All the frills
Development Securities officially became U&I Group on 9 November as the company moved into its new 34,000 sq ft headquarters at Howick Place, SW1. If the rebrand – inspired by a dockworkers’ union motto – surprised some more staid members of the industry, it has nothing on the fit-out of the new HQ. Special features include a feathery pink circular curtain (inset) that acts as a meeting room, raised platform breakout areas and a hanging boardroom over the office floor. Perhaps more Unique & Inventive than United & Industrious…
No big hand for Mandy
At the always respectable British Property Federation annual dinner, this year’s star turn, Lord Mandelson, was suitably decorous, despite confessing to form when it came to property. Clued-up Diary readers will recall his resignation from Tony Blair’s cabinet after failing to declare a loan from a ministerial colleague. But despite a too-long speech that took in Europe, Corbynomics and his becoming a lot less relaxed about people getting rich, Mandelson still hadn’t covered enough ground for a heckler. It was clear, though, that Mandelson did not want to talk about Iraq, forcing said heckler to continue the conversation off stage.
Malcolm in the middle
And on to less respectable events: the celebration of CBRE spending almost £30m on retail firm Dalgleish a decade ago. Malcolm Dalgleish and his merry team of beer-drinking brokers are now fully integrated into CBRE. Some were even spotted drinking chardonnay at the bash at Chandos House last week. CBRE EMEA chief executive Martin Samworth was on hand to deliver a speech about the successful partnership, but not before Dalgleish – after just a little nudge – took centre stage. And then the stories began. First, a sign of relief that he took all cash when he sold to the Big Green Giant in 2005. It share price then was above $20 before dropping to $2 in the recession. Next came the tales of the celebratory dinner at MAPIC 2005. While most toasted the occasion with wine or champagne, Dalgleish opted for a banana split. Sweet.
Welcome to the house of fun
We all know how hot the residential market is, but this is just Madness. After just a flash on the market, the house that featured in the video for 1980s pop hit Our House by Madness has sold, with the vendor’s use of Suggs’ lyrics being credited for the successful sale. The sales pitch for the property in Willesden, NW10, claimed it was “one step beyond” the norm for the area, had more than enough room to hang your “baggy trousers” and benefited from on-road parking if you enjoy “driving in my car”. Turns out it was a big hit.
Tales from the APC crypt
For a graduate surveyor, the prospect of sitting the APC final assessment can really give you the collywobbles. But who can blame them? Especially as the process is shrouded in rumour and urban legend, as Diary learned from this overheard exchange. Graduate one: “They do the assessment in a hotel room and I’ve always imagined you are standing up and the room is smoky and dark.” Grad two: “I heard there’s actually a bed in the corner and you sit on the bed while the assessors sit on chairs across from you.” Grad one: “You actually have to sit on the bed?” Grad two: “Yeah, the test is whether you choose to sit on the bed or pull up a chair. And one person got so nervous they had to be sick and dash into the en suite.” True or false? Tweet us @estatesgazette.
We’ve been waiting, Mr Bond
Rumour has it that soon-to-retire TH Real Estate boss James Darkins is being lined up as the next James Bond. Well, he does have the international, jet-set background and a love of all things 007. Spies never reveal their sources, but Diary’s mole let slip that at a recent client party, Darkins insisted it take place at the Bond Museum set up especially for new release Spectre. Eat your heart out Daniel Craig. Your days are numbered, Mr Bond.
