RealCast: Retail and office introspection, ‘social’ gains ground, UK finds a positive
Dan Innes, Nicol Dynes, Clare Thomas and Richard Betts
In the spotlight this week: While UK retail REITs are restructuring, so too is department store group John Lewis. Meanwhile, in Europe the €9bn “Reset” plans by Unibail Rodamco Westfield have come in for criticism from a small group of shareholders which is calling for “refocus” instead.
Special guest Clare Thomas outlines the findings of lawyer CMS’s eighth annual report which looks at offices beyond the pandemic and concluded that lockdowns and working from home have highlighted the benefits of offices, not least for interaction and training. The “social” aspect of ESG is also being pushed up the agenda.
Meanwhile, the UK office investment market is currently seeing reduced volumes because it is so dominated by foreign players. But this is an opportunity for indigenous investors who are finding prices more attractive.
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