Hosted at the Centenary Pavilion at Elland Road, Leeds (the first time in quite a few years that trophies have been seen anywhere in the vicinity!) the award ceremony saw us crowned ‘Property Advisor of the Year, Yorkshire & the North East’ 2012. Fellow EG award winners were Henry Boot Developments, who scooped the ‘Property Company of the Year’ and we shared a celebratory beer whilst having a good natter to fellow winners, Vivienne Clements and David Anderson.

The event, hosted by the RICS and EG, saw 250 or so of the region’s top property professionals enjoy a great night’s entertainment and networking, with funny man Tony Hawks as compere for the evening.

No banana-man antics from TJC this year, although Dunn and Rastrick did their best Fireman Sam impersonation carrying EG’s Stacey Meadwell from the stage!

Congratulations to all at Sanderson Weatherall whose expertise, professionalism and hard work secured the accolade for our firm once again.

Heartfelt thanks also to all our clients and supporters who once again voted for us.

Finally, many thanks to Stacey and Josh at Estates Gazette for their excellent hospitality.

Richard Dunn
Partner, Agency
(0113) 221 6137
richard.dunn@sw.co.uk

Online Auction

On the Instructions of The Administrators of Kirkstone Quarry Ltd

Available for sale:

Quarrying contractors plant & equipment, slate & tile processing machinery & motor vehicles

On view: From 9am to 4pm Tuesday 22 May 2012

Bidding closes: From 12 noon Monday 28 May 2012

Locations: Petts Quarry, Ambleside, Cumbria
Brathay Quarry, Hawkshead, Cumbria
Head Office, Skelwith Bridge, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AW
Railway Station Yard, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7LR

To find out more, please click here

Printing Presses, Factory Equipment & Vehicles Auction

Online Auction

On the instructions of Wyndeham Group

Main Items immediately available by Private Treaty

Available for sale:

Excellent quality web offset printing presses, binding & packing lines, pre-press equipment, factory & office furnishings & equipment and vehicles

On view: From 10am to 4pm Monday 28 May 2012 and Tuesday 29 May 2012 or by appointment

Bidding closes: From 12 noon Wednesday 30 May 2012

Location: Eastern Wood Road, Langage Business Park, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 5ET

To find out more, please click here

Auction Sales

We have a great range of auctions coming up. To find out more details, please click here to visit our website.

Our Machinery and Business Assets team offer a comprehensive range of services. Whether you need a detailed valuation of machinery, a desk appraisal, or you want to sell a single machine to a factory full of assets – we can help.

We operate throughout the United Kingdom, specifically in Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne and Teesside. We also operate abroad, and have associate offices in Belfast, Dublin, mainland Europe, the US, India and the Far East.

Despite continuing economic uncertainty, the conclusion of a couple of larger, long-running requirements gave the market a welcome boost. Whilst the city centre saw a slightly lower volume of deals, the average deal size was much larger than in recent quarters, with 42% being over 10,000 sq ft.

There was also a continuation of the recent trend favouring Grade A buildings and “Character” space which did well at the expense of Grade B space. Having said this there continues to be a very limited choice of existing prime core buildings for occupiers seeking over 20,000 sq ft and/or floor plates of 10,000 sq ft and above. Given on-going restrictions on development finance we do not envisage any new supply being committed to, even on the best located sites, without a significant pre-let.

Prime headline rents typically stand at around £24.00 – £25.00 psf depending on suite size and lease length. The highest rent paid during the quarter was at 10 South Parade where QBE Insurance took 6,350 sq ft at a headline rent of £25.00 psf.

Looking ahead we expect the double dip recession to maintain the challenging conditions we have experienced in recent years. Whilst the relative shortage of Grade A supply continues we expect better buildings on the fringe of the prime core to benefit and incentive packages to stabilise. Developers holding prime sites will continue to track pre-let opportunities only.

Richard Dunn
Partner, Agency
(0113) 221 6137
richard.dunn@sw.co.uk

Over the last three years, the region has faced its fair share of challenges brought about by the wider economic struggles.

Lack of available finance and market uncertainty caused a halt to many of the area’s pre-recession plans. As a result, there has been very little in the way of major new schemes coming to fruition and much of the commercial property sector has had to focus on stock built prior to 2008.

Now, signs from the market are suggesting that we are entering a different stage of activity. In the first quarter of 2012, we have seen a significant increase in the numbers across multiple sectors.

For instance, in the office market, lettings have doubled compared to the same period last year and we are receiving a number of 10,000 sq ft plus requirements which simply didn’t exist in 2011.

In the industrial sector, we are dealing with a good level of demand from the logistics, supply-chain and warehousing base and the announcements from Nissan, Hitachi and SSI certainly give cause for optimism as they continue to encourage firms to consider the benefits of continued estates investment here in the North East.

Should this upward trend continue, then a lack of supply in some sectors / areas may move values upwards and improve market confidence. And, this situation may begin to tempt the banks into lending again.

The Localism Act and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have also brought about potential opportunities for regeneration. The cut in planning red tape and a greater focus towards local community involvement in Neighbourhood and Local Plans, could lead to swifter consents for new scheme development.

