Business News

Yes, you read that correctly. The time wasted in a single year due to property transactions falling through equates to 14m days for the 225,000 UK home sellers impacted as a result.

This is according to homebuying platform, Yes Homebuyers, who also found that homesellers are out of pocket £607.5m a year due to property transactions falling through.

According to the Advisory, it takes an average of nine weeks or 63 days between the point of listing your home for sale and accepting an offer. Unfortunately in the 11 weeks it then takes for a sale to complete, there’s nothing stopping a sale from falling through due to a number of reasons such as mortgage issues, gazumping, issues with a survey or a chain breaking, to name but a few.  

At this stage, home sellers have already incurred a number of costs including legal and conveyancing fees, survey costs, legal search costs and more, with the average cost of a fall through costing £2,700 according to the Homeowners Alliance.

Latest figures show that while over a million transactions completed last year, 225,000 additional sales fall through before reaching the finish line. 

Based on the average cost of £2,700 per fall through for these 225,000 sales, it’s costing home sellers £607,500,000 a year.  

Not only this but with the 63 days between listing and accepting an offer equating to little more than wasted time, the 225,000 home sellers impacted are potentially losing a huge 14,175,000 days a year collectively, due to sales failing to complete. When you consider many fall throughs don’t happen immediately after accepting an offer, the time wasted is likely to be even greater. 

Matthew Cooper, Founder & Managing Director ofYes Homebuyers, commented:  “While we can arguably boast one of the most attractive property markets in the world, the lack of certainty that plagues the actual process of transacting is unacceptable, to say the least.

Mortgage issues, chains collapsing, gazumping, survey problems and conveyancing delays are all rife in the home selling process. Not only do fall throughs cost home sellers a considerable amount of money, but they also waste a huge amount of time each and every year. Not to mention the additional stress they bring to a process that is already extremely stressful, to begin with.

A large degree of the sellers that come to us, do so due to a sale falling through as they simply want a concrete timeline in which they can transact and move on with their lives. Home buying platforms are light years ahead in this respect, and although we purchase for a marginally lower price than you might achieve going down the traditional route, the speed and certainty we provide is far more appealing to many when selling their home. 

It’s quite remarkable that we are yet to address the failings of the current property selling process given our obsession with buying and selling homes and until changes are made, transactions will continue to fall through at the expense of the nation’s home sellers.” 

MoneyGram International, Inc., a global leader in crossborder P2P payments and money transfers, has announced the launch of a new international online money transfer platform in partnership with Tesco Bank. The platform allows MoneyGram and Tesco customers to set up their transactions online and then pay by cash or card at Tesco stores.

This new service allows customers to easily send money abroad, reduces the process time and eliminates the need to complete paperwork in-store. This is being introduced at a time when an increasing amount of money is being digitally transferred from the UK to overseas destinations. The launch of this new capability is an important milestone for the partnership between MoneyGram and Tesco Bank, which was formed over seven years ago.

The new service has now been introduced to 129 Tesco Express stores across the UK, adding to the existing 810 stores that currently offer the service. Full roll-out to around 1,500 Tesco Express stores is expected over the next 18 months.

“We are continually evolving our customer proposition through our leading digital capabilities and customer-centric solutions,” said Richard Meredith, Head of UK Key Partnership at MoneyGram.

“This solution is a key milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Tesco Bank in being able to offer a seamless, digitised experience for customers.”

Sigga Sigurdardottir, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Bank added: “There are millions of people across the UK sending money abroad to help loved ones with everyday needs or in times of emergency.

“Our goal is to help Tesco shoppers manage their money a little better every day, and this enhancement to our partnership with MoneyGram lets customers send money overseas even more efficiently than before.”

For more information and to start sending money through the platform, visit tesco.moneygram.com.

Businesses in the West Midlands are being urged to sign up for the second phase of a training programme designed to help build the capacity and capability of businesses who are seeking global growth opportunities. 

The Inclusive Commonwealth Legacy Programme (ICLP), which is fully-funded by Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), supports SMEs from within diverse communities to accelerate their growth. 25 companies have already benefited from the scheme and a second cohort of businesses are set to begin the programme from October 2020.

One of the businesses to take part in the first instalment of the programme was Great Barr-based Green Sisters, founded by sisters Geeta and Reena Salhan. The business produces award-winning ‘free-from’ Indian food.  

Geeta Salhan, Green Sisters, said: “While helping us access advice and funding, the programme has also helped us develop our entire philosophy of our food being ‘free from compromise’, which means working with like-minded individuals and companies to take our products forward in the way we want to. 

