This year has definitely started on a high for the Birmingham Local Association (BLA) with one of our most successful breakfast meetings ever. Whilst we typically expect 50
attendees, our Credit Crunch meeting in February saw 65 attendees with a waiting list, yes waiting list, of a further 20.
Our second, and equally successful meeting was held recently when, Nick Ford (Lambert Smith Hampton) gave an informative insight into the Industrial Market. This not just covered who was developing, occupying and investing in this sector but also some of the challenging issues for the sector, such as empty business rates and the phased introduction of Energy Performance Certificates.
Looking forward, we are planning our next breakfast meeting for later this month where the topic will be sustainable development. Details, if they have not already been issued, will be published very shortly.
On the social side of things, we unfortunately had to postpone the BLA Indoor Golf Masters originally planned for March. This was for reasons beyond our control but we have now rescheduled this to 24 September and, whilst all the teams have confirmed they will still be taking part, we can always make space for a few more teams and holes.
Other social events have included the fly fishing morning we held just over two weeks ago. Whilst a first for the BLA, we received some great feedback and will certainly be looking to repeat this in the future.
Looking forward, we are working with BuildAbility on an early Summer event based around the Cube development at the Mailbox. More information will follow on our website -
www.rics.org/birmingham
Remember other networking opportunities are available through PINWM, a networking body comprising a dozen other local professional institutes. Further details can be found at www.pinwm.co.uk
Finally, can I repeat my usual invitation to anyone who wants to get more involved in the activities of the BLA, or has a suggestion for a future event or activity, to please get in touch.
Tim Beresford
Birmingham Local Association Chair
+44 (0)121 710 1333
tim.beresford@davislangdon.com
