Fisher German Magazine Issue 21 Autumn Winter 2018

fisher german Magazine | Winter 2018 | Issue 21

www.fishergerman.co.uk

Bring to fruition How Boddington’s Berries transitioned from strawberry grower to entrepreneur

Giving appeal

Charitable organisations and businesses can be valuable tenants for rural properties p6

Britain’s new brew

The UK’s only Trappist ale is brewed by Cistercian monks at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey p10

Get connected

Why gas distributor Cadent is on a drive to firmly establish its own identity p24

Welcome It’s a truism that business likes certainty.

I suspect that what this really means is that people like certainty. So, in these times of unprecedented social, economic and political change, it is heartening to see in the following pages individuals, organisations and businesses that have Andrew Jackson, been certain enough of their own abilities managing partner to pursue their ambitions, regardless of the potential challenges. This is a quality Fisher German encourages in its staff and clients alike.

Faced with the loss of the revenue stream that covered the maintenance of their buildings, the enterprising community of monks at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Leicestershire turned their hands to brewing beer (page 10). In the process they created the UK’s only Trappist ale, a product that has already been critically acclaimed by leading ale experts.

A similar tale of success, but in a very different setting, can be found at A.W. Jenkinson Farms at Whinfellpark in Cumbria, where a dedicated team is skilfully breeding an award-winning herd of pedigree Limousin cattle (page 14). It is an impressive turnaround for a business that lost all of its animals in the last foot and mouth epidemic.

Triumphing over adversity is something which many of the charitable organisations that are moving into rural properties are familiar with (page 6). A shining example is former rugby professional Matt Hampson, whose sports career was cut short by catastrophic injury. His determination to forge a new path, and help others along the way, is a wonderful inspiration for us all.

Britain’s new brew The UK’s only Trappist ale is brewed by Cistercian monks at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey

10 Farm fresh revolution Mercer Farming’s initiative aims to inspire families to eat more fresh food

18 Moving up a gear Njinga Cycling offers training and coaching for all levels of road cyclists

26 Partner spotlight Rebecca Ruck Keene is part of Fisher German’s rural sector team

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The Fisher German magazine is intended to be an informative guide. It should not be relied on as giving all the advice needed to make decisions.

Fisher German LLP has tried to ensure accuracy and cannot accept liability for any errors, fact or opinion. If you no longer wish to receive the Fisher German magazine or any other Fisher German marketing material, please email marketing@fishergerman.co.uk.

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News & views Anaerobic digestion facility sold and Fisher German named in prestigious property survey

Giving appeal Charitable organisations and businesses can be valuable tenants for rural properties

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06 Reimagining retail Developers are turning to retail parks, as warehouse space is in short supply

Best of breed A.W. Jenkinson Farms has entered the world of pedigree cattle breeding

12 Bring to fruition Boddington’s Berries’ transition from strawberry grower to entrepreneur

Get connected Cadent’s drive to establish its own identity and why it’s doing things differently

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Sector insight What lies ahead for the firm and its clients

32 Publishing services provided

by Grist, 36 Great Pulteney Street, Soho, London W1F 9NS, UK

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A new start A dedicated new homes consultancy team offers support to housebuilders

People news New faces join across the Fisher German business

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30 Office directory Contact details for Fisher German’s national offices

34 Publisher Andrew Rogerson Editor Tracey Gardner Art director Jennifer Cibinic Designer Gio Isnenghi Telephone +44 (0)20 7434 1445 Website www.gristonline.com

Please remove cover before recycling this magazine

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news&views

Anaerobic digestion facility sold to London investment firm in major multimillion-pound deal Fisher German has sold an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility to leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager Foresight Group.

The stand-alone facility in Arreton, in the Isle of Wight, is based on a 24-acre site and converts biogas to biomethane as part of a Gas to Grid injection scheme. The energy captured on the site is then supplied to a local market as well as into the national gas grid. CO2, a by-product from the process, is compressed and sold as well.

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Foresight Group purchased the site to add to its portfolio of renewable energy plants, and has established a market leading position in AD, having previously invested in 25 greenfield and operational AD plants in the UK and Germany.

David Kinnersley, associate director at Fisher German, said: “We spent several months working with the client to carefully prepare for the sale, ensuring that all of the relevant contracts were correctly in place and that there were no unresolved compliance issues around planning.

“We used our knowledge of the sector to approach those who we knew were keen to buy, and we had a total of ten applicants before selecting Foresight Group as the preferred buyer. The market is changing rapidly with consolidation taking place at the moment.�

David Kinnersley 07501 720405 david.kinnersley@fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher German named in top 15 of prestigious property agency survey

Fisher German has been named as one of the biggest property agencies in the UK in a prestigious industry survey.

The firm is in the top 15 of the Property Week Top UK Agency 2018 survey, which ranks firms in order of UK revenue.

It achieved the position with an annual UK revenue of £30.6m in the 2017/18 financial year – an increase of 12 per cent from the previous year.

It is the first time that the agency has entered the survey, which looks at a number of financial metrics, including annual turnover.

Property Week is one of the UK’s leading industry magazines reporting on the commercial and residential property market.

Duncan Bedhall, head of commercial at Fisher German, said: “This result demonstrates our continued successes and growth.

“We are dedicated to developing the business, and we have seen our commercial sector grow by 50 per cent over the past two years.”

Fisher German looks after unusual sale

Fisher German was instructed to sell a unique piece of land in Wales situated below an ancient monument and based in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The 37-acre site is based below the medieval Castell Dinas Bran, a scheduled ancient monument, and is part of the Dinas Bran site of special scientific interest, which is designated for its geology, acid and calcicolous grasslands and some particularly unusual plant species.

It also lies within the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley area of outstanding natural beauty.

Edward Clark, partner at Fisher German, said: “We very rarely see sites like this come on to the market. It is a spectacular piece of land offering spectacular views.”

Duncan Bedhall

Edward Clark

07831 824663

07718 524819

duncan.bedhall@fishergerman.co.uk

Edward.clark@fishergerman.co.uk

Working together to protect 800-year-old tree Fisher German graduate surveyor Olivia Yates, on behalf of client CEMEX, recently dealt with raising some electricity wires above an 800-year-old tree where the wires went through the canopy of the tree.

To ensure the best outcome for everyone, Olivia had to liaise with CEMEX as the landowner, the operating quarry, whose power had to be turned off for two days while the line was moved, the Tree Preservation officer from the Council, the public (as the footpath runs right next to the tree), the Ancient Tree

Forum, electricity provider Western Power Distribution and last, but by no means least, the tenant farmer.

Olivia comments: “There is never one day the same as the next in the life of a chartered surveyor!”

Olivia Yates 07870 807192 olivia.yates@fishergerman.co.uk

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Giving appeal Charitable organisations and businesses can be valuable tenants for rural properties, as landowners in Derbyshire and Leicestershire have already discovered.

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he conversion of rural properties for alternative uses certainly isn’t new. Former tenant farmer cottages, barns, stables and other outbuildings have all for many years been given a new lease of life, often as residential properties, but also as offices and light industrial spaces for local firms.

On the Okeover-Osmaston Estate in Derbyshire, for example, a flexible stance on residential lettings has resulted in a number of longer term agreements up to 20 years. Tenants are able to take properties on in a variety of conditions and

the terms are structured to be beneficial to both parties. This approach allows a tenant to invest into a property with certainty while negotiating with the landlord to undertake significant refurbishment works.

The letting of a substantially refurbished farmhouse at Osmaston indirectly also led to the arrival of a different type of tenant for the Estate which, like similar deals at Burrough Court in Leicestershire (see box), highlights a potential source of demand for rural properties across the UK from the niche sector of charitable

Nature and Nurture Frances Weston, managing director and lead therapist at Nature and Nurture, has worked therapeutically with children and young people for more than 20 years. She points out that one in ten children and young people suffer a diagnosable mental health disorder – equivalent to around three in every average-sized school classroom.

The therapy centre at Osmaston deals with a wide variety of issues including: anxiety, low self-confidence, low self-esteem, separation anxiety, aggressive/antisocial behaviour and anger management issues.

Frances says: “Early intervention from services such as Nature and Nurture can provide tremendous relief, and prevent problems escalating. We offer support to children individually and in groups, and we also offer support to parents/carers.”

She adds: “We deliberately chose Osmaston as we’d spent five years looking for the right property. We knew exactly what we wanted to achieve and it has proved to be everything we wanted it to be. It’s very important for us to be out in the countryside, yet we are only ten miles from Derby, so we are very easy to get to.”

For more details, go to: www.natureandnurture-cic.org

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organisations and businesses. “We were looking to bring some dilapidated farm buildings back into use at Osmaston, but we wanted to do something different than simply let them for equine use or similar and we were keen to diversify our income stream,” explains Fisher German surveyor Ian McKenzie.

An approach from the tenants in the newly refurbished farmhouse who wanted to embark on a new venture that would offer children’s therapy and counselling services provided just such an opportunity. A deal was struck with the business Nature and Nurture (see box), which signed up to a ten-year lease on the 550 sq ft traditional buildings. The Estate agreed to contribute to improving the exterior and structure of the property, and assisted the business in winning an EU LEADER programme grant to fund half of the interior conversion costs.

The right environment

Rural properties can be a particularly good fit for charitable organisations. At Osmaston, properties are in stunning countryside locations offering a significantly better quality environment than a town centre or industrial estate.

This was a key factor for Nature and Nurture, as well as the charities at Burrough Court.

Some landowners may be hesitant about agreeing a deal with charitable

Matt Hampson Foundation When promising under 21 Rugby Union player Matt Hampson was severely injured in training in 2005, the Leicester Tigers prop was determined to forge a new career helping others. Although tetraplegic and permanently connected to a ventilator, Matt set up a charitable trust that became the Matt Hampson Foundation in 2011. Working with others who have suffered similar life-changing injuries, he recognised a need for a facility to help people transition out of hospital.