"If you're passionate about growing your business and you're a small business owner I would encourage you to apply for the next cohort of the Inclusive Commonwealth Legacy Programme." 

The ICLP is an innovative partnership delivered in collaboration between the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, CRÈME (Centre for Research for Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship) and the Legacy Centre of Excellence Birmingham.  

The programme provides six months of peer to peer learning and development, where business owners will complete a series of interactive modules of action-learning, training and support facilitated by leading industry experts, in an inclusive and supportive environment.

The sessions were originally delivered face to face; however they have been adapted to be delivered online whilst social distancing measures are in place.  

An additional benefit for businesses involved is a fully-funded bilateral trade membership to the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, which offers additional support through events, training and opportunities to export to commonwealth countries. 

Joel Blake OBE, award-winning businessman and ICLP Lead said: “The first phase of the ICLP Programme has seen some real success stories and has provided businesses in a variety of different sectors and from all parts of Greater Birmingham with free access to business experts to help them accelerate their global growth potential.

“The first cohort of businesses not only benefitted from picking up new skills to help them expand and adapt their models for future growth, but from sharing their experience with fellow business owners. A real sense of camaraderie has been developed within the cohort, with many collaborating with and supporting each other throughout Covid-19, whether it be providing their services, sharing premises or experience to help where possible. 

“The word has spread about the ICLP programme and diverse businesses from Leeds to Hampshire joined our online workshops but only those in the GBSLEP region can have access to funded help. 

“This is an immensely challenging time for SMEs, and this programme has shown how a truly inclusive approach with positive action can add tremendous value for our businesses, here in the region and abroad. For those who could benefit, we would urge them to sign up as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.” 

The final deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 30th September 2020.  

New research from E.ON has revealed that almost nine in ten (89%) prospective homeowners have become more interested in finding homes with sustainable solutions such as solar panels and efficient boilers over having a garden (80%), en-suite bathroom (50%) and a walk in wardrobe (27%).

Following the introduction of temporary stamp duty relief earlier this year, over three quarters (78%) of those surveyed also said they’d be willing to use these savings to invest in sustainable solutions in their new home. More than a third (38%) said solar panels would be the feature they’d be most willing to invest their money in. Of those surveyed, almost half (49%) of prospective buyers say that spending more time at home during the past few months has led them to consider buying a home that’s more sustainable. The main reasons are wanting to lower energy bills (65%), being more conscious of the environment that they live in (52%) and wanting to reduce their impact on the planet (50%).

Two thirds (66%) claim their current home has few sustainable solutions (i.e. solar panels or intelligent heating) but say this is something they’d definitely consider when moving home (62%), as the majority (87%) say it’s important their new home is sustainable.  With lockdown playing a big part in prospective homeowners considering sustainable updates at home, more than three quarters (77%) of those questioned admitted they’re more likely to buy a property that has sustainable solutions over one that didn’t.

Broadcaster & Architectural Designer Charlie Luxton comments: "The research from E.ON is encouraging because it highlights how we’re prioritising sustainable solutions in and around the home.

“People are naturally becoming more aware and conscious of their impact on the environment. They've spent more time at home than ever before and have inevitably become more aware of how they’re using energy and of sustainable changes they can make.

“The key tip I would give to anyone looking to make their home more sustainable is to first take a look at the basics such as correctly insulating your home and upgrading to energy efficient appliances, as these changes can be easily implemented. However, if you’re wanting to see a more instantaneous effect whilst exploring the steps above, consider the likes of installing solar PV panels to your home and combining them with battery storage. This is a fantastic way to provide sustainable low-cost energy for your home, something which E.ON’s research has highlighted ranks highly on Britain’s agenda.”

Scott Somerville, Head of Brand & Marketing at E.ON UK, said: “At E.ON we’re proud to be leading the energy revolution by providing all our customers’ homes with 100% renewables-backed electricity3 and a range of sustainable home solutions. By installing solar panels or energy efficient boilers, we’re helping households lower their carbon footprints as well as their energy bills.

“We believe in a smart, personalised and sustainable energy future for our customers which is why we continue to offer innovative solutions that help homeowners become more sustainable and take control of their energy.”

The research also highlighted a shift in opinion since lockdown:

• Before lockdown more than one in ten (11%) would never have considered making their home more sustainable.
• But now, more than two thirds (38%) of Brits admit they’re considering making their home more sustainable since lockdown.
• Interestingly, a third, (33%) also said they’re more interested in home solutions such as solar panels than they were six months ago.
• These findings are further supported by new research4 showing that having solar panels can increase the value of homes across the country by £30,000 on average.

