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BRISTOLWORKS

Back on tracks

The famous Grade-I building significance for the nation and for etwork ail, next to Temple Meads known as said Stuart Kirkwood, acting group property Bristol Old Station – designed by director at Network Rail Property. “We are runel as ristol’s first railway looking forward to revitalising the building for the in 1840 – has been acquired by enjoyment of passengers, tenants and the local Network Rail from Bristol City community, as part of our wider strategy to create Council. The deal brings the great places for business and communities to thrive, building back into railway ownership for the first supporting economic growth and regeneration in time since privatisation in the mid-1990s. towns and cities across the .

The Old Station currently houses the business And here’s Mike Gallop, Western route incubator Engine Shed, along with Passenger Shed, managing director: “It’s an honour to have this an events space which hosts a wide range of events historic building in Network Rail ownership. The from exhibitions to theatre shows and weddings. building deserves the best care it can get, and we are

Network Rail plans to maintain the current planning to do just that. I trust that Brunel would be commercial uses of the building while implementing pleased to know that his first station in ristol is back a programme to maintain and restore the Grade-I where it belongs – within the railway family that will facilities, as part of proposals for the wider Bristol cherish and care for it. Temple Quarter masterplan.

“This is a landmark site with historical For more: networkrail.co.uk

WHAT’S YUUP?

It’s a new online marketplace where you can book a wide range of Bristol experiences, from ying a drone, to baking with Briony May, to food- touring and tasting with Josh Eggleton. Yuup is launching this month, and aims to inject £1.1 million into the local economy. For more: yuup.co

HAS BRISTOL LOST ITS STATUS AS GREEN CAPITAL?

New research commissioned by with Bristolians placing importance on Anderson Financial Management diversity and inclusion, and fair treatment of shows a decrease in the sta and suppliers. importance that Bristolians place “This research indicates that priorities may on sustainable fi nance in . have shifted in ristol, from care for the planet

When asked whether sustainability was to caring for each other and our community, important when making decisions about said ony nderson (above right. ut saving and investment in anuary , ethics and sustainability are not mutually of ristolians said yes; however, when asked eclusive. thics has moved up the agenda and if it was still important in ugust , this into the public eye during ovid, most likely as number dropped to . a result of some shocking stories in the media

This indicates that sustainability may have about poor ethical practices. he important fallen down the agenda in Bristol as a result message here is that yes, we are green here in of ovid. owever, the importance of ethical ristol, and should be proud of our stance. saving and investment is still signifi cantly ut we shouldn’t take our eye o the ball. higher in ristol than in the rest of the country, or or anronfi nanial.o.uk

BACK TO WORK

Our riol i Business Surgery: Workforce and mployers featured law fi rm evan rittan. reg Ingham (top left) was in conversation with Julian oskins, partner at the fi rm, and associate achel ewman,. he surgery focused on help, insights and practical advice for both employers and employees in these tough, unusual times.

Questions covered employers’ responsibilities and employee rights, in parallel with working practices in the new commercial and industrial landscape, alongside such challenging matters as redundancy processes. ere’s a avour of the advice received, which we also livetweeted during the event.

Will companies persist with fl exi-working? here is defi nitely more confi dence in people working from home, now that we’ve seen, in many cases, that there isn’t any reduction in productivity. It largely depends on the sector and what way of working is best for a business.

What happens when employees are reluctant to return to the offi ce environment? It comes down to context and the consideration of individual refusals. ood communication will benefi t all parties in this scenario.

PROPERTY AWARDS EXCITEMENT BUILDS he fi nalists at the second ristol Property wards on ebruary have now been announced, and tickets are now on sale with unprecedented sponsorship and interest epected.

The Awards recognise all aspects of ristol’s dynamic property sector, from residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, from civic buildings to bold reimaginings. ickets are now on sale for the event, which will bring together a fresh mi of new companies and familiar faces from the property scene.

“Finalists are expected to secure a vast amount of tickets after their release, and many are expected to go before this highlyanticipated event, said laudia utler, event organiser at edialash, which runs the ristol Property wards. e’re overwhelmed by Bristol’s backing for these Awards in what has been a di cult year, and we’re ecited for another uality ceremony in . or or ail on ik an n n ar on ruar riol ror ar i riolroraar.o.uk

Who most benefi ts from the £1,000 payment to companies in January for each employee retained after furlough? It largely depends on the size and needs of the business; full details need to be clarifi ed.

