Luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate shortlisted for Best Operator of the Year award

Luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate shortlisted for Best Operator of the Year award

by Priscillia Mudiaki Portugal United Kingdom

Collegiate is proud to announce today its nomination for The Class Best Operator of the Year award presented by the Class of 2020, Europe’s leading platform.

Class of 2020 represents a vision for cities to attract and retain the brightest young minds, and for them to lead the way to social and economic success in return.

Winners will be announced during its annual Class Conference, which takes place this Wednesday and Thursday (15th & 16th November) in Lisbon, Portugal. This event will discuss all topics related to student housing with this year’s theme ‘Building Bridges Over Growing Barriers’.

The award celebrates the housing operator “that provides the best quality of living to the residents it serves. This operator will have gone the extra mile, ensuring the best provision of services that go beyond just meeting the needs and desires of the next generation of students.” ​

“It is a privilege to have received a nomination for The Class Best Operator of the Year Award.  Collegiate continually strive to better our product and service to nurture academic success and this nomination is a testament of that commitment.  Through our continued expansion and growing status as an international luxury brand in the student accommodation sector, we hope to continue this positive trend.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate

 

Collegiate has been at the forefront of innovation in student accommodation for 6 years by delivering a growing portfolio of 40 luxury student accommodation sites worldwide. They combine superior accommodation with superior service and support over 65,000 students from 100 countries on their way to academic success.

The company’s flagship European development, Collegiate Marques de Pombal, will open its doors in January 2018 in Lisbon with an additional 11 projects across Iberia in build. Expansion over the next 24 months will also include Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands & Poland.

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.  

Let’s get regional – investors hone in on powerful potential of UK’s top 10 provincial cities

Let’s get regional – investors hone in on powerful potential of UK’s top 10 provincial cities

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
  • New Property Frontiers report flags up the top 10 UK regional cities
  • New metrics create a compelling case for regional city investment
  • Doncaster, Halifax and Bradford all currently exciting investors

A new report from property investment experts Property Frontiers has highlighted investor interest in regional cities – those urban areas that don’t make the list of the top ten biggest cities in the UK, but which make up the country’s top 100 towns and cities by population.

“Far from being promising underdogs, regional cities frequently outperform much bigger and better-known cities on a wide range of metrics that signal dynamic economies, changing fortunes, and promising housing markets.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Property Frontiers has noticed a growing trend in interest from investors looking at city metrics in depth, from population growth rate to number of business start-ups. These factors are increasingly influencing investors decisions about both where to buy and how much to spend.

Based on its own analysis, Property Frontiers has highlighted the UK’s 10 regional city star performers, each of which is leading the country in one or more metrics.

These are presented in the 2017 Regional Cities Market Insight report.

Three of the cities highlighted in the report are Doncaster, Halifax and Bradford.

Doncaster is home to high tech employers including Amazon, BAE Systems, IBM, and McLaren. Halifax has been enjoying a notable surge in interest in its property market since the newly renovate Piece Hall opened, drawing in 250,000 visitors since August. Bradford, meanwhile, is home to more FTSE 100 companies than any other Northern city.

“Each of these cities displays unique characteristics that are serving to draw investors away from larger urban areas and out into the regions. Regional prices are often lower than those in larger cities, creating the potential for higher rental yields. This factor is adding further weight to the attractions of regional investment.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Danum House in Doncaster is a prime example of the kind of regional city investment that is capturing investors’ attention. The Grade II listed department store is home to 78 spacious apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms. One-bedroom homes there cost from as little as £83,000, with yields of 8.5% per annum assured for five years. With mortgage finance available, investors can be a part of the city’s future for as little as £25,000.

“The concept of a ‘regional city’ is a very broad one. Not every such location will perform well in terms of an investment location, so it’s essential to do some homework and identify those regional cities that offer the most compelling cases for investment. Just being a regional urban area doesn’t automatically qualify a location as a successful investment opportunity – that’s why we’ve produced the 2017 Regional Cities Market Insight report! It’s a way of highlighting those cities – like Doncaster – where property is presenting some really exciting opportunities.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

The future of property marketing: What’s in store for 2018 and beyond?

The future of property marketing: What’s in store for 2018 and beyond?

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom

 

 The UK property industry’s first step in future-proofing itself should be to look outside of itself at how consumers are communicating with and purchasing from other verticals.

