There are two main elements to this paper. Firstly, UK office occupier needs are considered through a series of case studies to assess the criteria being used in the corporate sector to define future accommodation requirements. Secondly, the UK experience is compared with alternative environments to assess the influence of differing economic climates. Over the last three years the authors have undertaken a series of in depth surveys of occupiers of offices. These surveys indicate that occupiers consider the following as significant issues in their analysis of the suitability of the accommodation which they occupy: Organisation evolution. Location. New working practices. Availability of office supply. External economic and commercial activity. The findings contained within the paper are based on studies of UK regional centres (including Birmingham, Bristol and Oxford) and overseas markets in Eastern Europe and SE Asia. This comparative element mainly concentrates on the current situation in Sofia, Bulgaria (an emerging economy) and Hong Kong (an economy in recession). The first part of the paper focuses specifically on the implementation of new working practices, information technology and management techniques and emphasises the resultant effect for overall future occupier demand. It shows that, although the demand for large floorplated buildings is strong, occupiers are seeking specifications which reflect their organisation's structure and which also have the ability to utilise future IT systems. As a consequence of the limited effective supply within many city cores, occupiers have often opted to take refurbished space in more secondary locations which attempt to meet their immediate needs. Alternatively, where available, newly created business park accommodation is taken up. However, does the widespread use of IT still provide an advantage in business and does its use require the most modern and largest buildings in the CBD? The results of this research reveal insight into the views of office occupiers which could be valuable for commercial office developers and investors. The second part of the paper concentrates on the comparison between the situation in the UK and the needs of occupiers under differing economic circumstances. The authors consider that this gives a valuable insight into the opportunities that exist for both inward and foreign investment and identifies the distinctive risks involved in attempting to realise those opportunities.

This item is no longer available.