There has been speculation that changed working patterns, especially the projected increase in home-working, hot-desking etc, may affect demand for offices. There have been a number of studies looking into the impact of the ICT revolution on demand for offices. The leading UK research paper on this topic being the Right Space:Right Price report. This report has been widely quoted as saying that ICT developments are not having any significant effect on the market. Given, then, that most research cannot substantiate claims that ICT developments will result in changing demand for office accommodation, what is the attitude of those active in the market? Research was undertaken by Leeds Metropolitan University staff to ascertain whether or not there was a perception that ICT developments will affect the demand for office accommodation, and whether or not these attitudes differed by location, or by professional sector. The secondary aim of the study was to investigate the nature of any regional and sectoral differences in these perceptions.Methodology An attitudinal survey was undertaken of professionals involved in the office market. The survey sought to establish from respondents personal experience whether or not there are discernible trends relating to ICT developments emerging. The survey also sought to establish from respondents personal opinions whether or not they foresee that ICT developments will result in discernible trends affecting the office market. Questionnaires were distributed to four sample groups, via Professional and academic bodies. The four groups were: ? The North East Branch of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Preston ? The North London Branch of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers ? Mature part-time students participating on a weekend workshop of the MSc Facilities Management at Leeds Metropolitan University ? Others 44 questionnaires were received and analysed. Use of the two populations in Preston and in London provided useful regional comparisons. Most of the published research in this field has been concerned with populations in major cities. Using the data from Preston; attitudes from the region are compared with attitudes from London. Occupational Groups All respondents are professionally involved with property, in one form or another. Respondents classified themselves into one of seven occupational groups: ? Corporate Estate Managers/Facilities Managers - this provided evidence of attitudes to demand from occupiers of office property ? Letting Agents ? Managing Agents ? Valuers ? Developers ? Academics ? Other The data has been analysed to establish whether or not there is currently a belief amongst professionals as to whether or not changed patterns of work are currently affecting demand, and projections as to how that demand may alter in the future. Comparisons are made of attitudes in different occupational sectors; and in the two regions. Points of convergence or divergence in the different populations are noted.

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