say to women: “take the boat” or “take the plane” [to Britain] when they need an abortion. Instead, he said, Ireland will Lessons from the collapse of Carillion say: “take our hand.”

The government was accused of failing The women of Northern Ireland to tackle the problems at the public The government has deserved the same, she said: “they are been urged to act to sector mega-contractor Carillion as women who face a situation where if liberalise Northern The referendum vote of the Irish the company headed for collapse. they are raped and seek a termination, Ireland’s abortion laws Republic in June to liberalise its The chair of the Commons’ powerful they will face a longer prison sentence abortion laws produced immediate financial watchdog, the public accounts than their attacker; women who, when Commons pressure for a similar change committee, Labour’s Meg Hillier, told they have a heartbreaking diagnosis of in Northern Ireland, where abortions MPs that a confidential risk assessment a fatal foetal abnormality, have to go are only permitted if the woman’s life of the company had shown rising abroad to seek treatment.” or health is at risk. concern about the finances of the The DUP’s emma Little-Pengelly company, which provided key public But the issue was fraught with political retorted that what was being proposed services, including school maintenance and constitutional difficulties for would create “one of the most liberal and prison management. Theresa May’s government. First, the abortion regimes anywhere in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which is The collapse cost thousands of jobs world” in Northern Ireland – and she responsible for justice there, had been and left the government to pick up said any such decision should be for suspended since 2017 because of a those functions. The government’s the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Carillion collapse breakdown of trust between its main risk assessments were released to exposed government parties. Second, the Conservatives Another DUP MP, Sammy Wilson, the public accounts committee and, point. In November last year, officials outsourcing flaws depended on the support of the ten insisted that the legislation in Northern after holding hearings on them, Meg recommended a provisional ‘black’ Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MPs Ireland was balanced because it Hillier delivered a statement giving her rating for Carillion – that information for their precarious Commons majority protected the rights of both the committee’s verdict. has come directly from the papers that – and the DUP did not want a change woman and the unborn child, adding: we have published – but following “The Carillion papers identify clear in the law. “100,000 people are alive in Northern representations from the company, the and compelling problems with the Ireland today who would otherwise Cabinet Office did not confirm that Against that, when the Labour MP business in the months leading to its have been killed before they were even designation. Carillion collapsed less Stella Creasy sought an emergency collapse,” she told the House. “… born.” than two months later.” debate on the issue, she was supported although Carillion had been rated as across the House, including by most Northern Ireland secretary Karen ‘amber’, owing to its performance The committee now planned to hold Conservative MPs. The result was an Bradley said that she personally more hearings on the relationship against contracts with the Ministry of emotional debate containing some supported reform, but that “abortion between the government and strategic Defence and the Ministry of Justice, very personal speeches. Stella Creasy has been a devolved matter in Northern it was not until after Carillion issued suppliers because, she said, some big proposed a precise legal change to Ireland since 1921, and it would not be a profit warning in July last year contractors were now “too big to fail”. the 1861 Offences Against the Person appropriate for Westminster to seek to that the government downgraded Carillion itself had continued to believe Act: the law that is the basis of the impose its will or to be the arbiter of an it to ‘red’. It therefore appears that that it would receive a government abortion ban. issue that has long been devolved”. the government was not aware of bailout right up to the moment of Carillion’s financial distress until that collapse in January. She quoted DUP leader Arlene Foster’s And Labour MP Jess Phillips said requirement in the Brexit negotiations that having had an abortion did not

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Legalising abortion in Northern Ireland

that the people of Northern Ireland should not be treated differently to other UK citizens after Brexit, saying that this should apply to women’s rights too. Then she invoked the words of the Irish prime minister Leo varadkar that Ireland will no longer say to women: “take the boat” or “take the plane” [to Britain] when they need an abortion. Instead, he said, Ireland will say: “take our hand.”

