The retail property industry: Its importance to the UK economy 2008
This report is the fourth update to the research and will analyse the contribution of shopping centres, and the wider retail property industry to the UK economy. The report will seek to analyse key trends, changing levels of foreign investment into the industry, employment trends, pipeline developments, the changing nature of shopping centres and more.

Freight consolidation and remote storage
The principle of freight consolidation is that the number of service vehicle movements to and from a shopping centre is reduced by the operation of a freight consolidation centre at a storage location remote from the shopping centre itself. In the dynamic and rapidly changing environment of retail development it is important for the industry, town centres as a whole and in a wider environmental context that servicing is as efficient as possible, saving time and money, and minimising the impact of these activities upon the town centre and the surrounding road network. The aims of this research seek to investigate the impact of freight consolidation and remote storage on delivery timescales through a case study approach, and advise on which retailers it may and may not be suitable for. Analysis of the benefits and costs offered by freight consolidation and remote storage will be provided, accompanied with an assessment of the possible environmental benefits achievable by using these formats as waste recycling hubs.

Off-street parking provision for people with mobility problems
This study seeks to assess the provision, allocation, use, abuse and enforcement of off-street parking places for people with disabilities (Blue Badge holders) and reduced mobility. This work has been undertaken in partnership with the Department for Transport, British Parking Association, Mobilise and WSP, to assist in the updating of guidance for off-street disabled parking provision for a number of different land uses – including shopping environments.