Work has been completed on a £28,000 makeover of a play area at South Hiendley Park. The money is part of Wakefield Council’s investment from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. Councillor Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “The new and improved facilities at the park look great and are a wonderful addition to the community." “We consulted with local people, and they told us that an improved playground was what they wanted, we are really pleased with the work and the changes that have been made." “This is a fantastic example of how the community, local councillors and the Council can work together to improve life for local people.” Older children are benefitting from new climbing equipment and a slide, and younger children with a toddler-friendly play section. The revamp has also seen upgraded and repainted equipment, gates, and safety surfacing.

A luxury chocolate brand that started in its owner’s home kitchen has successfully expanded into new premises after receiving advice and support from Business Gateway. Based in Forfar, Angus, Chocolatia handcrafts and sells a range of artisan chocolates made from the finest, sustainable ingredients. The business makes a conscious effort to celebrate the very best of Scotland’s larder, and often showcases home-grown flavours in its chocolates, including fresh Perthshire berries and elderflower, which grows in abundance in Angus. Determined to keep things local, Chocolatia also regularly collaborates with Scottish Heather Honey and Sacred Grounds Coffee, an artisan coffee roastery in Arbroath. Chloe Oswald, Chocolatia’s owner and a former Gleneagles chocolatier, first fell in love with the process of chocolate-making in her early years, during which time she regularly made sweet treats in her grandmother’s kitchen. Chloe went onto to study Professional Patisserie at the City of Glasgow College, before refining her pastry skills under the expert eye of chefs in two Michelin-starred restaurants. Finding herself furloughed and seeking a creative outlet during the Covid-19 pandemic, Chloe launched Chocolatia in October 2020 and approached Business Gateway for help to launch her brand into the market. Chloe benefitted from a range of Business Gateway support, including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, who supported Chloe with Chocolatia’s production process. This support included advice on identifying the correct price point of each product. Motivated by her adviser’s support, Chloe successfully secured £3000 from the Elevator Grant Scheme, which went towards developing luxury and sustainable packaging for her products. Experiencing popular demand for her products, shipping to customers nationwide and securing customers such as The Macallan Distillery and The Royal Scotsman train in Scotland. Chloe found she had outgrown her home kitchen and needed to acquire a new space to help her manufacture larger quantities of her luxury chocolates. Chloe has recently acquired her first premises in Forfar, with Business Gateway on hand to provide HR support, which will be essential for Chloe when employing staff for the first time. Since launching, Chloe’s brand has won a string of prestigious accolades, including a bronze award for her coconut and lime bonbon and a silver for her toasted coconut bonbon at The Academy of Chocolate Awards, as well as being nominated for The Golden Fork Awards. Chloe now hosts regular master chocolate classes to engage with her growing client base, through which she teaches the importance of using ethical and sustainable ingredients to help create special chocolate. Further down the line, Chloe has plans to have her very own cookery school, where she can teach and train chefs to use sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Chloe Oswald, Founder of Chocolatia, said: “When I decided to launch my own business, I had no experience of the fundamentals, like hiring staff and finding a premises, which have both been huge learning curves." I’m thoroughly enjoying working with my adviser, who has been a fantastic business mentor and endeavours to help and support in any way she can. It’s a weight off my shoulders knowing there’s someone else I can go to for advice.” Elaine Donnachie, Business Gateway adviser, commented: “Chloe has worked incredibly hard to launch her own business, focusing on her main goal which is to create luxury chocolate all whilst using sustainable ingredients. It is excellent to see her get the recognition she deserves through her award-winning success. Her chocolates are a true delight, just like Chloe has been to work with.”

Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery has won a regional competition. Hunmanby’s Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery won the Drink Producer of the Year Award at the Yorkshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2023 which were announced in this month’s magazine. Spirit of Yorkshire’s Marketing Director, Jenni Ashwood is delighted with the result, adding: “We’re Yorkshire’s first whisky distillery and are leading the way for others to follow. This award helps to put our distillery, and Yorkshire whisky, on the world whisky map." Northern Monk Brewery and Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice Co were highly commended for the same award. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is home to Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky, Filey Bay and is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that grows barley for whisky production.