The women of Northern Ireland The government has deserved the same, she said: “they are been urged to act to women who face a situation where if liberalise Northern The referendum vote of the Irish they are raped and seek a termination, Ireland’s abortion laws Republic in June to liberalise its they will face a longer prison sentence abortion laws produced immediate than their attacker; women who, when Commons pressure for a similar change they have a heartbreaking diagnosis of in Northern Ireland, where abortions a fatal foetal abnormality, have to go are only permitted if the woman’s life abroad to seek treatment.” or health is at risk. The DUP’s emma Little-Pengelly But the issue was fraught with political retorted that what was being proposed and constitutional difficulties for would create “one of the most liberal Theresa May’s government. First, the abortion regimes anywhere in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which is world” in Northern Ireland – and she responsible for justice there, had been said any such decision should be for suspended since 2017 because of a the Northern Ireland Assembly. breakdown of trust between its main parties. Second, the Conservatives Another DUP MP, Sammy Wilson, depended on the support of the ten insisted that the legislation in Northern Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MPs Ireland was balanced because it for their precarious Commons majority protected the rights of both the – and the DUP did not want a change woman and the unborn child, adding: in the law. “100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland today who would otherwise Against that, when the Labour MP have been killed before they were even Stella Creasy sought an emergency born.” debate on the issue, she was supported across the House, including by most Northern Ireland secretary Karen Conservative MPs. The result was an Bradley said that she personally emotional debate containing some supported reform, but that “abortion very personal speeches. Stella Creasy has been a devolved matter in Northern proposed a precise legal change to Ireland since 1921, and it would not be the 1861 Offences Against the Person appropriate for Westminster to seek to Act: the law that is the basis of the impose its will or to be the arbiter of an abortion ban. issue that has long been devolved”.

She quoted DUP leader Arlene Foster’s And Labour MP Jess Phillips said requirement in the Brexit negotiations that having had an abortion did not

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make her or other women criminals. London. Alone after I’d been raped. I’d financial sanctions against individuals be at risk if the country were led by And she quoted the experiences of never travelled anywhere on my own.” implicated in human rights abuses. He anyone who did not understand the some Northern Irish women: “It was faced heckling from the Conservative gravity of the Russian threat. At the end of the debate, MPs backed Christmas eve. I was with friends at a benches when he said that there had The Scottish National Party’s party and stepped outside for a breath Stella Creasy’s call for change, but been more than £800,000 of donations Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, of air and I was raped… My mum the vote will not be binding on the to the Conservative Party from Russian demanded a robust response: “firm had to book flights and booked me government. It was clear, however, oligarchs and their associates. and strong action must be taken to into a clinic. This all took money and I that pressure was building for the UK Mr Corbyn’s response produced a send a clear message to the Kremlin was from a working-class family. We parliament to act if the politicians of stream of criticism from the Labour that we will not accept Russian borrowed what we could and I left for Northern Ireland did not. MPs behind him. One, John Woodcock, interference in our democracy or in our said that UK national security would way of life.” The Salisbury poisoning

In March, the prime minister issued Airstrikes on Syria a grave warning to the Russian government after a double agent and and children gasping for their lives as his daughter, now resident in Britain, chemicals choked their lungs.” Such an were poisoned with a military-grade atrocity was “a stain on our humanity,” nerve agent at their home in Salisbury. she added.

Sergei Skripal, a Russian defector to She did not believe that evidence on Britain, and his daughter Yulia were the scale available could be falsified, exposed to Novichok, a nerve agent and she said that the Syrian regime developed by Russia. Theresa May gave was seeking to cover up the atrocity Russia 24 hours to provide answers by searching refugees, in case they about the incident or face sanctions tried to smuggle out samples of the from Britain. chemicals that had been used – it was clear that only President Assad’s In a statement to the Commons, Officers in hazardous regime had the capability to carry out the prime minister praised the chemical suits in such an attack. professionalism of the emergency Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that Salisbury The prime minister also defended the services and armed forces in the events in Salisbury were “shocking” People marching against responding to the incident. She said but added a cautious note: “We need the Assad regime in legality of the UK action: Russia had that the chemical had been identified to see both the evidence and a full London When the prime minister ordered blocked a UN resolution to establish by “world-leading” experts at the account from the Russian authorities British forces to take part in airstrikes an independent investigation into the Defence Science and Technology in the light of the emerging evidence against chemical weapons held by the latest attack. She said that to argue Laboratory at Porton Down and that, to which the prime minister referred… Assad regime in Syria, she came to that the UK could only act with a UN given the Russian government’s record we need to continue seeking a robust the Commons after the easter recess resolution was to accept a Russian of state-sponsored assassinations, dialogue with Russia on all the issues to defend her decision – and ran into veto on British foreign policy. She ministers had concluded that it – both domestic and international – criticism for not seeking parliamentary said that military action was justified was “highly likely” that Russia was currently dividing our countries, rather approval in advance. to prevent further gas attacks – there responsible. than simply cutting off contact and was no alternative course of action She said that the attack was a response letting the tensions and divisions get and the attacks were necessary and “There are, therefore, only two to the use of chemical weapons by worse and, potentially, even more proportionate. plausible explanations for what pro-Assad forces, which had left up dangerous.” happened in Salisbury on March 4,” to 75 people dead. She said that the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn she added. “either this was a direct He also called on the prime minister images of the suffering were “utterly responded that the prime minister was act by the Russian state against our to toughen up the Sanctions and haunting: innocent families seeking accountable to parliament, not to the country or the Russian government lost Anti-Money Laundering Bill, then shelter in underground bunkers found US president, and added that Britain control of its potentially catastrophically before MPs, and to accept Labour dead with foam in their mouths, needed a War Powers Act to transform damaging nerve agent and allowed it proposals to add so-called “Magnitsky burns to their eyes and their bodies what he called a “now broken to get into the hands of others.” powers”, which would allow direct surrounded by a chlorine-like odour, convention” into a legal obligation.