“When you leave hospital, there is no set plan, you are left to your own devices,” says Matt (known as Hambo by his friends). “I wanted to have a place where people could move on and learn how they can have a productive rest of their lives.” This unique concept recently became reality when the Foundation’s 5,500 sq ft Get Busy Living!

Centre was completed on the 13-acre site of a former aircraft hangar at Burrough Court, ahead of a formal opening in autumn 2018.

“We were very fortunate to find Burrough Court. As a country boy [from nearby Rutland] I knew I wanted the centre to be in the countryside. It wouldn’t really work in the hustle and bustle of a town.

I like to be able to see for miles around, as it really helps to put things in perspective,” explains Matt.

Thanks to generous donations of material and labour, worth a total of £2.5m, the centre will offer the Foundation’s beneficiaries a safe space to explore their potential futures. Further expansion of the centre is projected to include living accommodation, but Matt also has much bigger plans. “I’d like this to be the first of many and ideally have one abroad, possibly in the south of France,” he says.

“When you have a sudden injury, you lose a lot of confidence. You don’t think you can travel or do things, so having a centre abroad would be unbelievable.”

For more information, visit www.matthampsonfoundation.org

organisations as they may have misconceptions about disturbances or feel they are taking a step into the unknown. Ian points out that such fears are completely unfounded and that charities can in fact be model tenants with no impact on their neighbours.

He adds: “That doesn’t mean a landlord shouldn’t carry out the due diligence that they would do with any commercial tenant and ensure that they receive a healthy deposit before handing over the keys. It’s all about getting the right tenant and organisation to do business with.” In fact, in many instances, charitable organisations and businesses can be quite transparent, as potential tenants often have existing premises that can be visited and they may also be scrutinised by independent assessors (for example, charities dealing with children might be monitored by Ofsted, whose inspection reports are publicly accessible online).

We are constantly looking for diversity, trying to be pragmatic and entrepreneurial, and being innovative in the way we handle lettings.”

Ian suggests that although landowners may not be willing to allow tenants to substantially customise a building, they are usually happy to work with a tenant to provide a solution that works for both parties. He says: “What is exciting about working with charities is that they are potentially able to fit-out any kind of property they think is suitable. Admittedly the costs are front end-loaded for the tenant and will typically be paid in the six to twelve months before the new venture can welcome its first clients, but tenants realise they have the potential to remain put for much longer.”

Charitable organisations and businesses tend to take on full repairing and insuring leases, which pass responsibility for maintaining the fabric of a building to the tenant. Ian comments: “This works well for both parties as it provides the landlord with a good base rental income, linked to RPI, with their costs covered. And the tenant benefits from having security of tenure for the full length of the lease and the ability to create [within reason] exactly the right interior they need for the people they provide services for.”

Although charitable organisations, like many commercial tenants, are likely to

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prefer modern accommodation, Ian points out that with careful design, high quality interiors can be created without affecting the rural outward appearance of a building. At Osmaston, for example, Nature and Nurture’s buildings have large double-glazed windows, which provide natural light during the day. But when the buildings are unoccupied, large stable

doors close over the window openings, preserving the traditional look of the local environment.

Having identified charitable organisations and businesses as an ideal tenant for rural properties, Ian is not resting on his laurels, but is alert to other potential occupiers. He says: “We are constantly looking for diversity, trying to

Burrough Court Nestling in 1,100 acres of beautiful wooded farmland near Melton Mowbray, Burrough Court is a former historic property that has been turned into a thriving rural business centre by owners Fred and Dawn Wilson. The grand country house, visited in the 1930s by the then-Prince of Wales, where he first met his future wife Wallis Simpson, was sadly destroyed by fire in the 1940s. The surviving grooms’ quarters and courtyard were considerately converted into offices, meeting rooms and commercial space in 2001 and Burrough Court now hosts over 26 thriving businesses employing more than 280 people. It has recently also become home to two charitable organisations: the Matt Hampson Foundation’s Get Busy Living! Centre and the Sustainable Land Trust.

Fisher German associate director William Young has provided property advice at Burrough Court Estate since 2001. Fred explains: “Charities can utilise our assets in ways that are unique to themselves… it brings a wonderful character to land use.” For more information, visit www.burroughcourt.com

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be pragmatic and entrepreneurial, and being innovative in the way we handle lettings. While there can sometimes be an adversarial relationship between landlord and tenant, we take a more holistic approach and aim to broker an outcome that is beneficial for both parties.”

Sustainable Land Trust Serendipity played a large part in the Sustainable Land Trust’s creation at Burrough Court. “I was actually originally looking for office space to relaunch my own consultancy business,” explains SLT founder and chief executive Kate Hiseman. “I’d spent the best part of 30 years in rural sustainability and regeneration, so it was important to me to be based in the countryside, as I’m keen that every last pound should go to supporting local communities.”

The former lecturer in sustainable land management decided to restart her consultancy in 2013. “Understanding the intrinsic relationships between the natural environment, the economy, and people’s lives is crucial for creating resilient and adaptive rural communities and landscapes,” says Kate. “So that’s what my work was based around.

I also had a plan that once the business was up and running I’d start up a charitable venture that encompassed combining professional expertise, with providing training and education for disadvantaged communities and people.”

But a chance visit to Burrough Court saw things move much more quickly than originally envisaged. “While looking at the office space I explained to Dawn and Fred what I wanted to do. And they told me they were thinking about ways to involve young people in countryside matters.” And so, the Sustainable Land Trust was born.

Initially funded by the income from Kate’s consultancy business, it now focuses on two main areas: providing advice and demonstration projects on sustainable land management techniques to third parties (from land owners to communities and parish councils), based on partnerships with statutory bodies and research institutions, and helping vulnerable adults and young people by offering practical training.

Since 2015, more than 60 NEETs (young people not employed, in education or training) have learnt land management skills through the Trust. Kate now sits on the Defra special interest group in delivering the ‘bringing nature to children’ element of the new government 25 Year Environment Plan. “Burrough Court is perfect because most typical UK lowland habitats are represented here, and students learn about the complex relationships between food production, biodiversity, economic stability, and the impacts and trade-offs necessary when managing land for multiple purposes.” notes Kate. The Trust works collaboratively with Burrough Court to enhance habitats and improve ecosystem function and its services using the natural capital approach to maximise benefits across the estate.

Short-term goals for the charity include developing new initiatives such as CPD days for individuals to develop skills and knowledge on site and creating demonstration projects as a basis for learning and research. And longer term aspirations include similar facilities in Scotland and Wales.

At the same time, Kate has amalgamated the consultancy with the charity and offers a combined service that provides professional advice and services with the delivery of public benefit. She says: “We eventually want to become a central voice for promoting and delivering ecosystem services, showing how sustainable rural landscapes can contribute to society, and we want to influence rural policy and practice.”

For more information, visit www.sltrust.org.uk

Ian McKenzie

Richard Sanders

01530 410824

01858 411234

ian.mckenzie@fishergerman.co.uk

richard.sanders@fishergerman.co.uk

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Britain’s

new brew Beer aficionados now have a new brew to add to their sampling lists: Tynt Meadow is the UK’s only Trappist ale and is brewed by Cistercian monks at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey.

Tradition of Trappist ale

M

ount Saint Bernard Abbey, situated on the edge of Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, dates back to 1835 and is home to a community of around 25 monks, as well as an adjacent 30-bed guesthouse, and welcomes around 5,000 visitors each year.

Until 2016 the community ran a 200-acre dairy farm and in the past 18 months of operation kept a beef suckling herd (see Fisher German Magazine, Issue 18). But with revenue that is required to support the upkeep of the monastery declining, the community made a brave decision to move from farming to beer production, in the tradition of European Trappists (see box). They were encouraged by the fact that research suggests beer had been brewed at Mount Saint Bernard in the nineteenth century.

Having decided to turn their hands to beer, the first issue facing the monks was where the operation would be physically housed. “This turned out to be a straightforward decision, as the community

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Until recently there were 11 Trappist breweries in the world – Mount Saint Bernard has now boosted the total to 12. The greatest concentration of breweries is in Belgium, and the most well known of these is Chimay, which produces 18.5 million litres each year (which is enough to fill more than seven Olympic-sized swimming pools). In 1997, eight European Trappist abbeys founded the International Trappist Association to protect Trappist products, including beer. Only goods that meet specific production criteria can carry the ITA ‘Authentic Trappist Product’ logo.

had already been considering reconfiguring some of the existing monastery building that, in the wake of exceptional growth after the Second World War, housed around 90 monks,” says Fisher German associate director Mike Reynolds, who advises the monastery on its 300-acre estate.

With less than a third of that number now resident, finding surplus space wasn’t difficult. The community was keen to create a single kitchen to serve both monastery and guest house. This meant that the kitchen and refectory that previously catered only for the monastery

Trappist breweries across the globe: • Achel (Belgium) • Chimay (Belgium) • Rochefort (Belgium) • Orval (Belgium) • Westvleteren (Belgium) • De Kievit (Netherlands) • Engelszell (Austria) • La Trappe (Netherlands) • Mount Saint Bernard (UK) • Spencer (USA) • Tre Fontane (Italy) • Westmalle (Belgium)

were now free for conversion to a brewery.

Fortunately, this part of the building opens out onto the farmyard, rather than the living or public areas of the Abbey.

To ensure that the physical fabric of the grade II-listed Victorian building wouldn’t be harmed by the new use, Fisher German associate building surveyor Tom Barton was brought on board (see box). Tom also advised on managing the technical installation of the new brewing equipment.

Towards the end of the project, Fisher German also provided IT services to ensure a smooth set-up.

