• Crossrail improvements will see new a station for Hayes & Harlington
• Elizabeth Line to slash journey times to central London
• Gatefold Building demonstrates residential services improving hand-in-hand with travel services

150 years ago, the opening of Hayes & Harlington station led to a dramatic shift in Hayes’ fortunes. Now, with Hayes & Harlington due to become part of the Crossrail network, improvement works are transforming the area around the station once more, adding to Hayes’ already strong credentials as one of West London’s most attractive residential locations.

Elizabeth Line services will start running from Hayes & Harlington station in 2019. The reduced journey times from Hayes into central London (Bond Street and Farringdon will be accessible in 25 minutes, Canary Wharf in 34) are expected to lead to a surge in use of the station. At the same time, the Mayor of London has committed to increasing train services to Hayes & Harlington to ten trains per hour during peak periods, which is again expected to drive up usage.

In light of this anticipated increase in use, works have been planned to help the station adjust to the increased footfall. Rather than simply undergo a makeover, Hayes & Harlington will be transformed into a brand-new station. The existing station, which is built on a bridge above the train tracks, will be replaced with a brand-new station just to the north. Like all stations on the Elizabeth Line, it will provide step-free access to all trains.

 “Hayes is a wonderfully dynamic location – particularly the area by the station where the Old Vinyl Factory is located on the former EMI record plant site. There is so much regeneration work going on that there’s a real sense of purpose and excitement in the area. That’s why we knew it was the ideal location for an exciting new standard of residential accommodation.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Just a three-minute walk from Hayes & Harlington station, the Gatefold Building is providing Hayes residents not just with superior quality homes, but with an outstanding array of on-site amenities. The spacious, open plan apartments have been purpose-designed with renters and sharers in mind, making them ideal for contemporary professionals. Large, airy kitchens and living rooms open onto either a garden or a balcony, while bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms wherever possible. Tasteful, durable designer furniture from Habitat also means that residents can live in style, just minutes from an easy connection to London.

The area surrounding Hayes & Harlington station will be upgraded in order to cope with the increase in traffic on nearby roads. Additional provision will also be made for those accessing the station on foot and by bicycle. The planned improvement works will also see a ramp created from Station Road to Blyth Road, meaning that disabled access from the Gatefold Building to Hayes & Harlington will be improved.

The investment in Hayes’ future as a result of the Crossrail improvement mirrors that taking place on the Old Vinyl Factory site. Whichever angle you look at it from, Hayes is undergoing significant change, with services being upgraded as well as the physical environment. At the Gatefold Building, for example, residents enjoy their own dedicated on-site management team, an online tenancy process, free broadband and a host of other benefits.

“The introduction of the Gatefold Building and the surrounding amenities has provided Hayes’ residents with a superior way to live. Now, the Crossrail benefits are providing them with a superior way to travel. Hayes has always had plenty to offer, but now it’s becoming a real property hotspot as a result of so much investment in the area’s future.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Prices at the Gatefold Building’s 119 apartments start from £1,250 pcm for a one-bedroom apartment and from £1,450 for a two-bedroom home.

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/

• 75% of children want to spend more time outdoors (Keep Britain Tidy)
• Love Parks Week runs until 22^nd July 2018
• Gatefold Building in Hayes has built outdoor lifestyle into every home (be:here)
• 12 Green flags mean Hayes residents have easy access to green space

Marked by the international Green Flag awards, announced on 16 July 2018, Loves Parks Week runs from 13 to 22 July 2018 with the West London town of Hayes scooping an impressive 12 Green Flags for its unique offering of parks, meadowland, garden centres and open spaces.

“Outdoor space is very important to community life in Hayes. The town is the perfect blend of urban life and rural pursuits. Charing Cross is just 13 miles away, meaning that Hayes is well connected for those working and playing in London. However, the town also has a thriving local community to whom outdoor pursuits are very important.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Research from Keep Britain Tidy shows that 75% of children want to spend more time outdoors, with the average child visiting outdoor spaces three times per week. Sadly, parents report that they don’t have time to take their children to the park, with this being cited as the main reason for their children’s lack of time outdoors. However, the abundance of parkland on offer in areas like Hayes can help to combat this. By opting to live in an area with so many Green Flags, parents never need go far in order to allow their children the freedom to run and play in the great outdoors.