When asked which features they’d look for to keep energy bills low in their new home, over half of prospective homebuyers (52%) said a new boiler, followed by nearly half (47%) selecting solar panels and 37% saying intelligent heating.

To demonstrate how sustainable home solutions can be implemented while also being aesthetically pleasing, a new image highlighting the simple ways to make your home more sustainable has been revealed by E.ON.

Scrap Car Comparison, the scrap vehicle comparison site, is delighted to raise £6,123 for NHS Charities Together, thanks to their Donate a Car Scheme.

Scrap Car Comparison is committed to supporting charities through their charity partnership scheme and made NHS Charities Together its featured COVID-19 organisation during the national lockdown.

Customers who scrap a car or van through Scrap Car Comparison’s Donate a Car scheme can choose to donate some or all of their profits to charity.

NHS Charities Together is a membership organisation that brings together more than 250 NHS charities from around the country and accepts charitable donations on their behalf. The work of this collective includes a national COVID-19 Urgent Appeal to support NHS staff and volunteers caring for patients with coronavirus.

Dan Gick, founder and owner of Scrap Car Comparison, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to give NHS Charities Together such a substantial sum through the generosity of our customers and our Donate a Car Scheme.
 

“All NHS staff continues to work tirelessly to keep the country safe, and the team at Scrap Car Comparison are really proud to be able to support them.”  

“A huge thank you to all who chose to donate some, or their entire scrap car profits to this amazing charity and to all NHS key workers for their selfless efforts.”

Scrap Car Comparison are urging any owners who are thinking about scrapping a vehicle to help support their chosen charity partners.

Scrap Car Comparison remains open for business and is operating a strict no contact quotation, booking and collection service in line with government guidelines.

The latest research from lettings and estate agent, Barrows and Forrester, has revealed which areas of the property market are currently the most first-time buyer (FTB) friendly based on current price, annual change and cost compared to the broader average in each area.

The research shows that both the average price paid by FTBs and the average price paid across the broader market have both increased by 2.9% in the last year. However, at a current average of £198,513, FTBs are still getting on the ladder at a lower cost to the wider average of £238,414. 

When it comes to overall affordability, Inverclyde is home to the lowest price paid by FTBS at £72,435. East Ayrshire (£74,876), the Western Isles (£76,122) and North Ayrshire (£87,447) are also amongst some of the most affordable FTB areas of Britain for outright house price.  

In England, County Durham (£90,488), Tyne and Wear (£121,976), Lancashire (£122,721) and Merseyside (£124,725) are home to some of the lowest prices paid by FTBS, while Blaenau Gwent (£95,729), Merthyr Tydfil (£99,995), Rhondda Cynon Taf (£105,380) and Neath Port Talbot (£116,805) are the most affordable markets in Wales. 

In contrast, the average FTB is paying £924,576 in the City of London although this drops considerably to the next most expensive county, with the cost coming in at £335,933 in Surrey.

18 areas of Britain have seen the average FTB house price drop or remain static over the last year.

13 of these areas are located in Scotland, with the Western Isles (-24.8%), Inverclyde (-12.7%) and East Lothian (-9.3%) seeing the most considerable reductions.

Gwynedd (-3.5%) is the only area of Wales to see the average FTB house price drop in the last year. In England, County Durham (-0.5%), Cambridgeshire (-0.4%), Hertfordshire (-0.1%) and Bedfordshire (0%) have remained largely flat.

When it comes to the most significant FTB discounts when comparing the average FTB house price with the wider average in each area, Perth and Kinross is currently the best place to buy your first home. The average FTB house price of £140,886 is -26.1% more affordable than the wider average of £190,758 in the area.

In England, FTBs can find the biggest relative discounts in Surrey (-25.3%), Bucks (-25.2%), Herefordshire (-23.1%), Hampshire (-21.8%) and Rutland (-21.5%). Monmouthshire (-22.3%), Vale of Glamorgan (-16.8%), Flintshire (-15.7%) and Anglesey (-15.6%) are home to the biggest FTB discounts in the Welsh market.

Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “Buying your first home is a huge mile marker in life, and finding the right property can be a daunting process.

For many, affordability will be the deciding factor and the price paid by first-time buyers varies dramatically across Britain, with the majority of areas seeing this cost of getting on the ladder increase over the last year.  

However, while Scotland is home to the greatest wealth of first-time buyer affordability, those house hunting at the other end of Britain are unlikely to up sticks and move that far from their desired area.

The good news is that all but one area of Britain is home to a lower price paid by first-time buyers when compared to the wider market. With this relative discount ranging from around five to 25 per cent.  

While first-time buyers may have a location in mind, expanding their search to the surrounding areas could mean a much more affordable property or a more significant saving.”