Technical aspects of setting up a brewery The main technical challenge during the design stage was around meeting various, often conflicting, performance criteria. For example, the brewery installers requested a waterproof surface on the brewhouse walls to facilitate maintenance, but this conflicted with the need of the solid granite walls to ‘breathe’ to avoid long term damage. Simultaneously, the internal dimensions of the Brewhouse were only just wide enough to receive the brewing equipment, and the solution must be removable without damaging the walls to comply with Listed Building legislation. The solution was to build a thin, tiled blockwork wall 2m high, and using lime rich paint directly to the granite walls above. Insulated wood fibre boards with a lime plaster finish to the ceiling were used to create ‘breathable’ ceilings and to prevent condensation. Much of the focus during the construction stage was to ensure the building, including services, was ready for the German Brewery installers, which were booked many months in advance. Fisher German associate building surveyor Tom Barton explains: “This placed a considerable programme pressure on us, but by working collaboratively with the Abbey and the building contractors, we were able to meet this challenge.”

The brewmaster of Belgium

the monastery shop and selected local when higher alcohol beers are on trend, With no in-house brewing expertise, the businesses, and through a specialist Tynt Meadow is expected to be very Leicestershire monks turned to their distributor it is also available at other popular,” says Mike, who sampled several brethren in mainland Europe where outlets, including online. earlier brews as the monks experimented production of with the flavours Trappist beer produced by English This is a really interesting combination of a has taken place barley, hops and yeast. traditional Trappist ale and a chocolatey English for centuries.

Sadly, the recipe The Mount Saint for the original Mount bitter. It is dark and nutty, also with some fruity Bernard brewery Saint Bernard brew has been designed notes, but at the same time has a distinctively has been lost, but the by the brewmaster English taste.” twenty-first century of Holland’s version is described In accordance with monastic tradition, acclaimed Zundert brewery and a German by the monks as having a subtle, warm the community brews only enough to company supplied the brewing equipment, red hue, and a lasting beige head. Having which produces up to 2,000 litres at a time. yield the modest income required for the tasted the final version, Mike concurs: Although the equipment is sophisticated upkeep of the monastery. Therefore, at “This is a really interesting combination of present the brewery is operational just one and therefore not as labour-intensive as a traditional Trappist ale and a chocolatey the previous farming operation, the brewery day per week.

English bitter. It is dark and nutty, also with is providing new work opportunities for Tynt Meadow, named after the land the some fruity notes, but at the same time the monks. While most Trappist beers monastery was founded on, received an has a distinctively English taste.” are bottled away from the monastery, enthusiastic reception from beer experts Mike Reynolds the Mount Saint Bernard brew is bottled when it was launched in mid-2018. They and packaged by the monks on site. noted that at 7.4% abv this is a strong 07918 628982 All the work in the brewery is done by the tipple, which should be sipped like wine, mike.reynolds@fishergerman.co.uk monks themselves. The beer is sold in rather than quaffed like lager. “At a time

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Reimagining

retail With warehouse space in short supply, developers are turning to retail park sites as the solution.

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magine this common scenario: you jump in the car and head to your local retail park. And then imagine the following: you are not going there for DIY supplies or to browse white goods, but to pick up a package you ordered online just hours before. You may not have to imagine much longer as logistics companies may be moving to a retail park near you sooner than you think.

“With space for new warehousing limited, particularly in urban areas, developers are telling us that they are more inclined to look towards former retail park sites for new developments in future,” reports Fisher German’s head of commercial, Duncan Bedhall. “Whereas historically retail developers were able to outbid their warehouse counterparts in these locations, the tables appear to be turning. Actual evidence is limited so

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far, but there is a definite sense that it is in the pipeline.”

This apparent shift isn’t as surprising as it may at first seem. Dramatic changes in the retail sector, largely as a result of online shopping, together with a planning regime that is firmly fixed in favour of town and city centres, mean that, especially in secondary locations, some retail park tenants are either struggling or have gone bust. The response of planners to this potential change of use has yet to be fully tested, but rezoning already developed land looks to be a more palatable choice than granting permission for development of green belt land. Duncan adds: “For all these reasons, it will make sense for investors who currently hold retail parks to consider offers from industrial and warehouse developers as they are increasingly likely to generate extremely competitive values.”

Investors may also want to consider the general upward movement in rental values for both industrial and logistics space across the Midlands and into the Northwest and a similar rise in land values. While there is a healthy supply of new developments in some locations, in others, including the Black Country, the M5 corridor and even stretches of the M42, the pace of development has failed to keep up with occupational demand.

“As a result, rents for second-hand space have also been rising,” says Fisher German partner Rob Champion, who recently agreed a letting on a 50,000 sq ft second-hand building at £6 per sq ft. “At a time when similar sized new buildings have been achieving between £6.25 and £6.50 per sq ft, this demonstrates the upward pressure on rents caused by lack of supply.”

Whereas historically retail developers were able to outbid their warehouse counterparts in these locations, the tables appear to be turning.”

COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL SPOTLIGHT

Home and away – rebalancing employment and housing

Power struggle The mantra of location, location, location remains as true as it ever was for all types of industrial occupiers. But what if the ideal location can’t supply enough electricity for an occupier’s requirements? Then they may well have to look elsewhere, says Fisher German partner Rob Champion. “I’m currently looking for a factory site on behalf of a manufacturer who requires around 1.5-2MVA of power. Admittedly that is a large amount, but it has very much limited the options that the business is able to consider.” That’s because, as well as large power availability being in short supply, many new developments are geared toward logistics occupiers, who, without heavy machinery to run, typically have much lower power requirements. Even the most power-hungry of logistics operators is likely to require no more than 250-500 kVA – around 50 per cent of the minimum required by Rob’s manufacturer client for a similar sized building.

“While the focus on logistics is understandable, there are still a fair amount of manufacturer requirements in the market, and availability of power can make a big difference,” notes Rob. “Furthermore, the increase in automation and the move towards greater use of electric vehicles will result in an increased demand for power from the logistics operators too.”

The use of sustainable energy technology may help to resolve the issue in the future, but at present while renewable energy may assist in the day-to-day running of a building, it can’t provide a constant large supply.

Darren Edwards, head of Fisher German’s sustainable energy team, says there is definite potential for greater use of sustainable energy technology in commercial buildings but points out that generating the power is only half the problem. He says: “Most occupiers will use varying amounts of power at different times of day, which may not coincide with when electricity is being generated [for example, by solar PV]. So it needs to be stored and, although lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly efficient, it remains to be seen whether their cost will fall enough to encourage mass market take-up in uses such as industrial buildings.”

The need for more housing across many of our towns and cities garners plenty of headlines. Less well known outside the industry is the shortage of land for industrial and logistics uses, particularly in the UK heartland of the Midlands and lower Northwest. “There is a sentiment among landowners that residential is a superior land use in terms of value. That may often be the case, but it’s important for them to recognise that other uses, particularly logistics, are delivering very interesting returns,” explains Mike Price, who recently joined Fisher German’s commercial team as a partner.

As demand for these employment generating uses is high, planning issues are potentially more straightforward and industrial users can often occupy land very efficiently, meaning that the developable acreage may be higher than for a similar housing scheme, in turn providing a better price for a landowner looking to sell.

Furthermore, if there are any ground condition issues it is likely that the necessary clean-up costs would be lower for a commercial scheme rather than residential, having a resultant upward effect on the net proceeds of sale. With land values varying from £600,000-£700,000 per acre in the East Midlands to £750,000-£1m close to the M1 towards London, it will pay for landowners to consider their options.

Developers, on the other hand, may want to be more cautious about handing over large sums in areas where there has been little residential development. “Adding more employment space in these areas could cause problems as the available labour supply may be limited or even saturated,” says Mike. And a lack of homes for existing employees could also be an issue: “Occupiers may compromise on location if it means keeping together a labour force which may have been built up over many years. So developers might do well to focus on areas such as the Black Country in the West Midlands where the volume of recently developed housing has significantly exceeded the provision of commercial space.”

Rob Champion 07530 259915 rob.champion@fishergerman.co.uk

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Best of

breed Since entering the world of pedigree cattle breeding, A.W. Jenkinson Farms in Cumbria has gone from strength to strength.

T

rueman Jagger and Dolcorsllwyn Fabio may sound like rock stars – and in the world of British Limousin cattle they most certainly are. These prize specimens are just two of the Whinfellpark herd stock bulls kept on the Cumbrian estate of A.W. Jenkinson Farms. The 2,000-acre farm is also home to 2,500 sheep, it has 1,000 acres of arable land and holds 20 shooting days on the estate each year.

The decision to start the pedigree breeding service came after the farm’s previous cattle operation was wiped out by the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak. “We chose Limousins because that’s what the market wants,” explains farm manager Iain Scott. Since then the herd has grown from strength to strength, with around 125 cows and calves currently being reared, split roughly equally between bull calves

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and heifers, plus five stock bulls.

Some of the earliest animals came from the breed’s original homeland of France and the Whinfellpark team still visit to introduce new blood to the herd each year.

Choosing the best bull depends on the characteristics of the herd at any given time, says Whinfellpark stockman Craig Douglas: “What the herd is lacking we want the bull to put back. We tend to look for a good female line in the pedigree; it’s got to have a good body, feet and legs.”

Determining the next superstar bull starts with careful analysis of statistics that come from a variety of performance indicators directly related to each animal, collectively known as the Estimated Breeding Value (EBV).

This genetic data plays a key role in determining the best bull, but it’s not

SLUG COPY HERE

the only factor. Craig says: “Before you make a final decision, you definitely need to see the animal in front of you.

Ultimately, gut feel also plays a part.”

The stakes can be high: a stock bull was recently sold at Carlisle to a buying syndicate for £147,000, though very few are sold in that price bracket. The average price at the same sale was £8,709 per head. One way of ensuring a return on the investment into a pedigree bull is to market its semen. This is collected on the farm from Whinfellpark bulls and sells to UK buyers (for artificial insemination in their own herds) for up to £50 per straw.

