Tag Archives: Charity

August 1, 2011

Is it always about the money?

By Tim GARRATT

I live in a pretty ‘full on’ commercial world. We aim to make money in business – otherwise there’s little point – we aren’t a social enterprise or a charity. We chase profit (remember turnover = vanity, profit = sanity) everyday.

But sometimes it’s not about the money. I need to earn enough fees to pay the rent and my staff – and hopefully have a bit left over to pay the mortgage and keep my wife and kids in gruel and water for a bit longer. But some of the things I do don’t attract a fee account. Some of the people I come across are more like business friends than fee paying customers.

But some of the people I come across don’t always get it. A few weeks ago I met someone who was so keen (desperate?) to do business that it became a blatant ‘if you show me your clients I will introduce you to some of mine’. It was mildly threatening as if I was going to miss out on ‘his client’ base if I didn’t come round to his way of thinking – and give him some work.

As someone said to me a couple of weeks ago, “he didn’t know how to be”. I love this expression and think it is very perceptive.

I think that there is an art to all of this. All of those people I know in my little network I regard as trustworthy. I figure that if I am nice to them and helpful, one day they may reciprocate. It’s not something I expect or ask for. It’s not a pre-condition. My experience is that people are more likely to business with you once they know you. That’s not to say I can do business with anyone – I can’t.

But sometimes the first bit shouldn’t be about the money – it’s about being yourself – or more fundamentally knowing “how to be”?

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April 28, 2011

Charity begins at home?

By Tim GARRATT

I have a love hate relationship with the Mail on Sunday. Some of the content of the paper irritates me; especially the ‘opinion’ pieces of Hitchens and Moore. It is best used as chip paper – before you read it. But I quite like “Live” – the magazine.

Last weeks edition contained a fascinating piece about the UK’s overseas aid budget. The Department for International Development (DFID) have an annual budget of £7.8bn. And we are sending £280m each year to India – guaranteed until 2015.

when you see some of the projects we are funding you do have to wonder what we are doing. The MOS allege that we are actually making matters worse in some areas. Giving funding with strings just seems to attract corruption on a grand scale. Government officials have been caught with millions in their accounts.

But there is a more fundamental issue here. India have a space programme – they are sending a probe to Mars. They are building two aircraft carriers at a cost of £1bn. They have five star hotels. They even give aid to 40 Countries themselves… £320m last year. Oh and they have had GDP growth of 25% over the last four years.

I know that the UK can hold its head high on the International stage when we do help other Countries. There are people much worse off in the World than me. I have no issue in Charity. But I do wonder why we don’t suggest to India that they might like to have a look at some priorities at home? Like clearing the slums of Bhopal before they send a probe to Mars?

As for us – Charity begins at home. We hear headlines on a daily basis about cuts to public services and of more people on the bread-line – perhaps some of that £280m could be better spent on poverty here?

And just in case you wondered how the Indian’s would react the quote in the article suggested, “Most Indians think of ourselves as aid donors not recipients … we don’t want to sound ungracious but we could do without your aid”…

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Grumpy Old Man!

May 11, 2010

Hackers spoil a sponsorship story – your help is needed!

By Tim GARRATT

This will be a short blog post…

I heard yesterday the story of Stephen Auker – who describes himself as a “fat 53 year old bloke, pretended to be a runner and lost 63lbs. Now a charity runner for Cancer Research UK and I love FOOD and cooking it too.“

He had a bet and got sponsorship that he could get 2000 twitter followers by June 13th. He had passed his target and was all set to receive the sponsorship before the hackers deleted his account. He now has to start from scratch and only has 4 weeks to secure over 2000 followers again. Last night he was up to 710. His story is here.

We need to help Stephen, so if you have a twitter account PLEASE FOLLOW HIM.

You can find him under the moniker TwibuteS

I find it difficult to comprehend hackers. One of my clients had his account hacked – on for ‘him’ to announce to the world his newly found sexual preferences. Funny for a while but irritating.

But wiping someones account who is trying to do some good? Not big and not clever.