Kevon Chisolm, Esq. founder and president of Black Wallstreeter Consultation Services, is teaming up with his wife, Kim, and their 13-year old son, Kamari, to launch a weekend series that teaches African American families financial literacy skills and how to invest in the stock market. The weekend series is geared towards encouraging families and individuals to build generational wealth together while also learning about African American history and culture.

The goal is to continue the success that they had with the Junior Wallstreeters Summer Camps. One parent wrote: “I just wanted to thank you for the educational and impactful experiences you provided through the Jr Wall Street camp. I appreciate the tools used to empower our children through the convergence of African American history while teaching strategies and the importance of building future wealth.”

Kevon comments, “In addition to topics like budgeting, establishing and maintaining good credit, banking, and investing in the stock market, the weekend series teaches generational wealth building through investment clubs.”

Saturday’s series is titled: ‘Empowering Youth & Parents with Financial Wellness’. The Sunday’s series is titled: ‘Empowering Youth & Parents with Financial Wellness and African American History and Culture’. Both sessions will provide life-long financial education and resources, which can be applied to address the lack of generational wealth in the African American community.

“Our goal is to teach financial knowledge to eliminate the wealth gap by showing young people and their parents how to properly use money as a tool,” he adds. The online series will primarily be taught by Stanley Anderson and Isaiah Cromwell, a high school teacher who helped Kevon develop the curriculum.

The weekend series will be held every other Saturday (11am-1pm EST) and Sunday (1pm-4pm EST), starting on October 3rd and 4th.

All ages are encouraged to attend the series, but youth under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must have a computer with Internet access. The cost of the Saturday series is just $250. While the cost for Sunday’s series is $350 because it is an hour longer and includes additional materials. This fee includes course materials such as an electronic student handbook, Junior Wallstreeters Envelope Budgeting System with tracking sheets, and a Stock Tracker Lite Notebook.

Limited spaces are available.

Aston Manor Cider has unveiled their latest multi-million pound investment – a move that has increased employment and extended the capacity and capability of the business. The Birmingham-based drinks producer has spent a further £6m in recent months to reconfigure their Aston production site and add a state-of-the-art new packaging line.

This follows investment in excess of £30m in the last five years and a further commitment that is likely to exceed £50m over the term of the long-term contracts agreed with farmers to supply apples from new orchards planted in Herefordshire.

Part of the most recent investment has been to develop the research and development capability to create new products. In order to bring these and other drinks to market meant millions to install a whole new packaging line that has enabled new formats to be produced.

Now commissioned, this and previous investment means Aston Manor’s portfolio of ciders can be packaged in bag-in-box formats, in mini-kegs, and in different sizes and shapes of cans.

Having the ability to expand the availability of cans directly responds to changing consumer preferences as three-quarters of growth in cider sales in the take home sector is from that format.

Gordon Johncox, chief executive at Aston Manor said: “We have a track record of being responsive to consumer trends and having the flexibility and agility to deliver great products in different styles and formats.

“It is for this reason we are recognised as having a broad portfolio to delight every consumer and on every occasion – from value and mainstream to the most premium.

“This is by design. We consistently invest significant sums and support our people to build our capacity and capability. It is vital to our approach and our ambition to offer new products and develop new markets.”

This work has also supported the growing demand from major drinks businesses and brand owners to work with Aston Manor as a specialist contract packer. Increased demand from growing sales has meant in the first seven months of this year nearly 127 million products have been made across production sites in Birmingham and Tiverton in Devon – over 8 million more than in the same period last year.

Johncox added: “I pay testament to the great work being done by our people – during a period of exceptional disruption they are delivering products of quality that people are enjoying as evidenced by award success, assurance from independent audits and customer care levels that exceed industry standards.”

In the latest international cider competitions, Aston Manor’s ‘Malvern Gold’ brand scooped the prize as the World’s Best (still) Cider for the second year running – after claiming top spot in the year this stunning cider was launched.

Youth skills development has received an encouraging shot in the arm after it was revealed that a Birmingham engineering firm has provided innovative pre-apprenticeship spots for 60 young people over the past five years.

Leading engineering business, adi Group, has celebrated the achievements of students on its pre-apprentice scheme since 2016, with this year’s graduation evening over the now-familiar Zoom format due to COVID-19.

Proud parents and students gathered online, as senior adi personnel and programme mentors revealed that all twelve pre-apprentices in the Class of 2020 passed the rigorous course, with four distinctions and eight merits among the esteemed group.