About non-compliance... he furlough scheme has been an everchanging, and at times complicated scheme, so it’s possible that genuine mistakes of non-compliance could have occurred at times. If is the case, the best thing to do is review, and continue to check, to safeguard your business.

Irrespective of what somebody has been paid during furlough, any redundancy pay needs to be made by companies as if the employee was receiving of base set pay.

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Moving home? Selling, buying or investing? Looking for commercial premises to rent out? Need a great architect or builder?

Who you gonna call . . .?

CHRIS KELLY SPRATLEY & PARTNERS 01179 055090; www.spratley-partners.uk

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on? One of my first projects was a £3.5m refurbishment of a Georgian country home, which included digging a basement under the main house. It definitely threw up a few challenges but the end results were spectacular. We also have some exciting new-build commercial buildings in the centre of town in the pipeline. How can your services add value to a property? As architects and interior designers our passion lies in providing inspiration and design input to create exciting homes that really relate to their context and the way you want to live in them. The added value will not only be on the monetary value of your home but also the value added by creating a space that you will love living in. What makes you different from others in your profession? Over the years we have developed a reputation for obtaining planning consent for homes on difficult rural sites, including within the green belt, balancing local authority requirements and maximising site opportunities. What area do you specialise in? As a practice we cover a range of sectors including hospitality, commercial offices and one-off houses. We take inspiration from each sector and use it in all our projects – for example our one-off homes may take inspiration from a high-end hotel finish, or an office’s business lounge may look and feel like a relaxed café or bar interior.

SARAH LANE STONE KING 01225 326751; www.stoneking.co.uk

Why should you put your house on the market now? Due to Covid-19 we continue to see a trend of movement out of our biggest cities, especially London. It’s also a good time to downsize from a larger property as there continue to be plenty of buyers. Bristol is well connected, offering thriving businesses, a lively cultural scene and the all- important countryside on its doorstep. With the market playing catch up, properties are moving fast. What do you love about working in property? Property transactions, both residential and commercial, are significant investments, and it is a privilege to work with people on fast-moving, interesting projects. It’s rewarding to support my clients through important processes, and I do everything I can to minimise any stress. What do you anticipate for Bristol’s property market over the next 12 months? Another trend we’re seeing is ever-increased activity on the second homes market. The outskirts of Bristol and surrounding areas are always popular among buyers looking for countryside bolt holes. With remote working now more acceptable, and indeed, necessary, we’re seeing changing work-life patterns that I believe are here to stay. Working from the country, rather than commuting, is a new reality for many.

Chris Kelly

Hannah Walkiewicz

Sarah Lane

James Lawley HANNAH WALKIEWICZ THE BUILD BRISTOL GROUP 01179 091969; www.thebuildbristolgroup.com

How do you envisage the skyline of Bristol changing over the next five years? Bristol is an incredible city; if it continues to grow as it has over the last five years we’re in for such a treat! I can imagine some of the derelict buildings being transformed into full use. I also imagine that the growth of the city will stretch as far as Cribbs Causeway, over time. What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? I love dealing with our clients and enabling their dreams to become a reality. Often clients have a seed of an idea and just need some help to bring it to life. We’re able to do this with our brilliant in- house team of designers, architects and builders. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. The Build Bristol Group is a collection of experienced designers, project managers, architects and builders. We’re able to offer a turnkey service and help guide clients through the entire process. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone looking to buy a property, what would it be? Look at the longevity of the property. Will it be able to suit you long-term if it’s a big investment? Where can you add value if needed? Where could you expand, if necessary? If you could buy a property anywhere in Bristol, where would it be, and why? We love the St Andrews Park area. A huge green space, minutes from the Gloucester Road and the houses have so many original features.