“We also have buyers from further afield, including Ireland, South Africa and the US,” adds Iain, “in which case the semen has to be taken at a certified collection centre.” As the only currently operational UK centre is in Devon, a Whinfellpark bull is likely to stay at the centre for up to three months before it returns home to ensure that a good quantity of high quality semen is produced.

The mainstay of the Whinfellpark operation, however, revolves around rearing cattle for sale. Heifers are calved just before they reach their third birthday, although other farms may start as early as two years.

Safety first With a fully-grown stock bull weighing in at around 1,600 kg (that’s heavier than a long wheelbase Series III Land Rover), it’s important not to get on the wrong side of the animal. Even younger animals can potentially cause their handlers serious injury. Craig maintains that common sense is the best way to stay out of danger. He adds: “When you work with cattle, you tend to learn something about them, so you know when they’re having off days, or when they’re not going to comply with what you want them to do. In which case it’s best to leave them alone and come back to them at a later time.”

All bulls have a ring in their nose and when that’s attached to a guide rope the sensitivity of the nose allows the handler considerable control from a safe distance. “Calving is probably the worst time as the mothers can be very protective,” says Craig, “so you need to keep a careful eye on them at all times.”

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Looking after Limousins Although only introduced to the UK in large numbers less than 50 years ago, it didn’t take long for Limousins to usurp the British public’s favourite Hereford as the nation’s main beef stock.

Derived from the French Limousine breed, the animals now bred in the UK are diverging from their mainland European counterparts. “The commercial buyers that we’re raising for [ie UK farmers] are most concerned with width and length; they’re not really worried about maternal qualities,” comments Craig. “For females that means they are losing size and losing milk. If they don’t have much milk at a young stage it’s very hard to get it back.” It’s a situation unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Concerned about the tight nature of the UK gene pool, Whinfellpark chooses to buy in stock from France around once a year. “The French are much more focused on maturity around calving and the ability of the female to produce milk,” explains Craig. “With our herd we’re trying to keep things right. By going to France we’re keeping the bloodline as pure as possible, as well as bringing an alternative line into the UK.”

Show time As anyone who has ever exhibited at an agricultural show knows, the costs involved can be steep, but the ability to build and maintain profile with a wide range of potential and existing customers in a short space of time can be invaluable. Iain acknowledges: “The way we look at it is that it’s an excellent shop window for our young bull sales. So when we go to a show, we’ll get our stock out to be seen.”

Whinfellpark, which only started showing three years ago, now attends three major shows each year: the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh, as well as a handful of local events. In just a short space of time the farm has picked up an impressive haul of medals, racking up more than 40 First in Class awards, as well as many Champion titles.

Craig is particularly pleased with the purpose-built 45-ft trailer delivered to the farm within the last year. He says: “That’s definitely made things much easier as we tend to take up to five bulls and heifers to each show. The new trailer gives us overnight accommodation and five-star transport all in one.” And does the team have a favourite bull? Craig nods. His is Lowerffryd Empire, while Iain’s is Whinfellpark Lomu.

Whinfellpark top medal wins 2018 Show

Awards

Bulls

Royal Highland

3 x 1st Prize

Foxhillfarm Jasper

Great Yorkshire

2 x 1st Prize 1 x 1st Prize

Foxhillfarm Jasper Whinfellpark Nevis

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“We like to wait until they’re more mature before we calve them and we only use Limousin bulls on our heifers,” notes Craig.

Bull calves are normally taken to one of the tri-annual auctions in Carlisle or Stirling at the age of 16 to 18 months, although some are sold directly from the farm. Commercial buyers favour younger bulls as if they are mature at this age they are likely to sire fast-maturing offspring, enabling these cattle to reach sale weights more quickly.

Training Whinfellpark bull calves for sale usually starts when they are around a year old and takes up to four months.

“We’ll normally get them halter-trained

Personal viewpoint Fisher German partner Matt Trewartha was recently given a rare personal tour of Whinfellpark. Having previously lived in Penrith, he was well aware of the herd and the farm but had never had the opportunity to visit before. It was a chance encounter with the owner on the shooting field six years ago that resulted in an invite. Matt says: “I’ve been to hundreds of farms in my career and I know all too well the many challenges in running them. So I was bowled over to see how incredibly wellmanaged this one is. There’s not a weed on the place, every stone wall is perfectly built and immaculately maintained and the access tracks are more like A roads!

“And all that before I even came close to the cattle, which, needless to say, are cared for to an exceptionally high standard. I was mightily impressed with the set-up, the cattle and the people who are so dedicated to running a first-class operation.”

first, then start washing them and walking them. We monitor the walking ourselves and keep an eye on the feet to check they’re not overgrown, causing the animal to turn on its legs,” explains Craig.

Before bulls go to sale the all-important testicle measurements are recorded.

For Limousins the testicles must be at least 32cm (up to 16 months) or 34cm (older than 16 months).

EBVs now provide a wealth of data for potential buyers (each Whinfellpark bull has hair samples taken and is DNA profiled and genotyped), though, as Iain points out, interpreting the results is another matter. “It’s a very useful tool to have, but a lot of people

I was mightily impressed with the set-up, the cattle and the people who are so dedicated to running a first-class operation.” still don’t know how to use it,” he says, suggesting breed societies might usefully take on this educational role.

Perhaps it won’t be long before buyers simply hold up their phones in front of the animal to download everything they need to know. “I can definitely see that happening in the future,” says Iain, “and for farms like us who pay a lot of attention to maintaining breed quality to a high standard, that can only be a good thing.”

For more information, visit www.whinfellpark.com

Matt Trewartha 07971 457015 matthew.trewartha@fishergerman.co.uk

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Mercer Farming’s initiative aims to inspire families and educate them in the importance of fresh food to their health and wellbeing.

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H

ow do you inspire people to eat more fresh food? What is a theoretical question for many has found a very practical response from Sally and Rob Mercer of Staffordshire-based Mercer Farming.

During term time they deliver fresh produce, free of charge, to nine local primary schools. Giving away food has raised eyebrows among fellow farmers, but Sally says that their rationale is clear: “It’s not about giving handouts, it’s about changing people’s shopping habits and getting them to eat less processed food and more healthy, fresh produce.”

Their initiative – Farm Fresh Revolution – recently celebrated its first birthday. Its operation is deliberately straightforward.

Every other week the project arrives at one of nine primary schools within the county’s most deprived districts. Volunteers set up a market stall at which parents and children

can choose to fill a bag from a range of fresh produce. This varies seasonally, but includes basics such as potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, a green vegetable or salad, apples, bananas, pears, satsumas and strawberries. Free range chicken and sausages from the Mercer’s Packington Free Range brand are offered, along with six free range eggs from neighbouring business Betty’s Farm.

Each bag (with a cost-price of £6 but retail value of £14) is free, though donations are welcome. “The only thing that is pre-packed [in bio-degradable bags] is the meat, as we need to keep that chilled in the van,” says Sally. “We’ve reduced our packaging down to the bare minimum and most people now bring reusable bags and return their egg boxes for reuse.” The market stall set-up isn’t just for show. “It provides a good opportunity for us to talk to people as we’re

How often do you cook a meal from scratch?

Never Once a week Twice a week

0%

3%

Less than 25% 15%

3% 8%

33% 24%

25%

3%

33%

25–50%

25%

More than twice a week Every day

What percentage of your regular diet consists of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat?

30%

50–75% 56% 12%

More than 75%

33% Before FFR

filling the bags,” explains Sally. “We ask parents how they are using the ingredients and what kind of response they have from the children to the food they are eating. In addition, we pop a recipe card into the bag each time, to give people fresh ideas about how to get the most out of their food.”

The scheme was born out of Rob’s 2017 Nuffield Scholarship report in which he examines ways in which farmers can help to reduce food poverty in the UK. “Most people are probably not aware of the level of food poverty in this country.

So, some have found it hard to understand why we give away things for free,” he reveals. “But food poverty isn’t just about food – it’s about nutrition. And that means

24%

Since FFR

47%

26%

Source: Farm Fresh Revolution (survey based on 117 responses)

encouraging people to eat less processed food and more fresh produce.”

Having developed a model that others can use, the Mercers hope that their industry peers will set up similar schemes.

“I’m more than happy to help someone develop their own project in any way I can,” offers Rob. They have also proposed an alternative for those who can’t commit to their own project (see box).

And what next for Farm Fresh Revolution, as it embarks on its second year? “We considered expanding the operation,” says Sally, “but funding and people constraints [each school visit requires two volunteers] means we’ve opted to develop deeper learning instead.”

We pop a recipe card into the bag each time, to give people fresh ideas about how to get the most out of their food.”

That means sending in a professional cook to each school once a term to demonstrate simple and fun ways of preparing fresh produce. Sally concludes: “It will help give parents more confidence in cooking meals from scratch, and promotes the long term change in shopping and eating habits, which is our ultimate goal.”

For more information, visit www.farmfreshrevolution.com

Survey results show gradual change in habits At the end of Farm Fresh Revolution’s first full year, during which more than 7,600 bags were distributed, parents who took advantage of the scheme were polled on their cooking habits and use of fresh produce. The results are encouraging:

National Produce Day could bring farmers and consumers closer Feedback from the farming community on the Farm Fresh Revolution initiative has been largely positive, though some have noted that it may not be possible for them to devote the necessary time and resources. In response, the Mercers have proposed an alternative that retains the essence of their original concept – encouraging people to eat fresh produce, more often – while substantially reducing the commitment required from farmers and producers.

Sally explains: “We’ve proposed the concept of a National Fresh Produce Day. It would be an annual nationwide event and would simply involve farmers and growers taking some of their produce to their local school and explaining its journey from farm to fork. What they take and how much they engage with parents and children is completely up to them. It would be a focus point for debate around why farmers are doing this and about the benefits of eating healthy fresh foods, and by doing so creating more awareness around healthy eating.”