The challenge now is to create public and private sector partnerships to enable regeneration growth to take place, probably in the form of smaller, more manageable schemes, where developers can be confident of delivery.

It’s crucial for the region to work together to capture inward investment and for our local authorities and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), who inherited the land assets of the former One North East, to try and ensure that the funds and catalysts are in place so that schemes like these can proceed through the planning process to completion.

The current picture shows that the numbers are starting to move in the right direction, however, regeneration certainly requires a true ‘team effort’ and it’s going to take the full range of regional stakeholders pulling together cohesively and most importantly, the right financial support to move the North East regeneration forward.

Robert Patterson
Partner, Agency
(0191) 269 0105
robert.patterson@sw.co.uk

Sanderson Weatherall is delighted to announce a new office opening for Bristol. Managed by our long-standing partner, George Penrice, the office will extend our current property offering and will provide our clients with a broader geographical remit.

Complementing our existing locations in Leeds, Newcastle, Teesside, Manchester and London, the new office is part of a long-term strategy for national growth and we are actively looking to recruit high calibre Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants to join those staff already in place.

As a business, we have been looking at growth strategies for some time and expanding our geographical coverage is central to this. It is the loyalty and support of our clients that has enabled us to expand and we are grateful to enjoy such loyal partnerships. By expanding our operation we hope to accommodate their requests for high quality, expert country-wide property services.

Our next step is to open and grow an office in Birmingham. We are similarly interested in hearing from high calibre parties with a good client following, who might be interested in the benefits of working for an independent owner managed business.

Andrew Ellis
Managing Partner
(0113) 221 6040
andrew.ellis@sw.co.uk

With the CCGs becoming the dominant structure in the provision of primary healthcare, their structure and constitution remains one of the hot topics in the sector, as does the implementation of the reforms. Now that the Bill is an Act, the struggle over its passage is likely to become a tussle over its implementation.

In theory, the responsibility for implementation will fall to the Department of Health’s Ministers. This particular group of politicians, in real terms, have had little or no previous experience of enacting legislation of this size and nature. However, the staff running the NHS Commissioning Board (NCB) have been implementing legislation like this for 10 years or so. Some commentators have already questioned where the power behind the implementation will lie, suggesting the NCB will have the controlling hand.

There is, however, another group that should have a say in the implementation of the legislation, the GPs leading the CCGs who will be at the cutting edge of the decisions made over implementation. Now, as with the politicians, it can be said that the clinicians have no experience of implementing legislation. However, if the GPs do not take the front foot, it seems likely they will not be given the chance to implement and therefore, the method of implementation will be forced upon them.

One of the guiding principles of the NHS reforms was to put the power in the hands of the people dealing with the day-to-day, week-to-week issues and problems at a local level, so they could reflect the needs of their local communities. If implementation is led by the NCB, do the CCGs run the risk that many of the benefits that were expected to be gained could be lost?

Our hope is that the clinicians will be fully consulted and their views and ideas taken on board. Such consultation will hopefully give the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, the benefit of their experience of actual implementation on the ground and offer different solutions on both a practical and policy level, leading to a sensible and efficient implementation of the legislation, to the benefit of both practitioners and patients alike.

David Downing
Partner, Valuation
(0191) 269 0151
david.downing@sw.co.uk

We are thrilled to take the title for an eighth consecutive time and are the only firm in the history of the awards to do so.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who voted for us, your support is greatly appreciated.

This award demonstrates our reputation in the commercial property market for high quality delivery, industry expertise and strong client relationships.

We are in the business of realising client aspirations and thanks to the unyielding professionalism and commitment of our expertly skilled team, we can continue to say that we are the best in Yorkshire and the North East!

Tim Catterall
Partner, Agency
(01642) 426 910
tim.catterall@sw.co.uk

Have you cast your vote for this year’s Regional Estates Gazette Awards?

If not, then don’t delay as voting closes 5 April 2012!

Sanderson Weatherall has been shortlisted for the ‘Regional Property Adviser of the Year’ for the Yorkshire and North East category.

If you would like to vote for us please click here and tick the Sanderson Weatherall LLP box under ‘Yorkshire & North East Adviser’.

Please vote before the deadline – your support is much appreciated!

In his address, the Planning Minister said that “…the reforms to planning policy have 3 fundamental objectives:

• To put unprecedented power in the hands of communities to shape the places in which they live;
• To better support growth to give the next generation the chance that our generation has had to have a decent home, and to allow the jobs to be created on which our prosperity depends; and
• To ensure that the places we cherish – our countryside, towns and cities – are bequeathed to the next generation in a better condition than they are now.”

The slimmed down, finalised document, will apply a presumption in favour of sustainable development, seen as the ‘golden thread’ running through plan making and decision making.