“This was really encouraging news given the current economic climate,” said adi CEO, Alan Lusty. “Businesses of all shapes and sizes have had some difficult decisions to make over the course of the  past few months, not least our own, but we are pleased to be strengthening our commitment to young people and the engineering sector at a time when many youngsters are desperate to get their foot on the careers ladder.

“I started in the industry as an apprentice myself, so I know the importance of giving back to this really inspiring and talented bunch of students that will hopefully go on to have successful careers in our sector and beyond.”

The adi pre-apprenticeship scheme began life in 2016 as a link was forged between nearby North Bromsgrove High School and the engineering company, aiming to help foster youth skills development across the Midlands. This partnership with the school is truly mutual, with both parties achieving opportunity via the students taking up one of the annual 12 pre-apprenticeship places.

It was launched by then Birmingham Northfield MP Richard Burden and has since gone on to receive a number of plaudits, not least from former Prime Minister, Theresa May, who visited the company’s headquarters for a tour of the facilities and programme in 2018 and praised adi Group during PMQs. Fully 50% of the scheme’s first and second year intakes are still with adi today and the business remains committed to youth skills development with its sign-up to the 5% Club, an initiative designed to raise the number of apprentices on formal programmes to five percent of the total workforce within five years.

“What we’ve done at adi is continue to shine the spotlight on the importance of inspiring the next generation of engineers,” added Group strategic account director, James Sopwith. “The services and the skill sets we’re inspiring provide support to the manufacturing sector, which is only in rising demand as the UK looks to bounce back from the current economic crisis.

“More closely, what we feel is most important is fostering a sense of connection at a local level between businesses and educational institutions, so that each feels the reward of building a sustainable pathway to the engineers of tomorrow.”

News of adi’s pre-apprenticeship milestone comes as the government recently announced its new Kickstart scheme designed to get disadvantaged youngsters into working roles. With adi having developed its own starter pack for other businesses to replicate its pre-apprenticeship programme, it is hoped such schemes can help the UK turn the tide on bleak unemployment forecasts and begin to bridge the STEM skills gap.

The latest research by leading property recruitment specialists, Rayner Personnel, has revealed which UK cities are currently proving the most competitive where the ratio of estate agents to listed properties is concerned.

Rayner looked at the number of residential estate agents operating across 23 UK cities and compared this figure to the number of properties currently listed for sale online to find the average number of listings per agent.  

The research shows that Aberdeen is currently the most competitive market to be an estate agent. Based on the number of estate agents currently listed on Zoopla (39) and the number of residential properties listed for sale (511), there is just an average of 13 properties for every estate agent in the city.

Cambridge ranks as the second most competitive city to be an estate agent, with an average of just 15 properties for every one agent operating in the city, while Edinburgh and Leicester complete the top three with an average of 16 properties per agent in each city.

Oxford (18), Manchester (21), Glasgow (21) and Bristol (22) also rank in the top 10.  

While London is home to by far the most abundant level of available stock (98,637) there are also some 4,041 agents battling it out to sell it.

This results in an average of just 24 properties per agent in the capital, with Southampton and Newcastle home to an average of 25 properties per agent, while Bournemouth (26) and Cardiff (27) complete the top 10.

In contrast, Newport (46), Liverpool (41), Plymouth (39), Sheffield (37) and Leeds (36) rank as the least competitive in terms of the stock available to the volume of agents trying to sell it.

Founder and CEO of Rayner Personnel, Josh Rayner, commented: “The market has exploded back to life in recent months and many agents will be relishing the chance to get stuck back into work after the boredom of lockdown and the industry restrictions imposed as a result.  

Estate agency has always been an incredibly competitive profession, and in fact, it’s one of the things that drives the best agents to perform day in, day out. 

While we’ve highlighted the most competitive cities based on the ratio of agents to stock, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing and agents across the UK must ensure they are on the top of their game if they want to succeed.  

This means having the best team around you, providing above and beyond service and, in more recent years, embracing technology to help improve performance. By doing so you can further your reach and list properties outside of your traditional operational boundaries which can also help you to remain profitable.

If you build a business based on a mixture of great technology and great people, there’s no reason you can’t succeed in today’s sector, even in the most competitive of spaces.” 

A fundraising campaign aimed at supporting Wolverhampton’s most vulnerable during the Covid-19 crisis has raised an incredible £90,746.Organisations across the City of Wolverhampton joined forces at the start of the pandemic to launch the crowdfund initiative to support struggling families and individuals throughout this difficult time.

A total of four campaigns were run under the One City Fund umbrella, each with a particular focus - people facing severe financial hardship as a result of Covid-19, raising vital funds to support the increased demand on the city’s food banks, supporting the homeless and helping people who have no access to technology to access important services or information.