There has been a rapid and significant evolution in the sophistication of these interactions, driven largely by the rising importance of brand storytelling, targeted content delivery, customised channel experiences and – finally – the technology able to support these marketers’ ambitions.

So, what’s in store for 2018 and beyond? James Fenner, Founder of Silk Road, has highlighted 5 top strategic marketing trends that he believes will impact most property organisations in 2018.

 

  1. Rise of the robots – from mobile first to AI first.

 

For marketers, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning is creating a world where advertising and branding are becoming increasingly invisible, smart and automated. Smart off-the-shelf tools now include machine-learning algorithms which can churn vast quantities of data to identify which of your ads perform best on which audience at what stage of the buying process. Chatbots have also joined the fray – it allows you to provide a reliable, 24/7 service that is both mobile responsive and completely pressure-neutral.

 

AI is driving efficiency in marketing automation across industries and property should be no exception. Given that research indicates that 90% of estate agents’ time can be taken up in prospecting, (Real Estate Marketing Academy 2013) it is unsurprising that AI-powered property chat platforms are already amongst us as customer service tools. “Rebecca” from iProperty Group and “Zoombot” from Zoomsquare can initiate conversations with potential customers in the process of researching property.

 

  1. Marketing to Alexa

 

What does your brand sound like? A decade ago this would have been about a jingle or pneumonic, for 2018 it’s about your tone of voice in the Alexa era. Personal digital assistants are transforming consumer research, discovery and purchase behaviour. It is estimated that there will be 1.8bn users of voice-enabled digital assistants worldwide by 2021. (Tractica 2016). By 2020 30% of web browsing will be done without a screen. (Gartner 2016). It is clear that these invisible gatekeepers will force a shift in the way brands in every industry target and respond to consumers.

 How can a development be described verbally? Take away the CGI and tell me why I should buy a home at your development. Often the messaging and verbal strategy is left to the end if it is tackled at all and this needs to change.

 

  1. Niche Engagement

 

There is no mainstream. The biggest opportunities for brands and marketers lie in engaging with niches. Brands from Citroen to All Saints have shifted focus towards online micro-influencers, who can now galvanise their fan bases more effectively than the big social media stars. As technology enables marketing to become ever more hyper- focused in 2018, brands targeting the niche will turn customers from loyal fans into powerful advocates.

 

  1. Take a stand

 

In the property industry, it means that you must stand for something. It could be local to where your development is. It could be a cause that means a lot to you and your team. Whatever it is be prepared for some negativity but that’s a good thing. It means you’re getting noticed. But you’ll get disciples and it’s always better to be loved than liked. Think Marmite.

With consumers struggling to make sense of an increasingly volatile world, there’s a big opportunity for brands to play a more meaningful role in their lives. But this is no time to sit on the fence – be prepared to take strong positions or risk irrelevancy. Savvy marketers are striving to reshape culture, rather than simply reflect it.

 

  1. Storytelling

 

Much importance has been placed on storytelling in the past and this isn’t going away. It’s particularly relevant to property as it helps to create the emotional connection – something a floorplan and spec sheet can’t do.

Storytelling works because stories:

  • Make people react to emotion
  • Put a face to an issue (nobody cares about process; they care about people)
  • Connect us
  • Humanise brands (people want to see your personal side)
  • Raise the stakes (appeal to universal, shared values)
  • Are about “show/don’t tell.” It’s one of the best things stories do. Don’t just make claims. Tell the stories that substantiate them.

In the property industry, the story could be about the area, history of the building, the design. If there isn’t one, developers should create a story and develop the product around it.

 

For more information on the top property marketing trends for 2018, contact James at Silk Road by visiting www.wearesilkroad.com or calling +44 (0) 20 7024 8977.

Hayes is happening as West London town chosen as home of new “Lidl of the Future”

Hayes is happening as West London town chosen as home of new “Lidl of the Future”

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • New Lidl store opens in Hayes on November 2nd 2017 (Lidl)
  • Store to be the “Lidl of the Future” with glass fronted façade, LED lighting, in-store bakery & customer toilets (Lidl)
  • Be:here Hayes and the rest of the Old Vinyl Factory development are just a short walk away

Top supermarket chain Lidl is pressing ahead with rapid expansion in West London with a new store opening this Thursday 2nd November in Hayes. After recently launching stores in Shepherds’ Bush and South Ruislip, Lidl will open a large store well located in the Hayes town centre on the site of the former municipal swimming pool site.