While Christmas is celebrated in diverse ways around the world, one tradition that has remained steadfast in many households for generations is the Christmas pudding. This timeless dessert, rich in history and flavour, holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of many. Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding, traces its origins back to medieval England. The earliest recipes were quite different from the modern version we know today. These early puddings were more like porridge, consisting of meat, grains, and spices. The evolution of the dish over the centuries has resulted in the sweet, fruity, and rich dessert we now associate with the holiday season. At the heart of every Christmas pudding are a few core ingredients: Fruits : Dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas provide the base, contributing natural sweetness and a delightful chewy texture. Spirits : Often, Christmas puddings are generously soaked with brandy or other spirits, not only for flavour but also to help preserve the pudding. Spices : A blend of warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice infuses the pudding with that quintessential holiday aroma. Suet : While less common today, traditional recipes use suet, a type of animal fat, to add richness and moisture to the pudding. Breadcrumbs : Breadcrumbs or flour help bind the mixture together and give the pudding its characteristic texture. So, what is it about Christmas pudding that keeps it on our holiday tables year after year? The appeal is multifaceted: Tradition : Christmas pudding carries the weight of tradition, connecting us to generations of celebrants who have savoured this dessert. Flavour : The combination of fruits, spices, and spirits creates a rich, comforting taste that's quintessentially Christmas. Ritual: The process of making the pudding, from stirring to wishing, is a cherished ritual that binds families and friends. Versatility : Whether you serve it hot with a dollop of brandy butter or cold with a scoop of ice cream, Christmas pudding is versatile and delightful in any form. Celebration : Christmas pudding is more than a dessert; it's a symbol of celebration and togetherness during the holiday season. Family: For many the Christmas Pudding is part of the very essence of the festive season with memories of childhood, parents and grandparents marking the build up to the festive season with the symbolic making of the 'pudding' and evoking memories of time spent with them in years gone by, stirring the bowl and making an annual wish too. In a world that's ever-changing, Christmas pudding remains an enduring symbol of tradition and festivity. The blend of history, rich flavours, and the sense of togetherness it represents makes this dessert a beloved part of the holiday season. As the Christmas season approaches, don't be surprised if you find yourself craving a slice of this timeless delight, steeped in the magic of the season.

One year on from the unforgettable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, FIFA is delighted to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Qatar Airways until 2030 as its Global Airline Partner. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, joined Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for the signing ceremony. The extended partnership was announced at the award-winning Hamad International Airport, against the backdrop of the airline’s Boeing 787-8, as well as the Airbus A350-900. The agreement will cover significant FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™, the FIFA World Cup 2030™, as well as all youth men's and women's tournaments, commencing with the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in Indonesia. Since May 2017, Qatar Airways has been an integral part of FIFA's global initiatives, and with this renewed partnership will continue to play a vital role in the development of football worldwide. The announcement comes on the heels of the immense success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which captivated audiences around the globe with its incredible stadia, unmatched hospitality, and pure on-the-pitch drama – culminating in a Final for the ages. As FIFA’s Global Airline Partner, Qatar Airways will be able to engage with fans on a deeper level, both at tournaments and through various digital platforms. “Today I am very proud to announce the renewal of our partnership between Qatar Airways and FIFA. It is a great partnership that has brought a lot of success to FIFA, and of course as well to Qatar Airways,” said the FIFA President during the ceremony. “My thanks to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the GCEO, and to the whole fantastic team of Qatar Airways. One year after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, here we are again to celebrate.” Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: "We are excited to extend our partnership with FIFA as the Global Airline Partner. As an airline, we are committed to connecting the world, and this partnership allows us to reach millions of football fans. Football has the power to unite people across cultures and continents, and we are proud to continue to be part of this incredible journey. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming tournaments and look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for fans around the world.” As Qatar Airways takes the next step in its FIFA partnership, the airline is thrilled to announce that football fans will soon have access to exclusive travel packages including match tickets, flights, and accommodation for select FIFA tournaments through a dedicated Qatar Airways platform.