JAMES LAWLEY JAMES LAWLEY | ARCHITECTURAL IMAGE STUDIO 07814 969040 www.jameslawley.co.uk

What area do you specialise in? As an architectural visualisation artist my projects combine CGI, photography and moving image. With over 10 years’ experience in the property sector, I produce images for clients across the UK and internationally, from bespoke self-build homes to multi-million-pound coastal retreats. What makes you different from others in your profession? CGI can sometimes be considered technical and characterless, but I love to challenge this perception using light and detail to bring warmth and a compelling story to each image. My background in photography lends an editorial style to my work, which showcases an aspirational lifestyle to potential homeowners and helps a project stand out from the crowd. What’s your favourite part of the job? It can be difficult to visualise a space from plans alone, so it’s really satisfying when clients say my images have helped them sell off-plan, obtain planning permission or generate significant interest from buyers. I enjoy helping clients realise that exceptional images are an investment rather than an expense.

ANDREW STOWEY QUARTZ-LITE (REFACEIT INTERIORS LTD) 07976 636848 www.quartz-lite.com

What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? I enjoy the satifaction of transforming customers’ kitchens with our beautiful overlay quartz worktops, and the look of pure joy on their faces when we have completed the works – in most cases, in just one day. Best bit of your job? We believe in excellent customer service and looking after our customers from start to finish, and helping them with the correct choices available to suit their budget and tastes. What made you originally start working in the property sector? I have always had a strong interest in DIY. I have renovated five properties; I particularly like older properties. When I was made redundant in 2003 I decided to go into the kitchen-renovation business, and discovered and developed the Quartz-Lite overlay system, which has gone from strength to strength. What services do your clients currently require? We specialise in all aspects of kitchen renovations, from simple door swaps to complete new kitchens, including new apliances and flooring. Due to Covid, with people spending more time in their homes, we have seen increased demand for all our services. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone looking to buy a property, what would it be? I think the old adage that you should always buy the worst property in the best road rather than the best property in the worst road still rings true today.

JULIAN PYRKE GREGG LATCHAMS 0117 906 9400; www.gregglatchams.com

What do you specialise in? We act for commercial landlords and tenants on a range of matters, from lease negotiations through to completion. We specialise in managing large leasehold portfolios, business premises relocation and asset purchases. What do you think the long-term impact of Covid-19 on the property sector will be? It is certainly a game-changer. Many of our clients are seeking to renegotiate terms of their leases as well as others looking to buy property for investment. Long term, I think the traditional office will evolve to incorporate a more flexible working arrangement, but I don’t think the office is dead just yet. What key bit of advice would you give to a client? If you are reviewing your commercial property arrangements, and looking to enter into a new agreement, be sure to seek the advice of a specialist lawyer. It is crucial to get the terms that you want and have these agreed and clearly set out. If it is advised that changes should be made, having to ‘unpick’ the terms puts you on the back foot. Most importantly, it causes unnecessary delays and fees.

Andrew Stowey

Rebecca Hales

Julian Pyrke

Sean Redmond REBECCA HALES WHITECROFT DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED 01761 490092 ; www.whitecroftdev.co.uk

What do you think the long term impact of Covid-19 on the property sector will be? Covid-19 has forced a period of reflection for some; this has led to a re-evaluation of those things which are important to us, and for many the result has been a realisation that time to be with the ones we care about and time to pursue those hobbies and interests we enjoy are key. Our home impacts on the extent to which we are free to play out our lives as we desire; I think we will expect more from our homes as a result, and rightly so, and this realisation will prompt house moves of many different types. What should we prioritise when moving house? It used to be Location, Location, Location – now this programme is in its 20th year, can that be right? Perhaps we should be thinking Connection, Connection, Connection. Internet Connection – we need to have the flexibility to work from home, and we rely on internet connection increasingly for entertainment. Connection to a community – if we choose to, can we be part of a local community? Having been prevented from in-person, social interaction, we realise just how good it is for us! And if our home is not in the city centre, for example, can we easily connect to such hubs? Connection with our household – does the layout of our home allow us to interact and play out our lives as we need to?