The initiative was a collaboration between City of Wolverhampton Council, the Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council (WVCS) and local organisations.Over 250 individuals and businesses contributed to the fund; their donations have gone directly to over 15 local, not-for-profit organisations supporting people in need throughout the city, so they can get the help they need during this difficult time.

The final campaign, ‘Stay Connected’, concluded last month (August 28), raising over £15,000 for local charities supporting individuals facing isolation as a result of digital exclusion, including the Refugee and Migrant Centre, Wolverhampton Samaritans, Gazebo Theatre and Wolverhampton Learning Platform. 60% of the funds raised will be distributed to partner organisations. The remaining 40% is available as small grants to grassroots community groups supporting local people during the crisis. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “The One City Fund was created, in response to the spirit of generosity shown throughout the city, to give people a simple way to contribute to the city’s efforts to support vulnerable residents during the pandemic and make sure no-one gets left behind.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated to the One City Fund campaigns, the organisations the fund is supporting provide a vital lifeline for people across our city. I’m delighted to say that each of the campaigns exceeded their individual targets, demonstrating the resilient, caring and community-spirited nature of our city.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council, Saffi Price, added: “Wolverhampton’s One City Fund has shown, once again, how kind and generous the people of Wolverhampton are. Voluntary and Community Sector organisations have come together to help make the most of this crowdfunding campaign as they continue to support citizens in Wolverhampton who have felt the greatest impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

WVSC are very pleased to have played a part; working alongside other VCS organisations and statutory agencies. I know that we will all continue to work together as a city to ensure that no-one is left behind.”

Spacehive, the crowdfunding platform powering Crowdfund Wolves, waived its 5% fee for all projects created during lockdown, which means all monies raised will go directly to local third sector organisations.

The Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, and some of the charities supported by the One City Fund campaigns, have also put together this message to thank everyone who donated to the campaigns.

One feature of the soon to launch OpenBrix property portal is their MLS function, or Multiple Listing Service, and it’s a benefit that Adam Pigott and his team are unashamedly pushing. 

Why? Well simply because it works to help all parties in the property market – not just the seller or the buyer or the agent - but all of them.

An MLS is a database or network established by estate agents to share details on current property stock listed for sale or let. It essentially allows member estate agents to see what stock other estate agents have on their books with the wider goal of connecting buyers and sellers.

It has become the norm in the US and Canada and allows agents to offer properties that fit a buyer’s requirements that they may have otherwise been unable to do, with the agents involved choosing how to split the commission of the sale when working together.

OpenBrix has researched MLS data for the Canadian property market, a market that’s similar in many respects to the UK, to ascertain whether agents that use and promote the MLS actually achieve higher prices for their clients. The answer is that they do – by 12%.

OpenBrix says that Canada residential real estate is a market worth $361billion USD in sales (2019). About half the size of the UK but nonetheless the 8^th largest in the world (UK $745bn USD).

In July this year, data suggests that the average Canadian house sold at a value of $571,471 CAD. Whereas those that sold via the Canadian MLS system achieved $640,800 CAD - a difference of 12.1%. This analysis was across a sample size of 42,000 transactions.

If this were translated to the UK market it would suggest that agents could achieve £28,591 more for their sellers than the average UK house price of £235,673 (HM Land Reg). And if agents wanted to look at this purely selfishly, that could equate to earning almost £430 more per sale in fees at a typical 1.5%.

As validation of this, leading Canadian real-estate broker Irene Kaushansky of Kaushansky Brown in Toronto offers us this exclusive comment:  “Having not lived in a real estate world without MLS I personally cannot imagine doing business without it. We have over 58,000 realtors in our Toronto Board but whether it's that or 5000, or even 500, no matter how connected you are, there is no other way to know all agents and buyers. The more exposure there is for a property, the more buyers have an opportunity to see it and the greater the potential sale price for our sellers.”

“I'll give you a very current example and it's only because it happened this week.  A property was listed at $1.439m and after one week we had 47 private showing appointments.  On offer day, we received 5 offers. Here’s the thing - the top price from one local agent was $1.6m but the final sale price we achieved was actually $1.675m from one of two agents from outside the area that I didn't even know. While this is just one example to illustrate the above, it gives you an idea of the power of MLS exposure in dollar terms.”

Adam Pigott, CEO of OpenBrix in an untypically brief comment on the matter ads “Using our MLS system on the OpenBrix portal could make agents and their clients more money. The data proves it and it’s plain for agents to see once they start to be open to the power of this concept. Don’t be left behind.”

More than half (52 percent) of British commuters say they believe that this year will change their commuting habits forever.