Anyway, rant over, the best thing we can do is help Stephen by following him; he is quite clear, he doesn’t want donations – just followers!

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April 27, 2010

Haircut Sir – for a good cause!

By Tim GARRATT

No this post’s not about me, my haircuts these days are swift affairs!

Like father like son - not really!

My youngest son Jak has been ‘selectively’ growing his hair for the last 12 months. It is now a fully adult mow-hawk!

But, he has had enough of it and I am broke from buying the hairspray!

In his words:

Hi,

I’m fairly sure you are aware I have had a mohawk for coming up to a year now, it is around 7″ – 8″ high. I am cutting it off for Dyslexia Action on the 3rd of May 2010.

The reason I am cutting it off for Dyslexia Action is because as I’m sure you are also aware, I have dyslexia and I went there when I was younger and they taught me to read and write. This is a great cause guys and girls so please donate!

Jak

I can’t really add much to this, so if you are minded, I would be really grateful if you would donate!

To give please click HERE ….

For my part, I will post the post-mow-hawk images on my blog.

Thanks…..

3 comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in Nottingham

February 20, 2010

MIPIM 2010 – preparations continue

By Tim GARRATT

With just over three weeks to go before the Le Marche International des Professionnels de l’ Immobilier (MIPIM) final preparations are underway. Investor numbers are reported to be up.

Plimouth plantation nr. Boston - an idea for the Castle? grounds?


Nottingham City Council will be at the show – promoting the City on the world stage. In fact the leader of the Councillor is going very green this year – he’s cycling there! You can sponsor him and Nigel Turpin here. It’s for a great cause – he is raising money for Maggie’s locally.

It looks like there will also be some publicity around Robin Hood – both in terms of the film (due for release on May 14th in the UK) but also some information about the work of the Sheriff’s Commission. I have been on the advsory board of the Commission for the last seven months or so. Some of the key timefames and ideas can be found here. There are some great further Ideas emerging – which I might be presenting in Cannes. I will share them on the blog.

I saw the Sheriff in the week – it is clear that he remains really enthusiastic about how Nottingham capitalise on the Robin Hood brand. We still have some way to go in bringing about a world class attraction to the City – but I remain convinced that it can be done. The World Cup in 2018 might be a driver – it’s not actually that far away when you consider what we need to do. In a nutshell we need an Investor. Public Finances in the next few years are going to be restricted.

One of the things that will happen is Robin Hood month in May (to coincide with the film). Armour making, Jousting and Archery are planned for the Castle. But we are fortunate in that Universal Studios have been kind enough to loan us props from the film – it is hoped that these will be on show! The Broadway Cinema is having a season of films around Robin Hood. Then there is the excellent Castle Rock brewery which is brewing a special Robin Hood Ale…

At last, Nottingham is beginning to realise the value of Robin Hood as a brand for the city. For too many years we have been reticent about his importance.

I am really enthusiastic about what we can do with Robin Hood. He doesn’t run an airport near Doncaster – he belongs to Nottingham. Or as John Paul Davis said “Robin Hood and Nottingham go together like peaches and cream”. I rest my case.

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December 31, 2009

2009 – a year in review

By Tim GARRATT

I think as you get older the years just seem to fly by much quicker. But looking back on 2009 as the year draws to a close, I tried to think through the highs and lows of the year. On reflection, many more highs than lows I think. Which can only be a good thing! So here goes:

High Points

1. A great weekend in September at St Andrews celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We stayed in an amazing hotel overlooking the 18th hole at the Old Course. Where did 25 years go? St Andrews is a magical place – I can’t believe we had not discovered it earlier. It helps if you like golf…

St Andrews - and the 18th hole on the Old Course

2. Our son Jack getting 8 GCSE’s and a place at Confetti. This despite his Dyslexia. And then Jade getting a hard-earned place at TeachFirst and working in two challenging schools. Adam worked on another film – the details of which I will spare you, but if I said it was an NHS Information film – that’s enough of a clue!

Jack, Jade and Adam - in the Summer.

