top of page
The Experience Equation: How Hospitality is Redefining the Workplace Experience
In a hybrid world, the office is now in direct competition with the comforts of home. In our latest feature, we explore why landlords must shift their focus from 'space' to 'experience.' With insights from CBRE's experts, we break down how a hospitality-driven approach from wellness amenities to multi-use design is becoming the key to attracting and retaining tenants.
Rico Naylor
7 days ago3 min read
Enter the 'Brandlord': A New Chapter in the Flex Revolution
A new player is emerging in the flex workspace market: the 'brandlord'. In our latest feature, we explore why landlords are now building their own in-house flex brands to compete directly with established operators. With insights from CBRE's Jordan Saleh, we break down the pros (deep pockets) and cons (lack of operational experience) of this growing trend.
Rico Naylor
Aug 132 min read
The Flex Revolution: How Manchester's Office Market Learned to Put Occupiers First
For decades, landlords held all the power in the Manchester office market. Now, a flex space revolution has turned the tables, putting occupiers firmly in control. In our new feature with CBRE's experts, we explore this seismic shift, the rise of the "brandlord", and why professional services—not tech—are now the biggest consumers of Manchester flex space.
Rico Naylor
Aug 63 min read
The End of an Era? Part 1: Deconstructing the Ban on Upward-Only Rent Reviews
The UK government has proposed a ban on upward-only rent reviews in a bid to save the high street. But while the legislation aims to rebalance the landlord-tenant relationship, does it address the real challenges of development viability? This in-depth analysis deconstructs the proposal and questions whether the policy truly matches the problem.
Rico Naylor
Jul 143 min read
Regenerating the North: Forging Success Through Partnership, Vision, and Leadership
At the WSP and CIOB "Regenerating the North" event, panellists revealed the secret to Manchester's success wasn't just policy, but a culture of "bravery". This determined leadership forged the long-term public-private partnerships and political consistency that gave the private sector confidence to invest. The key takeaway: true regeneration is catalysed by people, not just plans.
Rico Naylor
Jul 93 min read
Building the Ultimate Healthy Workplace: How Arbtech’s Culture Became Its Competitive Edge
Arbtech isn’t just leading in ecology, it’s leading in culture. With a people-first model built on trust and wellbeing, it’s setting a new standard for what the workplace can be.
Rico Naylor
Jun 162 min read
ABOUT US
I’m Rico, a Chartered Surveyor who founded CRE Insider to be the conduit between commercial real estate (CRE) and its occupiers.
As a workplace-focused intelligence platform, we use events and video storytelling to connect industry leaders with the real-world pain points of businesses, making the sector more accessible and connected.
CRE Insights
CRE Insights is a powerhouse of knowledge delivered straight from leading experts in commercial real estate.
These seasoned professionals, industry innovators, and thought leaders share their deep knowledge, offering invaluable insights that empower our audience to navigate market trends, seize opportunities.
Recent insights:
FEATURED CRE EXPERTS:
The £3 Million Saving: Asset Manager’s Guide to Pragmatic ESG
"Any idiot can fizz a load of money." In our latest feature, we go inside a contrarian ESG play where a £3 million problem was solved for just £650,000. Asset manager Les Lang of Till Asset Management shares his playbook for decarbonising an office building without disturbing a single tenant, challenging the industry's obsession with high expenditure.
Rico Naylor
7 days ago3 min read
The Experience Equation: How Hospitality is Redefining the Workplace Experience
In a hybrid world, the office is now in direct competition with the comforts of home. In our latest feature, we explore why landlords must shift their focus from 'space' to 'experience.' With insights from CBRE's experts, we break down how a hospitality-driven approach from wellness amenities to multi-use design is becoming the key to attracting and retaining tenants.
Rico Naylor
7 days ago3 min read
want to spotlight your own expertise?
Register your interest by contacting Rico Naylor directly on LinkedIn.
The Flex Revolution: How Manchester's Office Market Learned to Put Occupiers First
For decades, landlords held all the power in the Manchester office market. Now, a flex space revolution has turned the tables, putting occupiers firmly in control. In our new feature with CBRE's experts, we explore this seismic shift, the rise of the "brandlord", and why professional services—not tech—are now the biggest consumers of Manchester flex space.
Rico Naylor
Aug 63 min read
Regenerating the North: Forging Success Through Partnership, Vision, and Leadership
At the WSP and CIOB "Regenerating the North" event, panellists revealed the secret to Manchester's success wasn't just policy, but a culture of "bravery". This determined leadership forged the long-term public-private partnerships and political consistency that gave the private sector confidence to invest. The key takeaway: true regeneration is catalysed by people, not just plans.