Following hot on the heels from receiving a second successive ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission, Home Counties Carers have now been proclaimed Home Care Provider of the Year at the Surrey Care Awards 2023. The Awards recognise exceptional professional care given to thousands in Care Homes, Home Care, Nursing Homes, Supported Living and Learning Disability services throughout Surrey and Home Counties Carers came out on top, from over 100 entries, in the category of Home Care Provider of the Year. Lucinda and Matthew Kalupka, co-founders of Home Counties Carers were presented with the award by TV celebrity, former care worker and fabulous advocate for those working in social care; Judi Love, who has lived and breathed the sector. Addressing the social care professional award finalists at the gala event, said Judi: “This work is so close to my heart. What other job do you get to really make a difference to someone’s every day? It’s tough. But so worth it.” Judi, who was wearing a green evening dress at the event in support of calls for a sustainable Adult Social Care sector, added: "Tonight, we have seen some people who are at the Top. Of. Their. Game. But sometimes, people working in it don’t always get the thanks they deserve. These awards, I hope, give you a bit of that much needed recognition." Said Lucinda Kalupka: “Finding and embracing the joy in our work is so important to us, and we place great value on each team member, recognising and fostering their contributions. This award serves as a perfect affirmation of our team's commitment." “While the social care sector presents its challenges, our dedicated team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to live their best lives.” Added Matthew Kalupka “It is so special to receive this award from the Surrey Care Association. It caps a fantastic year for Home Counties Carers. We’ve been recognised by our clients with the homecare.co.uk Top 20 in the South-East Award, we’ve been rated as “Outstanding” by the industry regulator, and now we’ve received the Home Care Provider of the Year Award.”

Wakefield Council has appointed a new Corporate Director for Resources to help with the drive to be a more modern and efficient Council. Natalie Palmer has been Interim Service Director for Property, Facilities, Health, and Safety (PFHS) since September 2023. In that role she has been instrumental in changing the Council’s property and facilities management services. Natalie brings experience from across the public and private sector in Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer roles. She has significant knowledge across housing, education, health, and social care. And has commercial, transformational, and operational performance expertise. Prior to joining Wakefield Council, she was Chief Operating and Finance Officer for Multi Academy Trust in Lincolnshire, with direct responsibility for all aspects of Finance, Procurement, Health and Safety, Estates and Property Management, HR, ICT and Risk Management. Commenting on the appointment, Council Leader Councillor Denise Jeffery said: “I am delighted that Natalie has been appointed as our new Corporate Director for Resources, with the opportunity to build on the impact she’s already had in Wakefield." “She has been instrumental in driving forward important changes to our property and facilities management services. I am confident she will go on to improve and modernise our corporate services.” Wakefield Council’s Service Director for HR, Jill Clayton, said: “I am pleased to welcome Natalie to our senior management team." “Natalie has already shown great leadership since she joined the Council, and I’m sure she’ll do the same to make sure our corporate team provide the highest levels of service to our residents and our colleagues.” Natalie Palmer said: “I’m excited to have this opportunity to lead our corporate services function through a significant period of change at the Council." “Outstanding corporate services help to provide exceptional outcomes for residents, and I’ll be working every day to make sure that we continue to deliver for everyone who relies on us." “Wakefield already has some fantastic people, and together I’m looking forward to making the district an even better place to live, work, visit and study.” The appointment comes following the creation of the resources directorate in June this year. Suzan Harrington has been acting as Interim Corporate Director while recruitment took place. This role will lead core corporate services, like legal, HR, tech, and finance, as well as the property, facilities, health, and safety service.