29 percent say they think they will work from home more often and a further 23 percent are planning to change the way they travel to the office.

One in ten (10 percent) intend to opt for the outdoor air and walk to work, whilst a further 12 percent are planning to ditch public transport in favour of the secluded safety of their own car.

Of the 1,000 motorists polled by webuyanycar.com, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of commuters say that they do not miss the commute at all, and 27 percent say that there is NOTHING they miss about the office.

For those that will be going back to the office, it’s not all bad news, as 38 percent are looking forward to a time when they can be in the office more often, with more than half (54 percent) say they have missed socialising with their colleagues.

One in ten are excited to get away from their partner for the day and 8 percent are yearning for a break from the kids.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar.com, said: ‘’This year has seen all of us adapt our daily routines and for many of us, our ways of working and commuting has been hugely impacted.

‘’We know that there will be many motorists looking to sell their car now that their commuting habits have changed, whether that be to upgrade their, car as they plan to drive into work over using public transport, or because working from home means they no longer need their car at all.’’

Richard added: ‘’At webuyanycar.com we’re big advocates of doing things safely.  That’s why we offer our customers a safe and hassle-free solution to selling their car. Motorists can avoid the potential risks of a private sale by selling directly to us at one of more than 300 local branches.’’

Whilst we might not all be missing the daily back and forth to the office on the whole, there are a few things about our old commute we long for.

Topping list of things we miss about the commute is ‘time to ourselves’ (38 percent), shortly followed by ‘listening to music’ (36 percent) and time to think (32 percent).

11 percent, who fancy themselves as the next Adele, miss singing in the car and 8 percent can’t wait to see their favourite barista again and pick up their proper morning coffee.

For those that are heading back to the office, something to look forward to is experiencing that true Friday feeling again, as more than half of those surveyed (57 percent) agree that Friday feeling is better in the office.

The Rolling Stones opened the doors to their world-first flagship store, ‘RS No. 9 Carnaby’ in the heart of London’s Soho, at 9 Carnaby Street.

Created in partnership with Bravado, the store is now home to an exclusive mix of collections and collaborations for fans of all ages, and will feature a bespoke T-shirt customisation station. Framed in an exceedingly contemporary red and black shop fit, visitors will be able to explore the diverse product offering whilst listening to tracks from the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world!

The Rolling Stones said: “Soho has always encapsulated Rock ’n’ Roll so Carnaby Street was the perfect spot for our own store. We are confident this exciting project that our friends at Bravado have created will be an unrivalled experience for everyone to come to London and enjoy.”

It is a bold time to launch a permanent retail space in London, but RS No.9 Carnaby Street will provide a major long-term boost to music tourism in the capital, as one of the most iconic music British brands and bands of all time, launches this unprecedented experience on London’s historic Carnaby Street in Soho, which has been synonymous with British music culture since the sixties.

The Stones’ deluxe reissued 2020 version of their historic ‘GOAT’S HEAD SOUP’ album, out this week looks set to top the U.K. album charts, 47 years after its first release.

Fans who were unable to visit can experience it through a bespoke online store and experience which will be going live shortly at: https://no9carnabyst.rollingstones.com  

 Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has joined forces with police and agricultural machinery manufacturers to tackle a surge in thefts of expensive guidance systems.
 
Across Europe, thefts of tractor GPS systems have surged as criminals target the expensive guidance systems now extensively used to guide farm machinery. Many of the stolen systems are John Deere StarFire receivers and cab display units – but other systems are increasingly being stolen.
 
In the UK, thefts have spread from East Anglia, where they first became commonplace, and police and insurers are now dealing with thefts all across the UK. In recent weeks, NaVCIS, the police agricultural vehicle theft co-ordination organisation funded by NFU Mutual, is being alerted to multiple GPS thefts from farms and machinery dealers almost every day.
 
To help stamp out the crime wave, farmers are being urged to rigorously check that any GPS kit offered for sale outside dealer networks has not been stolen.
 
Bob Henderson, NFU Mutual National Technical Engineering Manager, said: “Having tractor GPS kit stolen during harvest is hugely disruptive. Not only do replacement units – which can cost £8,000 and more – have to be sourced, fitted and programmed, but modern farms can’t work effectively during the vital harvesting period without them.
 
“As the main insurer of the UK’s farmers we are working with police and tractor manufacturers to tackle this worrying new crime trend.”
 
To help the checking process, John Deere has a system enabling farmers to call their local dealership to check the serial number of its popular StarFire GPS system. The company’s database includes a marker for stolen equipment – but stresses that not all John Deere thefts are reported to it, and that the system cannot provide proof that equipment offered for sale online is legitimate.
 
