Posted by:
Shelley Frost
Director, Corporate Solutions, EMEA

Well, what a fantastic and well attended Summit we had in London. Attendees went the distance and the closing reception and prize draw were better attended than I have seen at several past summits. Things must be getting more positive….

The event was rounded off yesterday by an interesting presentation by Sahar Hashemi and her story of entrepreneurship and setting up Coffee Republic. Her story and the opening session have made me think that it is time to view the world differently and come up with some new approaches to old problems.

We may have had challenging times, but us humans are really great at recalibrating our minds and brains to start afresh and make a positive difference. What we have to do now is just Leap and Be Bold.

Posted by
Lee Elliott
Head of Corporate Research, EMEA

This morning’s break-out session, highlighting an imminent short-fall of supply, was largely UK centric but the issues raised reverberate right around the EMEA region.  Supply pipelines have been heavily curtailed given the global financial crisis and the accompanying reduction of demand.  That much was clear from today’s presentation. 

Four things struck me, however, that were less clear-cut, the focus of some debate and which are critical to the supply dynamic;

1.  There may be a clear reduction   in the volume of supply but the pain for occupiers is compounded by a lack of quality solutions amongst this supply.

2.  This lack of quality, fit for purpose space solutions can only be be addressed through a much needed and honest dialogue between the supply side and the end user. 

3.  The shortfall will be exacerbated by demand.  There was a suggestion in the room that there is no growth so there is no demand.  This does not compute with reality.  Whilst growth for many occupiers is a way off, many are seeking to consolidate or rationalise space and will have a need to go to market thus further eroding already scarce supply.

4.  There must be a growing recognition that solutions can be sought from existing stock.  Rennovations and refurbishments can provide a strong and potentially more timely solution for many occupiers.

There is much talk in the wider market of a supply led recovery.  One man’s recovery is another man’s pain.  Savvy occupiers need to face up now to the future supply dynamic, begin dialogue about space needs with the supply side and seek solutions before the pain becomes even more intolerable.

View more EMEA reasearch on our dedicated blog: From the Roof

Posted by
Randall White
Director, Corporate Solutions, EMEA

Today’s session on complex and emerging markets included a lot of interesting discussion on Africa, something I hear more about from clients more and more.

Violence and warfare are not the biggest risks, but certainly get most attention. And situations can deteriorate, whether it is Nairobi, Bangkok or in a more developed location like Athens.

So real estate must be linked with security and IT particularly in emerging markets, and a cross functional understanding of each function is critical.

Success involves immersion in the culture. The panel presented an interesting example of a cancer hospital being built in Uganda by a research institute out of Seattle. It started with their Seattle facility and the idea to replicate that. But in Uganda the family, rather than nurses, give primary care, so they had to provide space for families to sleep below the bed.

There are huge rewards for those that understand and manage risks effectively. Unlike Asia which is dominated by emerging markets, EMEA is mostly led by mature economies. But with Eastern Europe and Africa, more attention will be given to emerging market activity here in the coming years.

Posted by:
Shelley Frost
Director, Corporate Solutions EMEA

As the end of the first full day of the summit in London draws to a close, I have to say I am excited by the buzz around the place, and it is not just down to too many glasses of champagne last night!
 
I knew being on the Planning Committee for the Summit would be a double edged sword. However, with 444 registrants and great attendance at the general and breakout sessions, the agenda seems to be going down well. The new format Pecha Kucha session caused some lively debate and everyone seems to be talking about a new boldness in the market.
 
Is this really the end of the downturn we are seeing here? Or a new optimism on behalf of corporate real estate, as we start to at least lift ourselves and our businesses out of recession. There is certinaly a palpable desire to boldly take the next positive steps in the right direction, and a willingness to discuss new ideas, approaches and collaboration. Even a grey day in London cannot dampen the upbeat spirits and conversations of people doing real estate business!
 
Well, time to get ready for this evenings festivities and more champagne. Let’s hope that the fizz continues into Wednesday – today’s sessions, including my own, were well attended. I’m hosting again on tomorrow’s agenda, which promises more thought-provoking debate – so let’s hope attendees can go the distance.

Posted by
Tim Tourville
Head of Integrated Facilities Management, EMEA

In what was a departure from the conventional General Session, the lively Pecha Kucha debate highlighted the challenge of a slow moving economic recovery in the more mature European corporate real estate markets and  six participants addressed the motion ‘The Recession has Crushed Courage’. 
 
Initially, the balance of each argument was equal but by the debate conclusion the audience was against the motion and in fact agreed that bold approaches to real estate decisions are still being taken albeit of a different nature. 

It was mooted that caution in the current market will prolong the process of recovery and we have to be bold in order to progress.  However boldness should be guided by prudence.  Corporate Real Estate teams are finding better ways to minimize risk and they are focused on aligning to long term business strategy.  Taking full advantage of these current market conditions is in itself a bold step forward for the industry.