The new store will be one-of-a-kind, set to be the ‘Lidl of the Future’ with a glass fronted facade, LED internal lighting, in-store bakery and customer toilets. It will also offer an ample parking for both cars and bicycles. The German food retailer, voted ‘Best Supermarket 2016’ by readers of Good Housekeeping, is expanding at a time when customers are making more frequent trips to local convenience stores than ever before.

It is widely known that homes within easy reach of a high-end supermarket such as Waitrose are highly valued however recent Lloyds research also revealed that homes located near lower priced grocers such as Aldi and Lidl have seen the most rapid value growth in recent years.

The new Lidl store opening in Hayes will bring 40 new jobs to the town as well as increased choice and convenience for nearby residents at be:here Hayes. The Gatefold Building is just a 12 min walk from the new Botwell Lane store making picking up those everyday essentials even easier.

 

 “Hayes is a great location to live and work, and its selling points seem to be growing almost every day, with new businesses and shopping options popping up regularly. With the new Lidl alongside the retail, entertainment and food offerings being developed across the rest of the Old Vinyl Factory development, our residents at be:here Hayes will be spoilt for choice.

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

 

The wider regeneration of The Old Vinyl Factory will bring shops, restaurants, a cinema and more at more residents’ doorstep. Spacious apartments, at be:here Hayes completed with either a private garden, terrace, or a balcony, are available to rent today from £1,200 pcm for a one bed and from £1,450 for a two bed.

 

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 020 3369 1646 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

Show home dressing leads to sell out success at Feckenham Gardens

Show home dressing leads to sell out success at Feckenham Gardens

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
  • Alexander James Interior Design brings contemporary rural chic to Worcestershire vilage
  • Developer Lockley Homes has now sold show home and all other homes off-plan
  • Stunning interior design marked turning point in sales success

A new collaboration between Alexander James Interior Design and Lockley Homes has resulted in a hugely successful show home at Feckenham Gardens in Worcestershire. The show house has highlighted the importance of interior design in selling property.

 “It’s so important for potential buyers to be able to feel themselves living in a property. Bare walls and empty rooms require too far a stretch of the imagination in many cases. That’s why interior design is so invaluable when it comes to selling property – buyers feel at home the moment they walk in the door, then want to turn that feeling into reality.”

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

This was precisely the case with Feckenham Gardens, a development of six luxury homes in the sought-after Worcestershire village of Feckenham. The show home had received a small number of viewings, but no offers. As such, Lockley Homes decided to work with the team at Alexander James Interior Design, which has been recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Interior Designers by the Andrew Martin Design Awards 2016 and 2017.

The Alexander James team were delighted to work with Lockley Homes to create a relaxed, rural home, blending traditional country style with a contemporary twist. The talented design team took inspiration from the property’s driftwood garden sculpture and incorporated it into the interior scheme. In the living room, this was reflected in the driftwood coffee table base, while a mix of reclaimed wood and an olive green colour palette brought the outside into the kitchen.

A muted, soft pink tone ran throughout the scheme to create a warm, neutral base. Meanwhile, the master bedroom drew inspiration from luxury country hotels, with a tall, deep buttoned headboard, embroidered cushions and handcrafted bedsides.

“With such an enviable village location at Feckenham Gardens, which comprised a mix of six unique bungalows and houses, it was only natural to commission one of the leading interior design houses in the UK. Alexander James Interiors produced a truly exclusive showhome in one of our luxurious bungalows. The ‘AJI effect’ was evident instantly, as Lockley Homes agreed a sale on the showhome within 24 hours of going live on the market. We are very excited to collaborate with AJI on our upcoming scheme.”

Karl Lockley, Director, Lockley Homes

Following the dressing of the show home, interest in Feckenham Gardens picked up significantly. The dressed property sold with 24 hours and all other properties have now been reserved off-plan.

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.  

Yorkshire stares down Brexit uncertainty to become property investment honeypot

Yorkshire stares down Brexit uncertainty to become property investment honeypot

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
  • House prices in London falling at fastest rate since 2009 (Acadata)
  • Yorkshire projected to enjoy average price rises of 3.6% for next 5 years (Barclays)
  • Vast array of investment options & locations turning Yorkshire into investment honeypot (Property Frontiers)

Uncertainty lingers over much of the UK property market. London’s house prices are falling at a pace not seen since 2009, according to the latest figures from Acadata and LSL Property Services, with September prices dropping by 2.7%. Meanwhile, Hometrack data reveals that property turnover in the capital has plummeted by 17% since 2015.