At the popular Gatefold Building, which is brought to Hayes residents by the innovative be:here, outdoor space is included as a valuable element of everyday life. Every home comes with outdoor space – many have balconies, while others have their own 30 foot private gardens, which are ideal for children who want to spend more time outdoors (as well as for cats and dogs – the Gatefold Building has a pet-friendly policy that welcomes four-legged family members). Not only that but residents can also enjoy the 7,000 sq ft roof terrace with seating areas, planting and superb views over Hayes.

“Spending time outside is such a valuable part of childhood – as well as being important during adulthood! – and that’s why we wanted to build outdoor space into every home at the Gatefold Building. It’s fantastic to know that the local area is facilitating this too, with 12 Green Flags awarded in 2018, in recognition of the natural beauty and open spaces that we are so lucky to have in and around Hayes.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

The Gatefold Building offers a host of other benefits, as well as outdoor space. A dedicated on-site management team is available to assist residents with any queries they may have and provide peace of mind, while broadband is provided free of charge. Residents also get free phone lines, with evening and weekend calls to local and national destinations included. There are no fees bar a £300 reservation charge, which is then applied towards the first month’s rent.

“We’ve built fresh air and a fresh approach into every element of life at the Gatefold Building. Hayes is a wonderful town to call home and we are proud to offer apartments here that are a cut above the rest. Fantastic connectivity, a thriving local business and retail environment and now a host of award-winning green spaces – Hayes really does have the whole package.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

The 119 apartments at The Gatefold Building are available from £1,250 pcm for a one-bedroom home and from £1,450 for a two-bed.

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/

• Build to Rent, a new way of renting (be:here)
• New developments driving up standards for renters across the UK
• Increased choice, enhanced facilities and superb customer service all cornerstones of the Build to Rent offering

Build to Rent is catching on fast, as the UK races to meet the needs of its increasing cohort of private renters. Those developers leading the field, such as the innovative be:here – the brand behind Hayes’ popular Gatefold Building – are shaping the future of urban accommodation. But what is it about Build to Rent that appeals so much to tenants?

 “Tenants have for too long had to live with limited choices and a lack of attention to their needs. Build to Rent has the capacity to change all of that. The UK’s private renters no longer have only limited and ill-conceived rental options at their disposal. Now, they can choose a home that is bright, spacious and purpose-built for renters with superb customer service in the form of an on-site management team. It’s renting for the modern day and age.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

For 33-year-old Michelle, an NHS Business Manager, Build to Rent was the perfect solution. Michelle loved living in Hayes, with its easy travel links in and out of London, and the new developments and shops resulting from the area’s modernisation. She wanted to continue living locally, but was unhappy with the standard of her privately rented accommodation. Build to Rent offered the perfect solution, allowing her to remain local but choose a better living environment.

“I wanted to remain local to the area, and The Gatefold Building was a new build home with parking. The flat is more spacious, for a reasonable increase in the rent we were paying.”

Michelle, resident, be:here Hayes

Since moving into The Gatefold Building in July 2017, Michelle has been enjoying a superior home environment that affords her more freedom than a traditional private rented home would. Local residents looking for something better than the norm can enjoy be:here’s welcoming, pet-friendly approach, low deposits (just a month’s rent), three year tenancies and Habitat furnishings.

Build to Rent developments also provide a strong sense of community. The Gatefold Building hosts regular social events for residents and Michelle has highlighted the friendliness of her neighbours as one of the many advantages of living in a purpose-built rental home. She also flagged up the peaceful nature of the development and the reassuring presence of the reception services, which provide residents with support should they need it.

Michelle has also taken advantage of be:here’s policy of welcoming pets on site, sharing her apartment with five fish!