SEAN REDMOND PH3 DESIGN 0117 911 5458 www.ph3design.co.uk

What key bit of advice would you give to a client? Our job is to create fantastic spaces for you, so choose an architect you get along with, be open to being challenged by new ideas and, even on small schemes, have high ambitions for the project, then ask all the questions, and discuss all your ideas, at the design stage and once a project is on site try not to change things – exploring things on paper is a lot cheaper than making changes on site. What’s the best project you’ve worked on? We’re hugely grateful to have been able to work for loads of wonderful clients. We’ve worked on some incredible community projects, as well as buildings for fantastic companies like Adidas and recently completed an amazing £1.5m HQ for Bristol’s own Boomtown Festival, but being invited to be the architect for the refurbishment of the spectacular Cartier headquarters in London was a real honour. What area do you specialise in? We specialise in unlocking the potential of challenging sites and buildings, and we thrive on seeing the possibilities and opportunities that others may not see. We love responding to a clients’ ambitions, and on every project our number one focus is to exceed their expectations.

EDWARD HAMILTON 3SIXTY REAL ESTATE 0117 247 0120 www.3SIXTYrealestate.co.uk

What effect will Covid-19 have on commercial property, and why should I come to 3SIXTY for advice? While still in the early stages of the full impact this may have on the sector, there are likely to be a significant number of commercial leases terminated/exited that will require some type of expert negotiation to mitigate liabilities. At 3SIXTY we pride ourselves on providing personable advice to all types of clients, whether that be single-property landlords, tenants, SMEs, or national private healthcare providers. We have built a reputation on trusted relationships, recognising that while we deal in bricks and mortar, the property market is a people business. We therefore offer realistic, accountable advice with successful and proven outcomes in negotiations and mediation. What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? Working with a varied client base on a wide range of properties and projects is hugely rewarding, and maintains focus. Every instruction is different, so understanding client requirements is key to a successful project outcome. What’s the best way to protect our assets? Regular building maintenance can often be neglected due to the perceived benefit of short-term cost savings resulting in long term expense. Having a fully encompassing planned preventative maintenance schedule is key to prolonging the building fabric and in turn, mitigates surprising liabilities at lease expiry stage.

Edward Hamilton

Anna Ball ANNA BALL VILLAGE DESIGN AND CREATIVE MARKETING 0117 910 6050; www.villagedesign.co.uk

What do you specialise in? Creative design and intelligent marketing for the property industry. We have a wealth of experience in branding, design for print and cutting-edge digital media. What are the key values of your business? We strive to create appropriate, thoughtful, high quality branding and design, using our knowledge of the property industry and by going the extra mile for our clients. What has been the impact of Covid-19 on property marketing? We have found less print is being requested but the evolution of digital marketing has given us the opportunity to be creative in very different ways, from animations for social media through to the design of static web banners, HTML 5 programmatics, network display banners, etc. Websites have become more important than ever for relaying up-to-date messaging and displaying current sales information. What do you love most about working in property? Seeing the vision for a development through the creation of items such as brochures, CGIs, floorplans and digital fly-throughs come to reality when the building is nearing completion, and we can finally look around the actual properties. What are your favourite projects that you’ve worked on? Wapping Wharf for Muse Developments and Umberslade, as it’s a privilege to be part of a project which has had a real impact on the way people live and socialise in Bristol, and Hatchbury’s Guild Heritage House development in Old Market for the quality of the build and its huge sales success.

LYN JONES & JULIE LAMING PLANNING VENTURES LTD 07775 863715; 07557 404336 www.planningventures.co.uk

What do you love most about working in planning? We passionately believe the planning system is a positive force for change and that highquality development affects how we live. Whether negotiating a premium office scheme, repurposing an historic building or securing someone their dream home, being part of a system that makes a real difference to our built environment is a privilege. What services do you offer and are there any areas you specialise in? We provide planning support for any type of property project. We offer advice, manage applications and appeals, and provide expert planning input wherever it’s needed. We’re pretty agile in how and who we work with. Most of our current projects are in the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors, but we’ll work across the board. Where would you start with a planning application? No two applications are the same, but there are some basic points that will save you time and money. For starters do your policy research, check out the planning history and constraints of your site. If it’s complex you could pursue a pre-application enquiry, and it’s almost always worth engaging with neighbours and key stakeholders as early as possible. Frontload your application with detail – even for a minor project. Do you deal with listed buildings? Most definitely! Jules has a particular interest in all things heritage. If you own a listed building remember that everything inside and outside the property is covered by the listing, so any changes you want to make will need permission, including works that might affect its setting. Your proposals might not be contentious, but they will require some sensitivity. Do you have a favourite Bristol building or project? The city is constantly changing, but we do have a few current favourites – the stunning modern extension to St George’s concert hall, Programme (formerly The Pithay) as an iconic office building restored and reinvented, and Paintworks as a brilliant example of live-work development, to name a few. We’ve also been involved with various regeneration projects in Stokes Croft in recent years, including a micro-brewery, co-work space and restaurant and events venue, so can’t wait to see how this area evolves.

