Every picture sells a storey, Don’t it?
Diary is firmly of the opinion that a picture is worth a thousand words, though we are still trying to work out what those are after seeing the front cover of the latest Countrywide residential market forecasts (pictured). A reference to the difficulty of predicting where the market is set to go? Or perhaps boasting about the youth of its research team? Or maybe something to with land ahoy? Answers on a tweet to @estatesgazette.
The lost generation
EG has made it our duty to celebrate the industry’s next generation. But that does not come without its challenges – specifically, how we define them. The sticking point is with the 30-somethings who, though they might have plenty of storms still to weather, already feel like they have their feet firmly under the table. But this week a press release across Diary’s desk finally settled the argument. It applauded a “buzzword removal tool” that claims to “hack PR buzzwords out of press releases”. The tool “takes a scythe” to terms such as “repurposing”, “mission-critical” and, wait for it… “next generation”. Back to square one, then.
Only the best for mum
Since retirement home company boss Howard Phillips mentioned his litmus test for PegasusLife last year, namely: “Would I be happy for my mum to live here?” he must have been asked a fair few questions about his own 80-something mother. While she enjoys life in her home in Cheshire, PegasusLife’s Victorian-style mansions in Chapelwood, in nearby Wilmslow, will be complete in July 2017 and feature a pool and a gym. So, will she up sticks and make the move, or stay put?
The sound of the cowed
Is there anything more unpleasant than listening to your own recorded voice? We don’t think so. Imagine Diary’s discomfort then at leaving a voicemail with the communications director in the US office of a major retail developer, only to have a clip of it attached to the e-mail in their reply for reference. What strange protocol.
Norway’s verdict on Brexit
On a trip to Oslo in Norway Diary dared to bring up Brexit. Surely the most famous member of the out-of-EU club will welcome us with open arms? Their view: “It’s one thing being the weirdos on the outside, another to be the weirdos who leave.” Even the Norwegians think we’re crazy.
Networking with benefits
Love has bloomed in the Urban Land Institute Young Leaders camp. The global networking programme for real estate professionals under the age of 35 was the courting ground for a pair of young real estate lovers due to be married in March 2017. The wedding will be held in France, but no, not at MIPIM, before you ask. The pair actually met through the US branch, though they have relocated to London. And we understand the membership benefits on the ULI Young Leaders website now lists “Access to exclusive ULI local and global events and a global network of real estate professionals and potential suitors”. Just joking. But it should.
Everything’s gone green
Nike opened its first London “neighbourhood” megastore in King’s Cross recently. The sportswear giant was aiming for a pre-Rio Olympics start, and with the doors to its concept store opening on 4 August, one day before the Games began, it was just in time. However, Diary has learnt that there was some snagging to deal with first, as in the windows had to be replaced because the glazing had been given a green tinge – too much iron, apparently. It was all solved swiftly. If only the Olympics organisers could say the same about the diving pool.
