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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Homes Under Lockdown, Cambridge Survey Report, Autumn 2020

Over the last eight months, our homes have doubled-up as workplaces, classrooms and, for those shielding, become the extent of their world.

20.11.20
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Cambridge Residential Rental Market, Winter 2020

2020 will be remembered in history for many reasons. The completion of the protracted Brexit withdrawal negotiations first quarter was shortly followed by the arrival of COVID-19 with all the heartbreak and economic trauma that came in its wake.

03.11.20
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Edinburgh Castle - Planning

Planning in Scotland: An Update - September 2020

Covid-19, Climate Change, Net Zero Emissions… the Scottish planning system is responding to an influx of issues as well as updating other elements of the planning system such as public consultation. We are delighted to share Bidwells’ September Planning Update which aims to keep you updated on these current consultations and associated timescales.

09.09.20
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Residential-Rental-Market-Report

Cambridge Residential Rental Market, Autumn 2020

Along with the rest of the country, day-to-day life in Cambridge remains overshadowed by the COVID-19 crisis.

08.07.20
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Rural Outlook - Woodland Carbon Guarantee

The Government has recently launched the Woodland Carbon Guarantee (WCaG) to support the creation of woodland in England.

24.01.20
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Rural Outlook - The Agricultural Tenancy Reform 2019

Around a third of agricultural land in England is let under various agreements; changes to tenancy legislation will impact many businesses within the rural sector. With the deadline for responses to DEFRA’s consultation fast approaching on 2 July 2019, below is an overview of the consultation document, highlighting proposals identified by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

01.07.19
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Residential - Rural Outlook

Rural Outlook - A Residential Refresher

With the legislation surrounding residential lettings constantly changing, here is an overview of some key factors relating to such lettings that anyone renting out residential property should be aware of.

11.04.19
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Land - Basic Payment Scheme

Basic Payment Scheme 2019: What you need to know

Farmers have been promised “business as usual” for the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme, before changes announced in the 2018 Agriculture Bill may be introduced. But no year of the scheme has been entirely straightforward. Bidwells’ Helen Peirson offers some pointers.

03.04.19
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Research and development

Delivering R&D Potential for the UK

The UK Industrial Strategy published in 2017 made clear the vision must be focused on high growth ‘knowledge based’ industries in order to secure the country’s long-term prosperity.

13.02.19
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Rural spectator: Farmers Weekly EU Referendum Poll

A recent poll undertaken by Farmers Weekly asked 577 farmers how they were going to vote on Brexit. Read our detailed analysis of the results here, and how this affects land prices, farm workers and more.

17.12.18
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Poultry Farming

Rural Spectator: Poultry Unit Investment

Over the last five years, there has been considerable investment by farmers into poultry units, both for free range eggs and broiler chicken production.

16.10.18
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Secure long-term value from supply chains

Rural Spectator: Entry level exception site

Recent changes to Planning Policy could create exciting development opportunities for landowners with land adjacent to existing settlements.

10.09.18
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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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