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Vietnamese food. What was once a relatively unknown culinary gem has now become a prominent player in the diverse gastronomic landscape of the UK. The growth of Vietnamese cuisine in the country can be attributed to several factors, including a rising demand for healthy, flavourful, and globally inspired dishes. 1. Authenticity & Flavour Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its bold and vibrant flavours. Dishes often feature a balance of sweet, savoury, spicy, and sour elements, creating a unique and harmonious taste profile. From the iconic Pho to the fresh and flavorful spring rolls, Vietnamese food has won the hearts and taste buds of the British population. Authenticity is a key driver of this growth, as chefs and restaurateurs have focused on preserving the traditional recipes and techniques, giving customers a truly immersive experience. 2. Healthy Eating Trends With an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, many people in the UK are seeking out lighter, fresher, and more nutritious dining options. Vietnamese cuisine aligns perfectly with these trends, offering a plethora of dishes that are rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and fresh herbs. The absence of heavy sauces and deep-frying is a significant attraction for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. 3. Fusion & Innovation Vietnamese cuisine's adaptability has led to interesting fusion dishes that cater to a wider audience. From Vietnamese-inspired burgers and tacos to the incorporation of Vietnamese flavours in British comfort food, restaurants are experimenting with innovative combinations that appeal to diverse palates. This willingness to adapt while preserving the essence of Vietnamese flavours has contributed to the cuisine's growth. 4. Cultural Exposure The popularity of Vietnamese cuisine is also fueled by an increase in cultural exposure. Vietnamese restaurants are no longer confined to specific neighborhoods; they have permeated major cities and towns across the UK. Events like food festivals and cooking classes have given people the opportunity to learn more about this culinary tradition. Travellers who have experienced the cuisine in Vietnam have become vocal advocates, further propelling its growth. 5. Social Media & Food Bloggers In the age of social media, food bloggers and influencers play a crucial role in shaping culinary trends. Many bloggers have raved about the delicious and photogenic nature of Vietnamese dishes, creating a buzz around the cuisine. Instagram-worthy dishes like bánh mì sandwiches and colorful rice paper rolls have become viral sensations, driving more people to try Vietnamese food. 6. Accessibility & Affordability Vietnamese cuisine is known for being relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for a broad spectrum of customers. The cost-effective nature of Vietnamese dining allows people to experience international flavors without breaking the bank, which further contributes to its popularity. The growth of Vietnamese food in the UK is more than just a culinary trend; it reflects a broader shift in the nation's tastes and preferences. As British diners continue to explore and appreciate the authenticity, health benefits, and innovation that Vietnamese cuisine offers, its presence in the UK is sure to remain strong and vibrant for years to come.

One of England’s most spectacular winter wildlife events is underway with the births of the first grey seal pups at Blakeney National Nature Reserve on the north Norfolk coast, cared for by the National Trust. Rangers at the conservation charity have high hopes for another successful pupping season for the colony, which has grown dramatically over the past 25 years to become the largest in England. The latest estimates show around 4,500 pups being born every year. It is a far cry from the early 2000s when the colony was still becoming established. In 2001, just 25 seal pup births were recorded; it is anticipated that 180 times that number will be born between now and mid-January. A Wildlife Success Story The success of the colony is believed to be due to the abundance of fish for the grey seals to feed on in the North Sea, low levels of disturbance and mortality during the pups’ key first few weeks of life, and a lack of natural predators. National Trust rangers and volunteers continue to play a key part in supporting the seals by maintaining a regular presence on the 4-mile-long shingle spit, which helps prevent disturbance and gives them the opportunity to share information with visitors. The National Trust works year-round to ensure Blakeney Point offers a hospitable environment for the seals. These efforts are supported by local volunteers whose contribution includes helping with a beach clean prior to pupping season; clearing up washed-up plastics and other waste cleared from a 2-mile stretch of Blakeney Point in September. This year rangers will be able to keep an extra close watch on how the grey seals are doing, using a remote monitoring camera that will provide a continuous live video feed from the heart of the colony. Duncan Halpin, Ranger for the National Trust on the north Norfolk coast said: “The grey seal colony is in the early stages of becoming established for this year and we are looking forward to following the progress of the colony, and its new pups, this winter." “Over the coming months, Blakeney Point will be carpeted in grey seals, as something in the region of 4,500 cow seals come ashore to have their pups." “It’s a breathtaking sight and is testimony to the potential of our marine life to thrive when the right conditions, and protection from disturbance, are in place.” Keeping Track Of England’s Largest Grey Seal Colony As the numbers of grey seals at Blakeney Point have grown, the task of monitoring the size of the colony has become more complex. Efforts to count the seals on the ground have become increasingly impractical. This is not only due to the sheer numbers of seals, but also because of the very real dangers of getting too close to these wild animals - with fully-grown bulls weighing around 230 kg. Instead, the size of the colony will be estimated from aerial photographs, taken at different points during the pupping season, by marine biologists from the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews. This data is triangulated with observations on the ground, to arrive at a reliable estimate of the number of pups born. Dr Debbie Russell, Deputy Director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, comments: “The UK hosts almost half of the world’s grey seals. Working with the National Trust, SMRU can estimate the number of pups born at Blakeney Point which feeds into our UK estimates." “Critically, these numbers also feed into a project aiming to understand why grey seals are increasing so rapidly in Southeast England while harbour seals have declined by around 25% in the last five years.” How To View Seals At Blakeney Point The best way to view the grey seal colony at Blakeney Point is by boat, with one of the seal boat tour operators that are based at Morston Quay. However, it’s recommended you book ahead this winter to ensure your place on the boats. It is possible to view the colony by walking from Cley beach. Visitors are advised that this is a 6-mile round trip, much of it on shingle, and a protective cordon will limit how close you can get to the main seal colony. For the best experience on foot, wrap up well and bring a pair of binoculars. It is not possible to walk to the colony from other locations. To prevent disturbance to the seals and their pups, visitors with dogs are no longer permitted to walk the full length of Blakeney Point during pupping season. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blakeney for more information on how to see the seals and for full details on the restrictions in place during pupping season.

