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Kevan Carrick

Kevan Carrick

Pragmatic approach helps sustainability

A COUPLE of weeks ago I said that in very stringent times, we should still construct buildings to the best environmental standards to reduce energy costs and our carbon footprint. Read

A different approach is needed

THE call to wean North firms off welfare has sparked an 'interesting' debate. It's been a pet subject of mine for some years. While Government grants and tax incentives have their place, they also lead to a dependency culture.Read

Change of focus is needed

FOLLOWING my column of last week, I had a call from a gentleman whose opinions I did not entirely share, but we had a humorous exchange of views.Read

The Catch-22 of Article 14

IDON’T know how many readers are of my generation but for those who are not, a bit of explanation. A satirical novel written by Joseph Heller describes the events of a US bomber squadron in World War II. The book is the excellent Catch-22.Read

Clustering strategy paying off

THE media has recently reported encouraging news about developments in the low carbon, alternative energy and sciences sectors. Read

ADZs must reinforce fabric of community

IN last Wednesday’s Journal (July 22) I was delighted to learn of the reported meeting of the Core Cities Group which comprises economic experts from the eight most important cities outside London.Read

Cautious optimism in market report

TWO pieces of news coming out of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors gave me pause for thought this week.Read

'Change essential if we are to develop our economy in the region'

IN last week's column I emphasised the need for focus and stability in delivering regeneration.Read

Fanning flames of recession

THERE is a lot of political uncertainty at the moment and I think it’s fanning the flames of recession that are tearing through our economy.Read

Sunderland reflects region's 'glass half full' economy

I WOULD like this week to shout a loud well done to Sunderland. Clearly the Black Cats are keeping the flag flying in the Premiership – although I’m sure Newcastle and Middlesbrough will be back next year – but the city and surrounding region could do with a big pat on the back too.Read

Crucial decision for planners

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has submitted a planning application to build a new 20,000 sq ft store on Morpeth’s Coopies Lane Industrial Estate while Sainsbury’s has plans for a 35,000 sq ft store at Stobhill. Read

Science City: private funds vital

NO one would argue that the initial proposal to develop Science City wasn’t a welcome decision, representing as it did a long-term commitment to driving new and diverse sectors for investment that would help create economic growth, not just in Newcastle but across the wider North East region.Read

Why are we still on the road to nowhere?

THE rocky road of the recession is being experienced by all, but the impact of the downturn is greater in the North East than other regions – particularly when you take transport as a case in point.Read

One size fits all is not a good approach to housing

I READ with interest an article last week on the Government's new £400m fund, announced in April's Budget, to reignite housing projects across the UK that have stalled at the hands of the recession.Read

What is taking Jessica so long?

I RECEIVED an update from the RICS EU office in Brussels last week which included news on the much anticipated Jessica Fund and details of the first holding agreement which was signed on April 29 … in Poland.Read

The pain could boost the gain

THIS may seem like a strange question, but could the recession ultimately be a good thing for the North East? Clearly, if you are going to make changes, this is not the best way to do it; there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the region suffering real hardship due to shorter working hours, wage freezes and, sadly, increasing redundancies. Read

Opportunities will come out of recession

THIS may seem like a strange question, but could the recession ultimately be a good thing for the North East?Read

Time for a north bank has arrived

AN extremely interesting and timely conference took place last week organised by the Northern Way.Read

A bad idea in the good times just got worse

AFTER my green predictions last week, I was pleased to see a budget focused on renewables, green technology and low carbon initiatives.Read

Green issues should top the Budget agenda

HAVING prepared this column in advance of today's Budget announcement, I thought it apt to turn my attention to a subject that will be with us long after the recession moves on – the environment.Read

Author Profile

Kevan Carrick is a partner in JK Property Consultants and provides strategic and development advice to both the public and private sectors on the formation of strategic regeneration schemes and development opportunities linked with property market and economic advice, compulsory purchase, funding and dispute resolution. He has been lead consultant on a number of projects including Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne. He is a board member of Durham Vision 2020 (Public/Private Partnership) and is chairman of Percy Hedley Foundation, a registered charity providing for the education and care of children and adults with special needs. He is also policy spokesman for the RICS in the North East Region. He is Chairman of Northern Dispute Resolutions an organization to promote the use of mediation and the appointment of mediators.

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