“The Build to Rent sector is able to provide not just purposefully designed apartments, but also longer-term tenancies, zero fees and shared facilities and services that give residents more than the traditional private rented sector can offer. The overall package is light years ahead of anything that tenants could expect even a few years ago. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of developing such services and to play a role in driving up rental standards and aspirations across the UK as a result, by delivering something that has all the advantages of a local service, but is fundamentally better than anything already available.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Apartments at The Gatefold Building are available from £1,250.00 pcm for a one-bedroom home and from £1,475.00 for a two-bed. Every home comes with outdoor space in the form of either a garden or a balcony.

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/

• Demand for lock up and leave homes increasing (be:here)
• Average number of holidays abroad rose to 1.7 per person in 2017 (Statista)
• Build to Rent homes with onsite management offer the ideal solution

Innovative developer be:here as revealed a surge in demand for ‘lock up and leave’ property in London.

The finding ties in with data from Statista, which shows that the average person increased their number of holidays abroad from 1.4 in 2016 to 1.7 in 2017. With London’s airports serving such a wide range of destinations, those travelling overseas for both work and pleasure are looking to ensure that their homes remain safe while empty. And for many, a purposefully designed Build to Rent home is the answer.

“Today’s housing schemes have to think carefully about the needs of their residents, particularly as the convenience of international travel means that our modern lifestyle often involves trips overseas, whether for business or pleasure. This is even more true for developments that are within reach of international airports, as easy travel abroad is often a key benefit for those living there.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

New purposely-designed Build to Rent developments such as The Gatefold Building from be:here located in Hayes, just 4 miles from Heathrow International Airport, present a unique opportunity to cater to the requirements of those who prioritise security as a result of leaving their property empty regularly. Flight crew, for example, have to regularly leave their homes unoccupied whilst at work, so security is a particularly important issue.

At The Gatefold Building, security is a top priority. The development is gated and provides an on-site concierge and management team. The groups of air crew in residence at The Gatefold Building benefit from having peace of mind when it comes to the security of their homes while they’re working. Knowing there’s always someone on hand to keep an eye on things is immensely reassuring, particularly in an urban environment as vast as London.

The lock up and leave benefits of Build to Rent accommodation apply equally to those who travel on business regularly, as do the additional rewards of living at the award-winning Gatefold Building. These include tenancies of up to three years in length, low deposits (just one month’s rent), pet-friendly homes, free super-fast 30 mbps broadband, regular social events and Habitat furnishings. Soon, tenants will also be able to take advantage of on-site Laundry Republic lockers, meaning that they can take care of their dry cleaning from home with ease.

“Build to Rent is well positioned to serve those who need to lock up and leave their homes regularly. Here in Hayes, The Gatefold Building is ideally located for London Heathrow, so all those who use the airport for work or travel are able to benefit from the security that a contemporary Build to Rent development provides.”

Hayley Wills, Area Manager, be:here Hayes

Stylish apartments at be:here Hayes are available from £1,195 pcm for one bedroom and from £1,450 for two. Every home comes with either a garden or a balcony.

For the latest availability and any questions, please contact the be:here Hayes team directly on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/

• Surrenden Invest presents Hotel 52 Stanley to investors, after £1.5 million renovation
• Budget hotel rooms traditionally operate at higher occupancy rates (PWC)
• Affordable boutique hotels are redefining budget accommodation (Surrenden Invest)
• UK hotel RevPAR to reach 2.3% in 2018 (PWC)

The March 2018 PWC UK Hotels Forecast Update has noted “solid metrics and in many cases record occupancies” in key regional cities around the UK.

Indeed, regional occupancy levels have been climbing since 2011, with budget rooms traditionally operating at high occupancy rates, according to PWC. There is an ongoing structural supply shift towards more affordable rooms, as new contenders seek to redefine expectations of ‘budget’ rooms.

As a newly opened affordable boutique hotel, Hotel 52 Stanley does just that. Nestled between Durham and Newcastle, in the former mining community of Stanley, the hotel offers exceptional style at a budget price.