Lloyds Banking Group, a leading UK based financial services group, has released the first Housing Stocktake 2023 report sharing insights on the stalling efforts to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock. In the UK, homes are one of the highest emitting sectors, with the 28 million residential properties accounting for 16% of the UK’s total carbon missions. The report reveals that while nearly six in ten (57%) homeowners think it’s important to make their property ‘net zero ready’ by 2035, over two-thirds (69%) have not taken any action to make improvements in the last five years. Ahead of COP28, the report reveals shortcomings across the sector and the challenges many homeowners face to make their homes net zero ready by 2035. Costs Of Upgrades Threatens Progress The Housing Stocktake 2023 report reveals that cost is the biggest barrier for change for homeowners with just one in five (20%) homeowners able to pay for the steps needed to ensure their home is ‘net zero ready’ by 2035. The findings highlight that nearly half (49%) of UK homeowners are put off by prohibitive high initial costs and believe that there is a lack of financial support available. Other barriers for change include not knowing where to start (27%) or the inconvenience and hassle of building work (22%). Significant Benefits For Homeowners Who Have Invested However, homeowners who have been able to invest in their property are already seeing the benefits. Positively, nearly all UK homeowners (96%) who have made changes to make their homes more ecofriendly are pleased with the results and are strong advocates for others to invest. Three quarters (73%) of homeowners who have undertaken retrofit work said their installation had performed at least as well as expected, with half (50%) stating the upgrades have performed even better than expected. Encouragingly, over eight in ten (81%) would recommend retrofit works to friends or family, claiming the main benefits are their homes are now warmer (77%) and cheaper to run (64%). Despite these findings, the report reveals that there is still a reluctance by many to make changes. One in four UK homeowners never expect to move away from oil or gas fired heating in their lifetime, and nearly half (46%) do not know the EPC rating of their property. Recent Policy Changes Likely To Stall Progress Landlords demonstrate a much greater awareness of the ways to improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties. The report highlights that government legislation has meant that over eight in ten (84%) landlords have either considered or have taken action to improve energy efficiency of their properties in the last five years, including installing battery storage, solar panels or heat pumps. This is compared with just over a quarter (27%) of homeowners. However, recent policy changes risk a halt in the progress landlords have made. Following the Government’s recent decision to stop plans requiring all rental properties to meet a minimum EPC rating of C by 2028, nearly over four in ten (42%) landlords have now cancelled plans to invest in energy efficiency measures. Now over half (53%) of UK landlords say they are less likely to invest in energy efficient changes in the future. Barriers To Change There is a clear appetite for more support from the banking sector, in terms of finance, knowledge and advice. Seven in ten (68%) homeowners and nine in ten (87%) landlords want some form of support from their bank or mortgage provider to get their home net-zero ready. For homeowners under the age of 35, nearly one third (30%) are specifically looking for their bank to provide them with advice on how to make the changes and which retrofit works would benefit their property the most. Rebecca Heaton, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “As the UK’s largest mortgage lender, we are concerned by the inadequate progress in decarbonising the UK’s 28 million homes. The UK has the oldest and draughtiest housing stock in Europe and progress is off track. The lack of progress in decarbonising our homes risks pushing critical net zero goals – and keeping global warming within the 1.5⁰C threshold – further out of reach. “Our report shows that UK homeowners are clearly experiencing benefits of retrofitting, like warmer homes and cheaper running costs, but they’re in urgent need of more support. We are committed to finding a solution by working closely with the government, housebuilders and developers to provide UK households with more certainty and better tools and incentives to unlock the scale of retrofit at the pace we need.” Renowned architect and television presenter George Clarke, who has contributed to the Housing Stocktake 2023 report, said: “UK homeowners are increasingly eager to upgrade their property’s heating and insulation. Despite this demand, today’s data shows just how many feel ill-equipped to do so – whether through a lack of financial means, or access to key information. If COP28 can see the UK Government work together with banks and lenders on developing better support for households, there’s a