Marks Get Set

Adaptive reuse has become a linchpin in architectural and urban development across the South West, breathing life into heritage buildings while meeting contemporary needs. Over the past five years, the region has witnessed remarkable projects that exemplify this approach and underscore its economic and cultural value.

Take the Royal William Yard in , once Europe’s largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings. Through careful adaptation, this historic site now hosts 215 residential units, vibrant businesses, and over 280 jobs, proving how heritage can anchor urban regeneration.

The numbers speak for themselves, industries housed in historic buildings generated a heritage premium, contributing an additional £13k GVA per business annually compared to modern premises. These spaces are magnets for creative industries and SMEs, particularly in culturally rich cities.

Adaptive reuse isn’t just about preserving history; it drives sustainable growth, reduces urban sprawl, and offers a competitive edge in a crowded market. The opportunity lies in identifying underutilised heritage assets and turning them into thriving, multifunctional spaces.

Is Your Business Missing the Connection?

Here’s a stat that should make us pause: 26% of Gen Z actively avoid phone calls, and 90% report experiencing phone anxiety. Pair that with 87% of people ignoring calls from unknown numbers, and it becomes clear—phone conversations are fading. For businesses, this isn’t just a shift in communication preferences; it’s a challenge to maintaining trust, building relationships, and closing deals.

Why does this matter?
The rise of digital communication has certainly streamlined processes, but some opportunities are slipping through the cracks.

Email and DMs can feel efficient, but they lack the personal touch needed to build rapport with clients.
Phone conversations help convey tone and sincerity in ways that written text often can’t.

By avoiding phone calls, businesses miss a chance to tackle client concerns in real-time, fostering trust.
Effective phone communication can be a secret weapon for businesses that want to stand out in an increasingly impersonal market. Studies consistently show that hearing someone's voice strengthens trust, making phone calls a critical tool for sales, customer support, and collaboration.

What Can You Do?
If the shift away from phone calls reflects trends within your team, here are strategies to help your business reclaim this valuable skillset:
📌 Train Employees to Thrive on Calls – Help your team overcome call reluctance with role-playing exercises and confidence-building workshops.
📌 Set Clear Intentions – Instead of cold calling, frame the conversation with a quick email first to prepare the client and spark curiosity.
📌 Provide Clear Scripts – While authenticity is key, having an outline ensures employees feel prepared and reduces hesitation during calls.
📌 Encourage Empathy – Make every client feel heard. A skilled phone call is about connection, not just efficiency.

The Bottom Line: Phone calls remain a powerful way to build long-term client relationships, close deals, and address issues effectively. Yes, even in a digital world!

🎉Happy New Year everyone! 🎉

As we step into 2024, let's take a moment to reflect and embrace all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Cheers to new beginnings and endless possibilities!

Remember to spread kindness and positivity wherever we go. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

Here's to another year of growth, learning, and making unforgettable memories.

✨ Happy New Year 2024! ✨