Helping Developers Drive Value and Maintain Margins

Despite political and economic turmoil – we are helping developers drive value and maintain margins.

The current headlines are dominated by the rising cost of living and sky-high energy bills. As such many industries have been feeling the sting. Construction costs alone are at a 40-year high and are set to continue rising. Recent forecasts point to an increased cost of about 2.5% by the end of the year, with that number likely to be closer to 8.5% by the end of 2023.

The team at Brookbanks are proud to be working with many promoters and developers to support their schemes through our bespoke technical, commercial and development strategy appraisals that seek out value, opportunities, risks and rewards at all stages of the project life cycle.

Under our appraisal service, we will:

Seek out tangible gains to your net developable areas whilst identifying any other spatial opportunities;
Appraise your planning, technical and commercial work prepared to date and identify areas to reduce costs without compromising functionality;
Strategise and put in place a means to mitigate any remaining project risks;
Act as your independent advisor across all planning, technical, commercial and construction matters.

Do you want to drive more value into your project? Get in touch to discuss how we can help.

More News

Back to News

View of a busy construction site with cranes and building structure under clear sky.

Podcast #18: Design of Transfer slabs and efficient structures

June 2, 2026

As development sites become more constrained and expectations around multi-use building designs continue to rise, structural engineering choices are playing an increasingly important role in successful delivery. In our latest podcast, “Design of Transfer slabs and efficient structures,” Ben is joined by Chris Vivian and Devi Varatharajan to explore current industry trends in concrete design. The discussion focuses on how transfer slabs impact construction efficiency, carbon footprints, and why early-stage engagement is critical to optimizing building design.

Group of students and teacher walking in a school courtyard with modern architecture and playground.

Delivering Education Infrastructure: Direct Delivery or Section 106 Contributions?

May 22, 2026

Education facilities play a vital role in shaping successful residential communities. Alongside providing essential school places for growing populations, they help create well-connected neighbourhoods, support long-term community wellbeing and contribute positively to placemaking outcomes. For developers bringing forward significant housing schemes, deciding how education infrastructure obligations should be delivered is rarely straightforward. In most cases, this involves either directly delivering a new education facility as part of the development, or making a financial contribution through a Section 106 Agreement to support provision elsewhere. Each approach carries implications for cost, programme, planning strategy and the long-term success of the development.

Aerial view of various vehicles driving on asphalt road near typical residential houses in suburban district on sunny day

Podcast Episode #17: Moving Places, Managing Noise

May 20, 2026

As development sites become more constrained and expectations around placemaking continue to rise, the interaction between transport planning and acoustics is playing an increasingly important role in successful design. In our latest podcast, “Moving Places, Managing Noise,” Ben Wakling is joined by Melanie A’Lee and Tom Quaife-Jones to explore how these two disciplines come together in practice. The discussion focuses on how early coordination between transport and noise specialists can improve scheme viability, reduce planning risk and ultimately create better places to live.