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CBRE reports strong demand for premium office space and record data centre growth in the UK

CBRE reports strong demand for premium office space and record data centre growth in the UK

the office market is benefiting from strong demand for premium office space and renewed overseas investment, the life sciences sector is seeing steady growth in funding but slower movement in transactions. At the same time, the data centre market is entering a period of exceptional expansionThe UK’s commercial property market is showing sharply contrasting performances across key sectors at the midpoint of 2025, according to CBRE’s latest UK Real Estate Market Outlook Mid-Year Review. While the office market is benefiting from strong demand for premium office space and renewed overseas investment, the life sciences sector is seeing steady growth in funding but slower movement in transactions.

At the same time, the data centre market is entering a period of exceptional expansion, with record levels of take up forecast and new developments extending beyond traditional hubs. The findings highlight how underlying supply constraints, shifting occupier needs and targeted government support are reshaping investment priorities across the country.

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Workers switch off early on Fridays as hybrid working continues to reshape the week

Workers switch off early on Fridays as hybrid working continues to reshape the week

A growing number of remote workers in the UK are ending their week early on Fridays, according to new data that highlights the shifting rhythms of hybrid workingA growing number of remote workers in the UK are ending their week early on Fridays, according to new data that highlights the shifting rhythms of hybrid working. Figures from Virgin Media show that broadband usage among home workers drops by around 8 percent between 3pm and 5pm on summer Fridays compared with winter, suggesting that many employees are logging off ahead of the traditional end of the working day. (more…)

People put a value on human connection, even when AI communicates in the same way

People put a value on human connection, even when AI communicates in the same way

Human-attributed responses are perceived as more supportive, emotionally resonant, and caring than identically AI-generated responsesHuman-attributed responses are perceived as more supportive, emotionally resonant, and caring than identically AI-generated responses, according to a new study by Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers. Published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the study involved over 6,000 participants in nine different experiments in which chatbot responses were crafted by large language models (LLMs). The research reveals that human-attributed responses are perceived as more supportive, more emotionally resonant, and more caring than identical AI-generated responses. (more…)

Commercial property growth in regional cities driven by financial services firms

Commercial property growth in regional cities driven by financial services firms

Commercial property markets in regional UK cities are seeing significant growth as major financial institutions reconfigure their office strategiesCommercial property markets in regional UK cities are seeing significant growth as major financial institutions rethink their office strategies to focus on high-value client interactions in London while relocating support functions elsewhere. New research from JLL suggests that financial services firms have accounted for more than 440,000 square feet of inward investment in office space across Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham over the last decade. This is more than the space acquired by manufacturing (238,822 sq. ft) and service industries (224,813 sq. ft), though still behind technology, media and telecoms (TMT) and flexible workspace sectors. (more…)

Material Matters to move to new venue for 2025

Material Matters to move to new venue for 2025

Material Matters, the cross-media platform promoting sustainable material intelligence in architecture and design, returns to the London Design Festival this September with an exciting new venueMaterial Matters, the cross-media platform promoting sustainable material intelligence in architecture and design, returns to the London Design Festival this September with an exciting new venue. Now in its fourth edition, the fair will occupy an entire floor of Space House – one of London’s most iconic modernist buildings – from 17 to 20 September 2025. Set on a one-acre site, its circular tower and block – designed by Seifert & Partners in the 1960s and formerly home to the Civil Aviation Authority – are Grade II listed and have recently undergone a restoration and modernisation programme led by architect Squire & Partners. The building is hyper-connected, with multiple underground and railway stations, including Covent Garden and Holborn, within easy walking distance. (more…)

The enduring allure of workplace bullshit

The enduring allure of workplace bullshit

The sleep of reason and workplace bullshitAlthough the legend of Faust is one of the Germanic world’s foundational narratives, its archetypes and themes were already established by the time Goethe codified them in his 1808 play. They have since become universal. The idea that somebody would sell their soul to the Devil to gain something or rid themselves of unhappiness is as resonant now as it was in Renaissance Europe. It has inspired books films and artists to such an extent that its derivatives now have their own Wikipedia page.