The idea is still at an early stage and the Mercers are in discussions with potential organisations who would take ownership of the event and secure funding for it. Sally adds: “This is an easy way of connecting the public directly with farmers and encouraging people to find out more about where their food comes from. Primary schools are great hubs of their local communities, so would make ideal venues. And as it is only one day a year it doesn’t require a large time or financial commitment from anyone who wishes to get involved.”

95%

of respondents say they eat fresh food more often

48%

of respondents say they think more about where their food comes from

40%

of respondents say they now buy more fresh food more often

45%

of respondents say that their children now like to try new foods

David Merton 01530 410806 david.merton@fishergerman.co.uk

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When family run business Boddington’s Berries took a change of direction in 2001, it embarked on a new journey, transitioning from strawberry grower to entrepreneur.

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The Boddington family’s favourite strawberry varieties

N

ext time you sit down to a production rose considerably. In the continental breakfast away 1990s, up to 200 tonnes were grown from home, whether at a each year over 25 acres and up to 50 Louise: El Santa (sadly doesn’t make good jam) comfy hotel or cruising in an pickers were required at harvest time.

James: Honeoye (vibrant crossed with holiday) airliner at 35,000 ft, have a careful look at Phil: Vibrant A new venture your miniature jam jar. Once the preserve of major producers, small family run firms But just after the turn of the millennium the realities of supermarket like Cornwall-born-and-bred Boddington’s food production hit home when, without Berries have broken into the lucrative warning, the variety of strawberry the conserves market. And they are seeing Boddingtons were growing was delisted. the fruits of their labour increasingly Overnight, the family found itself with in demand from customers, including fruit we needed to get rid of, but it was tonnes of unwanted fruit. It was a bitter hoteliers and airlines, which are keen to the beginning of an idea.” provide products with It was also strong backstories the beginning relating to provenance of a number of The thing about strawberries is, the more you and home-production. nights get into them, the more interesting they become. sleepless Berries, it turns out, can as the transition Every year is surprisingly different. And there is be big business. from growers to Although the entrepreneurs always a new variety to try.”

Boddington’s Berries took its toll on the brand was only family’s finances. blow, but the response was pragmatic. formally adopted when the eponymous With repossession of the farm by the Phil recalls: “Louise [co-owner of the family entered the conserves market bank looming, the Boddingtons set up business and Phil’s wife] stuck some jam in 2001, the journey from Mevagissey growing the business, making jam in market garden to breakfast table actually on the kitchen stove and immediately sold small batches on little gas burners. the first batch to visitors in our car park. started shortly after the end of the Although both Phil and Louise had been Obviously, that didn’t shift the amount of Second World War. The idea to grow to horticultural college and worked in strawberries is attributed to ‘Grandma Bod’, according to the firm’s co-owner Phil Boddington: “Back then most people had a market garden and grew a mixed range of fruit, vegetables and flowers To celebrate 70 years of growing strawberries, Boddington’s Berries brought back ‘pick your own’ to take to market.” From a small initial (PYO) to their fields in summer 2018, after a successful trial run the previous year, having abandoned harvest in a couple of glasshouses, the practice around 12 years ago. “People have a very romanticised feeling about PYO, as it reminds Phil’s father built up the strawberry them of something they did once or twice as a child,” smiles Phil. “But it’s quite a thing to put crop alongside other produce, including together: you need two months of fruit, good weather and to be open all the time.” lettuces, tomatoes and chrysanthemums, Despite many positive messages on social media about the 2018 experience – which finished just and expanded the area under cultivation as a prolonged heatwave enveloped the UK – Phil is reluctant to make the annual event permanent, from two to ten acres. though he concedes that PYO may run again in 2019.

As the reputation of the Boddington The firm shares its birthday year in 2018 with another septuagenarian, Prince Charles – who strawberries grew, the family focused popped up at the Boddington’s Berries stand while visiting the Royal Cornwall Show this year. production in that direction and were Because the strawberries are cultivated in gro bags they are easily transportable and, in honour of well placed for the ‘pick your own’ the 70th anniversary, the firm presented two different varieties of plants at the show: the current (PYO) heydays of the 1970s and 1980s cropper, Malling Centenary, and Royal Sovereign, as grown in Grandma Bod’s glasshouses. “Seeing (see 70th birthday box). By then the the plants next to each other created a real buzz,” says Phil. “You could see, smell, taste and feel the Boddingtons were packing strawberries difference between the two types.” for most of the major supermarkets and

70th birthday celebrations

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21

Family ties Fisher German surveyor James Boddington, eldest child of Phil and Louise, has happy childhood memories of helping out in the strawberry fields during the ‘pick your own’ seasons of the 1980s and then provided a helping hand as the business made the transition from fresh produce to jam.

But he had no hankering to join full time. “I’d always planned to go and do my own thing,” he recalls. In his case that meant studying rural enterprise and land management at Harper Adams, which included a placement year in a Southwest-based business.

His positive experience resulted in his recent recommendation that the family business should offer placements. “I saw for myself how cost-effective students could be and the great flexibility this gives to both sides,” he says. As a recently qualified surveyor, James is happy forging a career away from soft fruit for now. James admits: “I was never pushed into growing strawberries and I wasn’t excited by the idea of growing them, but I’ve definitely been inspired by the other side of the business.”

other firms, setting up a business from scratch was new to both of them.

What they lacked in experience, however, they more than made up for in determination. Phil admits: “It took about two months to develop the recipe, which we’ve stuck to, to this day. Then we started selling at farmers’ markets and food festivals and grew the business from there.

We learnt from others around us doing similar things.”

Since those uncertain days in 2001, the conserves business has gone from strength to strength. And the fact that the strawberry conserve is made with 80g of fruit in every 100g is what differentiates Boddington’s Berries from its competitors. The range has also expanded in a very limited way

(with the addition of raspberry and blackberry jams, as well as marmalade and, more recently, an apple chutney), while strawberry production has been scaled back, with less than seven acres now cropped.

Attempts to grow other fruits were unsuccessful, so now much of the raw ingredients (including strawberries outside the traditional UK summer season) are bought in.

Catering pails for West Country cream teas are the mainstay for the business, although jars are sold in local outlets and some are even sent as far as Japan. Phil marvels at the practice of credit payments for exports. He grins: “To be paid for the jam before you’ve even filled the jar is quite something. Can you imagine

growing strawberries if you got paid before you put the plants in the ground?”

Changing business practices has meant moving away from casual labour to full-time employees.The Boddingtons are now in the third year of taking on an annual Harper Adams placement student (at the suggestion of their son James). “That also keeps us alive and kicking on the social media front,” chuckles Phil, who is now mulling over new propositions, including farm tours and a subscription-based PYO strawberries offer, all exclusively managed via social media.

Some things won’t change though, including the jam-making process.

“Our secret is to maintain a high fruit content,” reveals Phil. “We never use pectin [a gelling agent], just lemon juice

Getting down to business A relentless focus on high quality products has won Boddington’s Berries a loyal following – and saved a fortune in marketing costs. Phil says: “If you let down a customer they don’t come back. We operate mainly by word of mouth, supplemented by a few trade shows. By constantly delivering what we promise, we have a high retention rate.”

As a fiercely independent outfit, the company is in a good position to face the economic uncertainty heading towards the UK. Phil’s business philosophy is simple: keep moving and pay attention. He says: “I don’t know exactly where we’ll be in a few years, but wherever that is will be because we’ve listened to our customers.”

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People are realising how many more flavours there are once you move away from a mass-produced variety.”

and sugar and then we hot-fill. And we still lid each jar by hand.”

Being surrounded by strawberries for so long, does Phil ever get to the point where he can’t bear to look at another one? He shrugs in disbelief at the mere suggestion: “Not at all. The thing about strawberries is, the more you get into them, the more interesting they become.

Every year is surprisingly different.

And there is always a new variety to try.”

For more information, visit www.boddingtonsberries.co.uk

Strawberry fields forever Has Boddington’s Berries considered bringing back some heritage varieties of strawberries to cater for the increased attention given to historic crops? Indeed, it has. Phil reports: “We’re contemplating growing the older varieties again to see what they have to offer, as there was a definite interest in the Royal Sovereigns we grew again in 2018.”

He suggests that a maritime climate, which generally sees fewer extremes, favours many strawberry varieties, as they will ripen more slowly. This allows sugars to gradually build up in the fruit, resulting in a better tasting berry than those grown in hotter environments. He adds: “People are realising how many more flavours there are once you move away from a mass-produced variety.”

James Boddington 07870 807405 james.boddington@fishergerman.co.uk

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Get connected Gas distributor Cadent’s innovative approach is about doing something different to benefit its customers and improve efficiency, reflecting the company’s drive to firmly establish its own identity.

C

adent’s director of construction, Darren Elsom, is used to dealing with big numbers. The gas distributor (formed as a stand-alone company from National Grid in 2017) will spend around £90m in 2018 upgrading much of its 3,000 miles of high pressure assets – the larger pipes and pressure stations, which distribute gas across Cadent’s broad geographic reach, from north London and East Anglia to the Humber and the Lake District.

The high pressure pipelines are only part of Darren’s portfolio, however, as he also oversees the thousands of miles of lower pressure pipes, which feed homes and industrial premises, including new connections onto the network, and approaching 16,000 above-ground installations, all of which are vital to keep the gas flowing.

He explains: “A lot of these pipes were installed as far back as the 1960s and are coming to the end of their natural life.

So, we’re setting up our gas network for the future, by replacing the ageing cast iron pipes with polyethylene ones, which should last for at least 80 years.”

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Who is Cadent?

Formed in May 2017, Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distributor. It is an independently run business, owned by a consortium of investors, based on the former National Grid Gas Distribution company. The firm maintains a network of more than 81,000 miles of pipes across much of England, serves around 11 million homes (half of all UK gas customers) and employs over 4,000 staff.

Darren explains: “The repositioning of the company has allowed us to focus on what we do best: transporting and delivering gas, while also providing an emergency service, within the area we serve. We’ve brought with us a legacy of safety, reliability and innovation.”

