When Selfridges first opened its doors in 1909, it drew crowds by turning shopping into an adventure, using theatre and innovation. Bleriot’s monoplane was displayed there fresh from its maiden Channel crossing and John Logie Baird chose the store to first demonstrate television to the public.

Private Finance initiative (PFI) contracts have been and will be with us for some considerable time but there’s an ever-increasing number of PFI contracts now set to expire.

Stephen Ottewell, Director of Planning and Building Control at Capita, interviews planning experts - this Q and A focuses on sustainable development.

In this series of local government Q&As, Stephen Ottewell, Director of Planning and Building Control at Capita Local Public Services, interviews planning experts on hot topics in the sector, including the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In July 2020 the Government published its much-anticipated draft Building Safety Bill. Described by the Housing Secretary as the “biggest improvements to building safety in nearly 40 years”, the Bill goes beyond the traditional boundaries of regulatory change and seeks to bring forward a clearer regulatory system with residents’ safety at its heart.

Retailers need to stop expecting business to return to “normal”. 

For the past decade, PFI (private finance initiative) contracts have been in place to support the public sector with the management of their existing estates and facilities.

Today’s consumers are experiencing a renewed appreciation of the value of retail, as well as the importance that shopping brings to their quality of life.

For the NHS, delivering quality services in well-maintained, secure environments is integral for the safety and comfort of patients.

Since it was established in 1948, the NHS has been offering patients the best quality care possible, in secure environments.