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How BPO enables business flexibility in rapidly changing global markets

How BPO enables business flexibility in rapidly changing global markets

What was once viewed as a cost-cutting tool, BPO has evolved into a strategic advantage, providing businesses with the flexibility they require to remain competitive and resilient during volatile periods.Global markets are changing at an unprecedented rate due to economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behavior, and technological breakthroughs. Businesses must be agile and able to adapt to market changes. This is where Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) comes in. What was once viewed as a cost-cutting tool has evolved into a strategic advantage, providing businesses with the flexibility they require to remain competitive and resilient during volatile periods. (more…)

Leading UK practice tp bennett acquires Dubai-based design consultancy Bluehaus

Leading UK practice tp bennett acquires Dubai-based design consultancy Bluehaus

UK architecture and design firm tp bennett has acquired Bluehaus Group, a Dubai-based architectural, design and engineering consultancy, as part of its strategy to expand its international operationsUK architecture and design firm tp bennett has acquired Bluehaus Group, a Dubai-based architectural, design and engineering consultancy, as part of its strategy to expand its international operations. The two firms have worked together on a range of projects over the past 15 years. Bluehaus, which has operated in the region for more than two decades, brings experience in sectors including hospitality, healthcare, education, retail and workplace, alongside a client list that includes EmiratesNBD, Amazon, Credit Suisse and Dubai Holding. (more…)

Meh. Generative AI in the workplace is delivering modest returns that don’t match the hype

Meh. Generative AI in the workplace is delivering modest returns that don’t match the hype

the use of generative AI chatbots has so far delivered only modest gains in productivity and almost no increase in pay or reductions in working hours for employeesA new study by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research has cast doubt on the immediate transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace, finding that the use of generative AI chatbots has so far delivered only modest gains in productivity and almost no increase in pay or reductions in working hours for employees. The working paper [restricted access], authored by economists Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard, used detailed Danish employment data to assess the real-world effects of AI adoption across 7,000 workplaces and 25,000 workers, focusing on white-collar roles most susceptible to automation—such as accountants, IT support staff, journalists, HR professionals, and software developers. (more…)

The shattering of self-image can be a very serious matter

The shattering of self-image can be a very serious matter

And when it’s information that challenges one of their core beliefs, or some notion they hold about themselves such as their self-image, the multiplying factors of cognitive dissonance can really start to stack up.It’s always fascinating to watch somebody deal with information that challenges their view on an issue. Doubly so when it’s somebody really, really smart. And when it’s information that challenges one of their core beliefs, or some notion they hold about themselves such as their self-image, the multiplying factors of cognitive dissonance can really start to stack up. (more…)

Employer confidence falls to record low as UK employers face rising costs and uncertainty

Employer confidence falls to record low as UK employers face rising costs and uncertainty

The number of UK employers expecting to increase headcount in the next three months has fallen to a record low outside of the pandemicThe number of UK employers expecting to increase headcount in the next three months has fallen to a record low outside of the pandemic, as they grapple with rising employment costs and growing global uncertainties. This is according to the latest Labour Market Outlook report from the CIPD, which shows that the rate of employers expecting to increase headcount has fallen sharply among large private sector employers, and in retail in particular. In response, the CIPD is urging the government to closely consult with employers and business bodies to limit the potential impact the Employment Rights Bill could have on employer’s hiring plans as businesses face mounting external pressures. (more…)

Journal of Biophilic Design to launch Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub at Clerkenwell Design Week

Journal of Biophilic Design to launch Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub at Clerkenwell Design Week

The Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub offers a destination for specifiers to discover responsible materials and productsOur friends at The Journal of Biophilic Design have announced the launch of the ‘Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub’ at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025: an innovative new platform that connects architects, designers, and industry professionals with verified suppliers of biophilic and sustainable materials and products. The Sourcing Hub will offer a unique destination for specifiers to discover responsible materials and products, while allowing suppliers to showcase their offerings. This streamlined platform brings together verified manufacturers with engaged buyers actively seeking sustainable and biophilic design solutions. A dedicated platform for the A&D community to discover and buy approved biophilic interior solutions, from standard products and materials to bespoke pieces. (more…)