When DJ Amy Lamé announced she would be celebrating world urbanism day on BBC Radio 6 Music on Sunday, Diary positively shivered with excitement.
After Lamé – also London night czar and a recent EG Lockdown Diarist – said the “Concrete and Clay” playlist would be devoted to town planning-themed songs, there was no chance we would be touching that dial. And there were some fine choices: REM’s (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville and Sparks’ This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us chief among them. But it was, of course, on Twitter where the magic happened, as listeners suggested songs and singers that nearly were. Nathan Olley wanted to hear Syd Barratt Homes, Bovis Presley and Persimmon and Garfunkel. Jonny Anstead was hoping for the James Taylor Wimpey Quartet. But as a fellow Bruce Springsteen fan, Diary most wanted to see Dan Anderson’s wishes granted. Sadly there was no time for “Darkness on the Edge of Town and Country Planning Act (s.106)”.
Body(warmer) positive
Diary doffs its cap to any business that secures a B Corp certification, as it requires the company to write purpose, not just profitability, into its corporate bylaws. The B in B Corp stands for benefit and refers to benefiting workers, communities and the environment, not just the bottom line. It is not an easy certification to get, especially if you work in the world of real estate. But this week FORE Partnership has become one of a handful of UK real estate businesses to achieve it. Managing partner Basil Demeroutis is very pleased, obviously, to have been awarded the status as it underlines the firm’s “mission to align our purpose, impact, culture and brand”. But, he admitted to EG coyly, one of the first things he did after getting the certification was phone in the order for the specially branded Patagonia bodywarmers that only B Corps can get. The outdoor clothing and equipment brand – widely regarded as one of the world’s most ethical and environmentally sound businesses – was one of the first US companies to become a B Corp, and in 2019 restricted its branded bodywarmers to fellow members of the elite club. If you’re going to be purposeful, you may as well wear it well.
Coventry Sphinx – who are they?
If there’s one thing Premier League football clubs know about, it’s making money. Sure, they tend to blow nearly every penny on transfer fees, player wages and agents, but as far as revenue goes, they get results. So it’s no surprise that, in recent years, they’ve noticed the potential profits to be made in property, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and others all reaping the rewards from major stadium redevelopments. Everton is next on the list to build a new ground, while reworking the iconic Goodison Park for housing that will no doubt be highly desirable, for half of Liverpool at least. Lower down the pyramid, it’s mixed results: Luton Town secured approval for a new stadium alongside a 40-acre town centre regeneration, but Woking saw its £300m stadium and residential plans rejected. Now though, our regular survey of planning applications reveals it’s the turn of… Coventry Sphinx FC? In all our years of watching football, Diary has, alas, never heard of them. But, thanks to Google, we now know their club crest unites in a single image two wonders of the world: the Sphinx and, er, Coventry’s “three spires”. For that reason alone, we wish them all the best with their bid to build 200 homes next to the Coventry Sphinx Sports and Social Club… and in their tricky FA Vase second round clash with Dudley Sports. But is it too late to amend the application to include a supermarket? “Lidl of the Sphinx” is a headline we are aching to write.
Once bitten, twice shy
Estate agency Dexters came in for some criticism back when the first lockdown began in March, being slammed on social media for encouraging staff to travel to work. Chairman and founder Jeff Doble told us back then that this was unfair and misguided, and that the firm had been following government advice throughout. However, lesson learned, they are clearly looking to stay ahead of the game with lockdown 2.0 ushered in by a Dexters press release making clear how they will be handling things. Buyers or vendors have to make an appointment to visit, at which point staff, with masks, will talk to them outside (in bad weather, a screened area will allow one visitor inside). Those workers in offices will be safely shielded. Meanwhile, as well as virtual tours, viewings are carrying on with all parties fully masked and gloved-up. Dexters has been so proactive that, on further reading, it appears it implemented all these measures five months ago, though seems to be taking any opportunity to shout about it. Safety first, when it comes to Covid-19 and PR.
