RATES REVALUATION

We have in previous newsletters provided an update as regards the rating Revaluation that is due April 2023. In that regard we are attaching the article from the Herald April 16 2022. It is quite clear that the revaluation could have an impact on the valuation roll and the values associated with this. What we will be watching carefully is the issuing of the notices and the relative movement and trend in an upwards or downwards position to reflect the market conditions. It is as you will appreciate too early to gauge what the Assessor will put in place. The article is quite clear as to the appeals process which on the face of it looks as though it may have an impact upon the way the Assessor deals with appeals of which there are bound to be many.

On the subject of notices from the Rating office or the Assessor. Please be careful to respond to the information within the timescale as requested as they do quite clearly have a guide as to timescale and our understanding is that they will issue “fines” for late return. For new tenants please also be mindful and if it is applicable that the SBBS does apply to the majority of the offices etc at both Kirkhill and Midholm and again it is advisable to return these applications as soon as possible to ensure records are kept up to date.

We will be pleased to assist as required with information or the completion of the forms.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/20072846.experts-slam-changes-scottish-rates-appeals-rules/

COMMUTING COSTS

On the topic of offices and commuting we at Kirkholm have endeavoured to make sure that the parking provision is an important part of the attraction of having an out-of-town office at either Kirkhill or Midholm. Whilst the article talks of staying away from the office we note that the majority of our clients and customers live within a radius of 15 miles that encourages a shorter travel to work requirement. At the same time with the encouragement of walking or cycling to work we are encouraged by the numbers of people that are doing tis which with , we hope the better summer weather, it will be of benefit to health and well being given the circumstances and pandemic that we have gone through in the last few years.

https://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/national/20117227.commuting-costs-affecting-decision-return-office-research-suggests/

UTILITIES

We will all be acutely aware of the changes in the cost of utilities that we use on a daily basis whether it be at home or in the office. At both Midholm and Kirkhill, we are on a fixed rate tariff with Gas provided with Crown Gas and Electric SSE. These are on fixed terms for a period that ends in October and November 2022. We have through REVO Utilities had a market appraisal completed which is ahead of where we would normally commence discussions with providers. There are in the market fewer suppliers of energy and at the same time costs have been increasing very frequently. As such, we did not want to be left in a position of having no provider/onto a non-secured tariff nor wait until the last minute as this could cause some issues. The summary is that we have secured a deal with both existing suppliers, albeit it at increased rates but at terms that will ensure supply for a further period of three years. None of us can estimate where or when there will be a settling of this market and so we have taken this initiative to protect the business interests.

BIN SERVICES

Firstly, we apologise for the condition of the bin area at Kirkhill. We have terminated the contract with Biffa as of 29th July 2022. A new service with NWH will commence thereafter. In the meantime and unfortunately Biffa have been missing both the general and recycling services.  The customer service department appear to be less than interested in sorting out the matters. Please be assured we are doing all we can to have the matters sorted.

NEW TENANTS

We are pleased to welcome a number of new businesses to the sites and these are as follows:

1. Go:be care located at the Studio, Kirkhill, providing recruitment services.
2. McGill Mortgages at Midholm. Pauline will be providing mortgage services.
3. Purple House at Building 2 Kirkhill. They provide mental health services.
4. MM Legal in Kirkhill House. Erica and Ramiza provide a range of comprehensive legal services.
    

We wish them well and hope that by highlighting their services they may at some point be of use to existing occupiers. If any introductions are required then please let me know.

THE MEETING ROOM

NOW OPEN THE MEETING ROOM AT KIRKHILL  - THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR TEAM OR EVENT MEETING.

The Meeting Room @ Kirkhill provides space for up to 8 people and is fully fitted and accessible from the car park area on an easy and convenient basis. Within the office, it has toilet and kitchen facilities (tea and coffee are included in the booking fee) together with full AV connectivity. The Yealink soundbar and TV set up will allow for the meeting to be conducted via Zoom and Teams and of course, with WIFI can link to other presentation platforms.

The layout can be made flexible with a variety of configurations that will best suit your meeting type. Of course to allow for breakout sessions and a breath of air there is the outside deck area with seating. Parking is just off the main access road.

We will in due course be sending invitations for a series of open events which we hope you will have time to attend. The Meeting Room is available to book on a flexible basis and can be done online at:

https://www.kirkhillhouseofficepark.co.uk//meeting-room

THREE COINS...

Well in this case it is actually 4 coins in a fountain. When it was cleaned out recently a sum of £1.50 was found within and this was placed in the charity collection box at the Co-op in Broom Road.