With many of the firm’s assets installed up to half a century ago, Cadent is planning for significant capital investment in the coming years. Darren notes: “We are in the sixth year of an eight year regulatory deal with OFGEM, and we’re focused on delivering against our investment plan. We are also looking ahead to the next regulatory period, for which discussions are underway.”

Although Cadent has completed its public-facing rebranding (including vehicles and high visibility clothing), the company’s new identity will take some time to fully establish itself. “That’s why whenever we go out, for example, to replace life-expired equipment, we work with local communities to help them understand who we are and how, as a stand-alone company, we are delivering better outcomes for our customers,” says Darren.

Building awareness

Unfortunately, not all of those customers are yet aware of Cadent’s presence and Darren is particularly keen to improve landowner awareness of the pipelines, which may be running under their land, to reduce the 420 encroachments (when third parties infringe the safety zones around the pipelines without permission) recorded by Cadent on its high pressure network over the past three years (see charts).

High pressure pipeline encroachments (2016-2018) Source: Cadent

Identity of encroachers

Identity

%

Landowner

38

Local authority

11

Other

51

Reason for encroachment

Causes

%

Didn’t know to contact Cadent

41

Did know, but didn’t call

33

Didn’t follow Cadent’s instructions

11

Other

15

Identification method

Method

%

Helicopter sightings

33

Vantage surveys

24

Site visit – unrelated to the job

17

Cadent employee reported

9

Site visit – related to the job

7

Other

10

The future role of gas The current and future direction of national energy policy and the shape, size and mix of the UK’s energy network is a key issue for homeowners and businesses alike. Gas networks are likely to play an important role in finding solutions to the energy trilemma of security, affordability and sustainability.

“Decarbonisation of gas is very topical and important to us as an organisation,” says Darren.

“It’s an area that will become more and more important over the medium term.”

Cadent is working on several schemes to improve emissions including: • HyDeploy – a research project investigating the potential of blending hydrogen (a carbonfree gas that doesn’t contribute to climate change) with natural gas to reduce CO2 without impacting on customer use. Darren points out: “Just over 80 per cent of UK homes use gas for their central heating – so changes in gas content could make a dramatic change to CO2 emissions.”

• HyNet – a conceptual study, working with local industry in and around Liverpool and Manchester, considering the generation of hydrogen and the capture, storage and potential re-use of carbon. The aim is to reduce annual CO2 emissions by one million tonnes – equivalent to taking 600,000 cars off the road.

• Leyland CNG Filling Station – the UK’s first commercial compressed natural gas refuelling station opened in Lancashire in 2016 and is used by John Lewis Partnership’s dedicated fleet of HGVs based nearby. In the first year of operation lorries fuelled at the station reduced CO2 emissions by an impressive 84 per cent. “We know that one quarter of UK CO2 emissions are from the transport sector,” says Darren, “so, if it proves commercially viable to roll out this scheme across the country, there is a real opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse gases.”

Our focus is on adapting our existing network, rather than building from scratch, while maintaining our excellent safety record and delivering according to the needs of our customers.”

The evidence comes from several sources, including ground surveys and aerial survey data received from the helicopters, which fly over the 3,000 miles of high pressure pipelines every two weeks to spot unauthorised activity. Thankfully, Cadent’s pro-active monitoring has so far prevented any serious mishap, though the risks of fracturing a pipeline containing flammable gas are clear.

Although the majority of those involved in recent high pressure pipeline encroachments claimed they didn’t know who to contact, one third admitted they did know, but chose not to. Darren comments: “In these cases, we’ve found that people are often – incorrectly – forming their own judgement about the work they are undertaking, rather than checking with us first.”

As well as encouraging landowners and developers to get an official opinion before starting any works (for example, by contacting Cadent directly or by using the national service Linesearchbeforeudig.co.uk), Cadent is looking to make its aerial surveys more effective. “We’re part of a cross-industry initiative [with the

electricity sector] to examine the feasibility of using drones to capture images and artificial intelligence to process them and compare with previous image sets,” says Darren.

This willingness to innovate and explore technological advances reflects Cadent’s drive to firmly establish its own identity.

The company is involved in several ground-breaking schemes to reduce CO2 emissions. Darren concludes: “When we look to the future, our focus is on adapting our existing network, rather than building from scratch, while maintaining our excellent safety record and delivering according to the needs of our customers.”

For more information, visit www.cadentgas.com

Seb Kingsley 07919 693402 seb.kingsley@fishergerman.co.uk

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Moving up

Founded in 2012, Njinga Cycling offers group training and coaching for all levels of road cyclists looking to improve their confidence, fitness and cycling ability.

W

hen it comes to cycling, two wheels are definitely better than one. And for partners Leigh Rogers and Togo Keynes, when it comes to running a cycling business two heads are better than one.

The pair, originally from southern Africa, have seen their bike-based enterprise, Njinga Cycling, move up several gears since they took to the pedals in 2012.

The firm’s name references their heritage: Njinga (pronounced En-jing-Ga) means bicycle in Chichewa, the local language of Malawi, where Togo was born.

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Intriguingly, neither of Njinga’s founders were career cyclists, though Leigh was a keen rower and Togo played development rugby for Wasps. Their professional backgrounds were in online and sports marketing and they took cycling up, almost by chance, while working on a several year stint abroad in New York.

After a couple of years, the limits of coaching outdoors became apparent (see box), so Leigh and Togo took the plunge of opening their first studio in Kingston, southwest London, complete with 14 Wattbikes (specialist training

machines). “We wanted it to be clear from the start that we’re a cycle training and performance lab, not a spinning studio,” explains Togo. “And we quickly discovered there was a niche looking after both novice riders and experienced riders preparing for major cycling challenges.”

Cycling community

Now they help several hundred riders each month – some who come on a pay-as-yougo basis to occasional sessions and others who have signed up to bespoke training programmes, which typically run for eight

a gear

Our view is that to be able to coach effectively you have to be able to see someone ride. So that’s exactly what we do.” weeks. A collective (they are keen to avoid the term club) of around 100 cyclists meets each Saturday for informal rides through Surrey and Kent.

Community behaviour is highly valued at Njinga where riders are encouraged to support each other. “Our aim is to increase a rider’s confidence, whatever their level,” says Togo. “When you are truly confident you end up descending without fear, ride upwards no matter how steep the climb is, and ride safely in wet conditions.”

Njinga itself may be moving up a gear as Leigh and Togo consider how

to expand the business – the corporate events side, with clients including Heathrow Airport Ltd, RSM UK, Marks & Spencer and Fisher German, is growing fast. Leigh explains: “We create bespoke corporate cycle events that are built around our clients’ goals. Whether it is a one day or one week event, we deliver incredible experiences that inspire staff to get involved and strengthen relationships between companies, their clients and fellow team members.”

For more information, visit https://njingacycling.com

Medals for pedals at Fisher German cycle day Fisher German’s annual cycle days have rapidly become something of an institution inside and outside the firm. The most recent, in June this year, saw 40 riders take on a 60-mile tour of the Cotswolds in brilliant sunshine. While participants concentrated on friendly chat (and, of course, staying on their saddles), Njinga took care of everything else.

“We organised much of the day, so we felt it was our responsibility to ensure it was successful,” says Leigh. “We created the route based on Fisher German’s preferred start venue, did route recces beforehand and were there to oversee everything went to plan on the day.”

With safety a priority, the riders were split into groups depending on how fast they rode and the distance they felt comfortable covering. They were then accompanied by a total of eight ride captains, one riding at the front and rear of each group.

A mechanic followed the groups in a vehicle so that any bike issues could be quickly attended to. “Halfway through the route the riders were able to stop for a nutrition break in a local church hall and we provided a range of healthy and tasty treats that complemented the work-outs they were doing on their bikes,” says Leigh.

“And we presented prizes at the end of the event to inject a bit more fun into the day.”

Jeremy Phillips, Fisher German’s business development manager, who arranges the event on behalf of the company, says the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. “We were very confident that all the finer details were being taken care of by Leigh and Togo and their crew, which enabled us to relax and get the most out of the day. We’re definitely looking to do something similar in 2019.”

Jeremy Phillips 07768 761975 jeremy.phillips@fishergerman.co.uk

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A new

start

As demand for new homes nationwide continues apace, having a dedicated new homes consultancy team ensures we can provide housebuilders with the additional support required to find and purchase suitable land.

H

ousebuilders are continuously on the look-out for land opportunities that can accommodate new housing. But as property values can vary considerably, even within a small geographic area, how do developers source the data to inform them whether a piece of land is suitable and worth pursuing?

“We have witnessed an increase in housebuilders (from local small developers to large plcs) relying on external parties to undertake research on their behalf, to assist with potential land purchases,” says new homes manager Ella Cartwright, who heads up Fisher German’s recently launched new homes consultancy service.

Although housebuilders may be faced with a choice of potential advisers, they must carefully consider who is best placed to meet their requirements.

“Specialists with a well connected network of offices, staffed with individuals who have an intimate knowledge of local areas including pricing trends, market demand, demographic and key local attractions drawing purchasers to the area are likely to provide the best value service,” suggests Ella.

She continues: “One of the most challenging times for housebuilders is when they have found a piece of land of interest but aren’t familiar with its location, and therefore require a significant amount of research to be carried out to determine whether the land

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Anatomy of a full development valuation When Fisher German is asked to assist a housebuilder with a full Marketing Recommendation Report for a site of potential interest, a detailed pricing appraisal will be provided. But, before a single line is written, Ella will visit the site in person. “That’s quite unusual, as online mapping and related websites have made it very easy to view a location from your desk. However, I think it’s really important to get a feel for the location, look at the proposed development’s position and outlook, see if the proposed properties will fit in with the existing style of housing surrounding the site, get up to date information relating to the amenities available in the area and transport links, visit new homes developments nearby to identify sales rates/figures, popular house styles/sizes, purchaser profiles etc, which will be used to provide comparable pricing information.” Once a site visit is complete, online sources are then consulted to identify second-hand comparable properties to the proposed units, conduct additional research relating to purchaser demographics, transport links, schooling, economy, and capture additional demand analysis data including average house prices, £ per sq ft rates, value trends and breakdown of house sizes/styles. “Once we have carried out a detailed review of the area and produced initial thoughts on end values for the proposed properties/house types, I will speak to a member of the sales team in the local office to share my findings and thoughts and obtain their opinion on market trends, values, etc. The end values will then be revised and set,” says Ella.