However, while investors may have their jitters about London, the same can’t be said for property in Yorkshire. Prices in the northern county are projected to rise by an average of 3.6% over the coming five years, according to the Barclays UK Property Predictor.

“Steady, stable growth of this nature – in addition to the potential for decent rental yields – is precisely what investors are looking for from the UK property market right now. Property investment is about beating the Brexit uncertainty to find those pockets of the country where property markets are holding their nerve. That’s why investors are turning to northern counties like Yorkshire.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

Yorkshire is home to a number of bustling cities. In addition to Leeds and Sheffield, Bradford, Doncaster, Scarborough, Halifax and Wakefield all offer plentiful employment opportunities and a great location for professionals and families looking to enjoy the urban lifestyle.

Bradford is the fourth largest metropolitan district in the UK, with an economy worth more than £8.3 billion. Outside of London, it is the UK’s fifth fastest growing city. Investors are increasingly being drawn to its hotel sector, with developments such as Fabric, in the city centre, offering a low entry point (rooms from £65,000) and yields of 10% NET per annum for up to 10 years. Bradford’s economy is supporting exceptional 5% annual growth in hotel revenues. Occupancy is on a gentle incline, while rates are steeply rising according to Armstrong Watson.

Meanwhile, other opportunities across the county abound. Investors who prefer apartments have been excited by Danum House, just a two-minute walk from Doncaster train station. One bedroom apartments are available from as little as £83,000 thanks to the exceptional value to be had in this Yorkshire city. Yields of 7% per annum are assured for five years in this popular, art deco style department store conversion.

“One of Yorkshire’s attractions is the range of investments and locations that it offers. This is truly a county with a property to suit every budget – hence it’s rapidly growing status as a top UK investment honeypot.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

 

Over in the much-loved seaside resort of Scarborough, investors can buy into the next chapter in the history of the majestic Harland Hotel. The building oozes traditional charm, just as one would hope for from a hotel overlooking the bay of one of the UK’s most traditional seaside hotspots. The luxurious rooms are available for as little as £60,000, with ongoing income of 10% NET over 10 years proving a strong lure for investors looking to beat Brexit with strong returns.

The latest Yorkshire development set to tempt investors will be Martins Mill in Halifax. The 60 apartments, due to hit the market imminently and exclusively through Property Frontiers will breathe new life into the former textile mill, which dates back to the 1800s. The development will be the latest in a long line of Yorkshire successes for the Property Frontiers team.

“Property Frontiers has been operating in Yorkshire for many years. Apartments at Hebble Wharf in Wakefield were particularly well received back in 2015 and highlighted the investment appetite for this part of the world. With Brexit creating uncertainty in London and the surrounding area, investors are increasingly looking to areas like Yorkshire for longer-term stability. As such, we expect investment in this county to continue to expand.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

 

For more information, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields” says Jean Liggett

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields” says Jean Liggett

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom
  • London’s house price slump continues with growth rate of just 1.9% (Hometrack)
  • Haircuts of 15-20% common across the Home Counties (Properties of the World)
  • Off-plan properties once again pique investors’ interest (Properties of the World)

Whilst the financial crash a decade ago saw investor appetite for off-plan properties fall as concerns over the financial ability of some developers to complete, now experts are seeing investor interest once again in off-plan properties in light of stalling house prices and impeded rental yields.

Whether it’s ‘because of Brexit’ or not, the stalling of UK house prices over the past 12 months has not only been well-documented in the media but also physically felt across the nation.

Those peering through estate agents’ windows in London will see reductions of between 5-10% whilst anyone residing in the Home Counties, unfortunate enough to have their home valued of late, will be reeling from sweeping haircuts of between 15-20%.

Property buyers can no longer rely on never-ending upward house price trajectories thus savvy investors are looking to other methods of securing capital gains such as buying off-plan. With off-plan units traditionally cheaper than completed stock, up to 20% in some cases, investors are more willing to accept the risks of buying off-plan in return for such an attractive and swiftly realised capital return.

And with recent tax changes impeding the returns available, buy-to-let landlords too are increasingly looking to off-plan properties, especially those nearing completion, for their next purchase.

 

“Buy off-plan to beat stalling house prices and falling rental yields is what I say when clients ask me what they should do.

