NHS talk a treat for industry gathering
About 200 property movers and shakers gathered at the Royal Institution in Mayfair for the first of a series of lectures organised by the Cambridge University Land Society on 25 March.
They were drawn by the chance to listen to Malcolm Grant (pictured above), NHS England chairman, about the NHS crisis and its implications for the estate of the healthcare provider. Grant, who was previously professor of land economy and pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Cambridge, did not disappoint the audience.
Grant described how he would like to see a move towards healthcare services being provided in shops, schools and pharmacies.
Following his address, Grant was presented with a gift for his contribution to the university and the department of land economy. He was described by CULS’s Douglas Blausten as “a great spokesman for a holistic approach to land use”.
Guests then discussed Grant’s address over refreshments.
The next Whitehall lecture features Kate Barker OBE who will talk about UK housing policy.
It is being held on 12 June. Visit the Cambridge University Land Society’s website for more details of upcoming talks.
Midlands Rugby team Tri to keep clean sheet
A thrilling contest looms on 7 May when regional rivalries are played out at the annual Tri-regions rugby union one-day tournament. The Midlands Rugby property team will be eager to hold on to its five-year winning streak when it takes on teams from the North West and North East at Carnegie Stadium in Leeds.
Developer Stoford will sponsor the Midlands team, with Graftongate backing the North West side and Henry Boot getting behind the North East.
Jonathan Robinson, DTZ associate director and Midlands team leader, said: “The tournament is becoming one of the most attended events in the property world.”
To play, e-mail jonathan.robinson@dtz.com for the Midlands, darobinson@savills.com for the North East and tony.o’keefe@dtz.com for the North West.
Shard lessons learnt by sixth-formers
More than 70 representatives of London schools were wooed by industry professionals and University of Reading staff at the Shard, SE1, on 25 March to promote the summer school programme for Year 12 students, Pathways to Property.
Robert Milne, head teacher at the London Academy of Excellence, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for schools and colleges to find out more about the summer school. Five Academy students took part last summer, and I shared with colleagues at the event how beneficial the experience had been for them.
“They developed new skills through the range of stimulating activities, and their knowledge of this area of academic study and further employment increased hugely. A seed of a career path has definitely been sown in each of them.”
Pathways to Property, run by the Reading Real Estate Foundation, and supported by British Land and the Sutton Trust, encourages students of all backgrounds to consider studying and working in real estate.
Postgrads site best case
If solving the UK’s housing crisis rests on the shoulders of current real estate students, then we need worry no longer.
Postgraduates from Cambridge University were urged to tackle the issue on the expert advice of young professionals from Januarys estate agents. The workshop, supported by Lloyds Bank, involved a session in which students had to put a case forward for sites suitable for student housing.
Januarys’ managing director Colin Brown said: “We are keen to support tomorrow’s property professionals and this workshop has given us a great opportunity to do this in an informal setting.
“The students gained valuable insight from the younger members of our team, who are well-placed to engage and share their considerable knowledge with the postgraduates.” The winning team put forward a case for Milton Road, Cambridge city centre.
Weekend warrior’s Olympic warning
Given the inspiring efforts of property’s Cycle To MIPIM crew, the Estates Gazette’s cycle giveaway was understandably a hit.
The winner was self-confessed “weekend-warrior” Bill Siegle, senior partner at Cluttons.
The bonus prize was a photo shoot in Holborn’s Red Lion Square (we really know how to lay it on) and the gracious winner happily obliged.
Siegle told us he plans to donate the bike to the Chartered Surveyors Company for auction at the Surveyors Company Livery masked ball on 12 June.
“This win was a genuine surprise, and it topped off a very exciting MIPIM this year,” he said. Siegle, who fortunately lives near cyclists’ favourite Box Hill in Surrey, already has a mountain bike, which he takes for a spin on weekends.
“Watch out for a new Olympian on the circuit,” he boasted.
Ladies wot Lycra: PedElle 2014 launched
PedElle, a women-in-property cycle ride raising much-needed funds for children’s charity Coram, launched its 2014 challenge this week.
Thirty-five women from the real estate industry will take on the 300-mile trip, which zig-zags its way across Italy from Milan to Venice. The three-day event from 5-7 June is organised by Cycle To – the team behind the annual Cycle To MIPIM – and this year hopes to raise more than £30,000 for Coram. The maiden PedElle ride in 2013 followed the classic London to Paris bike ride.
Championed by Jennifer Ross, director at Tibbalds, and Claire Treanor, former partner at DP9, the ride is aimed at creating an opportunity for women in the industry to network and to inspire and encourage more women in property to cycle. Estates Gazette will be along for the ride, blogging and filming. Click here to find out more.
Rebecca.Kent@estatesgazette.com
