So, we’re into January, and what a year 2012 looks set to be.
Yes, the tests for the next twelve months may appear to be the same as 2011, tough trading conditions and changing markets. However, there is certainly a lot to look forward to in 2012 and plenty of reasons to be optimistic for what the year has in store.
Nationally, events such as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are set to bring cheer to many sectors. Prime Minister, David Cameron, is already predicting a ‘billion pound boost’ across the UK.
In fact, just over a fortnight in, we are already seeing success stories coming through. In Leeds a £30m office and hotel development close to the busy city rail station has been given the go-ahead and we are seeing a high level of occupier interest for this property in particular.
A new high-speed rail line (HS2) connecting the South with the Midlands and North has also been given the green light.
Train builder, Hitachi, is currently bidding to design and maintain the new fleet of high-speed trains from its Newton Aycliffe base in the North East, great news for spin-off suppliers in the area.
Looking ahead overall, as was the case in the last few months of 2011, the main activity will continue to be focused on making the most of existing market assets, until finance becomes more readily available for new development.
2012 will not be without its ups and downs but we remain positive and relish the challenges of the coming months.
We will, of course, share all of our news and opinions with you via our blog and we look forward to hearing from you.
Tim Catterall
Partner, Agency
(01642) 426 910
tim.catterall@sw.co.uk