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financial sanctions against individuals be at risk if the country were led by implicated in human rights abuses. He anyone who did not understand the faced heckling from the Conservative gravity of the Russian threat. benches when he said that there had The Scottish National Party’s been more than £800,000 of donations Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, to the Conservative Party from Russian demanded a robust response: “firm oligarchs and their associates. and strong action must be taken to Mr Corbyn’s response produced a send a clear message to the Kremlin stream of criticism from the Labour that we will not accept Russian MPs behind him. One, John Woodcock, interference in our democracy or in our said that UK national security would way of life.”

Airstrikes on Syria

and children gasping for their lives as chemicals choked their lungs.” Such an atrocity was “a stain on our humanity,” she added.

She did not believe that evidence on the scale available could be falsified, and she said that the Syrian regime was seeking to cover up the atrocity by searching refugees, in case they tried to smuggle out samples of the chemicals that had been used – it was clear that only President Assad’s regime had the capability to carry out such an attack.

The prime minister also defended the People marching against the Assad regime in legality of the UK action: Russia had London When the prime minister ordered blocked a UN resolution to establish British forces to take part in airstrikes an independent investigation into the against chemical weapons held by the latest attack. She said that to argue Assad regime in Syria, she came to that the UK could only act with a UN the Commons after the easter recess resolution was to accept a Russian to defend her decision – and ran into veto on British foreign policy. She criticism for not seeking parliamentary said that military action was justified approval in advance. to prevent further gas attacks – there was no alternative course of action She said that the attack was a response and the attacks were necessary and to the use of chemical weapons by proportionate. pro-Assad forces, which had left up to 75 people dead. She said that the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn images of the suffering were “utterly responded that the prime minister was haunting: innocent families seeking accountable to parliament, not to the shelter in underground bunkers found US president, and added that Britain dead with foam in their mouths, needed a War Powers Act to transform burns to their eyes and their bodies what he called a “now broken surrounded by a chlorine-like odour, convention” into a legal obligation.

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There were angry shouts when he The Scottish National Party’s said that the UK action was legally Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, Acknowledgements questionable, and he questioned reminded Mrs May that she led a whether the government could be sure minority government, adding: “It Senior Editors: Ross Hindle, Craig Wilmann, Rt Hon David Curry and Joshua Jackson that the chemical attack was the work was perfectly possible for House to of the Assad regime. He called for a have been recalled in advance of the Journalists: Thomas Wilson, Andrew Neil, Bill Winter, Andrew diplomatic solution to end the war and Saturday morning airstrikes.” Barlow, Nikolaus Cox, Mark D’Arcy, Scott Challinor, Sean Coughlan, the refugee crisis it had caused. Dave Lee, Tony Harrington, Jon Masters, Beth Stevenson and Lib Dem leader Sir vince Cable agreed Robyn Wilson Senior Conservative Kenneth Clark with this and asked if there might be Designers: Constantin Nimigean and Andreea Cioran backed the government’s action, but more airstrikes, in light of President he queried the lack of parliamentary Copy-editors: Jonathan Sherrington, James Patrick Thomas, Rupert Trump’s comment that it was “mission Douglas and Full Media debate before the event, given that accomplished”. President Trump had announced his Photograph procurement: Jonathan White intention to strike against the Assad But the prime minister would not be Westminster Publications is also grateful to the following people: regime well in advance. drawn on that. Daniel Yossman, Jamie Oglesby, Lord Pickles, Lord Blunkett, Rt Hon Theresa May, Rt Hon Chris Grayling, Rt Hon Damian Hinds, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE, Rt Hon Esther McVey, Rt Hon Claire Perry, Tracey Crouch MP, Dr Tristram Hunt, Paul Everitt, Julian The last word Davids, Professor Ted Baker, Ian Wright, Brian Berry, Adam Mansell, Chris Atkin, Liz Field, Josh Terry, Frank Lampard, Julia Hartley This edition of The Parliamentary Brewer, Rt Hon Michael Gove, Sir Nick Clegg, William Graves, Review has overseen yet another Marcin Bulka, Hannah Riding, Devina Lavji, Fern Hall and John Hammersmith extraordinary year in British politics. Cabinet ministers have departed, Images in this publication have been reproduced courtesy of Commons debates have raged long Alamy and Flickr. into the night and, at times, it has felt like little has been achieved. From our standpoint, it is clear that this has not been caused by a lack of trying. The members of parliament with whom we have crossed paths, from all parties and none, have each been working incredibly hard to further what they feel is in the best interests of the constituency, and the country, they serve.

