Seminars
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Delegates may choose one seminar from each session below or view our technical tour programme which runs at the same time. Click on the session number to view the full detail.
11:15-12:45Thursday 24 May (am) | |
2A City Development: Centre v Edge With all the challenges facing inner city development and ever changing occupier needs, can the core compete with the new emerging ‘edge of centre’ alternatives? Historic city centres continue to pack themselves with new office buildings growing upwards and outwards. As a result of this high density and the challenges associated with squeezing new into old, we are witnessing an emergence of new urban developments, cities in themselves, nestling adjacent to the historically known centre. The centre is moving outwards. Is it the restrictions and barriers to development in the traditional core areas that are driving this change or a more fundamental shift in the needs of corporate occupiers? With reference to global examples, both built and emerging, this seminar will debate the issues such as planning constraints, infrastructure funding and occupier trends behind this apparent shift in urban regeneration. CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
2B Standing the Test of Time Following the introduction of the new Test of Time Award, this seminar will explore the way in which buildings support the business of their occupiers. The expert panel will look at the way office space is currently used, how new ways of working will effect this model in the future and will give views on what the occupiers of tomorrow will want from their real estate. The seminar will also showcase this year’s award winner, Skyways House, and review what it is about the building that so effectively supports Littlewood’s business. CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
2C Future Trends and the Banks' Property Strategies Three leading occupiers from global banks, each with substantial UK office portfolios, explore future trends affecting banking occupiers in light of recent market turmoil. The panel will discuss themes around their evolving property strategies, their requirements for future buildings and requirement for their employees. We will explore the impact of the financial crisis on the UK market, will London remain a major financial centre or will back office functions move across the UK or indeed to other emerging jurisdictions. How different is operating in the UK from other European and global locations? How can the supply chain assist banks in delivering their future property strategies? CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
2D Reinventing Refurbishment The BCO Can Do Refurbishment guide reviews how old office buildings can be refurbished to provide opportunities and added value by dispelling the myths normally associated with the older building stock. The recent introduction and updates of Part L 2010, EPC, BCO 2009, BCO Fit Out Guide and BREEAM 2011 will be explored whilst also considering design, space, technical, programme, cost, certification and rental income. Practical examples will be given ranging from aesthetics, space, branding, maximising ceiling height and floor area, adding floors, sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, improved certification, programme, funding and cost. A future look ahead will also be included. CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
Thursday 24 May | |
3A Performance Over Time Heelis, the Central office for the National Trust in Swindon was awarded the inaugural BCO Innovation Award in 2006. Two of the speakers, Matt and Guy, worked on the design of the building and Bill examined its performance in use in 2007. Lessons learned from Heelis were applied in the briefing and design of the new headquarters for the Woodland Trust, Grantham, which subsequently received a BCO 2011 Regional Award. The Technology Strategy Board is funding a two-year review of the new building’s performance in use: the work will include a revisit to Heelis, to see how it is progressing, seven years on. Results from the first year of occupation of the Woodland Trust building will be available for the Conference. CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
3B Intelligent Buildings What makes a building intelligent? Is it the wired and wireless infrastructure? Is it the smart building control or multi-media communication systems? Is it just good design? Attend this session and get a glimpse of what is and what will be in the future world of buildings. CHAIRMAN | |
3C Building Wealth: Are Sustainable Properties Worth It? There is no more pressing sustainable issue than the question of value. Do green buildings command premiums? Is a ‘brown discount’ for unsustainable properties emerging? What are the attitudes of owners, occupiers and practitioners and how are these affecting decision-making? Sustainability is now a factor in many property transactions, from rent reviews to new leases to sales. This panel will explore how sustainability is specifically shaping the commercial marketplace in the UK and globally. It will draw upon a diverse range of evidence and expert opinion to provide participants with a more astute understanding of the price of sustainability. CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
3D 'The Cotton Quarter': Reinventing Industrial Icons The BCO design competition, in association with Property Week, is back and sets a brand new challenge to entrants. Stepping away from the fictional island of Riduna, this year’s competition introduces “The Cotton Quarter” an imaginary site situated in the heart of Manchester’s historic industrial district. The focus is reinvention, refurbishment and reinvigoration! Meet our two teams of finalists, watch a Q&A with our panel of experts and cast your vote. Full details of the competition are available here. CHAIRMAN PANEL OF EXPERTS | |
Friday 25 May (am) | |
5A Breakfast with the Developers/Investors This is an opportunity to meet with some of the UK’s leading developers and investors. It’s an informal session to kick off the final day of the conference. What are the developers and investors planning for 2012 and how do they see the economy faring in the future? This session offers you the opportunity to ask these and more questions. Its a good line-up of speakers and its sure to be a lively debate as views may vary amongst our speakers. Occupiers are particularly welcome to attend this session to share their views in what will be a lively debate. CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |
5B Obsolscence: Where Would We Be Without It? How does the market think about obsolescence, what forms does it take, how will it impact over the next 5 years, what strategies are adopted to manage it? In one way or another all those involved in the office sector face these and related questions every day. The Investor’s committee of the BCO has examined these more closely with the objective of offering practical insights to strategic investment approaches. This seminar will explain the obsolescence debate and then bring it to life through the eyes of the unique and dominant Manchester investor Bruntwood. SPEAKERS | |
5C Let's Leave the Lights On: the Big Debate! There is an increasing amount of environmental legislation facing occupiers and landlords and the new Energy Act introduces yet more issues, including the ‘Green Deal’ and legislation which may ban the leasing of buildings, or units, with low EPC ratings. All this comes on top of increasing energy costs – forecasts suggest energy prices will continue to rise faster than general inflation – and the growing pressure to demonstrate, both at a consumer or corporate level, social responsibility. This debate argues for and against who should do what; it’s the landlord’s investment so it should be his problem OR the occupier is the user; only he can turn the lights off and save both energy costs and carbon. CHAIRMAN Speakers | |
5D In or Out? The extraordinary events of the past few years have forced everyone in the commercial office market to reassess their way of working. Is it now time for investors and occupiers to retreat to focus on London or do cities outside the capital hold the key to survival during recession? This session will see key players in the office sector and NextGen members taking part in a hypothetical pitch to the audience who will play the part of the prospective new occupier/investor. What are the key features that will attract the client to invest in London and how do these compare to the opportunities available outside the South East? CHAIRMAN SPEAKERS | |