chance this could unleash a wave of retrofit activity taking place in the UK, making our homes better for the environment – and warmer and cheaper to run in the long term.” Support Available Through its brands, Lloyds Banking Group offers a range of support and financial incentives to customers. This includes the Lloyds Bank Eco Home Energy Saving Tool, developed in collaboration with Energy Saving Trust to enable homeowners to identify where energy efficiency improvements can be made, and the online Lloyds Bank Green Housing Guide which provides guidance on how to cut bills and emissions. Financial rewards are also available through the Lloyds Bank Eco Home Reward. When live, customers can claim £1000 cashback when installing an air-source heat pump. Lloyds Banking Group five policy measures: Decarbonising homes is a core focus for Lloyd Banking Group as the UK’s largest mortgage lender. The Group is advocating for five key policy measures that can drive forward the supply of decarbonised housing in the UK. Long-term policy certainty on sustainable homes : The Government should establish a stable and long-term framework that provides certainty for energy efficiency and low carbon heating systems, ensuring that efforts toward retrofitting improvements are not derailed by short-term policy fluctuations. Improvement of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) : It is imperative to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of EPCs. Consumers need confidence that changes made to their homes for better energy efficiency will be accurately reflected in their EPC ratings, thereby leading to tangible reductions in energy consumption. Energy-efficiency linked stamp duty : Introducing a system of stamp duty that rewards lower-carbon improvements can significantly motivate homeowners to invest in energy-efficient enhancements. This adjustment in the stamp duty regime can serve as a powerful incentive for prospective buyers to prioritize properties with environmentally features. Use of employer tax incentives to encourage improvements : Removing existing tax barriers for employers and enabling schemes such as salary sacrifice or benefit in kind initiatives can encourage employees to retrofit their homes. This measure can serve as a crucial step in fostering a culture of sustainability within the workforce and the wider community. Addressing the retrofit skills gap : Recognising the potential for job creation within the low-carbon technology sector, it is vital to prioritise the development of high-skilled jobs that cater to the demands of sustainable housing. Increasing the annual transfer cap in the Apprenticeship Levy can facilitate the necessary reskilling and retraining required to bridge the existing skills gap and support the widespread adoption of low-carbon technologies.

The UK’s capital has seen the highest volume of new office starts on record – with 5.1 million square feet (sq. ft.) of new construction starting across 43 schemes – according to Deloitte’s Winter 2023 London Office Crane Survey. This is the highest volume of new starts since the Crane Survey was extended to track new construction activity across the seven central London submarkets2 in Summer 2005. At almost 16% higher than the volume recorded in the last survey and with seven fewer schemes starting, the average new scheme size rose to c.119,000 sq. ft., from 88,000 sq. ft. previously. Refurbishment starts specifically have broken records for the second consecutive survey,3 comprising 34 schemes covering 3.3 million sq. ft. The increase in refurbishments have again been driven by the anticipated tightening of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations, coupled with demand for premium grade office space which aligns with tenants’ own sustainability commitments and aspirations. Sophie Allan, director in real assets advisory at Deloitte, said: “New builds have roared back from their post-pandemic nadir, which has likely been driven by large pre-lets and growing developer confidence in the demand for premium office space. Meanwhile, refurbishments continue to play a critical role in London’s development pipeline as the increasing need to modernise office space to avoid obsolescence grows. The future will see further skyscrapers added to the City’s skyline, with three large developments recently obtaining planning permission.” Development Pipeline This survey period has seen the start of five large (300,000 sq. ft. and above) schemes, with their collective volume representing 40% of the total new start volume. The period also recorded the delivery of approximately 4 million sq. ft. of completed office space across 45 schemes in central London. 