“There’s a stark difference between ‘budget’ and ‘basic’ these days in the UK hotel sector. Chic furnishings, free Wi-Fi, sumptuous breakfasts… all of these are contributing to a new breed of budget-boutique hotels that appeal to travellers looking to get more for their money. Holidaymakers want the best, but at a decent price that’s affordable for the whole family. Business travellers are also looking to get more for their money, which has created a real opportunity for this corner of the hotel market.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Hotel 52 Stanley underwent a £1.5 million renovation in 2017, before opening its doors to the public in December. The hotel now offers elegant rooms at affordable rates, with the adjacent, well-regarded Pazzo restaurant hosting lavish breakfasts and offering a wide range of lunch and dinner options. There’s also a cocktail menu, which is proving particularly popular with holidaymakers looking to unwind after a long day’s sightseeing.

And there’s certainly plenty of that to do in the local area. City break devotees have the historic architecture of Durham, with its UNESCO World Heritage protected cathedral and castle, as well as the lively shopping and dining scene of Newcastle within easy reach. Meanwhile, those who prefer a rural escape will find the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few minutes from Hotel 52 Stanley. The area is also home to the ‘living’ Beamish museum – an open-air experience of life in years gone by that’s not to be missed.

“One of the exciting aspects of Hotel 52 Stanley is the breadth of entertainment and business options that surround the hotel. Durham, Newcastle and Gateshead are all nearby, with excellent transport connections in place. Meanwhile, the surrounding rural beauty means that the hotel appeals to a wide variety of guests. It’s a very versatile establishment that provides the perfect-price point for travellers who want a fantastic base for their break, at an affordable price.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Hotel 52 Stanley has cause to delight investors as well as guests. The hotel’s 23 apartments include doubles, twins, triples and family suites (all of which come with a fully equipped kitchen), meaning that investors have an excellent range of price points to choose from. Furthermore, PWC has projected average daily rate growth of 2% for UK hotels in 2018, with revenue per available room reaching 2.3% over the course of the year. Whichever way you look at it, it seems that regional budget-boutique hotels will continue to be big business in 2018 – for travellers and investors alike.

Investment into Hotel 52 Stanley is from £57,500 with 10% NET yield offered for years 1-5.

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499

• Loneliness and not belonging are two of the challenges young people face (ONS)
• Building solid foundations for positive mental wellbeing can have a lifelong impact (Fusion Students)
• Fusion Students residents engage in everything from yoga to zip wires for the ultimate university experience

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Measuring of National Well-being programme has highlighted loneliness, having someone to rely on and a lack of sense of belonging to their neighbourhood as two of the key issues facing young people today. For young people who are living away from home at university, these issues can be intensified.

“We are thankfully becoming more open as a society to talking about mental health and wellbeing. Young people’s experiences can influence their mental health for life, so it is essential that we ensure a positive, supportive environment is provided for students during their time at university. The importance of building a solid foundation, where young people can feel safe, nurtured and part of a community, has never been more fully appreciated.”

Warren Rosenberg, CEO, Fusion Students

With this in mind, leading student accommodation and lifestyle provider Fusion Students is working to create the ultimate environment for today’s university students. The strategy involves providing a ‘home away from home’ for all students, whether they come from the local area or half a world away.

There are two main elements to the Fusion Students strategy – the physical environment and the social calendar.

Working in partnership with site operator Collegiate, Fusion is delivering safe, secure accommodation that provides a careful balance between luxurious private rooms and superb social spaces in which students can relax and have fun with their peers. Eclipse in Cardiff, for example, features an on-site cinema, a gym and fitness suite, a dinner party room and a themed party/events room. Such facilities form the core of the Fusion Students offering when it comes to spaces in which residents can enjoy their leisure time.

At properties such as Fusion Tower in Bristol, 24-hour concierge staff also serve to help students feel secure and know that there is always someone around that they can turn to for support.

For the social calendar element, Fusion arranges a diverse series of events aimed not just to combat loneliness, but also to allow young people to discover new interests, form lasting friendships and build their confidence. Activities are as varied as workshops with motivational speaker Pete Cohen and weekly yoga sessions. Cocktail masterclasses are planned for the end of May, while dining clubs, which see chefs teaching residents the secrets of their craft, take place between February and June. A glamping trip, gin tasting, BBQs and a zip wire adventure are all being held in the coming weeks.