Mr Clark went on to say that the final framework:

• “Makes it clear that the local plan is, as the Committee put it, the keystone of the planning edifice
• Is crystal clear that sustainable development embraces social and environmental as well as economic objectives and does so in a balanced way;
• Refers explicitly to the five principles of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy;
• Goes further than ever before and is clear that councils should look for net improvements on all dimensions of sustainability;
• Makes explicit that the presumption in favour of sustainable development works through, not against, local plans;
• Makes it clear that relevant policies – such as those protecting the Green Belt, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Parks and other areas – cannot be overridden by the presumption;
• Recognises the intrinsic value and beauty of the countryside (whether specifically designated or not);
• Makes explicit what was always implicit: that councils’ policies must encourage brownfield sites to be brought back into use;
• Underlines the importance of town centres, while recognising that businesses in rural communities should be free to expand;
• Takes a localist approach to creating a buffer of housing supply over and above 5 years, and in the use of windfall sites;
• Allows councils to protect back gardens – those precious urban oases
• Ensures that playing fields continue to benefit from that same protection that they do currently”

With many hailing the NPPF as a step in the right direction, it’s time to examine the detail within the new 50-page document, to take stock of exactly what effect this will have on both the planning system and the wider development market.

To view a copy of the National Planning Policy Framework in its entirety, please click here

Sean Hedley
Partner, Planning
(0191) 269 0140
sean.hedley@sw.co.uk

Alcohol awareness groups have given the measures a lukewarm reception. Charity, Drinkaware, has said that it is concerned that the strategy does not sufficiently target “hidden binge drinkers”, whilst others are worried it may penalise those who drink responsibly.

Drinkaware chief executive, Chris Sorek, said: “As a charity dedicated to changing the UK’s drinking culture, we fully support measures to help reduce alcohol misuse in the UK. While price is one of many factors that influence drinking, at the source of behaviour change is tackling people’s attitudes.

He also added: “We are pleased to see that addressing binge drinking is high on the political agenda. However we would like to see more emphasis on tackling the habitual drinking behaviour of UK adults which, if not addressed, will have serious implication for the health of the nation.”

Brewers have also been generally negative in their response to the measures. Henry Chevallier, chair of the National Association of Cider Makers, said: “The cider industry is extremely disappointed with the Government’s new legislative approach. There has been no consultation despite the great impact this legislation could have on our industry, which contributes significantly to the local, rural economies where our members are based.”

A statement issued by Heineken UK, brewers of some of the UK’s most popular brands including Heineken, Fosters, John Smiths and Newcastle Brown Ale said: “We share the Prime Minister’s desire to tackle alcohol misuse. However, we don’t believe that a policy of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) will be successful in deterring those who misuse alcohol. Furthermore, it is a blanket measure likely to impact on moderate consumers and particularly the poorest.

“We note, with disappointment, that the proposed consultation on MUP is limited to the actual price, rather than the principles of such a policy, whether it will be successful or indeed what alternatives could be considered.

“We actively support the Government’s Responsibility Deal on alcohol and believe that there are actions we are already taking, that are having a positive impact. For Heineken, this means providing good quality consumer information on bottles, cans and glasses; developing lower abv drinks; discontinuing the ultra cheap high strength drinks most likely to be misused; working with specialist groups such as Addaction, Best Bar None and CAP; and using our sponsorships & other advertising channels to help make responsible consumption a desirable state.”

The measures have however been better received by the licensed trade itself.

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) said: “We are pleased that the Government has finally woken up to the fact that it is the plethora of pocket money priced alcohol and unregulated supermarket sales which are the real problem. With 70% of alcohol now bought and consumed at home, punitive measures against pubs and bars will not deliver the Government’s public policy objectives on health and crime and disorder.

“We welcome this move that starts to address the price differential between pubs and supermarkets, and we still need action to encourage customers to drink in the supervised, responsible environment of the pub. The aim must be to see alcohol sold and consumed responsibly. This is about individual behaviour too, but we are certainly playing our part in making the alcohol policy work properly.”

Here at Sanderson Weatherall, our view is that the benefits of the minimum pricing policy must outweigh the negatives. As it both starts to address the serious public health issues arising from ‘Binge Drinking’ and alcohol abuse, and hopefully revitalises the Public House market, who have generally promoted responsible drinking practices.

This closes the gap between heavily discounted alcohol sales in the supermarket, which have lead to the phenomenon of ‘pre-loading’ on cheap, high-strength alcohol and prices in pubs and clubs, where the licensees must take a greater control over who buys the alcohol and how much they drink. A much greater level of control than can be exercised by the supermarket and off sales trade.

Some will argue that a minimum price of 40p per unit is not enough, but we consider it to be just about right. Being high enough to influence discounting of strong alcohol in the off sales trade, but not so high as to negatively affect the prices in pubs and bars. The minimum price, demanded by medical groups, will mean that a bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than £3.60; a single can of lager will cost at least 80p; and a bottle of spirits between £10.40 and £11.20. Government figures claim that it will cost the average drinker between £21 and £23 a year. Drinkers consuming “harmful” levels of more than 50 units a week, will pay as much as £135 extra a year.

The question however that must be asked is whether pricing will influence those with serious alcohol problems, or, whether greater support from government bodies might have a bigger impact.

David Downing
Partner, Valuation
(0191) 269 0151
david.downing@sw.co.uk