The big chill
The ice bucket challenge frenzy sweeping the internet hit the high level of UK property bigwigs this week. Colliers International UK boss Tony Horrell became the first UK property chief executive to take on the #ALSIceBucketChallenge, which is raising money for motor neuron disease research. A stoic but soaking Horrell has nominated JLL’s Guy Grainger and GVA’s Rob Bould to go next. Grainger was this week poised to take a drubbing immediately after the sixth JLL Property 5k run in London. Bould has also accepted the challenge and immediately nominated British Land’s Charlie Maudsley to “celebrate his 50th birthday”. Some agents are literally stopping traffic with the stunt. Or at least David Brown, a director at surveying firm Jenkins Law, did so at Oxford Circus with his heroic effort while still in his suit.
Auction duo’s winning racquet
The long wait for an English champion at Wimbledon came to an end in dramatic fashion last weekend, with the property world once again asserting its dominance on the sports field. An unseeded duo of Barnett Ross auctioneer John Barnett and partner Richard Rowlandson stormed past the top seeds in straight sets at the British Closed Seniors’ Grass Court Championships 2014 to take the over-75’s men’s doubles title. The dark horses’ giant-slaying run also included felling the third-seeded pair in straight sets in the semi-finals and a tie-break win over the second seeds during the quarter-finals at the All England Club. The bar has been set. Diary expects to see some gavel-wielding underdogs causing further upsets at next year’s championships.
Phoodies snap their snacks
There is one thing worse than a selfie: a phoodie. Yes, a phoodie, someone who obsessively posts photos of their food on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. And according to Hammerson, it’s a trend that is becoming highly popular across the social media network of its shopping centres. More than half the photos uploaded to social media are now of food, surpassing fashion for the first time. The humble burger was the most snapped food item, while Wagamama’s Katsu curry was the most popular dish. Starbucks was the most mentioned, dominating 65% of uploads. Phoodies also differ regionally, says Hammerson. The Birmingham phoodie is an American aficionado, with Krispy Kreme and Ed’s Easy Diner being the most popular dining spots for Bullring customers, while in London, most Brent Cross shoppers preferred to upload snaps of their delights from Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Lola’s Cupcakes.
Calm on the Cam – ?for once
The Bidwells/Estates Gazette annual punting challenge in Cambridge has a reputation for bringing mayhem to the usually tranquil River Cam. Previous years have seen men (and women) overboard, contestants using punts as dodgems and, in one case, an unsuspecting Estates Gazette reporter being mooned by a local surveyor. However, none of these antics were repeated in last week’s race, which was a comparatively civilised affair. ?“Next year we should get some of the London agents to form a team – that should bring the competitive edge back,” said one local agent. Cambridge, you have been warned.
Into battle at Granary Square
As Argent’s King’s Cross empire takes shape in London N1, the development’s centrepiece is paying tribute to an earlier empire. Granary Square has been transformed into a Roman forum for the weekend as part of an “immersive event” celebrating Queen Boadicea’s (or Boudica, as she is now widely known) battle with the Romans. The link to King’s Cross? The story goes that the Iceni warrior queen’s body is buried between platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross station.
All aboard Air JLL? New look takes off in Oz
JLL’s Australian business has unveiled what it has called a “striking new look” for some of its employees. The global services firm has launched a new corporate wardrobe for its property and asset management team. A YouTube clip demonstrates no fewer than 13 looks as part of the team uniform, which range from suited and booted to polo shirt smart casual with branded baseball cap optional. Diary does not consider itself a particularly discerning sartorial standard-setter, but the verdict from these quarters is that what is most striking about the new look is its resemblance to a cabin crew uniform. And while we’re at it, the question must be asked – is the Australian look likely to be imported to the UK-
