News

The future of the commercial sector in the East of England

July 22, 2015

Members in the East of England have been debating the future of the commercial sector, but the next generation of surveyors have also been plans for their local area.

Commercial Question Time focuses on Emergency Budget

On 9 July, the East of England Commercial Question Time took place in Ipswich.

The event was well timed as it came the day after the first budget of the majority Conservative Government and the day before the release of the Government’s Productivity Plan. When asked about the budget announcements panellists and members attending all seemed to be in agreement that, the Government is focusing on the right things – productivity and skills – but no one could say whether the announcements made in these areas would go far enough in solving the problem for the East, as there are a lot of issues including finance and security that impact upon activity in these areas.

The morning was very productive with a wide range of topics discussed, including RICS’ activity in the commercial sector and our recent response to HM Treasury Business Rates Consultation. Other topics included devolution and LEPs, the problems and challenges facing developers, how residential impacts the commercial sector, infrastructure, and the EU referendum.

Many points were raised within these topics, but an overlying issue that came through was planning departments and the emergence of nepotism and localism creeping into the system. In an interesting poll of members in attendance about whether the UK should stay or go from the EU, only three members voted to leave the EU.

The event was a great opportunity for members to network and discuss how to move the sector forward. Thanks go to Nigel Sellers FRICS for chairing the debate, and to our panellists, Saul Humphrey, Simon Burton and Julian Wells.

Students impress at ‘Speed Critique’

Pupils from Clacton Coastal Academy, the school RICS has sponsored as part of theClass of Your Own initiative (COYO), wowed surveyors with their progress on the Design Engineer Construct curriculum at the school’s inaugural ‘Speed Critique’ event. The programme aims to educate young people on the different roles available within the Built Environment and demonstrate how professionals work together on real projects.

Students were tasked with addressing the development and regeneration of the Clacton-on-Sea area and put together a short presentation focusing sustainability, interior and exterior design. Gary Knight, Building Surveyor at Atkins, was one of the surveyors giving feedback on the projects.

Talking to the students, I was really enthused by their passion and commitment to the projects they had chosen; their research showed a real ability to understand the local area and potential improvements that could bring the community together.

It was clear that there were a variety of paths different individuals within the group would take if they were to be employed in the industry. Construction is such a diverse sector, and this mix of design led personalities along with more technically minded pupils showed why courses of this type can be very valuable to children as part of their school education.

The event was a real success and I believe that more career led courses and presentations of this type will aid the growth of a new generation coming in the industry. It was a pleasure to be a part of; I am really keen to track the progress of the students through their course as I believe the event showcased some real potential rising stars who will be an asset to the construction Industry.

Gary Knight