OLIVIA HUTLEY CITY & COUNTRY 0117 453 9731 www.cityandcountry.co.uk

What misconceptions do people have about buying a new-build property? Purchasers can view new builds as lacking character, and with ‘traditional’ new build homes that can certainly be the case. This is where the City &

Country difference is key – when we build new homes we construct them alongside the historic buildings that we restore and convert. This means you get the benefits of a new home alongside the period setting and character of an original building.

Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. We’re the UK’s market leading developer of heritage buildings – that means we restore and convert some of the UK’s most iconic historic buildings into fabulous new places to live and work. Hospitals, mansions, schools – you name it, we’ve restored it. These amazing places often create incredible living spaces, meaning our new apartments feature details that you would never find in a new building.

JAMES HEMING A.P. CLARK & SON 0117 363 7693 www.apclarksurfacingcontractors.co.uk Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. AP Clark & Son is probably the oldest surfacing company in the country, having been established in 1890 by my great-grandfather, Arthur Percival Clark. Prior to our move to Avonmouth in 2012, our premises were a well-known landmark at the end of Henleaze Road. We pride ourselves on the personal touch for both private and commercial customers and this is evident by the amount of repeat business we receive. your property? Whether you are intending to stay in your property or sell, first impressions are vital. That all important kerb appeal! When spending money on improvements it is essential that the work is of good quality, will last and is guaranteed. Best part of your job? I enjoy meeting people, helping them to realise their ideas, and sharing the satisfaction of a job well done. What advice would you give someone searching for a new home? It’s been well documented that buying priorities have shifted this year, with people searching for outside space and a good place to work from home. But remember that’s not true for everyone; plenty of people continue to want to live in city centres close to the places they love. Our advice would be really decide what’s going to be right for you with your circumstances – will you be working from home more often now? Do you need good transport links to bigger cities? Is access to outdoor spaces a must-have? Start from here, and that will help to narrow your search to the most suitable places. What trends do you predict for the year ahead? As more people choose to work from home, we expect to see more buyers seeking greater space in which to live and work with superfast internet speeds. Are there any areas of Bristol that are proving to be particularly popular at the moment? Bedminster continues to be a really popular choice for professionals and younger purchasers looking to settle in one of Bristol’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. It’s got everything you need on North Street, while the city

Why spend money on the outside of centre and Temple Meads are within walking distance.

James Heming ANDREW SPERRING JAS BUILDING SERVICES (BRISTOL) LTD 01454877520 www.JASbuildingservices.co.uk

Why hire an interior designer? Working with an interior designer can inspire you with fresh innovative ideas that can completely change the way your home feels and flows, often creating more light and space. We are the experts at understanding your vision to make it a reality. What is it that you love about working in interiors? I love talking to clients about bringing their dreams to life and getting creative with how we can make this happen. What’s the best bit of advice you could give to home owners? Use sites like Houzz to share an idea of what you want but be realistic about your budget, and flexible to new ideas. Reading property features such as in Bristol Life will give you valuable insight and knowledge from local professionals. You can often create the same desired end result without breaking the bank. What do you specialise in? We specialise in property transformations. We are the experts when it comes to renovating and extending your home.

Andrew Sperring

ROBERT BEALE VICKERY HOLMAN 0117 428 6555; www.vickeryholman.com

What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? As a company we employ and train graduates and helping them achieve their Membership with the RICS is a great part of the job, especially when they decide to stay with the company. Our retention rate is excellent, so we must be doing something right! What common pitfalls do people make when buying or selling a house/commercial property? Is it worth the price they are paying? People can often progress through a purchase without seeking professional advice on whether they are paying what the property is actually worth. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. We are the largest South West based firm of surveyors, operating across the entire region, commercial property is what we live and breathe including agency services, building surveying, lease consultancy, business rates negotiation, valuation and property management. Being able to offer these range of services through our four offices provides our clients with a one stop shop. What services do your clients currently require? We are helping a lot of clients reduce their holding and operating costs for property they occupy or own. This work includes advice on rent levels and business rates liabilities. What advice would you give someone looking to invest in property in the South West? Use a firm with regional coverage and local knowledge, such as Vickery Holman. We have staff working and living within 30 minutes of almost all properties across the South West who can bring that detailed understanding into the work environment, ensuring we can provide the best advice.