Reliable results With all the relevant information collected, work starts on writing up the pricing appraisal. For smaller sites, the document will list each plot individually, noting the size of each proposed property to be built, a brief description of the property, the guide price for each plot and its £ per sq ft rate.

Values are typically quoted within a £10,000 range to allow movement dependent on the quality of specification the proposed properties will be finished to. Crucial gross development value figures are also provided, which will assist the developer in calculating the potential return and, in turn, will influence the amount they are willing to bid for the land.

The document will typically conclude with bespoke marketing strategies, sales tracking techniques, identify the new homes specialists that will be involved and details relating to our fees and terms. “The process of preparing a detailed pricing appraisal is exceedingly thorough,” notes Ella. “Although it’s not unusual for developers to request a basic valuation, I believe that the additional work that goes into a full version produces much more reliable results and, in an increasingly competitive environment, that reliability has real value.”

Many developers are looking to increase the number of houses they build a year… so working closely with a trusted new homes specialist will become even more important to them.”

The Firs Development, Bishampton, Worcestershire A joint venture between local developers Fermaine Homes and Hagley Homes, this boutique development of just five detached four and five-bedroom family homes is ideally located in the village centre. Three homes were sold off-plan with the remainder expected to sell before completion.

is suitable and worth bidding on.” At this point a detailed pricing appraisal from a specialist property adviser like Fisher German can provide the level of research required for the developer to make an informed decision.

Strong support

The Lightoaks Estate, Oakamoor, Staffordshire This distinctive bespoke development includes existing properties that have been converted by Purple Circle Homes into seven individual homes finished to a luxurious and high specification. Once part of a Grade ll-listed Georgian villa, the homes have been cleverly designed and refurbished to offer unique modern and spacious living spaces.

And that’s just the start – the dedicated new homes consultancy team is tailored to each housebuilder, offering all the additional support they may need including input on unit sizes, property mix and design, online strategies, public relations and marketing campaigns, as well as selling the properties at any stage of the build process, whether that be off-plan, during construction or once the properties are completed. “This means that Fisher German can, where appropriate, provide a full circle service, from identifying strategic development opportunities, planning, selling the site and then selling the new homes on behalf of the developer.”

Ella reports that occupier interest in houses built by smaller developers is growing, particularly among those who might previously have ruled out a new home, but appreciate the smaller development sizes, a property’s individuality and often bespoke and high specification offered by a small builder. That demand is, in turn, making housebuilders more confident. Ella says: “Many developers are looking to increase the number of houses they build a year and are also expanding the areas they work in, and moving into locations they aren’t necessarily familiar with, so working closely with a trusted new homes specialist will become even more important to them.”

Mercer Grove, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire A stunning collection of 18 high-quality two, three and four-bedroom private homes in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire have all been sold. Fisher German originally acted on behalf of the landowner for the sale to Kendrick Homes and then continued to work closely with the developer throughout the planning stages before successfully achieving optimum sale prices.

Ella Cartwright 07580 323827 ella.cartwright@fishergerman.co.uk

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peoplenews

New faces join across the Fisher German business Commercial Fisher German has welcomed Nigel Nattress to the firm to help support and grow its commercial sector presence in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.

Nigel, who has a strong client base established over his 27-year general practice career, joins the agency from the Leeds office of Colliers International.

He is a RICS registered valuer and property receiver, and will continue to work alongside owners and occupiers, major lending institutions, equity funds, loan servicers, national and regional developers, local authorities, accountants and solicitors.

Nigel said: “I am delighted to have joined the team at Fisher German. They have a very good reputation for professionalism across all sectors in the industry and I have been extremely impressed by their ethical approach towards clients and their business.”

Nigel Nattress

Mike Price also joins the commercial sector in the West Midlands as a partner.

He brings with him a wealth of experience having previously worked at Johnson Fellows LLP where he established and ran the industrial and distribution department for more than six years.

Mike’s career in the sector spans 27 years, and has seen him act across extensive property portfolios for landlords, occupiers and also in administration scenarios.

Regional planning

The regional planning team has been expanded by the appointment of planner Nial Casselden. Nial has almost 18 years’ experience in local authority planning and joins the firm from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

He appeared on the BB2 series The Planners and Permission Impossible in 2013 and 2014, where he presented a number of interesting planning and enforcement cases in Cheshire.

Nial will lead on planning in the Chester office, working across the residential, commercial and agricultural sectors.

Nial Casselden

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Ella Cartwright

New homes

Ella Cartwright has joined as national new homes manager to grow the new homes operation.

She is tasked with creating a national profile for the firm’s New Homes Team, which will specialise in providing a comprehensive new homes sales and marketing service.

Ella will be based in Fisher German’s Ashby office and joins from Bidwells where she spent four years as a sales negotiator.

Mike Price

Mike will be based at the Halesowen office, serving Birmingham and the Black Country as well as the wider Midlands area, and will be using his expertise to strengthen the commercial team.

Mike said: “Fisher German has an excellent reputation as an expanding and progressive company, and I will be using my skills to complement the service.

“My role will focus on industrial and warehouse agency, and growing this area of the business in the West Midlands.”

Residential

Toby Harris has joined the Fisher German residential sales team and will be based in the Banbury office.

Previously at Strutt and Parker, he brings a wealth of experience after dealing with a wide variety of property, ranging from new builds to period cottages and country houses.

Toby said: “Estate agency is changing and, in these markets, the combination of hard work and excellent service with honest, well-guided advice is more important than ever to achieve the best price and get the job done for the client.”

Toby Harris

Partner spotlight: Rebecca Ruck Keene

As part of Fisher German’s rural sector team, Rebecca Ruck Keene has contributed to a wide range of projects from estate-owned fibre optic broadband installations to district heating systems.

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riginally from Cornwall and despite coming from a farming family, Rebecca started her professional career training as an accountant. However, she decided she’d rather be more actively involved with running rural businesses. She explains: “A friend of the family was a rural surveyor working for National Trust and her job sounded ideal, so I studied for a degree in Rural Land Management at Cirencester.”

After deciding that she wanted to be involved in rural business and communities, Rebecca moved to the Midlands and started in the Fisher German Market Harborough office in August 2007.

There was one thing in particular that appealed and that was the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of the firm. Rebecca has progressed through the business and was promoted to local partner in 2012 and partner in April 2016.

Rebecca’s main responsibilities at Fisher German are managing the rural businesses of traditional country estates, which include managing residential, commercial and agricultural property portfolios, tourism and events businesses and managing estate staff. She is also responsible for assisting with managing the rural team in Market Harborough.

For Rebecca, no day is the same: “There is no typical day! After answering emails and preparing for meetings, I might then travel to an estate and meet a tenant

with a large equine business to discuss their tenancy renewal. I then might meet the estate owner to discuss a possible STOR energy site on the estate. Later I could be meeting a member of the estate team to discuss a request to change their hours.

Then back to the office to finish and submit a LEADER grant application for funding for a luxury log cabin.”

She names a number of highlights during her time at Fisher German so far, including setting up and leading the renewable heat department of Fisher German and successfully project managing her first medium wind turbine installation which provided a ROI of over 30 per cent for her client. When it comes to what aspect of her role she like best, Rebecca reveals: “I enjoy meeting and working with people from all walks of life and being actively involved in managing some of the most beautiful historic buildings and landscapes of England.”

Rebecca describes how the ability to be able to communicate with many

occurring in the industry. The implications of Brexit and the resulting downward pressure on farming incomes will force rural businesses to further diversify and/or restructure to maximise the opportunities to make a profit. In addition, there’s a real push towards tightening regulations in all areas, from the ‘right to rent’ residential property to detailed reporting of cash payments to casual workers: “I can only see regulation increasing and, in turn, government increasing its scrutiny of rural businesses.”

And what does the future hold for Rebecca in her career and personal life?

“I am working with my partners in the Market Harborough office and wider business to build on our fantastic client base. We also have a very skilled and dedicated team within the Market Harborough office and I will continue to support and encourage individuals to achieve their career goals. Personally, I want to successfully raise my son to be a happy and confident adult!”

I enjoy being actively involved in managing some of the most beautiful historic buildings and landscapes of England.” different people and be prepared to listen and accept different points of view are really important skills to be successful in her role. Being organised and working efficiently, problem solving and remaining calm under pressure are also crucial. So, what should graduates looking to take on a similar role in the firm expect? Rebecca suggests: “They’ll meet a variety of people and be involved in a wide range of projects. They’ll also have the opportunity to take on responsibility for and ownership of their own projects, and be encouraged to think of new ideas and explore new opportunities.”

In terms of what the future holds, Rebecca highlights some major changes

Rebecca’s son, at 18 months old, keeps her busy, but when she has some spare time she enjoys dingy sailing and walking, particularly in the Lake District. She also enjoys skiing after arriving to the sport late and suffering concussion on her first skiing holiday, having collided, as Rebecca describes, “with a poor, unsuspecting French man near Courchevel”. Rebecca shares another favourite pastime: “I live next door to a pub and it does takeaway fish and chips!”

Rebecca Ruck Keene 07860 825856 Rebecca.RuckKeene@fishergerman.co.uk

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Sector insight Brexit uncertainty leads to disparity in land market

Commercial sector continues to grow

Joined-up thinking key to energy sector

David Merton, head of rural

Duncan Bedhall, head of commercial

Darren Edwards, head of sustainable energy

It has been a particularly challenging year with continued political and legislative uncertainty, together with demanding weather conditions.

