Archinect - Features

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 4 December 2017

2017-12-04T04:30:00-05:00

I will be eternally grateful to Archinect for asking me to write these pieces as it has encouraged me to read more column inches on Brexit than I otherwise would and to consider the wider issues. I must admit, it looks like a mess.

Brexit Diaries: Neven Sidor of Grimshaw, 19 June 2017

2017-06-19T04:00:00-04:00

“They need us more than we need them”. My blood boils when I hear this delusional nonsense repeated by politicians who should know better. It doesn’t matter how many cars Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and BMW sell into the UK, they sell a hell of a lot more to the rest of the world, and let’s not forget that 44.6% of our trade is with the EU. The Brexit negotiations will dispel some of these fantasies and highlight our reduced place in the world. The UK will be poorer, smaller and, I fear, meaner.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 26 May 2017

2017-05-26T04:00:00-04:00

An eventful month indeed. Theresa May took everyone by surprise by announcing an election. I still can’t understand why the opposition didn’t table an amendment to have the election later – say in September – to give them time to get their act together whilst not appearing to be running scared

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T01:00:00-04:00

With the London Festival of Architecture opening in June – during which Weston Williamson and Partners have events planned – the organisers have commissioned a survey of the contribution that architecture makes to the UK economy. When we met last year, Tamsie Thompson the Director of LFA was keen to promote the event on a par with London Fashion week, and we suggested she needed firm evidence of the financial musclier order to convince Government why they should support her. She now has that research, and it makes interesting reading particularly for those responsible for our Brexit negotiations.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 20 March 2017

2017-03-20T07:25:00-04:00

I am writing this month's Brexit Blog at MIPIM, the annual international property conference. The bill to leave received Royal Assent during the week with ironic timing. MIPIM is a good opportunity to find out about the real drivers of the property market and study changes post referendum.

Brexit Diaries: Andrew Whalley of Grimshaw, 27 February 2017

2017-02-27T01:00:00-05:00

As Theresa May prepares to invoke Article 50 before the imminent March 2017 deadline, the UK Government are on the lookout for new economic partnerships to bolster the country’s long term financial position.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 14 February 2017

2017-02-14T05:00:00-05:00

I am writing this en-route to Australia where we are trying to win our biggest project to date. So I’m in a particularly - but not unusual - optimistic mood. I sense more optimism around generally following the PM’s long awaited speech spelling out our Brexit aims and also her visit to USA.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 13 January 2017

2017-01-13T03:28:00-05:00

With 2 months to go before Article 50 is enacted we are no nearer knowing what Brexit means.

Obviously the Government is not likely to reveal details which might undermine their negotiating position but it would be well advised to outline its objectives and strategy. A statement has been promised but is now well overdue.

Brexit Diaries: Keith Brewis of Grimshaw, 22 December 2016

2016-12-22T05:08:00-05:00

I don't like the finality of the term, "Brexit", or how it seems to be playing out right now, both socially and politically. Within the basic world of business, connections and relationships sit as the primary foundation, and therefore national borders work in opposition to this platform. I hope that as Britain withdraws from its association with the European Parliament (which is possibly all that the referendum actually proposed), that our connectedness and hospitality transcends other predominantly self-centred responses or craving.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 7 December 2016

2016-12-07T04:45:00-05:00

I remember standing stunned in a state of disbelief and despair outside 10 Downing Street in May 1979 amongst a cheering throng of enthusiastic supporters watching Margaret Thatcher appear as the new Prime Minister. As Jeremy Thorpe the Liberal leader awaiting trial at the Old Bailey said at the time "I am horrified. She makes Ted Heath look like a moderate.”

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 23 November 2016

2016-11-23T04:20:00-05:00

When I started to write this monthly update about the impact of the referendum result I thought we would all soon run out of things to say and the 2-3 year process would be tedious. Far from it. This month there have for me been four standout issues.