3. Lesley and I seeing The Killers at Madison Square Garden (New York) in January. Quite a long way to go to see a gig but they were just brilliant – and then we came home and saw them again at The Arena in Nottingham. Musically the Isle of Wight featured in the calendar again – and was great – especially the infamous toilets & showers… I wasn’t sure about Neil Young though!

The Killers play Madison Square Garden NYC

4. The opening of the Abel Collins ‘Drury Bungalows’ in November – at the end of a three year stint! I think they are great and four couples will move in shortly! The Sheriff of Nottingham and his Lady did us proud on the day – and I think the bungalows are brilliant! Designed by Marsh Grochowski they are ‘of their time’! High green credentials make them highly energy efficient.

The Abel Collins Almshouses - Drury Bungalows

5. My trip with the Sheriff of Nottingham to the USA in September – to research World Class attractions. We visited six cities in 10 days, flying 12,500 miles. It was exhausting but informative – and there was some fun along the way. Highlights – Segway riding, The Experience Music Project in Seattle, Getty Museum in LA, Alcatraz, The High Line in New York and Little Boots in concert – and much more!

The USA tour team - at Top of the Rocks NYC

6. Seeing Jack play his first gig as part of the Hockley Hustle 2009. They were great (I may be a bit biased). That all of their friends turned up was just great to see.

Jack playing drums in his first gig

7. A great holiday in Dartmouth – including an interesting two days sailing – more so for me than Jack – who was none too well! It may have been something he ate – or could it have been the force 7/8 gale?

Dartmouth

Dartmouth Harbour

8. The celebrations in Paris for our friends John & Denise celebrating their 50th birthdays! They are getting old and I am one of the babies of the group. Good to see the gang growing old disgracefully – long may it continue.

The NHR gang do Paris in the Spring!

Low Points

Seeing Nick Hammond and Nick Lewis leave Castle College – both loyal clients over 17 years, but also really nice people & people I regard as friends. I do expect both of them to make returns in 2010!

Nick Hammond in LA (on the right.. in case you wondered)

And that’s it. I wonder what 2010 will bring – hopefully the same split again – or preferably no low points. But already things to look forward to – Minsk in January?, Skiing in February, MIPIM in March and at some point New York (again). I have also agreed to help the Bromley House Library look at the possibility of building an extension / upgrading the wonderful facilities they have!

Lots to look forward to then…. Happy New Year!!

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Business, MIPIM 2010, Nottingham, Robin Hood

November 16, 2009

Architecture – the great divide pt.2

By Tim GARRATT

I blogged previously about how architecture divides us.

Abel Collins new bungalows designed by Marsh & Grochowski

New bungalows at Abel Collins Nottingham November 2009


This week is the official opening by the Sheriff of Nottingham of the four new bungalows I am involved in at Abel Collins Almshouses in Beeston Nottingham. I accept that they are not part of the sites vernacular architecture. But that I think is the point. The original houses were built on the site in the 1930′s, and then phases were constructed in the 1960′s, 70′s and 80′s. They are of their time. The new bungalows certainly make a statement – and I am proud that they represent a 2009 legacy.

I took the photograph here yesterday morning and was quizzed by the son of one of our residents. He wanted to know what we were thinking – and what Prince Charles would have to say. Firstly, what we were thinking is that we had an opportunity to make a statement. Secondly, I personally dislike pastiche architecture and was keen to avoid replicating what went before. Thirdly, these are very sustainable – with green credentials – rainwater harvesting, a sedum roof, high levels of insulation, a low carbon footprint, solar shading and underfloor heating. The level of ‘green’ is somewhere between 25-44% better than the current Building Regulations require. What would Prince Charles say? He would think they were a Carbuncle no doubt. I respect his views, but don’t always agree with them. We have moved on and need to move on further if we are to hit our sustainability targets. Highgrove House won’t quite have the same levels of insulation! Nor is Poundbury, in my view, great architecture.

What really counts though is whether our residents will like living in them. In their current bare state they appear warm and light & airy. The rooms are well proportioned and the space will hopefully turn into a home for the new residents. Time will tell!

