Fertile ground
When it comes to beating the January blues, three cheers for the British Council for Offices. On top of the champagne reception, four-course meal and performance from impressionist John Culshaw at its annual dinner last week, it was the sight of the bafflingly ill-thought-out branding on the BCO’s upcoming research paper that got the guests giggling. British Council for Offices or British Conception Organisation?
The perils of people power
The importance of the workplace for staff attraction and retention has rarely been so much on occupiers’ minds, as the competition to lure top talent grows ever fiercer. This may seem like good news for leasing agents, who can expect healthy fees from tenants prepared to pay top dollar for the best space, but it brings with it a new set of problems. One occupier recently demanded that its agent offer its entire workforce a tour of all three shortlisted options for a potential move. The agent duly complied and put on a trio of open days. Unsurprisingly, chaos ensued when all 100 or so members of staff had a different view on which option was best.
The patron saint of nimbys
It’s not often that Jim Trott, the bumbling, dialogue-challenged, parish councillor from The Vicar of Dibley is mentioned in a property housing debate, but Andrew Whitaker, planning director of the Home Builders Federation, used the character as an example of the sort of typical resistance housing developers get from district councils when dealing with development. Speaking at the Strutt & Parker future housing debate at Oxford University, Whitaker said: “It’s like the reverse Jim Trott effect. He’s famous for saying ‘no, no, no, yes’. But when [local authorities are] asked if there is a housing crisis, they say ‘yes’. Do they want to plan for the future? ‘Yes’. Do they want to meet housing needs? ‘Yes’. Do they want to give people choice? ‘Yes’. But do they want to give planning permission for this development? ‘No!’” Unsurprisingly, the comment got the loudest applause of the day.
The ruff stuff
The pursuit of skiing comes with many risks, what with hazards such as rocks, ice and novice skiers to contend with on the slopes. But shih tzus? At last week’s Propski event on the slopes of Val Thorens, one delegate found out the hard way when he skied over the top of one. Thankfully neither party sustained serious injury unlike another Propskier who face-planted and broke his schnauzer.
If you like piña coladas
Diary is getting tired of prepared comments from chief executives about how “delighted” they are with their recent deals. The Range founder, Chris Dawson, got a gold star this week for his refreshing response to the firm’s latest purchase, a 55-acre site at Delta Properties’ logistics development at Central Park, Bristol. He said: “I did this deal on my favourite beach in Barbados, the same place I was when I bought all of the MFI stock years back. I think the piña coladas at the hotel have something special in them as I always do some of my best negotiating after a couple.”
Snow room at the inn
A New Yorker who tried to make a quick buck from one of the worst snow storms in history has had his plans vetoed. He built an igloo from the snow in his garden, and listed it on accommodation site Airbnb as a “boutique winter igloo for two”, offering the chilly abode for the bargain price of $200 (£140) a night. Airbnb contacted the savvy builder, informing him that his listing did not meet occupancy standards.
Global domination
JLL has got to be top of the table when it comes to national day celebrations. Staff and visitors at its London HQ were treated to haggis, neeps and tatties for Burns Night on Monday. Then on Tuesday, coffees were served up with complimentary TimTams in recognition of Australia Day. Diary is making sure it has plenty of meetings at Warwick Street on pancake day.