If you are unfortunate to have John Deere stolen, the theft can be reported to local John Deere dealers so it can be logged in the system.
 
To make it more difficult for criminals to sell-on stolen StarFire GPS systems, John Deere included a PIN security feature in its StarFire 6000 series, launched in February 2019.
 
Superintendent Andy Huddleston, national police lead for agricultural machinery and vehicle thefts, said: “Making careful checks on the provenance of any GPS kit offered for sale outside the dealer network can stop criminals making money from these crimes and halt the surge.
 
“The service introduced by John Deere dealers makes these checks easier by enabling farmers to quickly check if a StarFire serial number is on their database of stolen systems.”
 
He also urged farmers to be very wary of buying GPS kits which have had serial number stickers removed.
 
NFU Mutual GPS security checklist:
Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number
Keep tractors and combines with GPS fitted stored out of sight when possible
Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale
Remove GPS kit from tractors and other machinery and store it securely when not in use
 
For further information, contact:
Kate Ryder
NFU Mutual Press Office
Phone: 07814 365257
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Swedish company Voi has been appointed to operate e-scooters in the West Midlands, it was announced today. The trial will launch to the public in Birmingham and Coventry next week and be rolled-out across the region soon after.

E-scooters will be rolled-out in Birmingham and Coventry from next Thursday (10 September). Soon afterwards, the scooters will be deployed in, Sandwell (West Bromwich), Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Warwickshire.

The tender process, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority concluded with the contract being offered to Voi as the sole operator. Voi launched Europe’s first dockless e-scooter service in 2018 and now operates in 45 cities across 11 countries.
The public will initially be able to access and ride e-scooters within the immediate vicinity of Birmingham and Coventry’s city centre, with an ambition to expand the trial zones as the trial progresses.

For the purpose of the trial the DfT requires a maximum speed of 15.5 mph on roads. In pedestrianised areas a lower speed limit of 5mph will be applicable. E-scooters are allowed on any 30 mph or less road, however the council have advised users to use designated cycle routes wherever possible.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “The West Midlands is proud to be leading the way on future transport development, and it is great to be able to partner with Voi and reveal our plans for e-scooters across the region.

“E-scooters will help bring more flexibility, choice, and greener travel solutions for the West Midlands.

Its unquestionably offer a healthier, more environmentally friendly, alternative to the car for shorter journeys around our towns and cities and It’s a great coup for the West Midlands to be at the forefront of the Government’s e-scooter trial. I look forward to work with Voi and local authorities to make sure we maximise the potential.”

The Department of Transport passed legislation earlier this year to accelerate the deployment of e-scooter trials across the UK and Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, said: “This is brilliant news for the West Midlands, and I am delighted that Birmingham will be one of the first UK cities to trial e-scooters. This provides the public with yet another green alternative to private car, supporting social distancing but also helping to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality.

“Working with our partners, we have managed to turn this project around really quickly and made sure that safety is absolutely paramount. I hope the people of Birmingham will embrace this new, environmentally-friendly way of getting around our city.”

Up to 10,000 e-scooters are due to be deployed across the region over the course of the trial. Birmingham and Coventry will initially start with 200 each, with demand monitored by Voi – working closely with Local Authorities.

Riders will need a provisional or full driving licence to unlock an e-scooter. They will cost £1 to unlock and 20p per minute to ride, however there will be reduced rates for NHS workers, students and those on low incomes. Those who are looking to use the e-scooters regularly can have unlimited rides for £40 per month. Private e-scooters will not be permitted as part of the trial.

To make sure that e-scooters are introduced as safely as possible, Voi has gone over and above Government requirements on age limits, insurance and rider verification. Voi will provide in person and online rider education, provide rider identity verification and will make #RideLikeVoila - its online traffic school - available to users in the West Midlands.

Lucy Yu, Voi’s Director of Public Policy, said: “In the UK, 60 per cent of car journeys are between one and three miles, which significantly increases congestion. Cars no longer suit the way we live today, and we estimate that 20 per cent of short journeys could be replaced by low-carbon e-scooters with a minimum five-year lifespan. E-scooters provide a compelling alternative that will outrun the car.”

Voi is also committed to upholding West Midlands Combined Authority’s health and safety policy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the region. Voi is adding Shieldex Copper-Tape to the handlebars of its e-scooters, which kill 99.98% of coronavirus on contact, and all e-scooters will be disinfected every 24 hours.

The trial is due to run for 12 months. It will be closely reviewed by the Department of Transport and Transport for West Midlands working closely with local authorities and stakeholders, with a view to establishing longer-term options for e-scooters in the region.