ICSC: Leasing skills critical for industry success (BE)

Leasing is seen as the most essential skill within the Retail Real Estate Industry according to students attending the 2011 International Council of Shopping Center's European Retail Property School. More than double the number of students attended the 2011 school than the previous year, and far more students registered for this topic than on courses on management and marketing.








Group photograph

Participants in the 2011 ICSC European Retail Property School.



During a master class with two of Europe's most successful retail real estate professionals which wrapped up the week, Peter Wilhelm, of award-winning Wilhelm and Co and his Chief Operating Officer, Jean-Michel Despaux spoke to an audience of over 100 on leasing, industry trends and sustainability. Developer Wilhelm & Co has built and runs successful multi-functional projects including L'esplanade in Louvain-la-Neuve and Mediacite in Liege, Belgium.

Every year ICSC's European Retail Property School delivers two levels of shopping center management training for professionals new to the industry and those who wish to study at a more advanced level. Students sign up for classes in management, marketing and leasing.

Included in the 2011 School were 27 scholars, nominated by ICSC National Councils and companies active within the industry and sponsored by The European Shopping Centre Trust as most likely to become leaders within the retail real estate industry of the future.

According to Neil Mitchenall, Chair of the European Shopping Centre Trust, the trend for more education on leasing is to be welcomed: "Continuing education is essential and retail real estate's future success and profitability relies on people who have the right knowledge and drive. Where the industry is within the current economic cycle, smart leasing is an essential within a strong asset management strategy and I am delighted that so many young professionals have seized the opportunity to learn from the best within the industry."

A faculty of highly-experienced industry professionals from across Europe deliver the courses.

Source: Nicky Godding


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