ARTICLES BY MARK COATES
March 2025
When developer’s shovels fail to hit the ground, the die is cast for generations – why Britain needs a radical overhaul of its planning system
In 2015 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer delivered a renowned speech in opposition to City Hall’s plan to deliver a major regeneration scheme in East New York and at the same time displace around 50,000 existing residents.
In the speech he said: “When it comes to urban planning, we need to do a better job of listening to existing communities, engaging residents, and considering the long-term impact of re-zoning on the people who have lived in our neighbourhoods most, if not all, of their lives. Once a developer’s shovel hits the ground, the die has been cast for generations.”
In the US, Japan, and indeed much of Europe, zoning determines how pieces of land in different areas must be used (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, etc), unlike in the UK…
Feb 2025
The World Future Energy Summit Showed Solar Is Finally Having its Time in the Sun
The summit came just ten months ahead of the emirate hosting COP28 this November.
One of the hottest topics at the summit was solar power, which got me thinking about the past, present, and future of this technology.
Since the Iron Age, when humans first used lenses to focus solar rays and light fires, the sun has been the most visible source of power on our planet.
The question, as always, was whether the technology could match humankind’s ambition and thirst for energy consumption.
By the middle of the 20th century, solar panels that created energy existed—but they were so expensive the only practical use for them was the US Vanguard 1 satellite in space…
Dec 2024
Unlocking the Potential of Local Government Pension Funds: A Call for Bold Reform
During the past six weeks, I have immersed myself in the investment world, engaging in meetings and studying essential materials whilst recruiting individuals with infrastructure investment experience.
So the idea of consolidating pension funds into “megafunds” has an enduring allure, and for good reason. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is the latest in a line of policymakers to recognize the untapped potential of local government pension assets, which collectively hold a staggering £392 billionacross England and Wales. This immense pool of resources has long been viewed as a key to unlocking investment to drive economic growth for infrastructure projects and businesses of the future. However, the fragmented nature of these funds continues to undermine their potential…
Nov 2024
New UK government budget pledges to “invest, invest, invest” and end short-termism to deliver a decade of renewal
While the Prime Minister has been hanging out in Brazil, businesses are finding it challenging to grasp the intricacies of the budget, thus making commentary on such a budget quite difficult.
The probable results of a budget frequently remain unclear for weeks, and the true outcomes may not be evident for years. Due to the continuous occurrence of various events, the policies arising from a budget event frequently face new policies and global developments that can either create friction, derail, or potentially enhance a budget decision.
Rather than tackle all the intricacies of the new business challenges caused by both the 6.7% and 16% increases in the minimum wage and the 1.2% increase in employer National Insurance Contributions I’m first of going to tackle what the government is trying to achieve with the 2025 budget…
Oct 2024
Bridge the divide: Will the UK budget plough the field for public private partnerships to close the gap in British infrastructure investment?
Years before becoming Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, observed: “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Next week Britain’s first female Chancellor of The Exchequer appears focused on delivering something her male predecessors have talked about for a lot of years: a fresh approach to tackle the UK’s ageing infrastructure by significantly increasing private investment in national infrastructure assets.
And there is quite a gap in UK infrastructure investment which needs closing…
Sept 2024
Are nations shaped by their natural environment? Why I’m looking forward to hearing about the resilience and inventiveness of Canadians
Next week I will be returning to one of my favourite countries.
Whether it’s waterfalls, mountains, rain forests, lakes or prairies, as the world’s second largest country, Canada is home to some of the most beautiful nature and varied landscapes in the world.
From the Rocky Mountains to the Canadian Badlands, from the Gros Morne National Parks in Newfoundland to the beaches of Vancouver Island, Canada is home to plenty of natural wonders and more than 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites…