Insights & Reports

Thought leading insights, research and events that define our markets

Image of ChatGPT Image Mar 24, 2026, 02_21_48 PM Insights 24.03.26

Understanding how long Local Plan examinations take in 2026 is critical for developers and promoters navigating the planning system, with timelines, average durations and increasing delays shaping decisions on when to submit applications and pursue appeals.

How Long Are Local Plan Examinations Taking?

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Co-living is reaching an important inflection point.

Why Institutional Capital Is Finally Taking Co-living Seriously

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A cautiously optimistic start to 2026 has given way to renewed uncertainty, as geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and mortgage market volatility reshape the outlook for residential development this spring.

Residential Development Update Spring 2026

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Rural businesses, landowners and energy investors are operating in a landscape shaped by continued reform, environmental ambition and shifting market dynamics as we head in to 2026.

Rural Outlook 2026

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Heritage assets are a bit like surprise guests at a dinner party: sometimes charming, sometimes challenging - but always deserving of attention.

5 Ways Heritage Assets Can Derail Your Development Scheme (And How to Avoid the Delays)

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When we examined life science and technology convergence in 2023, we observed computation beginning to reshape the scientific method. At that point, 35% of life science companies were already employing AI, with nearly three-quarters expecting to adopt it to some degree within five years.

AI Reshaping the Cambridge Office and Lab Market

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Image of AdobeStock_211365464 (1) Insights 19.02.26

The draft National Planning Policy Framework represents a significant departure from the status quo for national planning policy.

Draft NPPF: An Education Estates Perspective on the Reforms

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Every £1 invested in early intervention programmes supporting at-risk young people generates up to £4.52 in savings to the public purse, according to a new independent study by real estate adviser Bidwells and youth charity RE N-GAGE.

RE-N-GAGE Economic and Social Value Assessment 2026

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While Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) continues as a statutory requirement in the planning system, we have reviewed the following potential changes to the policy and how this may impact developments.

Biodiversity Net Gain Update - February 2026

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Image of ChatGPT Image Jan 30, 2026, 10_47_31 AM Insights 30.01.26

On coming to power in 2024, the Labour government put its full force behind boosting productivity. This included a direct recognition of the importance of critical UK industries in the Science and Technology sector which compete on the global scale for talent, space and investment.

Draft NPPF: Turbo charging economic development

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Image of Portico image 3 (2) Insights 30.01.26

The draft National Planning Policy Framework introduces a completely restructured Chapter for the historic environment.

Draft NPPF | Heritage: Evolution or Revolution?

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Image of AdobeStock_364378776 Insights 27.01.26

In December 2025, the UK Government published a consultation draft of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aimed at overhauling national planning policy to promote economic growth, boost housing delivery and streamline the planning system for Local Authorities and developers.

Draft NPPF: Understanding the 2025 Changes to Viability Assessments

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Renewables

Switch on to the potential of Onshore Wind

The UK government might lift restrictions on onshore wind projects in England, which currently act as a ban on these developments. This brings huge opportunities for landowners. In this article, we talk you through where to start.

10.01.23
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Cambridge County Council Lower Valley Farm (10)

Uncovering the benefits of natural capital: a landowner’s view

By guest contributor, Susan Twining, CLA - The development of natural capital markets for environmental benefits has unlocked investment interest and funding opportunities for landowners. Farmers and land managers are facing major changes in agriculture policy.

10.01.23
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Cambridge Residential Rental Market Report Autumn 2022

Three months is a long time in politics, and the housing market. While economic uncertainty loomed prior to the summer of political turmoil, events compounded the challenging backdrop.

22.11.22
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Rural Property Index 2022

The Rural sector faces challenges on a number of fronts…but despite the challenges ahead, rural investors can look to emerging opportunities.

03.10.22
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Industrial Databook Norfolk & Suffolk - Summer 2022

The Norfolk and Suffolk industrial market remains buoyant with particularly high demand for small and medium sized units. Dwindling supply has driven prime rents to a record high.