Robert Beale

Hannah Chappatte HANNAH CHAPPATTE HYBR 07826853139; www.hybr.co.uk

Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. HYBR’s uniquely student focussed. This has two key advantages for landlords we work with. Firstly, we only offer properties for students; a demographic that require their own rental solution. As former students we also understand the student mindset and how to market effectively to them. This is backed-up by the fact that we always rent our properties out within the first month. Secondly, we support students both practically and emotionally throughout the year to make them better tenants. We help students to find housemates, we connect them with our low-cost portfolio of tradespeople, and educate students about how to respect rented properties. What services do your clients currently require? Our clients require support with finding good tenants quickly, either through our pre-tenancy package, where we take care of background checks and tenancy agreements, or our full management package, so they can be completely hands-off throughout the tenancy. We offer the customer service you would expect from a traditional letting agent but through leveraging technology we offer a solution up to five times more cost-effective. Based on the average property price, landlords save around £2,160 by using us as rather than a traditional letting agent. Is there anything else we need to know about what your company does? We would never charge landlords an upfront fee. We believe that you should only be charged once you are happy with our services.

JON MORGAN JUNIPER HOMES info@juniperhomes.co.uk www.juniperhomes.co.uk

Why should you put your house on the market now? The advice we are hearing from the surveyors and legal experts is that the buying/selling process is taking far longer than anticipated. If you’ve found the home of your dreams, particularly if you’re downsizing, you need to be in a position to move quickly to secure it. So our advice to anyone looking to buy a new home would be to put your house on the market now. What do you think the long term impact of Covid-19 on the property sector will be? We have seen many ups and downs in the market over the years and in all honesty Bristol seems to have one of the most resilient property markets in the UK. The impact of Covid seems to be people wanting more space and outdoor space; happily most of the schemes we are building provide just that. What key advice would you give to a client? See your home for what it is: somewhere you love, your place of security, somewhere to enjoy with your friends and family and a longterm investment – not somewhere to turn a quick buck. What do you love most about working in property? It’s a world full of highs and lows, so you need to be pragmatic and level-headed to meet the challenges that arise daily. No two days are the same, but when a site is completed and the house you’ve built is the home of someone’s dreams, there’s nothing quite like it. What’s the best project you’ve worked on? Redland Court is by far the most challenging scheme to date. Bringing the historic Grade II* buildings back to life and creating the exceptional range of apartments and houses on this site makes it the most difficult we’ve ever taken on, but we are getting this right, and people’s reactions make it all worthwhile. If you could change one thing about the Bristol property market what would it be? The planning process. Are new homes a better buy than older properties? With the environmental changes taking place, we are futureproofing sites and getting very close to building sites with zero carbon emissions. Reduced running costs and lower maintenance are two good reasons to buy new, but moving in to somewhere where everything is brand new does feel good. You don’t always know what you’re committing to with older homes, but there are options out there, like Redland Court, where you can buy a ‘brand new’ home in a period building which offers buyers a good compromise.

EDWARD LE MASURIER AND ALASTAIR KIMPTON ETP PROPERTY CONSULTANTS 0117 973 1474 www.etpproperty.co.uk

