Clients I speak with regularly say the commercial property market has become increasing stressful and complex. So much so, that it inhibits businesses from making decisions about future locations; whether to upsize, downsize, move or stay.

The message I hear is that there is a general fear that making the wrong decision about their property needs could tip a business over the edge. Because of this worry, the inclination is to defer doing anything.

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There are a number of signs that the long talked about green shoots are starting to show a hint of blossom in the post-economic crisis environment.

There are quite a few challenges yet to come, but some key indicators such as business confidence surveys, employment rates and increased business activity are looking positive.

But I have noticed that a (more…)

As we head into a new decade and optimism increases as the green shoots of economic recovery grow leaves, there is going to be some exciting new thinking needed for doing business.

It is increasingly an era of customisation, where people have more and more say about the goods and services they buy, and how, where and when they get them.

In my area of expertise – commercial property leasing – the (more…)

As New Zealanders we pride ourselves on our DIY can-do attitude and it gets us a long way.

But for a while now, business commentators have been challenging this approach saying the downside, particularly on the world stage, can be that a DIY approach is detrimental.

Our top businesses have it mastered, and in (more…)

Desperation is biting in the commercial real estate industry.

There are very few commercial tenants looking for space right now, and many agents that specialise in commercial leases are consequently struggling.

With tough times come dirty tricks.

One ploy that is on the rise is where a (more…)

I just learnt this morning that a conference I was to speak at next month has been cancelled. It made me pause for a moment to consider how people’s attitudes towards conferences and seminars have changed in today’s recessionary market.

I heard a story recently that those working in the area of training and development are advised not to (more…)

I once heard a New Zealand export manufacturer talking positively about this country’s competitive advantage against some of the really big players in the world such as China and the U.S.

He said our advantage was (more…)

I’ve been working with a few clients in the retail sector in main centres of both North and South Islands in the past few weeks and it’s given me a new feel for the trends and issues retailers are facing.

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With frosts on the ground it might seem a little early to be talking about spring.

But when it comes to the property lease market and looking out to the future, the market’s current sway in favour of tenants is an ideal time to  (more…)

I’ve been posting this blog for well over a year now, and I’d like to think we give readers a good heads-up on trends in the property lease market, as well as some insights into how the market works behind the scenes.

So it was interesting for me this week to take some of this expertise into the mainstream news media as a commentator on TVNZ’s business programme: NZI Business June 5: Renters’ market for office space

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To steal a line from the well-known telco ad, now is good for having a close look at reviewing commercial leases across New Zealand. There are a number of reasons why now is good.

Firstly, I think it’s time we moved on from a wait and see attitude about the markets and international economic conditions.

Secondly, there are very few new leases being drawn up at the moment. Many new building projects are on hold, and the majority of Parallel Direction’s work with tenants right now is getting better outcomes on renewals and rent reviews. (more…)

The ratchet clause has long been a dirty word to businesses with commercial tenancies.

More than 95 percent of leases have a ratchet clause. Traditionally they never advantage the tenant. (more…)