We are a month into 2021, and no doubt many are glad that an extremely tough 2020 is behind us.  However, it is fair to say that the challenges are not yet over as Covid-19 continues to shape our lives drastically.  The silver lining is that the past year taught us some valuable lessons, and we can keep applying them into the year ahead – tightening belts and looking for more areas to provide service.  Spire, as a “Solutions” company is well placed here, and we believe that our longstanding history, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit, will offer value going forward.
 
Spire has a new head of Cape Town Broking and will soon be appointing a new Gauteng Head of Broking, so we are suitably prepared for the expected movement in the letting and sales market for the year ahead - there is likely to be a significant amount of churn as the market adapts to the new norm.  Overall, when we look at the various indicators it all points to the fact that change is afoot in the market, and in the face of this change we are keen to help clients find the right solutions.
 
In commenting on such changes, interestingly, I see that some of the big international software and IT companies are reverting to a fixed office scenario, with a flexi office off-shoot as we predicted at Spire. We see the local convenience centres rebounding and industrial seems to have held sway. We have still seen big user boxes being rented. Indeed, we were delighted to see a new 8,000m2 industrial letting deal materialise in our Cape Portfolio recently. So in all, it is very much a mixed bag and one has to be adaptive and lean on those with the skill and expertise to harness such changes.
 
Over the festive season, I am sad to say the property industry lost some of its shining lights, and so I take this moment to pause with a thought for them. They will be missed. May they rest in peace.  
With their passing I am reminded that each moment is precious. Our careers, our family, loved ones, favoured hobbies and leisure pursuits are all important. We must make time, now more than ever, to nurture these. Balance in what we do is hugely important, so that we can always rest easy in the knowledge we are running our best race and living our best life. It is with this philosophy in mind that I hope that as a business we shall bring such passion into what we can offer.  This will be our goal for 2021 and beyond.
 
So as 2021 starts gaining traction I wish everyone well.  Let us find those significant moments and have the courage to tackle them as fully as we can.  All the best everyone and good luck for the year ahead.
 
Regards
GREGG