61 schemes with a total volume of approximately 6 million sq. ft. are now expected to complete in the Summer 2024 survey period. As of 30 September 2023, there are 124 schemes under construction across the central London market, with a total volume of 15.7 million sq. ft. This represents a 9% increase on the total construction volume of 14.4 million sq. ft. recorded in the last survey. Margaret Doyle, partner and chief insights officer for financial services and real estate at Deloitte, said: “As predicted in last winter’s survey, the construction industry is now catching up following the pandemic. Demand for premium office space is still fuelling rising construction new starts this year, but supply chain issues and other construction delays may continue to affect completion dates. Interestingly, developers we have spoken to seem to be more concerned about the supply of, rather than demand for, premium space. With the increased volume of new starts and completions reported this year, there is a healthy amount of prime office stock on its way to the market." “Despite this, the macro-environment for the London office market remains challenging. The current economic and geopolitical backdrop implies significant uncertainty about the future path of energy prices, inflation, and interest rates. But for now, developers seem prepared to bet that, if they build premium office space, the metropolis will continue to attract occupiers.” The City Rebounds The survey suggests that the City of London has bounced back, with 2.4 million sq. ft. of office space starting across 16 schemes. This includes two large new build starts and the largest refurbishment start of the survey. Together these schemes represent almost 1.4 million sq. ft. of new starts. These developments are in line with the City’s historical trend of hosting large-scale new builds (over 500,000 sq. ft.) with sizeable floor plates. Doyle added: “The leasing market is seeing activity pick-up as more occupiers are starting to firm up their working patterns. The City could see a further uptick in activity as the appetite for premium office space from certain sectors – such as professional and financial services – applies positive demand pressure. This means that developers are further incentivised to upgrade and build new offices.” Comparatively, new starts in the West End have declined by 13% over the last survey to 1.1 million sq. ft. This is in part due to a number of developments completing during this survey period, as it continues to show strong levels of activity. Southbank has recorded an increase of 19% this survey period, largely driven by a 385,000 sq. ft. refurbishment. Environmental, Social And Governance Drives Refurbishment Developers anticipate that they will achieve operational net zero across their portfolios by 2040. However, developers highlighted the cost of construction as the biggest challenge in achieving net zero. With the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS)4 keenly awaited, when asked about the requirements for net zero put forth by the UK Green Building Council (GBC)5, they listed limits on total Energy Use Intensity (EUI) as the most challenging requirement to achieve. Philip Parnell, partner and real estate valuation lead at Deloitte, said: “Occupier focus on premium space, coupled with addressing the anticipated MEES deadline and drive to net zero, is continuing to provide a strong stimulus to refurbishment activity. This is a trend that is countering the backdrop of an otherwise challenging macro-economic environment.” Additional figures from the research showed: 5.8 million sq. ft. (which represents 37% of the total volume under construction in central London) have been pre-let as of the end of September 2023. Legal occupiers have taken 30% of this volume making it the most active tenant sector. Financial services saw the biggest increase (35%) in pre-let market share this survey period. Developers expect a relatively stable London office development pipeline.

ITV has confirmed an agreement with Disney Entertainment making ITV the free-to-air home of the critically acclaimed drama Under the Banner of Heaven starring Andrew Garfield, and season one of British comedy series Extraordinary. Under the Banner of Heaven will stream on ITVX with Extraordinary airing on both ITVX and ITV2. Both will launch in the first half of 2024. FX production Under the Banner of Heaven was created by Academy Award®-winner Dustin Lance Black and stars Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones. The series was inspired by the true crime bestseller by Jon Krakauer, and follows the events that led to the 1984 murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her baby daughter in a suburb in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. Comedy series Extraordinary, a Disney+ UK original production, written by series creator and co-executive producer Emma Moran and executive produced by Sally Woodward Gentle (Killing Eve, The Durrells) and Lee Morris and Charles Dawson, is set in a world where everyone develops a power on their 18th birthday… everyone, that is, except for Jen (Máiréad Tyers). The series sees 25-year-old Jen adrift in a big, confusing world and armed with nothing but a bit of hope, a lot of desperation, and her flatmates as she begins her journey to find her superpower. Also starring Sofia Oxenham, Bilal Hasna and Luke Rollason and Siobhán McSweeney. The deal was negotiated by ITV Head of Content Acquisitions Sasha Breslau.