Tell us something about yourselves and your business? We are an independent firm of chartered

surveyors and registered valuers working in the south of England and South Wales. We predominantly act on behalf of lenders, landlords, commercial occupiers and developers, providing a multi-disciplinary service. What areas do you specialise in? We provide a range of services to our clients, including the preparation of RICS Red Book HANNAH REDDEN HANNAH REDDEN INTERIOR DESIGN 07751 933426 www.hannahredden.co.uk What is it that you love about working in interiors? For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping people to thoroughly enjoy the space they live in for years to come. When a client comes to me at the end of a job to tell me how happy they are with the results, that’s honestly the best feeling ever! Good interior design should be about creating beautiful and inspiring spaces, but which still work on a practical level. Understanding my clients’ needs and earning their trust is at the heart of everything I do, and building those relationships is one of my favourite parts of the job. How would you describe your signature style? I adore colour for its ability to transform a room and instantly lift the spirits. I would say my signature style is timeless yet characterful, colourful and confident. I’m not massively trend-focused, but more interested in following my instincts on what feels right for the client; often looking to nature, art or architecture for added inspiration. I prefer to work with schemes that will last; enduring design with quality at its core. I’m not totally against the odd Ikea buy here and there, but I definitely prefer design which focuses on craftsmanship valuations for secured lending, pension fund, taxation and accounting purposes. As well as this, we also advise on commercial property agency matters, and we advise landlords and occupiers on lease renewals, rent reviews, and lease regears, which are particularly important in the current climate. We provide development appraisal and consultancy services to lenders and developers, as well as dealing with acquisitions and disposals of development opportunities. What are the key values of your business? We are a privately owned, progressive, trusted, and driven firm that has been based in Bristol for over 140 years. We have strong relationships in the regions in which we work, and our clients will always have a direct point of contact at a senior level for each instruction. What new plans do you have for next year? We have adapted our working methods in order that we can continue to provide a high standard of service when working remotely, if needed, and are pleased that this transition has worked smoothly. We are also delighted to confirm that we have recruited a building surveyor, who will be joining the team at the end of the year, which will add another service line to our business. We will be able to offer advice on dilapidations, schedules of condition, project monitoring and party wall

matters. and quality.

How does your design process work?

It really depends on the project – my work is so varied and ranges from creating bespoke textile designs such as wall-hangings and lampshades, to full room styling, space planning, or colour guidance. But the common thread running throughout my work is the personalised interiors service I offer, with each project a collaborative partnership between me and my client. I know how important it is, as the client, to know exactly what you’re getting!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Oh, so many places! I studied textile design at

Glasgow School of Art, surrounded by all this stunningly beautiful architecture, so that has certainly influenced my work over the years.

I’ve also travelled extensively; taking in lots of punchy Italian colours, vibrant Indian patterns and amazing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Bold colour is definitely something I return to again and again through my interiors; I’m always trying to encourage clients not to feel afraid of colour, as it can be so transformative.

I’d also have to say that living in Bristol I feel inspired on a daily basis. There’s always something going on: street art, vintage fairs, festivals. It’s hard not to feel inspired when there’s so much creative activity springing up all around you. It’s a truly lovely community to be a part of, and I feel very lucky.

NICK LLOYD URBANE ECO LTD 0117 9098090; www.urbane-eco.co.uk

Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. We’re one of Bristol’s leading sustainable building companies, and we specialise in using breathable, and natural, building materials. We believe they are better for both the health of the occupant and also the planet. What services do your clients currently require? We do a lot of external and internal wall insulation using natural wood fi bre, breathable render and natural paints. This ensures that the building can breathe and helps prevents humidity and mould growth. We also build new houses to Passive House standards using all-natural materials. This creates a heathy, zero-allergy indoor atmosphere, and with a mechanical ventilation system, where the air is replaced in a controlled manner, the house becomes even healthier, especially in the current climate. Is there anything else we need to know about what your company does? Yes! We’re really excited to announce that we are now selling our eco building materials such as wood fi bre insulation, to householders and builders alike from our unit in St Anne’s. Up until now it has been hard to get these materials in smaller quantities. We can also provide some consultancy if needed. Please contact us for more information! What’s the highest-profi le property you’ve ever worked on? Well, we retrofi tted the eco show home in Easton for Bristol City Council for their highly successful Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, so it was quite exciting to have been chosen to do that. How is sustainability affecting the property market? Eco measures defi nitely add value to a property, but it’s worth knowing which ones are important. I always go for a ‘fabric fi rst’ approach, but of course there are renewables upgrades as well, such as air source heat pumps and solar panels. What inspires you? Energy use in buildings and building materials is one of the most carbon-polluting items on the planet. I’m not sure people realise this, and so if I can help do my bit by raising awareness, providing people with more choice in what building materials they use, and reducing the carbon footprint in this way, then I fi nd that extremely rewarding.

