JK Property Consultants Below you will see the latest news headlines to the ecovision website: http://pixel2life.com LEP sets a cracking pace and gets fund working for region January 2012 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=153 Let us learn from 2011 January 2012 THE value of hindsight is that it can help inform insight and foresight – but what we must not do is look back at the last year with short-sight http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=152 Partnership can see us through December 2011 CLEARLY the Government keeps a close eye on The Journal. No sooner had we published the column headlined “It’s time to start tackling the gap in the market” than the coalition announced its Unlocking Growth in Cities report. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=151 Focus on commercial side of farming August 2011 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=150 Planning for the changes to deliver growth THE concern about being fitter to deliver economic growth and jobs has focused in part on ensuring that our planning service in the region is ‘open for business’ and can deliver more quickly. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=149 Act now to give region economic edge May 4 2011 THE Government has published its final report and recommendations on low-carbon construction and it should be compelling reading for anyone involved in property. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=148 PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY ADVICE CAN REDUCE COSTS April 2011 With over 100,000 qualified members and more than 50,000 students and trainees in 140 countries, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the world's leading qualification when it comes to professional standards in land, property, construction and associated environmental issues. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=116 150 jobs may be created on site in Gateshead March 20 2011 AROUND 150 jobs will be created if developers get the go-ahead to give a derelict site a new lease of life.

Network Rail and 3R Land & Property have submitted a planning application to develop a brownfield site on Askew Road, Gateshead.

 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=115 Government commended on assisted deposit scheme March 25 2011 THE regions housebuilders have welcomed the Chancellors introduction of an assisted deposit scheme as a major step in resuscitating the market. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=114 Support vital for difficult task Mar 16 2011 CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Walker on his appointment as the new head of the North Easts latest local enterprise partnership. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=113 Focus will deliver growth Dec 22 2010 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=112 Tough year ahead but there’s still hope Oct 27 2010 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=111 A different way we can fund development Oct 6 2010 WITH the expected cuts in capital spending it is essential that other methods are put into place to help fund infrastructure spending. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=110 How our region will be changing short-term Sep 8 2010 SINCE the arrival of the coalition Government, significant changes in the planning system have resulted in stasis, little housing development and virtually no commercial development, with the exception of some public sector work focused on schools and health. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=109 Turn the property market to your own advantage Sep 1 2010 THE property market in the North East remains a buyer’s or tenant’s market. Good deals are being done in open market lettings. Landlords are taking a realistic approach in offering to lower rents, improve accommodation and grant longer rent free periods. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=108 Partnership approach best for the region Aug 25 2010 THERE is in the bid for a local economic partnership (LEP) a fundamental imperative to win the confidence of the government that the region can run its affairs. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=107 Staying on top of situation to protect North East businesses Aug 18 2010 THE coalition Government’s £1bn Regional Growth Fund is going to be key to our future in the North of England. Especially important is how it’s allocated and why. Achieving economic regeneration is not solely about encouraging innovation and creating SMEs and will need a different approach in each region. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=106 Crucial for united region to make case Aug 11 2010 FIRST of all, the great news ... North East businessman Sir Ian Wigglesworth, who was recently appointed deputy chairman of the Government's £1bn Regional Growth Fund Panel, said that it should benefit the North East "substantially". http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=105 Where will plans leave North East? Aug 4 2010 THE property sector feels as if it’s under siege at the moment and one of the reasons is that we are working in a vacuum while the new Government gets its ducks in a row. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=104 Property expenses should be first target for cost-cutting Jul 28 2010 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=103 Knock-on effects for business Jul 14 2010 http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=102 Mediation is usually better than litigation Jul 7 2010 OVER the last few weeks I’ve taken a macro view. We have seen the big picture of the election and the impact of the recession and economy on property. I think we need a rest and to look at the users end - the people in property. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=101 Let's get on with the job of being self-sufficient Jun 22 2010 WITH the Emergency Budget out of the way we now know the size of the task and what we as a region need to do to grow the economy. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=100 Zero-carbon homes too dear for buyers Jun 16 2010 IT was highly significant that one of the first acts of the new coalition Government was to abolish the hugely unpopular Home Improvement Packs - the dreaded Hips, as they became known far and wide - which were introduced with the aim of speeding up and adding more certainty to the home-buying process. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=99 The work goes on despite uncertainty Jun 2 2010 THE political Punch and Judy show may be over but we still remain in a period of uncertainty while the dust settles and the many promised changes begin to take effect. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=98 Private sector must be given opportunity to step into breach May 26 2010 THE Journal's Case for the North East campaign has made interesting reading in recent weeks, especially a leading article which suggests that the new Government has been listening to the region's business community. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=97 We need a champion May 12 2010 REGENERATION is a term that we are all familiar with, perhaps too familiar with because even amongst property professionals it can mean something very different. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=96 Reality check will help stabilise the economy Apr 28 2010 EARLY signs of improvement in the property market were reinforced with the release of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Commercial Property Market quarterly report. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=93 Crucial relations for tenants and landlords Apr 7 2010 THE annual Occupier Satisfaction Index Survey questionnaire has just been issued by the Property Industry Alliance. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=92 Perhaps we're better off without link Mar 24 2010 NEVER has the phrase on the wrong side of the tracks meant more than when Lord Adonis announced that Labour's plans for the multi-billion high-speed rail track did not include the North East. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=91 We should be ready to fight our corner Mar 10 2010 REGENERATION is an interesting term because it means many different things to many different people. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=90 Less talk, more action needed Feb 10 2010 I think the green agenda in the property sector reflects the climate change agenda in general - there's an awful lot of talk about it but there's not much action that I can see. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=89 Regeneration about people Jan 27 2010 I RECENTLY spent a day at the Northern Way conference - entitled Regeneration Momentum Financing and Delivering Regeneration in More Challenging Times - which is an extravagant luxury for a chartered surveyor, but well worth it. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=81 Reduce property cost to increase profit Jan 6 2010 THIS is a difficult time for small businesses and landlords. Landlords are small businesses and have suffered a fall in value by some 30% of their investment value. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=80 It’s time to think about other people now Dec 23 2009 OVER the last year I have given voice to numerous matters connected with land, property, construction and the environment. Economics and politics have also figured quite a lot, which is not surprising given the economic turmoil that all are suffering. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=79 Summit to look forward to next year Dec 9 2009 WE recently held the second annual RICS North East Summit and I can honestly say it provided some excellent insights and a degree of forecasting about the property sector for next year. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=78 We must rebuild the economy Nov 25 2009 WITH the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report coming up on December 9, I thought it might be an opportune moment to look at some of the areas where he could help the property and construction markets - and win his party a few much-needed votes in the next general election. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=77 Planning reform is long overdue Nov 18 2009 A COUPLE of interesting cases in planning and strategic infrastructure were announced last week. The first is Government’s decision not to build a nuclear power station at Druridge Bay. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=76 Partnership could lead North East out of recession Nov 11 2009 A RECENT report from the New Local Government Network (NLGN) is at the same time both illuminating and thought- provoking. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=75 Making your office space work for you Nov 4 2009 AS I’m currently set to deliver a series of talks through Business Link and Rics regarding how businesses can reduce their occupancy costs, I thought it pertinent to reflect on this issue through my column. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=74 Summit boasts a great line-up Oct 28 2009 GOOD morning ladies and gentlemen … we're not all doomed! All of a sudden it's conference time when we can scare ourselves witless with forecasts of gloom and doom ahead or look for the opportunities going forward. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=73 Let's hope for a summit to shout about Oct 21 2009 A MAJOR annual conference entitled the Northern Regeneration Summit is taking place in Manchester this week with many notable speakers, including some from the North East, considering how to secure investment and deliver sustainable communities in volatile economic times. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=72 Why the RDAs must lead the way Oct 14 2009 IT has been interesting to watch and listen to the political party conferences and the main contenders jockeying for position - it has been even more interesting to see them reflect on recent words from this column. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=71 A streamlined system will bring its rewards Oct 7 2009 WHILE money - especially the lack of it - is at the root of the recession it’s actually the changes that it has wrought to our everyday lives that are the real challenges. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=70 Change must not damage our success Sep 23 2009 NEXT year we will potentially see a huge change in how we are governed. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=69 It's time to unlock EU cash for RDAs Sep 16 2009 WRITING a column for The Journal should have a health warning attached to it. Sometimes you seem to be swimming against the tide, asking 'is it me or is the rest of the world mad!' http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=68 Pragmatic approach helps sustainability Sep 2 2009 A COUPLE of weeks ago I said that in very stringent times, we should still construct buildings to the best environmental standards to reduce energy costs and our carbon footprint. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=67 A different approach is needed Aug 26 2009 THE call to wean North firms off welfare has sparked an 'interesting' debate. It's been a pet subject of mine for some years. While Government grants and tax incentives have their place, they also lead to a dependency culture. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=66 Change of focus is needed Aug 19 2009 FOLLOWING my column of last week, I had a call from a gentleman whose opinions I did not entirely share, but we had a humorous exchange of views. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=65 The Catch-22 of Article 14 Aug 12 2009 IDON’T know how many readers are of my generation but for those who are not, a bit of explanation. A satirical novel written by Joseph Heller describes the events of a US bomber squadron in World War II. The book is the excellent Catch-22. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=64 Clustering strategy paying off Aug 5 2009 THE media has recently reported encouraging news about developments in the low carbon, alternative energy and sciences sectors. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=63 ADZs must reinforce fabric of community Jul 29 2009 IN last Wednesday’s Journal (July 22) I was delighted to learn of the reported meeting of the Core Cities Group which comprises economic experts from the eight most important cities outside London. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=62 Cautious optimism in market report Jul 22 2009 TWO pieces of news coming out of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors gave me pause for thought this week. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=61 'Change essential if we are to develop our economy in the region' Jul 15 2009 IN last week's column I emphasised the need for focus and stability in delivering regeneration. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=60 Fanning flames of recession Jul 8 2009 THERE is a lot of political uncertainty at the moment and I think it’s fanning the flames of recession that are tearing through our economy. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=59 Sunderland reflects region's 'glass half full' economy Jul 1 2009 I WOULD like this week to shout a loud well done to Sunderland. Clearly the Black Cats are keeping the flag flying in the Premiership – although I’m sure Newcastle and Middlesbrough will be back next year – but the city and surrounding region could do with a big pat on the back too. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=58 Crucial decision for planners Jun 24 2009 SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has submitted a planning application to build a new 20,000 sq ft store on Morpeth’s Coopies Lane Industrial Estate while Sainsbury’s has plans for a 35,000 sq ft store at Stobhill http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=57 Science City: private funds vital Jun 17 2009 NO one would argue that the initial proposal to develop Science City wasn’t a welcome decision, representing as it did a long-term commitment to driving new and diverse sectors for investment that would help create economic growth, not just in Newcastle but across the wider North East region. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=56 One size fits all is not a good approach to housing May 27 2009 I READ with interest an article last week on the Government's new £400m fund, announced in April's Budget, to reignite housing projects across the UK that have stalled at the hands of the recession. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=54 What is taking Jessica so long? What is taking Jess I RECEIVED an update from the RICS EU office in Brussels last week which included news on the much anticipated Jessica Fund and details of the first holding agreement which was signed on April 29 … in Poland http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=53 The pain could boost the gain May 13 2009 THIS may seem like a strange question, but could the recession ultimately be a good thing for the North East? Clearly, if you are going to make changes, this is not the best way to do it; there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the region suffering real hardship due to shorter working hours, wage freezes and, sadly, increasing redundancies. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=52 Opportunities will come out of recession May 13 2009 THIS may seem like a strange question, but could the recession ultimately be a good thing for the North East? Clearly, if you are going to make changes, this is not the best way to do it; there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the region suffering real hardship due to shorter working hours, wage freezes and, sadly, increasing redundancies. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=51 Time for a north bank has arrived May 6 2009 AN extremely interesting and timely conference took place last week organised by the Northern Way. It was supported by the three northern Regional Development Agencies, the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Communities and Local Government, the Association of North East Councils, 4NW and Local Government Yorkshire and Humberside and attracted a representative from just about every public sector organisation youve ever heard of in the North of England – and some you haven’t! http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=50 A bad idea in the good times just got worse Apr 29 2009 AFTER my green predictions last week, I was pleased to see a budget focused on renewables, green technology and low carbon initiatives. Far from pleasing however, was Mr Darling’s complete and utter disregard of any intention to scrap or reduce empty property rates (EPR). http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=49 Green issues should top the Budget agenda Apr 22 2009 HAVING prepared this column in advance of todays Budget announcement, I thought it apt to turn my attention to a subject that will be with us long after the recession moves on – the environment. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=48 Chancellor needs to oil the wheels Apr 15 2009 WITH Budget Day looming on April 22 my thoughts turned to second guessing what the Chancellor might do. As there is no chance of balancing the Budget, he can only encourage economic activity with adjustments while trying not to increase the already enormous burden on future generations http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=47 A time to show our enterprise Apr 1 2009 HOW did we get to where we are? Many reasons, I suspect that others are far better qualified to talk about. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=46 Attracting investors Mar 11 2009 PROFESSOR Michael Parkinson is the director of the European Institute for Urban Affairs at Liverpool John Moores University and last October, in a keynote address at the Northern Regeneration Conference, he stated: "It’s time for the public sector to step up to the plate". http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=45 We face a skills shortage once the recession is over Mar 4 2009 THE subject of skills has arrived at the top of the agenda and rightly so. The recession is now biting all sectors of the economy with one common denominator – its taking with it a whole raft of highly skilled workers from Britains key industries. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=44 Spotlight on the reason behind complex process Jun 5 2002 Businesses need valuations for a variety of reasons. It might be to establish the security for a loan, for buying or selling a property when you need an indication of the likely price, or simply for incorporation into business accounts or a prospectus. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=41 Leading the way for work, rest and play Oct 16 2002 Mixed-use developments are a potent tool for urban regeneration and one which the North-East has used particularly well in recent years and continues to use today. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=40 Not taking advice can damage your wealth Oct 30 2002 The Government has expressed concern at rigid lease terms preventing new businesses from starting up and the growth of existing businesses being prevented. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=39 Make the most from your assets Nov 7 2002 Chartered surveyors command a unique position - they have the knowledge, the skill and the expertise to help any business maximise the investment it is making in its assets. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=38 Make the most from your assets Nov 7 2002 Chartered surveyors command a unique position - they have the knowledge, the skill and the expertise to help any business maximise the investment it is making in its assets. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=37 Coping with the Norths industrial heritage Jan 8 2003 The North Easts industrial past has left a legacy of declining industrial areas where buildings and sites lie vacant or under-utilised. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=36 Quality wins out over cheaper areas Aug 13 2003 The development of Newcastle s Quayside helped raise the city s profile as a top office location. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=35 Why not take a SIPP of property investment? Feb 16 2005 Property has outperformed other investment sectors over the last ten years and while the hope is that stock market equities will improve and outperform the property sector in 2005, it is unlikely. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=33 Schemes are social and economic balancing act Apr 26 2006 From the regeneration of the Newcastle Gateshead quaysides to the Middlehaven project in Middlesbrough, examples of mixed-use development schemes are prominent in the North-East. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=32 Be fair to the householders May 24 2006 The transport network in the North-East needs much improvement if the objectives of the Northern Way and regional development agency One NorthEast are to be achieved. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=31 Silver service is the usual standard now Jul 26 2006 Serviced offices have had a rough ride over the last few years with the dotcom downturn taking a particularly heavy toll on serviced office landlords. But as RICS spokesman Kevan Carrick explains, their flexibility is more in demand than ever. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=30 £32.5m cost of extra tax burden Feb 13 2008 WHEN the Government increases the payment of empty property rates from April 1, it will place an increased burden on offices, factories and warehouses in the North East. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=29 Buy-to-leave is unhealthy Feb 20 2008 THERE is now an over-supply of flats in Newcastle and Gateshead and it’s in danger of unbalancing the market. Not so long ago the city centre was without flats, apart from the odd caretaker’s place in a high-rise building. How times have changed. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=28 Don’t hold back region in Budget Mar 12 2008 WHEN Chancellor Alistair Darling stands up to deliver his Budget today, he should take care not to introduce anything that will hold back regional development in the North of England. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=27 Leadership needed on eco-friendly homes Apr 9 2008 A COUPLE of news reports caught my eye this week. The first is that a party of scientists has started a five-week biological survey of the Ross Sea in Antarctica, partly to gather data to measure the impact of climate change. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=26 The housing debate Apr 16 2008 NEWS last week from the Halifax that house prices fell by 2.5% in March was hardly disastrous and certainly not unexpected, but it was the debate which followed it that I found really interesting. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=25 It’s time to stop the talking and start taking some action Apr 23 2008 AFEW weeks ago I attended a seminar at Tees Valley Regeneration in Stockton to hear about the plans for a new Metro system in the area. This ambitious proposal would make a huge difference to getting around the region and it prompted me to think about the role that transport and communications play in the property market and the wider economy. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=24 The housing debate Apr 16 2008 NEWS last week from the Halifax that house prices fell by 2.5% in March was hardly disastrous and certainly not unexpected, but it was the debate which followed it that I found really interesting. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=23 It’s time to stop the talking and start taking some action Apr 23 2008 AFEW weeks ago I attended a seminar at Tees Valley Regeneration in Stockton to hear about the plans for a new Metro system in the area. This ambitious proposal would make a huge difference to getting around the region and it prompted me to think about the role that transport and communications play in the property market and the wider economy. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=22 We have inherent stability here, so steady as she goes Apr 30 2008 I’M sure we all welcomed the recent commercial property market report from the Rics – featured in this section last week – which painted a positive picture for the sector in the North East and reflected the generally upbeat nature of the regional economy as a whole. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=21 The importance of great design May 21 2008 THIS year represents the fifth anniversary of both The Journal Landmark Awards and the RICS North East Renaissance Awards and their success underlies the importance of great design in the urban environment. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=20 Time to go back to the basics May 28 2008 THE doom and gloom surrounding the UK property market is continuing to dominate the news agenda (as it has done for much of 2008), and I thought it was about time we took stock of the regional marketplace and consider what, if anything, we need to worry about. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=19 Time to go back to the basics May 28 2008 THE doom and gloom surrounding the UK property market is continuing to dominate the news agenda (as it has done for much of 2008), and I thought it was about time we took stock of the regional marketplace and consider what, if anything, we need to worry about. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=18 Whole industry must go zero Jun 11 2008 WE’VE seen one of the UK’s major house builders, Barratt Homes, launch the ‘first zero carbon home’, followed by much debate in the property industry on what actually constitutes ‘zero carbon’. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=17 Message is: be reasonable and keep talking Jul 9 2008 LANDLORD and tenant disputes are all too common. Apart from rent, the next major reason for a dispute is a claim for lack of repair. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=16 Creating a can-do culture in the North Jul 30 2008 THE co-founder of Apple computers, Steve Jobs, once said: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” It’s an astute observation and one that can be applied across a variety of contexts. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=15 Congestion relief is the short-term fix Aug 6 2008 I WHOLEHEARTEDLY welcomed the Government’s announcement last week of a £600m cash injection to reinvigorate the region’s transport links. It’s a subject on which, until now, we’ve heard much talk and seen little action but Rosie Winterton’s arrival at Newcastle Central Station to publicise the plans finally signified what I believe to be one of the most crucial turning points in the region’s ongoing economic development. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=14 South setting itself up for massive fall Aug 20 2008 LAST week’s Cities Unlimited report from think tank Policy Exchange, which suggested that Northern cities such as Sunderland were beyond revival, sent shockwaves to the very core of all Northerners’ hearts. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=13 Regeneration needs patience and skill Aug 27 2008 FOLLOWING last week’s column on Policy Exchange’s Cities Unlimited report, I thought it only fair to look more closely at the “unreported views” of author Tim Leunig who came under so much scrutiny from the media and opinion formers. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=12 Everyone is worse off after ministers’ empty gesture Sep 10 2008 SIX months ago, the Government decided to restrict empty property rate relief. As the controversy surrounding the move continues, I wanted to take a look at the impact it’s having on commercial property and why, in my view, the effects have only been adverse. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=11 Firms ignore biggest potential saving Oct 15 2008 NEW legislation governing the energy performance of commercial property came into force on October 1 requiring all commercial premises which an owner intends to sell or let to have an energy performance certificate (EPC). http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=10 Nobody can prosper by going it alone Oct 15 2008 THE UK economy has undergone major change in the past 12 months, presenting challenging times for all those involved in property and construction. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=9 Bankers must act as bankers Nov 26 2008 THERE is a lot on the news agenda at the moment, so a conference taking place entitled Current Impacts: Future Trends won’t get much of a mention in many newspapers. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=8 Longer-term steps needed to tackle economy problem Dec 3 2008 CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling’s Pre-Budget Report detailed a number of short-term measures to support the UK economy during this uncertain time, but we need longer-term steps to achieve a more fundamental change in such a challenging economy. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=7 Bring back JESSICA – and soon Dec 10 2008 I READ with interest One North East’s recent announcement on the new £125m JEREMIE super fund that will come into fruition in 2010 (Journal, November 22). It did, however, raise the question whatever happened to its sister fund JESSICA? http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=6 Mega agency report meets with criticism Dec 17 2008 IT came as no surprise to me that last week’s report from London-based think-tank Centre for Cities – which suggested the creation of a new mega development agency for the North – was met with resounding criticism. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=5 Caution over confidence boost Jan 21 2009 LIKE much of the region’s business community, I welcomed news last week of the Government’s £20bn loan guarantee scheme to help small and medium sized businesses. In principle, it all sounds great. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=4 Act now to protect valued staff Jan 28 2009 HEARING of yet more job losses this week prompts me to encourage firms faced with redundancies to do all they can to retain their staff, rather than retrenching them now and regretting it later. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=3 We must have determination to succeed Feb 4 2009 SANDMAN Hotel Group’s acquisition of the Scottish and Newcastle site last week is a huge boost for the city. Major international investors need to perceive a strong market to justify this kind of development. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=2 Businesses shouldn’t be bled dry by tax Feb 11 2009 THE threat of the biggest rise in business rates since the modern system began in 1993 filled my heart with dread when I heard about it this week. http://www.jkpropertyconsultants.com/news/media_article.php?id=1