In the farmland market, we have, in general, seen a more cautious approach to purchasing and a tightening of purse strings. The volume of transactions has remained fairly steady and average prices per acre have been maintained, but this is not a true reflection of the market.

We have seen premium prices paid for high quality, well located properties or those with a diversified income streams. While poorer quality land has seen a fairly sharp decline in price in some places, with an increasing number of properties withdrawn from the market and others left unsold.

This disparity in the land market is a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding future trade arrangements and agricultural support, particularly in grassland areas dependent on export markets for sheep and other livestock. Until there is a full understanding of the implications of Brexit, caution is likely to remain.

The cold wet spring followed by the prolonged hot and dry weather has had a significant impact on fodder reserves and availability going into the winter months. This has ramifications for the profitability of livestock enterprises for 2019.

While crop yields from the 2018 harvest have been average or low for many, higher commodity prices have offered relief for arable farmers.

With hesitancy in the market, those with the confidence to adapt and move forward are likely to prosper in the long run.

There have been three high level appointments in the commercial sector in the last quarter. Nigel Nattress joins us in Doncaster as partner, specialising in corporate recovery. His role is to support and grow the sector in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and develop a new restructuring service line.

His experience and market knowledge will facilitate the growth of the commercial team locally and bolster the company’s profile as a full service advisory business.

Mike Price joins the Halesowen team as a partner, specialising in industrial property. His role will serve Birmingham and the Black Country as well as the wider Midlands area. Mike joins from Johnson Fellows LLP where he established and ran the industrial and distribution department for more than six years.

Sam Tarjomani has joined as senior associate in Knutsford and Chester to grow our commercial agency instructions. He is a registered valuer and is highly experienced in preparing RICS Red Book valuation reports for banks and secured lending purposes as well as for accounts.

These three appointments increase the range of services we can offer to our clients and provide more opportunities going forward.

The market is little changed since I last reported. I am sure you, like me, are frustrated by the lack of progress on Brexit and the uncertainty it causes. It seems that companies are delaying their investment decisions until there is a clearer picture. That said, demand for commercial property from both domestic and foreign investors continues unabated, therefore, UK PLC is still an attractive and stable place in which to invest.

By the time you read this, the long overdue Government consultation on the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme launched in July 2018, will have closed.

The optimistic me hopes the Government will have published a measured response, acknowledging the pitfalls of certain proposals within the consultation and setting out a coherent and realistic future energy policy. The realistic me doubts this will be the case.

The FIT, which has underpinned farm and estate scale renewable energy diversification for the past eight years, is scheduled to close to new applications on 31 March 2019. Existing accredited projects will be unaffected.

Unless cost reductions can be evidenced to reduce consumer bills, the Government has stated there will be no new public support for renewables until 2025 at the earliest.

However, this will result in a ‘Policy Gap’ in the UK over how to meet our next carbon budget targets, and this must be addressed.

While subsidy-free projects are beginning to emerge, these are very specific to unique local circumstances and conditions. Isolated deployment of such projects will continue, but this can be hugely accelerated by ongoing support from Government in the interim period, particularly given uncertainties over Brexit and the impact this is having on the sector.

There is a need for more renewable power generation in the coming years and decades but, in the short term at least, this must be delivered in the absence of supportive policy. Joined-up thinking is therefore required and this is where our experts can really add value.

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David Merton

Duncan Bedhall

Darren Edwards

01530 410806

07831 824663

07918 677571

david.merton@fishergerman.co.uk

duncan.bedhall@fishergerman.co.uk

darren.edwards@fishergerman.co.uk

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Fisher German’s sector heads look forward to what lies ahead for the firm and its clients.

Midlands land values and demand increase

Encouraging results as residential sector expands

Demand for dynamic energy system high on agenda

Ben Marshalsay, head of development

Alasdair Dunne, head of residential

Giles Lister, head of utilities & infrastructure

Greenfield land values have increased at a healthy rate in both the East and West Midlands and recent evidence suggests this is at higher rate when compared with the national average.

This is assisted by the demand for good quality consented land in not only these regions but most outside London. The increase in demand has come from existing PLCs – many of whom have shown good results to the City – as well as the continued rise we are seeing in both new start-ups and expansion from existing SMEs, notably across the Greater Midlands. Coupled with this is the slower supply to the market of good quality sites.

We are seeing a marked rise in the demand for alternative residential uses – care and assisted living is one example. Demand is up for development sites in regional cities and an increase in enquiries from registered providers for private residential schemes is prevalent.

The Revised NPPF was finally published on 24 July. The framework focuses on delivering the right number of homes in the right places.

Essentially where need is higher there will be a greater concentration to deliver. Also provided for are more attempts to ensure existing consents are built out, the promotion of high quality design and greater emphasis to neighbourhood planning.

The Letwin Review’s analysis on the cause of the gap between housing completions and the amount of land allocated in areas of high demand has also been delivered. Absorption rates – the rate at which new homes can be sold into the market without disturbing the price – were deemed to be the driver of build out rates. The review stated a greater variety of types and tenures are needed to increase delivery rates.

The residential sector has continued to expand its service, and our significant investment in developing our new home sales capabilities is showing very encouraging results.

The sector is still dominated by residential sales and it’s well documented that the sales market has continued to be challenging.

However, while Land Registry reports that transaction volumes have fallen to their lowest level in five years, we have delivered our highest transactional volume in five years.

Undoubtedly there is significant and, dare I say, pan-European financial uncertainty, but the Bank of England perceives that our economy is strengthening. Wages are starting to rise and accordingly interest rates have increased and house prices remain fairly flat despite a shortage of supply – conditions which should provide a gentle panacea for the woes of our marketplace. It is something of a contradiction that despite indicators that are paving the way for an active market, the headlines confirm the opposite. Until the longer term financial outlook is clearer, the market will remain steady. It’s worth pointing out that although we have a clear strategy to ensure that our properties have appropriate and robust London exposure, the fact that we are not directly exposed to the struggling London market has been to our advantage.

We try to cut through the uncertainty. We are clear in our strategy; to deliver the best possible service for the markets we have targeted and for a fair price – our model is undoubtedly in demand – our performance is now at its most geographically consistent ever.

The challenges of climate change, security of supply and population growth all have an impact on energy infrastructure planning, with significant changes underway in the UK. The UK is looking to decarbonise its energy supply. Energy is being decentralised through new interconnectors, wind farms, battery storage and small-scale gas generation – procuring flexibility but maintaining the same levels of security of supply.

As demand for a more dynamic energy system grows, the network will play a key role in linking producers, distributed generation and national energy security interests. Offshore wind schemes are joining onshore wind and solar in generating electricity from low carbon and renewable sources, supporting electrified transport and general demand by way of an increasingly intermittent and distributed power input. Therefore, there is a significant impact for system balancing and load, causing unstable networks. Plants to provide the required stability are being sought and Fisher German is engaging with developers with regard to regional site-specific requirements.

The anticipated growth in electric vehicles means big challenges for electric networks.

The expected surge in power demand for charging means additional generation and network capacity will need to be available and reliable. Electric networks and storage have emerged as a priority with grid balancing mechanisms to ensure supply and demand is addressed. We are well positioned to assist with opportunities being presented, ensuring we are even more innovative in our delivery of the required service across the sector.

Ben Marshalsay

Alasdair Dunne

Giles Lister

01530 567465

07501 720412

01227 477870

ben.marshalsay@fishergerman.co.uk

alasdair.dunne@fishergerman.co.uk

giles.lister@fishergerman.co.uk

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Office directory Contact details for Fisher German’s 16 national offices

Knutsford Phone 01565 757970 knutsford@fishergerman.co.uk 2 Royal Court Tatton Street WA16 6EN

Chester Phone 01244 409660 chester@fishergerman.co.uk 4 Vicars Lane CH1 1QU

Halesowen Phone 01215 617888 halesowen@fishergerman.co.uk 3 Saint Kenelm Court Steelpark Road Halesowen B62 8HD

Fisher German sectors Commercial Development Residential

Hereford

Rural

Phone 01432 802545 hereford@fishergerman.co.uk The Middle Granary Brockhampton Hereford HR1 4SE

Sustainable Energy Utilities & Infrastructure

Stafford Phone 01785 220044 stafford@fishergerman.co.uk 2 Rutherford Court ST18 0GP

Hungerford Phone 01488 662750 hungerford@fishergerman.co.uk Firn House 61 Church Street RG17 0JH

Worcester Phone 01905 453275 worcester@fishergerman.co.uk 1 Kings Court Charles Hastings Way Worcester WR5 1JR

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Ashby-de-la-Zouch Phone 01530 412821 ashby@fishergerman.co.uk The Estates Office, Norman Court LE65 2UZ

Doncaster Phone: 01302 243930 doncaster@fishergerman.co.uk 2 Carolina Court Lakeside Business Park Doncaster DN4 5RA

Newark Phone 01636 642500 newark@fishergerman.co.uk 12 Halifax Court Fernwood Business Park Cross Lane NG24 3JP

Market Harborough Phone 01858 410200 harborough@fishergerman.co.uk 40 High Street LE16 7NX

Bedford Phone 01234 823661 bedford@fishergerman.co.uk 8 Stephenson Court Fraser Road Priory Business Park MK44 3WJ

Banbury Phone 01295 271555 banbury@fishergerman.co.uk 50 South Bar OX16 9AB

Bromsgrove Thame Phone 01844 212004 thame@fishergerman.co.uk 17 High Street OX9 2BZ

Phone 01527 575525 bromsgrove@fishergerman.co.uk The Estate Office 8 New Road B60 2JD

Canterbury Phone 01227 477877 canterbury@fishergerman.co.uk Court Lodge Farm Offices Godmersham Park CT4 7DT

For more information visit:

www.fishergerman.co.uk fisher german magazine

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