A new report from Leesman claims that the sharp reductions in office space seen in last five years may now be levelling off. According to the Focus Forward study, which draws on data from 132 senior corporate real estate (CRE) leaders worldwide, the majority of organisations have already reduced their real estate footprint – but the pace of office downsizing is slowing. The report states that 68 percent of organisations surveyed had downsized over the previous 18 months. However, only 49 percent said they intended to reduce space in the next 18 months. Of those, just 11 percent anticipated what the report refers to as “considerable” reductions. (more…)

A new cross-regional partnership known as The Great North has been launched by the metropolitan mayors in the North of England, aiming to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment across the region. The initiative was unveiled at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, and marks what its founders call a new era of collaboration and locally driven prosperity. Chaired by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and supported by the UK Government, the body brings together northern leaders to focus on shared priorities such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence, and the creative industries. The initiative has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who described it as central to the government’s ambition to shift power from Whitehall into the hands of local communities. (more…)