OLIVER HAWTHORNE HUBB PROPERTY GROUP 0117 422 0122 www.hubb.co.uk

Tell us something about yourselves and why people should contact you? Hubb Property Group is a real estate private equity and investment fi rm with a focus on the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector and the development of luxury residential and commercial properties. We originate and manage each opportunity in its own SPV fund and partner with our Institutional, Family Offi ce and High Net Worth investors to join us in structured investments. What kind of property buyers are you currently seeing coming into the area? There was an infl ux of London based professionals before COVID 19 but this has certainly increased since the pandemic. This is due to the amount of enterprises offering more opportunities to work remotely and also buyers reevaluating their lifestyles and their living space requirements. They are considering areas that are a reasonable commute outside the Capital, such as Bath and Bristol.

Oliver Hawthorne MARK DAVIDGE THE TILE AND BATHROOM WAREHOUSE 0117 9770011 ww.thetileandbathroomwarehouse.com

Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. We are proudly independent and we showcase only the best quality, branded products usually not seen in typical bathroom showrooms. Also, as our name says we are ‘Tiles And Bathrooms’ so we quite literally offer the complete package from Design to Delivery What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? There is nothing more satisfying than working with a client as passionate as we are. Sharing our ideas with them, and seeing them come to life! Is there anything you would urge people to look out for when designing their bathroom? Tiles now are a lot larger than they used to be, the typical size of tile now is 30cm x 90cm. A lot of tile collections also offer a decorative tile to compliment the range and really gives a wow factor! We are also fi nding many customers are opting to ditch the bath and have a low level ‘walk in’ shower instead and I think this really makes sense. Designed and specifi ed with the best products, this gives what is normally a small cramped room the feeling of space and performance.

Mark Davidge

A positive force for change

Julie Laming and Lyn Jones see their independent planning consultancy PLANNING VENTURES as a breath of fresh air in a predominantly male, corporate industry

Down-to-earth and friendly, yet professional and knowledgeable, Planning Ventures values and nurtures its relationships with clients, colleagues and local authorities alike.

“Planning Ventures is a creative and resourceful partnership based on our shared experience of the development industry,” says Lyn. Julie further expands on their philosophy: “With a commitment to high-quality development, respectful relationships and compassionate working practices, we strive to bring a touch of ‘soft power’ to the planning process.”

“We’re convinced that collaborative working and kindness delivers the best outcomes for all, and so we approach every project with this mindset, whatever the nature or scale of the work. Ultimately, we’re all aiming for deliverable development and great place-making, so let’s make the process as positive as possible.”

“We provide tailor-made planning advice and support for any type of property project, be it residential, commercial, environmental or historic,” says Lyn. “We offer planning advice, manage planning applications and appeals, and provide expert planning input into a property project wherever it’s needed. We are really agile in our approach, whether it’s working solely with a client, joining a large design team or simply providing a flexible planning resource as and when it’s needed.”

Planning Ventures passionately believes that the planning system is a positive force for change, and that high-quality development fundamentally affects how people live and respond to space. “We love working with people on interesting projects, where we can make a real difference – whether negotiating a multimillion pound office scheme in the city, securing consent for a new micro brewery and events space in Stokes Croft, reinventing The Pithay as the multimedia high tech hub ‘Programme’, promoting a bespoke rural boutique pub in the Chew Valley, or securing permission for high- quality residential developments across Bristol and North Somerset. We thrive on the variety of our work and relish a quirky site!”

The busy pair aren’t just about planning, however, and are committed to giving back to Bristol, supporting local charity One25 through various fundraising exploits, as well as sitting on the city’s Conservation Advisory Panel and guest lecturing at UWE. As Julie confirms ”It’s a privilege to be able to contribute; it makes us feel more involved in the city and adds a richer dimension to our business.”

“We believe our strength lies in our approachability and adaptability,” concludes Lyn. “We’re quietly carving our own niche in

the Bristol and South West market, and are committed to following our own path. We’re always open to new challenges, so do get in touch if you have a project you need help with and think our approach might suit yours.” n

Planning Ventures Ltd Call Lyn: 07775 863715 or Julie: 07557 404336 Visit: www.planningventures.co.uk