24.08.22
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Industrial Databook Cambridgeshire - Summer 2022

The Cambridge industrial market saw record levels of take up during H1. A lack of available floorspace remains a constraint across the market driving robust rental growth expectations.

24.08.22
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Industrial Databook Cambridgeshire - Summer 2022

The Cambridge industrial market saw record levels of take up during H1. A lack of available floorspace remains a constraint across the market driving robust rental growth expectations.

24.08.22
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Industrial Databook Oxfordshire - Summer 2022

Activity in the Oxford industrial market remains above trend driven by logistics as well as science and tech. However, there was a lack of larger transactions in H1 due to stock shortages.

24.08.22
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Industrial Databook M1 South - Summer 2022

Take up in the M1 south industrial market has totalled over 2m sq ft for two consecutive six month periods, driven by sustained levels of high demand. Rents are expected to increase as supply falls.

24.08.22
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Offices Databook M1 South - Summer 2022

Milton Keynes has seen office space demand rebound to the highest level since the start of the pandemic, with a notable increase in requirements from companies new to the city.

03.08.22
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Offices Databook Norfolk & Suffolk - Summer 2022

The Norwich office market maintains the momentum of 2021, with the largest transaction of an existing building recorded during H1. The burgeoning science sector continues to gain momentum.

03.08.22
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Offices & Labs Databook London - Summer 2022

Total take up across Central London touches 6m sq ft for the second successive six month period underpinned by growing demand from the life science sector.

03.08.22
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03
Jun 2026

Creating a Scientific Superpower 2026

Brought to you by the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, the Creating a Scientific Superpower conference is back for its fifth year.

03.06.26
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19
May 2026

Bidwells at UKREiiF 2026: Innovation Unlocked

Bidwells at UKREiiF 2026. Exploring innovation clusters, AI and robotics, clean energy, UK housing and social impact - with the people shaping them.

19.05.26
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10
May 2026

Bidwells Oxford Town & Gown 10K 2026

Bidwells Oxford 10k is the oldest run in our Town and Gown series and will be back on Sunday 10 May 2026. Register your place now. Don’t miss out.

10.05.26
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22
Apr 2026

Spring Local Plan Watch 2026

Join us this April for our Local Plan Watch Breakfast Briefing, where we will explore the key planning developments shaping the eastern region this Spring.  

22.04.26
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19
Nov 2025

Oxford Productivity Engine Conference 2025

Driving Productivity in Oxfordshire through Civic Transformation and Technological Revolution

19.11.25
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16
Oct 2025

Amplifying Black Voices in the Built Environment

We are delighted to invite you to a special panel discussion hosted by Bidwells in celebration of Black History Month.

16.10.25
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05
Oct 2025

Bidwells Cambridge Town & Gown 10K 2025

Bidwells Cambridge 10k is Muscular Dystrophy's autumn run of the series and will be back on Sunday 5 October 2025. Register your place now. Don’t miss out.

05.10.25
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12
Sep 2025

Essex Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution Breakfast Briefing

Chelgate Local and Bidwells, in conjunction with the Essex Developers Group, invite you to join us at a focused breakfast briefing on the biggest changes to local government in Essex for decades.

12.09.25
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10
Sep 2025

BioWednesday | Now is the Time to Go Big : Scaling Science and Tech Successfully

In partnership with One Nucleus we are delighted to invite you to our breakfast seminar, Now is the Time to Go Big: What Science & Tech Businesses Need to Scale Successfully, drawing on insights from Bidwells’ latest report Investment for Growth.

10.09.25
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04
Sep 2025

Rural Mega Relay Challenge

In September 2025, our Rural teams took on the Rural Mega Relay Challenge in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK).

04.09.25
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05
Jun 2025

Creating a Scientific Superpower 2025

Brought to you by the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster & Bidwells, the Creating a Scientific Superpower conference returned for its fourth year.

05.06.25
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28
May 2025

Devolution, the opportunity for Oxfordshire

Bidwells and Cavendish invite you to an exclusive breakfast and panel session of insightful speakers, bringing together key experts to discuss the future of governance and growth in Oxfordshire. 

28.05.25
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