Monthly Archives: August 2010

Aug 26 2010

Shanghai Expo – DAY ONE – my initial impressions…

I enjoyed my magic carpet experience on the Maglev today as I blogged about earlier – and my hotel is quite nice. It’s huge – I am on the 25th floor (of the second wing!). The people below look very small…

My residence in the Far East...

My first impressions – it’s hot. Very hot. And humid. Very, very humid. It feels like the same temperature as the Squash Club sauna, but you have clothes on, so it feels worse. The reception thermometer said 32 degrees, but 90% humidity. We call that rain in the UK?

My little afternoon walk was interesting; I got lost. It’s not at all like New York, the grid-iron pattern is much more random. I enjoyed watching the assortment of cyclists, mopeds (with luggage), cars, lorries and pedestrians trying to show who is King of the jungle. The ‘rules’ seem to be capable of fairly loose interpretation; red lights are, I think, advisory only. And not much advice is heeded. It is just a free for all… Survival of the fittest!

Some of the architecture I have seen so far is interesting; it is quite western influenced – lots of glazed curtain walls. I haven’t seen very much local vernacular yet, but I am sure I will. There are quite a few tower-cranes.

It just looks like a mad sort of place. Frenetic would be the word!

There is little regard for ‘personal space’ – especially on the tube. Nor are there any manners – everyone is in a rush. The convergence on the tube train doors is just funny – no one waits for people to get off.

But then things turned really mad… My former Partner at Innes England, Nick Ebbs called me to see if I fancied a drink. It would have been rude not to, so I managed to find him in his Hotel, in the French Quarter of town. We had a glass of wine and then decided that it would be a good idea to get an evening ticket for the Expo – as it is supposed to be quieter. When I mentioned humidity earlier, we then saw real humidity – at 100%. I got a bit wet last week playing golf; but tonight I got seriously wet. A drowned rat would have been an understatement.

In the end we abandoned the Expo – people were staring at the state we were in! The Expo does look impressive – in spite of the weather there were thousands of people there. And some of the Pavilions really are fantastic – especially the China one, which is much bigger than I had anticipated. Many were closed due to the inclement weather.

I am hoping the weather returns to ‘normal’ tomorrow – so I can just get a bit wet. The brolly looks like a key part of the armoury. And lots of changes of clothes.

For your amusement – this is me in a tube station tonight … It’s not funny.

I think the colours hid it well. But EVERYTHING is wet

Aug 26 2010

Shanghai – maglev – wow!

I arrived safely at Pudong airport after a 10.5 hour flight and decided to chance the maglev transfer into Shanghai. It is amazing – 18.6 miles in 7 minutes 21 seconds! The top speed of this beast is 267.8mph – around the same as the actual speed the Top Gear boys achieved in the new Super Sport edition of the Bugatti Veyron – which was clocked at an average of 267.856 mph. Sadly we had Terry Wogan driving, not the Stig and we peaked at 301kph.

We only got to 187mph...

But it was fast – and very comfortable. This is public transport to die for. You don’t need a Ferrari when you can go this fast on a ‘tram’. I will get some details to bring back. My office to home is 3.5 miles so that’s around 47 seconds at top speed? Compared to my 15 minutes of so this sounds rather good! The Nottingham tram has some way to go…

The only slight issue was the cost – which is estimated at Y10bn! And at present the suggestion is that it is only at 20% capacity as it is considered expensive and pointless (it only goes from the airport to the edge of Shanghai).

It was all rather painless – line 2 is easily signposted and I parted with Y40 – around £4. It makes no noise and is very smooth – unlike the Nottingham to St Pancras line! Its a bit quicker than the Birmingham maglev- which I went on when it first opened! I jumped off at Longyang Road and switched to a taxi up to Lancun Road – where my hotel is. It was all really easy. The taxi was a whole £1.80…

I have my map of the underground and look like this will be the mode of transport for the next few days – unless I can find a bike! Or Ferrari.

In the meantime – warp speed was pretty impressive!

PS the currency in Shanghai is the Yuan or Renminbi (rmb for short) – At the time of my travel, it’s approximately Y10 to £1.

Aug 26 2010

Shanghai China – the World Expo 2010

As this blog is published I will be still (hopefully) in the air on my way to Shanghai and the World Expo. I left Heathrow last night, my 12 hour flight plus the time difference puts me into Pudong Airport at lunchtime – China time. I will then be seven hours ahead. I wrote this blog back in the UK, but hope to be able to update my blog from my hotel in Shanghai over the next week or so.

