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Occupiers and landlord pendulum swings back to level playing field.

One modest advantage some occupiers seized on during the recession was to seize the opportunity to negotiate more flexible lease terms as landlords sought to stave off vacancies and the threat of empty rates. But as direct property markets rebounded – and the UK economy emerged from recession – over the final quarter of last year, the balance of power between landlords and occupiers has started to even out, according to IPD Occupiers director Glenn Corney.

In a wide ranging interview, IPD Occupier’s Glenn Corney talks about the evolution of occupier expectations post-credit crunch. He discusses:

• The increasing importance of environmental performance, space optimisation and cost efficiencies bear in the successful management of properties;
• The rising ambition of occupiers to not just improve their property operational standards within their peer groups, but to reach world class standards:
• How the public and private sector could learn from one another in property management;
• The role of benchmarking to assist occupiers in improving building performance to drive operational effectiveness and;
• How IPD can help both the private and public sector in their ambitions.

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VFA Webinar

VFA recently hosted a webinar which examined the importance of integrating facilities management into the business decision making progress. A distinguished panel was assembled to include the CoreNet chair, Barry Varcoe and Iain Murray, Chair of the BIFM. There were approximately 40 people on line in attendance.

The audience were able to submit on-line questions to either the host or panellists, which generated a lively debate. Whilst the entry level was perhaps purposefully low key, it was apparent that there was an increasing awareness both of the role that facility or real estate managers must fulfil, but also the opportunity open to them to contribute in a meaningful way to their organisations and elevate both themselves and real estate to the so called “C” suite.

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Managing your Career in Difficult Times

Another very well attended workshop was held by the CoreNet UK Chapter, hosted by CMS Cameron McKenna.
Two very senior real estate professionals delivered candid, insightful and positive accounts on how to manage the uncertainty that is coupled with redundancy and job insecurity. The legal view point was also expertly highlighted and attendees were reminded the importance of getting your CV updated and succinct. 
Click for more information on executive search contacts and the legal presentation. More..

Workplace Innovation: Changing the Rules in the Legal and Banking Industries

The London headquarters of British law firm Eversheds LLP was co-star of a CoreNet New York presentation this past Wednesday at Manhattan's Time-Life Building. More..

Office tenants share retail's pain

As an office occupier, I note with interest the increasing correspondence and progress being made between retail landlords and their tenants in cutting service charge bills. On 3 April, Property Week reporting on a service charge crusade and outlined a 10-point plan to flush out landlords that overcharge. More..

New Board Structure announced for the UK chapter

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