Rico Naylor
Jul 93 min read
CBRE Secures Key Role on TfGM Framework to Deliver Manchester’s Transport Strategy
CBRE has been appointed to the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Professional Services Framework, bringing strategic estates advisory to support the city-region’s ambitious 2040 transport vision. This four-year partnership underscores CBRE’s role in unlocking land for housing, enabling integrated infrastructure, and supporting sustainable growth across Greater Manchester.
Rico Naylor
Jul 32 min read
Manchester on the Map: Why the City Works for Occupiers
When it comes to offices in Manchester, Richard Wharton has seen the market evolve from every angle, or rather, every square foot. As Director at JLL and a leading agent with decades of experience shaping the city’s office market, Richard has worked through booms, downturns, and everything in between.
Rico Naylor
May 183 min read
The Hunt is On: Tameside Seeks Master Developer for Ashton's Multi-Billion Transformation
Get the inside track on the major development partnership for Ashton-under-Lyne. CRE Insider breaks down the £multi-billion opportunity, the numbers, and the key questions for bidders
Rico Naylor
3 days ago3 min read
LJMU's £12.5M Transformation Triggers Liverpool's Largest 2025 Office Deal
Liverpool’s office market has seen its largest deal of 2025, but the real story isn't just the transaction. Discover why Liverpool John Moores University's ambitious £12.5m decarbonisation project at its Henry Cotton Building is the strategic driver behind its 24,360 sq ft move to City Square.
Rico Naylor
4 days ago2 min read
The End of an Era? Part 3: The Industry Reaction – A cocktail of Caution and Celebration
How is the UK property industry reacting to the proposed upward-only rent review ban? In the final part of our series, we explore the industry verdict, from the BPF's warning that it "risks investor confidence" to concerns it could widen the gap between prime and secondary assets. Read our deep dive into the future of commercial leasing.
Rico Naylor
Jul 172 min read
The End of an Era? Part 2: Potential Consequences of the Upward-Only Rent Review Ban
The proposed upward-only rent review ban is set to cause a seismic market shift. While tenants may gain protection, landlords could respond with higher initial rents and shorter leases. In Part 2 of our series, we explore the potential unintended consequences and ask: could the ban be the great accelerator for the flexible workspace market?
Rico Naylor
Jul 153 min read
The End of an Era? Part 1: Deconstructing the Ban on Upward-Only Rent Reviews
The UK government has proposed a ban on upward-only rent reviews in a bid to save the high street. But while the legislation aims to rebalance the landlord-tenant relationship, does it address the real challenges of development viability? This in-depth analysis deconstructs the proposal and questions whether the policy truly matches the problem.
Rico Naylor
Jul 143 min read
Growthwashing: Is the Government's New Nature Levy a Threat to Our Cities?
Is the UK government's new 'Nature Restoration Fund' a solution for development, or a threat to our cities? A new report from leading ecology firm Arbtech calls it "growthwashing," warning that replacing local green spaces with a single payment could decimate urban nature and intensify inequality. CEO Robert Oates argues both nature and our communities risk becoming "collateral damage" in the pursuit of growth. A critical read for the entire real estate industry.
Rico Naylor
Jul 142 min read
Building the Ultimate Healthy Workplace: How Arbtech’s Culture Became Its Competitive Edge
Arbtech isn’t just leading in ecology, it’s leading in culture. With a people-first model built on trust and wellbeing, it’s setting a new standard for what the workplace can be.
Rico Naylor
Jun 162 min read
OBI Acquires BE Group: A New Chapter for Manchester’s Commercial Real Estate Scene
In a city that thrives on bold moves, OBI’s acquisition of BE Group isn’t just another merger; it’s a strategic evolution designed to meet the demands of a more creative, content-driven property market. The integration couldn't have come at a better time for Simon Roddam, now part of the OBI team in Transactions & Asset Management.
Rico Naylor
May 182 min read
No Voice, No Recognition: How Betsy Brady Built Hers from Scratch
In commercial real estate, experience speaks loudest. But Betsy Brady built her credibility before the job title caught up. As a chartered development surveyor at Knight Frank and Vice Chair of BPF Futures, she didn’t wait for visibility. She created it. One post, one podcast, and one panel at a time.
Rico Naylor
May 183 min read
.png)
FOLLOW US
OUR SERVICES
Discover how our services can help you turn expertise into influence - explore what we offer.
.png)
AUTHORITY
%20(630%20x%20860%20px)%20(1).png)
CREDIBILITY
.png)
VISIBILITY
bottom of page