“We put a lot of thought into offering a range of events that will appeal to our diverse group of residents. Some, like the dining clubs, build life skills. Others, such as the zip wire adventure, are about building confidence. Then there are events that are purely for fun, relaxation and making friends. It’s a winning combination that provides our residents with a real sense of community and belonging.”

 Warren Rosenberg, CEO, Fusion Students

Fusion Students also arranges seasonal events throughout the year, from Easter egg hunts to pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Domestic and international cultural considerations are taken into account, with Welsh cakes on St David’s day and celebrations galore for Chinese New Year. The social calendar culminates with a lively summer party at the end of the academic year, offering students the chance to celebrate the end of term in style, with those to whom they have grown closest over the course of the past year.

Overall, the ONS’s Measuring of National Well-being programme paints a broadly positive picture of UK life. By giving such consideration to the way young people experience their first instance of living away from the parental home, companies such as Fusion Students are doing much to ensure that future surveys report rising levels of satisfaction, as those young people grow into confident, well rounded adults.

For more information about Fusion Students please call 0117 405 7852 or visit https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/residence/eclipse/ for information about Eclipse, Cardiff, https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/locations/student-accommodation-nottingham/ Nova in Nottingham, https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/locations/student-accommodation-bristol/ Fusion Tower in Bristol or https://www.fusionstudents.co.uk/locations/student-accommodation-newcastle/ for Plummer House in Newcastle.

To book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

• Surrenden Invest becomes main sponsor behind Nick Yelloly for 2018 season
• Young, aspiring company and young, aspiring driver have the perfect synergy
• Nick enjoys strong result coming fifth in this season’s opening race in Barcelona

Combining his passion for motorsports with his respect for those who follow their dreams, Jonathan Stephens of leading property investment agency Surrenden Invest last year announced that his company was sponsoring promising racing driver Nick Yelloly. Now, Jonathan has announced that Surrenden Invest will be the main sponsor backing Nick’s championship hopes for the 2018 season as well.

Nick is racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which started the new season in style in Barcelona over the weekend of 11-13 May. Having worked his way up from racing karts at the tender age of 15, Nick raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany last season, racking up three wins and eight podium positions across the cup’s 14 races. Now, he’s taking to Europe for the 2018 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, racing across the continent before heading over to Mexico for the season’s grand finale.

“It was a real privilege to sponsor such a talented driver and to see Nick flourish in Germany last year, so I’m delighted that he has accepted Surrenden Invest as his main sponsor as he tours Europe and South America this summer. Nurturing young talent in this way is a key part of keeping the racing industry alive. Having followed my own entrepreneurial vision from a young age, it’s fantastic to be able to support others in doing so.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

With the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup underway, Nick’s hopes are high. The determined young driver is raring to go, with his sights set on fighting for the championship win in 2018. Boasting more crowds and greater hype than the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup delivers an outstanding atmosphere. It also delivers greater exposure to sponsors, which to Nick is an important factor.

“Racing as we know and love it would simply not be possible without sponsorship; the industry as a whole owes so much to its sponsors. For me personally, Surrenden Invest’s sponsorship is allowing me to live my dream and be the best driver that I can be – I wouldn’t be able to race in a top team without this kind of funding. However, there’s also the personal element of the support – Jonathan was out in Barcelona this weekend, and plans to be in Monaco for the second race of the season.”

 Nick Yelloly

The Monaco circuit is a firm favourite with many racing drivers and Nick is no exception. Silverstone also makes for a very special race, in part because of its legendary status and in part because, living just 40 minutes away, Nick always has plenty of hometown support behind him when he races there. Surrenden Invest’s Jonathan Stephens intends to be among those cheering Nick on.

“The race day atmosphere is always an electric one, and having a vested interest in seeing Nick drive makes it even more exciting. Surrenden Invest is proud to be a young, aspiring company sponsoring a young, aspiring driver – there’s a real synergy there, and we wish Nick every success for the coming season.”

 Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499