The UK Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010

I am in China for two reasons – firstly to visit the World Expo and secondly to have a look around the University of Nottingham campus at Ningbo.

I am really looking forward to the Expo -which has cost an estimated US$54 billion to build. In terms of economic and social impact it is reckoned the Expo is the third largest ‘event’ on the planet. The first is the Olympics, the second the FIFA Football World Cup.

The theme is “Better City, Better Life“. Essentially this all about us creating better places for future generations to live in – in the future.

70 million people are likely to visit the Expo during its six month life. We are to visit pavilions of all shapes and sizes with exhibitions from 240 countries vying for attention on both sides of the Huangpu River. Looking at some of the images, it certainly looks amazing. There has been some controversy about the Expo; in the pre-construction phase 18,000 families were decanted into new tower blocks. Including some who didn’t want to move?

I am travelling with a delegation from Nottingham City Council and other private sector firms in the East Midlands. Latterly we have been successful locally in securing sales and partnerships with companies in this region of China. In 2009 the East Midlands exported £33.5 million of goods to China, an increase of around 15.5% from 2008.

I shall be at a conference for two days – hosted in the London Pavilion – the theme is one of sustainability. In between I hope to see some of the Expo pavilions – although stories of 6 hour queues is not something I am particularly keen on. I am also hoping to see some of Shanghai itself.

I then get to travel to Ningbo – and the home of Nottingham University’s second campus! I am told this too is an amazing place, built in record time and with buildings mirroring the Nottingham campus. We also get to tour Ningbo itself.

As I said, I hope to update my blog with news from the conference. Watch this space. If it’s strangely quiet for a few days, I have not been able to connect the wires up!

Aug 25 2010

Inflation – usually good for property?

Although widely unpopular, inflation has generally been good for property – pushing prices up. Artificially perhaps, but upwards! That makes people feel good as they don’t usually see that it is artificial. I am always amazed about how people think they are buying bigger houses, whereas in reality they are buying a bigger mortgage! It is true paper money.

I blogged a couple of weeks ago about the state of the investment market here. There is a suggestion of a dip in 2011.

Then last week figures were released on inflation and they are perhaps cause for some concern. The Governments target is 2%, although the July figure is down slightly on June’s, it is at 3.1% – way above the target. The Retail Price Index is now at 4.8%.

The Bank of England do have a big stick to beat this down – interest rates. We have now had the rate at 0.5% for 18 months consecutively. It can’t be long before the rate rises in an attempt to bring down the stubbornly high inflation rate. And this could hurt borrowers – although savers should benefit.

There was also some evidence at the weekend though that savers have been dipping into their savings to fund income shortfalls.

But alongside all of this we have the prospect of severe public sector cuts. And this will inevitably lead to unemployment. This isn’t just confined to the Public Sector – some of the budget cuts will mean that private firms will probably be hit too – we do plenty of work for the Public Sector. The impact at this stage is just unknown.

Unemployment has a direct effect on the housing market – which in turn will impact on the commercial sector. Ultimately, it’s all about confidence! And when that starts to wobble, the markets will invariably worsen.

I think there is a danger that we could be heading for another recession. I am not at all convinced that we are clear of the problems. I am not one to talk the market down, it doesn’t help my business, but I think we should be cautious.

As a generality I don’t think we have really suffered yet. I accept that some individuals may have done with redundancy, but widespread pain isn’t obvious? Our shopping centres still seem busy. We also have the prospect of a buoyant Christmas as people realise that VAT is about to increase in January…

Bu then hold on to your hats – it could be a bumpy ride in 2011.

Aug 24 2010

You don’t get quicker than a Kwik-Fit fitter?

As my car was coming up to it’s third Birthday, it needed an MOT.

Kwik-fit - clean once

And Pendragon, the firm I hire it from have decided to use Kwik-Fit for the MOT. This is as opposed to the excellent Audi Dealership in Nottingham.

What an awful experience. My car was booked in for 9.15 yesterday – I was promised it would take no longer than an hour. I arrived at 9.10am. At 9.35 my car was resolutely stuck outside on the forecourt where I had parked it. The smell of engine oil and brake dust was over-powering. The plant in the corner must have become accustomed as it was the only thing alive.

I think the floors had been cleaned some time ago (probably three at a guess). I don’t think the suspended ceiling ever had. The seats were from a 1960′s transport cafe – they add to the ambience and give it a ‘car feel’. The broken formica facings were particularly authentic.

You can always measure a place by the coffee it keeps. And Klix is not coffee – I think it produces soup, tea, coffee and bovril at the same time. I suppose it is warm. There were bottles of anti-freeze on top of the machine – wonder if they add that too? It was 50p (you have to pay them).