“With the imposed tax changes, every penny counts for today’s landlords so purchasing a brand new, modern buy-to-let property which requires no refurbishment and thus additional expenditure or void period whilst works are being done, is highly appealing.

“90% of our sales for UK residential buy-to-let are for off-plan properties with northern cities, especially Manchester, in high demand due to their lower entry prices and strong rental market.”

Jean Liggett, CEO Properties of the World

Manchester Waters, is currently the largest off-plan development that Properties of the World is offering investors. Comprised of 500 apartments ranging from studios to 3 beds, the award-winning development presents units available from just £109,995, with a 6% return for investors and house price growth rates of 7.3% recorded for Manchester, the fastest in the UK (Hometrack).

With excellent views of the Manchester Ship Canal, private residents’ gym and cinema room and being located just 10 minutes from the city centre, demand for these apartments, due to be completed Q4 2019, is high. Over 85% of units have already been sold off-plan since launch in July 2017.

For more information, visit http://www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

Be announces zero fees for West London lettings

Be announces zero fees for West London lettings

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
  • Average letting fee is £404 (Generation Rent)
  • Be:here Hayes letting fees now £0
  • Change driven by desire to make moving as cost effective as possible for tenants

According to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the average letting fee charged by its members is £202 per tenant. According to campaign group Generation Rent, the national average is £404. That’s a substantial amount for tenants to hand over, particularly given the other costs associated with moving house.

Now, pioneering build to rent developer Be has announced that it is moving to a no fees model for its be:here Hayes development at The Gatefold Building in Hayes, West London.

“We recognise that moving can be an expensive and stressful experience. We’ve already cut out some of the stress of moving house by providing superb, fully furnished apartments here at be:here Hayes alongside inventories and check-in being done in-house by our on-site team. Now we can reduce the cost of moving for our tenants too.”

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

Under the new offer, effective from October 16th, Be pledges to charge no referencing fees, no fees for contract updates when sharers change and no extra deposits, admin or processing fees relating to pets (a monthly ‘pet rent’ of £20 will still apply).

In addition, the company has announced that it is reducing its requirement for security deposits at be:here Hayes from six weeks’ rent to just a month’s rent – saving new tenants over £500 when renting a one bedroom apartment.

“We want tenants to enjoy moving into be:here Hayes, so that means making the process as hassle free and cost effective as possible. We’ve never charged agency fees because we do all our own lettings in-house, but we’ve gone one step further and removed the referencing fee and all other admin fees. This means new tenants have one less thing to worry about and can use the extra cash to explore their new West London neighbourhood or add a few extra personal touches to make their new apartment feel even more like home.”

Akash Sharma, Assistant Property Manager, be:here Hayes

 

Exploring the local area is certainly something that residents in the Gatefold building will be keen to do. The ambitious Old Vinyl Factory reimagining is bringing restaurants, shops, a cinema, a live music venue and more to residents’ very doorstep. Meanwhile, the Grand Union Canal and nearby Minet Country Park and Barra Hall Park provide plenty of opportunity for enjoying fresh air and exercise while getting back to nature. It’s a superb local offering that tenants will now be able to enjoy even more of, thanks to Be’s proactive approach to saving money.

Hayes and Harlington station is just a short walk from be:here Hayes, with fast, frequent trains to Paddington in under 20 minutes. When Crossrail arrives in 2019, residents will be able to reach Bond St in the heart of the West End in under 30 minutes.

Spacious apartments, furnished by Habitat, are available at be:here Hayes from £1,200 pcm for a one bed and from £1,450 for a two bed. Either a garden or a balcony is provided with every home and pets are welcome.

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 020 3369 1646 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

Buyers go Wild for luxury at Wildcrest by Hamill Homes

Buyers go Wild for luxury at Wildcrest by Hamill Homes

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

  • Hugely successful Hamill Homes Wildcrest launch event showcased work of Alexander James Interior Design
  • Lifestyle showcases featured the work of Beau Han Xu and McLaren
  • Visitors delighted with bespoke Lida Cucina kitchen

An exclusive new residential launch has shown just how creative it’s possible to be when building an atmospheric viewing experience. Guests invited to the bespoke private residence Wildcrest, in Sunningdale, were treated to fine wines and canapes as part of the viewing, which also encompassed a showcase of McLaren cars from the company’s new sport series, as part of the external dressing of the property.

Once through the impressive front door, visitors enjoyed the work of leading interiors firm Alexander James Interior Design, which has been recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Interior Designers by the Andrew Martin Design Awards 2016 and 2017.