GRACE

University of Nottingham Grace Building


As I was out with my camera, and the sky was fairly photogenic, I came back via The University of Nottingham Triumph Road Campus. I have been buying up land here for the University for many years. The latest building is the Centre for Geospatial Studies – lovingly known as GRACE. When it was being constructed I had a fear that it was going to be a ‘box’. But what has emerged is something really quite special. And yes – it is a box! But it demonstrates that with the use of colour and really good materials even a ‘box’ can look great.

Would either of these buildings worked in ‘brick and slate’…. I think not, but I am willing to be challenged. Architecture, like Art, is a matter of personal taste. A ‘marmite‘ moment! And it’s got people talking… which they tend not to do about our other houses and bungalows?

p.s. I love Marmite!

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Green stuff, Nottingham

November 7, 2009

The beginning of the end or vice versa?

By Tim GARRATT

My business is at the heart of the property industry in the east midlands – although we do work beyond too.

The most frequent question we are asked is – is the worst of the recession over. And the answer is we don’t know. I am not a fan of talking the market down – the press do a pretty good job of that. But, it is difficult to say it’s green on this side of the field – it isn’t. The market is tough. Deal are hard to do.

Gerald “Crap” Ronson said this week that “We are only two years in to the nightmare and we need to be prepared for another five to seven years before we see sunshine.” I am not sure I share this view. But I do think it will be difficult for a bit longer yet.

2010 is not looking too good – we have a winter of discontent on the cards by the looks of the number of strikes on the cards (post, fire fighters, council staff et al). And then we have an election in May? Followed by a period of ‘review’ – i.e. do nothing!

We are now closed gutted

Another one bites the dust


And this week we saw data from the Local Data Company which showed that out of 251,000 shops across the UK, 25,000 have closed since January! Department stores, Womenswear and Childrenswear were hardest hit. In Nottingham you can see this just by walking down into Hockley. But, I was in Hornchurch in the week and that seemed a remarkably resilient place with very few vacancies. So, again the picture is not clear.

It’s pretty cold comfort if you have a business and you are in trouble. The BBC reported yesterday that there were 35,242 personal insolvencies in the third quarter of 2009, up 28% from the same period last year and an increase of 6.6% on the previous three months.

I would like to think that this is the beginning of the end… But just like the date for my gas supply pipe at Abel Collins, I’m not holding my breath!

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September 24, 2009

Abel Collins – stone laying

By Tim GARRATT

For the last four years or so I have been involved in a fantastic organisation in Nottingham – The United Charities of Abel Collins.

This is a Charity that is 300 years old this year. We provide accommodation for elderly and needy people. We have 59 houses and bungalows.

I got involved via Business Champions – who were looking for someone to help them with some ‘property issues’. Within a few months I became Chairman (I hate the term ‘Chair’!). All was going along smoothly and I managed to sell off three properties – two residential homes in Chilwell and a commercial investment in Peterborough.

With the cash raised we decided to build some new properties on our Derby Road site. And so started an interesting process. We had a competition for the scheme and this was won by Marsh + Grochowski who designed some very modern homes. Tendering followed and we chose local firm Thomas Long to build the bungalows.

We have constructed four 2 bedroom properties – with high green credentials. We will be at Code 4 – which has been challenging – and includes a green roof, underfloor heating, high levels of insulation, rainwater heating and a number of other features. The work will complete in mid October 2009.

The stone laying ceremony took place today – and my name is set in stone…except that it was spelt incorrectly. Fortunately they had just missed the final ‘t’ from Garratt – so the error is easy to correct!

Stone laying at Abel Collins

Stone laying at Abel Collins

I am really pleased with the end product – even if the build period has been challenging. The general reaction of the residents was one of surpise and delight. Some thought the architecture was a little challenging!

The official opening is set for 20th November – and The Sheriff of Nottingham – Leon Unczur is doing the honours.

So the build is coming to an end and I will be thinking about our next project. We have some spare land – and I fancy building a large outdoor ‘play’ area! But we also have an old boiler house which could be used for some guest rooms.

updated image:

The corrected commemorative stone

The corrected commemorative stone

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , | posted in Green stuff, Nottingham

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