As part of the “add-on” sales pitch they now sell ‘accessories’ – smelly stuff, car mats and wipes. I think some of the cleaning cloths had been used before. They weren’t being sold as ‘used’ though.

To kill time there was a heavily thumbed ‘Woman’ magazine from January 2010. And a kitchen catalogue from Homebase. Neither appealed particularly. Although I am not an avid follower of Woman, I couldn’t help but notice that the Crossword was on the ‘cover’ – and it was partially completed. Someone had given up when they got clues wrong! “Speed of a Quick-fit fitter (4)” is not “Quick” – it doesn’t fit. Nor is it true as I was to find out.

The old chap across from me was waiting for his HT leads – estimated at three days. I’m not sure whether that’s three days from when they shouted it at him or he was already eating into that time. He looked a broken man. Other people just stared blankly into space. I just look out of place an old lady smiled at me, knowingly.

At 9.40am the car was moved off the forecourt by a ‘youth’ and the test was underway I assumed.

One and a quarter hours later the hour was up. And my car had ‘passed’. I expressed my concern about their clock – which was different to mine (a bit like the dream state in Inception).

I then returned to the car. After undoing all of the seatbelts and re-setting my sports seats, I couldn’t help but notice that the car had been driven for 1.5 miles. It had used 20 miles worth of petrol? And a tyre pressure warning light was on (which wasn’t when I arrived). I wandered back in – the ‘tester’ hadn’t really noticed the light (it is a subtle orange colour in your 12 o’clock). I presume he was going so fast he was watching the road? They tested my tyres and one had gained 7lbs in four days apparently (A bit like me on holiday?). This must have been a physics miracle.

Kwik-fit = rubbish. And not quick. Apart from when ‘testing’ my car.

Aug 23 2010

Irn-Bru with that haggis sir?

The duck tape holding the bath together was a clue. With another four stars gained this would have been a four star hotel. Scraping two was I think something of an aberration or mirage from the past.

Hawick - where I didn't get a hole in one

Still, it was undergoing refurbishment; we needed to excuse them whilst they did it. That wasn’t a question – more a mission statement.

My second trip to Irn-Bru (they now have diet Irn_bru apparently) Country to play golf this year was punctuated by a stay at the Abbotsford Arms Hotel at Galashiels (pronounced ‘Gala’). Their web site is undergoing ongoing refurbishment. This should also have been a clue. A big fat one.

Trip Advisor people were pretty forthright here. But it was a forgone decision as we had left the sleeping arrangements to my mate ‘Baby Brains Burton’. This won’t happen again. He is just rubbish at choosing hotels.

The Hotel cost £40 per night each. Whilst I don’t advocate wasting money there is a level at which you should aspire in life – and it’s some way above this. Especially for a holiday. It was better than the £24.99 he had originally chosen – that one had a commode in the corner. A tarpaulin strung between two trees would have been better.

The only saving grace at the Abb (as it is lovingly known – “Fab at the Abb”..) were the staff; who were very friendly. Even if the owner did sniff snuff! I think my Grandad used to do this? I declined the offer – it looks vaguely illegal snorting up lines of black powder….apparently they do a white one too. Yeah right.

The Abb staff were accommodating in providing a high chair for Steve. He is 48 (cm from the ground.) We thought it was funny.

The golf was the saving grace – as before in the Spring we played some fantastic courses in stunning settings. The locals are lucky – they have some excellent courses on their doorstep. Innerleithen is a favourite – only 9 holes but very challenging! We enjoyed Duns too and Minto is always good. Hawick, where the day before we played held a Pro-Am to honour the “Voice of Rugby” Bill McLaren. He was a member at the club and scored a hole in one at the 16th hole – which is probably one of the trickiest par 3′s I have ever seen!

So plans are afoot to return next year – and I am booking the hotel… I sincerely hope that my hotel in Shanghai later this week is marginally batter!

Aug 22 2010

Cyclists getting a bad deal?

Speaking positively, cyclists are getting quite a good deal in Nottingham at the moment. Some ‘advanced stop lines’ have appeared at lots of traffic lights in the city.

It's only for cyclists stupid...

Sadly, many motorists have no idea what they are and simply ignore them, which is quite bewildering. Whilst we may not have all been given lessons in what they mean – it’s not difficult! The intention is clear – to give cyclists a safe zone at the front of light sets. It is reserved for cyclists.

The Highway Code makes it quite clear – (Rule 178) says:

Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows

Clearly lots of drivers have not read the Highway code – or they simply ignore it.