“Working with partners like AJI allows us to showcase our product. We believe the houses that we create are truly special, and AJI offers that wonderful finishing touch that transforms them from amazing houses to spectacular homes. We have been proud to work with AJI and look forward to more collaborations in the future.”

Kevin Hamill, Director Hamill Homes Ltd

The one-off house features a range of stunning pieces, such as the work of Beau Han Xu. Xu is a designer and gemologist known for his superb glassware collection, which includes breathtaking decanters and glasses with freefall Swarovski Beau Cut zirconias in their stems.

“Products like the Beau Han Xu collection perfectly encapsulate the lifestyle offering of Wildcrest. This unique property, created by Hamill Homes, is simply exquisite. It was essential that the interior design reflected the grace and elegance of the house itself.” 

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

The hugely successful launch event, held on 12 October, also showcased the Lida Cucina kitchen, with guests able to experience live cooking stations as part of their experience.

“A property such as Wildcrest deserves an outstanding kitchen. We worked to create a bespoke space that is incredibly stylish, while also offering all of the practical touches required for contemporary family life. The result is a kitchen that even the most committed foodie would be delighted to call their own.” 

John Harvey, Managing Director, Lida Cucina

In keeping with the tone of the property, the launch event also featured a clay pigeon shooting simulator, as well as an exclusive Linn Lounge event. Linn is known for presenting iconic artists for intimate musical performances across the UK. The opulence of the overall offering was such that Luxury Marketing House spent the day on site, filming the successful launch. The event was run in conjuction with The Luxury Network, which is known for coordinating and connecting a wide range of ultra-luxurious brands.

“This was one of those unique property events that promised to deliver an outstanding, immersive viewing experience. It presented visitors with a true taste for the sumptuousness of the lifestyle being offered by Wildcrest. Interior design plays a key role in that, with the subtle interplay of colours and textures creating an overarching feeling of welcome, elegance and indulgence.” 

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.

First deadlock, then hope – the Brexit negotiation saga continues

First deadlock, then hope – the Brexit negotiation saga continues

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Brexit repeatedly shocking exchange rates (easyMarkets)
  • Leaked document signals hope for UK trade deal
  • Sterling bulls quick to rejoice at the hint of good news

 

Just like life, the currency market is a roller coaster. Take what happened on 12 October with the Brexit talks. First in the afternoon we had doom and gloom and then a few hours later we had hope.

In all divorces, one of the key areas that most lawyers will lock horns over is money. And the Brexit negotiations are proving to be no different. Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, said that there was a “deadlock” over the UK’s so-called divorce settlement. He also said that the lack of progress on this matter was “disturbing”.

The UK was hoping that it would make some headway and at least agree to start talks on a future trade deal before the crucial EU summit on 19-20 October. However, this has yet to happen. In fact, Mr Barnier has said that he felt he was not in the position to recommend to the European Council to start discussions on the “future relationship.”

“With March 2019 fast approaching the lack of progress and the increased chances of the UK getting no deal sent shivers down the spines of sterling bulls with GBP crashing against both the USD and the Euro. The GBP/USD had fallen down to the 1.31310 levels and the EUR/GBP had risen to around 0.90184.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

Meanwhile, a leaked internal draft document hinted that the 27 European Union countries should prepare to discuss trade amongst themselves, which will pave the way to start negotiating trade talks with the UK Government in December. The paper underlined Mr Barnier’s earlier comments about a lack of progress, but also mentioned there had been developments on some key areas, which would please many.

Though this draft can at any stage be revised, it does show a tiny a bit of hope that a deal could be made before the UK’s official exit.

The market reacted swiftly to the news.

“Sterling bulls rejoiced. GBP/USD skyrocketed back above 1.32 reversing its previous losses of the day and at the time of writing is currently trading around 1.3264. The EUR/GBP did the opposite and crashed back down, falling below 0.9000 levels to trade around 0.8925. What a difference a few hours make!”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

When Theresa May announced that Britain would honour its financial commitments to the EU, there was the belief that the fifth round of talks would finally bring some much needed clarity that a deal could indeed be made in time. Initially it looked like that the EU and UK were getting nowhere, but this leak has shown there could be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

“We are still very much in unknown territory, but one thing that is mostly likely certain is that we will continue to get ups and downs with the Brexit roller-coaster.”

James Trescothick, Senior Global Strategist, easyMarkets

 

 

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

 

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