And, though the political realm has been a source of frustration for many, it is clear, as Andrew Neil observes in the opening pages of this publication, Lord Pickles addresses that those operating at the micro the 2017 Parliamentary level of the British economy are not Review gala in the only working tirelessly, they are also who motivate their staff, inspire their House of Commons achieving great things. The articles students or simply do their job to the from this year’s Review representatives best standard they can muster. And, COPYRIGHT © WESTMINSTER PUBLICATIONS 2018 exemplify this. though there are always adjustments All rights reserved by Westminster Publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from Westminster Publications. Westminster Publications warrants that reasonable skill and care has been used and improvements to be made, it is our A country is not a perfect blueprint in preparing this publication. Notwithstanding this warranty Westminster Publications shall not be under liability for any loss of profit, business, put into action: it is the sum of millions conviction that British parts are in fine revenues or any special indirect or consequential damage of any nature whatsoever or loss of anticipated saving or for any increased costs sustained of autonomous parts. Individuals working order. by the client or his or her servants or agents arising in any way whether directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on this publication or of any error or defect in this publication. Westminster Publications shall not in any circumstances be under any liability whatsoever to any other person for any loss or damage arising in any way as a result of reliance on this publication.

59 | REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT Acknowledgements

Senior Editors: Ross Hindle, Craig Wilmann, Rt Hon David Curry and Joshua Jackson

Journalists: Th omas Wilson, Andrew Neil, Bill Winter, Andrew Barlow, Nikolaus Cox, Mark D’Arcy, Scott Challinor, Sean Coughlan, Dave Lee, Tony Harrington, Jon Masters, Beth Stevenson and Robyn Wilson

Designers: Constantin Nimigean and Andreea Cioran

Copy-editors: Jonathan Sherrington, James Patrick Th omas, Rupert Douglas and Full Media

Photograph procurement: Jonathan White

Westminster Publications is also grateful to the following people:

Daniel Yossman, Jamie Oglesby, Lord Pickles, Lord Blunkett, Rt Hon Th eresa May, Rt Hon Chris Grayling, Rt Hon Damian Hinds, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE, Rt Hon Esther McVey, Rt Hon Claire Perry, Tracey Crouch MP, Dr Tristram Hunt, Paul Everitt, Julian Davids, Professor Ted Baker, Ian Wright, Brian Berry, Adam Mansell, Chris Atkin, Liz Field, Josh Terry, Frank Lampard, Julia Hartley Brewer, Rt Hon Michael Gove, Sir Nick Clegg, William Graves, Marcin Bulka, Hannah Riding, Devina Lavji, Fern Hall and John Hammersmith

Images in this publication have been reproduced courtesy of Alamy and Flickr.

COPYRIGHT © WESTMINSTER PUBLICATIONS 2018 All rights reserved by Westminster Publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from Westminster Publications. Westminster Publications warrants that reasonable skill and care has been used in preparing this publication. Notwithstanding this warranty Westminster Publications shall not be under liability for any loss of profi t, business, revenues or any special indirect or consequential damage of any nature whatsoever or loss of anticipated saving or for any increased costs sustained by the client or his or her servants or agents arising in any way whether directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on this publication or of any error or defect in this publication. Westminster Publications shall not in any circumstances be under any liability whatsoever to any other person for any loss or damage arising in any way as a result of reliance on this publication.