Marks Get Set

Welcome to this weeks edition of The Sunday Get Set with another eventful week with developments ranging from significant funding shifts to ambitious housing proposals.

Landsec’s £2 Billion Office Sell-Off to Fund Housing

Landsec announced plans to sell £2 billion worth of office properties to focus on residential housing projects. The sale will fund three upcoming schemes aimed at delivering 6,000 new homes. This strategic pivot underlines the ongoing shift in commercial property markets, where demand for office spaces has been declining in favor of remote and hybrid work models.

Sadiq Khan Pushes for Green Belt Development

London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed plans to develop parts of the London green belt, particularly in areas with good transport links, to build affordable housing. This announcement is part of a larger strategy aimed at tackling London’s housing shortage, but it’s already sparking debate. While the mayor frames the proposal as a way to ease housing pressures, environmental groups and local communities have raised concerns about the potential impact on green spaces.

£630 Million for Public Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced £630 million in funding for public building energy efficiency upgrades. Allocated under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the money will go toward retrofitting schools, hospitals, and government buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The Sunday Get Set will return next weekend.

How is UK architecture performing in closing the gender pay gap in 2025? Bespoke Careers reports progress in narrowing the gap, with the UK now leading surveyed regions for pay parity. Yet challenges persist, with women making up just 31% of registered architects and a 16% pay gap still reported by RIBA, more than double the national average.

Globally, UK architecture is ahead in pay transparency, but lags behind on leadership representation and workplace equality compared to countries like Australia. Addressing these disparities isn’t just ethical; it strengthens talent retention, boosts innovation, and builds a resilient sector.

Flexibility is the new currency in 2025, and the demand for hybrid working spaces shows no sign of slowing down. Architects and designers are leading the charge, rethinking traditional office layouts into collaborative hubs that foster creativity while offering spaces for focused work.

Recent research reveals that 74% of UK employees now prefer hybrid work models, with 62% of organisations reconfiguring offices to accommodate this. From hot-desking areas to tech-enabled meeting rooms, these spaces are designed to reflect modern working patterns and employee well-being needs.

But there’s more at stake than just functionality. In today’s climate, effective office layouts have become a key PR tool, helping businesses showcase their adaptability, eco-consciousness, and commitment to employee satisfaction.

For designers, this creates an exciting challenge to balance aesthetics with practicality. For businesses, it presents an opportunity to amplify their brand by investing in workspaces that inspire trust and productivity.

How are you and your team adapting to these evolving needs? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Welcome to The Sunday Get Set, your new weekend news digest for the property and construction industry

Solar Panels for All New Homes
Yep, the government has made it official! All new-build homes in the UK will now need rooftop solar panels.
Full story here: https://cinmagazine.co.uk/compulsory-solar-on-new-build-homes-big-win-says-cpre/

£2 Billion Housing Boost
To combat the housing crisis, the government has pledged a whopping £2 billion. Read more here: https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/2bn-housing-boost-a-step-forward-but-more-is-needed-to-solve-the-crisis/150903/

AI Revolution in Construction
Here’s a cool stat for you: almost half of builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are now prioritizing AI.

Read More: https://cinmagazine.co.uk/half-of-builders-merchants-name-ai-as-the-top-priority-for-ecommerce-growth/

The UK-US Trade Deal
It’s a big deal for the property and construction sectors. Steel exports to the US will see the current 25% tariff cut to zero. British manufacturers can now streamline supply chains and reduce material costs for UK-based construction projects.

Read More: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-u-s-uk-reach-historic-trade-deal/

Here’s a breakdown of the major points from Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/whats-us-uk-economic-deal-2025-05-08/

The Sunday Get Set will return next weekend.

Whether you are in hospitality, retail or own a design studio understanding your competition is crucial.

In my latest article for Like Minds, I dive into the world of competitor analysis and how businesses can use it to stay ahead.

Check out real-world case studies and discover how businesses like Whitbread, Tesco, OMD UK, and VisitBritain have achieved impressive results.

Read now via https://wearelikeminds.com/mastering-competitor-analysis-for-business-success/

Loyal clients are the cornerstone of any thriving , offering steady and serving as who spread positive word-of-mouth.

While acquiring new is important, retaining existing ones is where the true value often lies.

https://marksgetset.com/unlockingclientloyaltyforlongtermsuccess/

Interior design is about more than just aesthetics – it's about creating a space that connects people to their surroundings.

Explore the key elements of narrative design, from identifying the genesis of a project through to leveraging media coverage and developing partnerships.

Learn how storytelling can create a lasting impact on your next project.

https://marksgetset.com/designinganarrativeforinteriordesign/

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