The level of indifference to cyclists is quite astonishing at times. Cyclists are very vulnerable – a fight between a car and a bike usually has a predictable outcome. The bike loses. Relying on a helmet at this point is better than not, but its not like having a steel shell around you!

A while ago I blogged about my frustration about drivers in the bus lane. The Council have cunningly placed a camera on it and judging by the home made signs that have gone up, some tickets are being issued.

Perhaps we need some high profile fines for people wandering into the cycle safety areas?

Aug 21 2010

Music – having a good time!

Last week the PRS released some interesting facts about the state of the UK music industry – up to the end of 2009.

Clockwork Lights - the next big thing?

They found that the UK music industry was worth £3.9bn in 2009, up 4.7% on 2008. Retail spend stabilised on recorded music including CDs, downloads, music DVDs and streaming. Live music revenues have increased 9.4% to £1.5bn including direct ticket sales, secondary ticketing and ‘on the night’ spend. And recorded music revenues in the UK are shown to be larger than the US when expressed per head of population.

At last the price of a CD is coming down with the average now at £7.99, but often lower prices can be found by shopping around.

So the music industry is having a good time!

But the gap is widening between the superstars at the top and grass roots bands. With AC/DC rumoured to have been paid £3.5m for their Download appearance in 2010 and the closure of many pubs where bands start out – this may be a trend for some time to come. My sons band know this all too well. Setting out is tough – they have released an EP here – which they paid for themselves. It’s a far cry from the supergroups. But everyone starts somewhere!

It is interesting that music bucks the general economic situation – perhaps we still need cheering up from time to time. If I am not listening to Radio 4 in my car I am generally plugged into my itunes library. I am slowly working through the 14,200 songs!

I still buy CD’s as I see it as DRM free, of the highest quality and with its own back up! I do occasionally download music, but not from the itunes store anymore – generally from the Amazon MP3 store.

I am looking forward to the day when Jack’s band play the Isle of Wight…and I can hang around backstage….

Aug 20 2010

A new Planning regime for Nottingham

I blogged last week about how Planners sometimes get it very wrong – in my view.

Might this sort of development be easier in future? Photo: Martine Hamilton-Knight

I was aware from a number of discussions that Nottingham City Council were looking at a new regime for major applications. This idea was borne out of a consultation process which I was part of just over 12 months ago. The City had employed a consultant to look at how the Planning Service had performed – particularly on major applications.

I had a bad experience over one I was involved in three years ago. I shall spare the City their blushes, but the application took 18 months and eight schemes before it was heard at Committee; it was then adjourned. Some of the comments made in the Committee were just plain wrong. I normally have faith in democracy, but I was always warned to stay away from a Planning Committee – who can redefine ‘maverick’! Someone wittier than me coined the phrase ‘development control committee out of control’.

So I was pleased to learn that the City are looking at a new method by which major applications can be brought forward. They are seeking comments from the professional sector.

In essence the new regime works by creating a formal agreement between the Council and the applicant. They are known as Planning Performance Agreements. The blurb suggest that they are a modern way of dealing with major applications – in an open and collaborative way. A framework is put in place to ensure that the pre-application phase (now compulsory) is more focussed and has a clear timetable. They do not guarantee Planning Consent.

In essence the developer or applicant pays a fee for the resources. Whilst this may seem slightly odd, since the Council have a Statutory duty to hear an application, the time saved in being led by the Councils timetable with their stretched resources is probably saved by the fee.

I think this is to be welcomed. It has been used elsewhere. It is an interesting approach and I guess only time will tell as to whether it is a success. If you spend the money, follow the advice and a ‘maverick’ committee throw it out because they don’t like the colour of your eyes, it will rapidly fall apart. I hope it doesn’t, but there is some way to go in winning back the confidence of applicants…

Aug 19 2010

An amazing office

A former colleague of mine – who now swans around Seattle going from Starbucks to Starbucks sent me some incredible pictures in the week of the new Google offices.

Having just moved office (not much) I thought it would be really cool to have some of these features – OK, just one of these features would be good!

So, this is a short and not wordy blog – check out the pictures below! It really must be a great place to work…

the stress capsule

time out to chill out

keeping fit alone?

all the fun of the fair?

an ideas place - not an office

my kind of office!

Today, Google employs 20,223 people around the world, receiving a CV every 25 seconds from job-seekers, hiring an average of nine new employees a day. It’s not a surprise really. And to cap it all off a full-size replica of Virgin Atlantic ‘s Spaceship One (space tourist vehicle) hangs in the reception area…