Frequently Asked Questions

How does working with CivicStar save Local Authorities money compared to hiring in-house staff?
Hiring CivicStar eliminates the need for full-time salaries, benefits, and training costs associated with in-house asset management teams, providing expert support at a fraction of the cost.

What are the hidden costs of hiring in-house staff for asset management?
In-house staff require ongoing salaries, pensions, office space, equipment, training, and professional development, all of which add significant long-term costs.

Does CivicStar provide expertise that an in-house hire might not have?
Yes, our team brings specialized knowledge and experience across multiple councils, ensuring a strategic, well-informed approach without the need for costly upskilling.

How does outsourcing asset management reduce financial risk for Local Authorities?
With CivicStar, councils gain access to seasoned professionals without the financial risks of recruitment, turnover, or underutilized staff resources.

What flexibility does CivicStar offer that in-house hiring doesn’t?
We provide scalable support, meaning councils only pay for what they need—whether it's a one-time project, ongoing consultation, or crisis intervention.

How does CivicStar’s approach accelerate cost savings?
Our strategic planning quickly identifies inefficiencies, unnecessary costs, and revenue opportunities, delivering faster financial benefits than an in-house team starting from scratch.

Are there long-term financial benefits to outsourcing asset management?
Yes, CivicStar helps councils reduce operating costs, improve efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams, leading to sustained financial health.

What is the cost difference between hiring CivicStar and recruiting a full-time asset manager?
A full-time asset manager’s salary, plus benefits, can exceed £50,000 per year, whereas CivicStar provides expert-level service at a significantly lower cost.

Does CivicStar offer a return on investment that outweighs hiring staff?
Absolutely—our strategies often lead to significant cost reductions and revenue generation, far exceeding the investment required to engage our services.

How quickly can CivicStar deliver cost-saving results compared to an in-house hire?
Our expertise and data-driven approach allow us to deliver results immediately, whereas new hires require time for onboarding, training, and strategy development.

How can Local Authorities get started with CivicStar’s services?

Local Authorities can engage with CivicStar by reaching out for an initial consultation. We assess their current asset portfolio, identify key challenges and opportunities, and develop a customized strategy to maximize property value and efficiency. Our team provides ongoing support to ensure successful implementation and long-term impact.

How does CivicStar help Local Authorities manage their property assets?

CivicStar provides expert guidance in assessing, optimizing, and strategically managing property assets. We conduct in-depth analysis to identify opportunities for better utilization, whether through repurposing spaces, increasing revenue streams, or disposing of surplus properties responsibly. Our approach ensures that asset management decisions are financially sound and beneficial to the wider community.

How does CivicStar support fair wages within the community?

CivicStar is a strong advocate for living wages, recognizing the importance of fair compensation for workers. We support policies and initiatives that ensure employees receive wages that meet their basic needs and contribute to economic stability. By promoting equitable pay, we help build stronger, more sustainable communities.

What steps does CivicStar take to promote mental health awareness?

We actively support mental health awareness by fostering open conversations, reducing stigma, and advocating for access to essential mental health resources. We believe that prioritizing mental well-being enhances productivity, resilience, and overall community health, ensuring that Local Authorities and their stakeholders can thrive.

How does CivicStar ensure responsible paper usage and sustainable forestry practices?

CivicStar is committed to environmental responsibility, ensuring that paper needs are met through sustainable sourcing. We prioritize eco-friendly materials, support responsible forestry practices, and encourage waste reduction strategies. Our approach helps Local Authorities minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

How does CivicStar align asset utilization with community needs?

We work closely with Local Authorities to ensure that property assets are used in ways that benefit the community. This includes adapting spaces for public services, supporting affordable housing initiatives, enhancing green infrastructure, and promoting economic growth. Our goal is to create long-term value that serves both the council and its residents.

What services does CivicStar offer to Local Authorities?
CivicStar offers a range of services including asset optimization, project management, strategic asset utilization, temporary housing solutions, surplus property sales, and transformation strategies, all tailored specifically to Local Authorities.

How can CivicStar help with property asset optimization?
We help Local Authorities optimize their property portfolios by identifying underperforming assets and developing strategies to enhance their value, efficiency, and community benefit, ensuring long-term sustainability.

What is the approach CivicStar uses for project management?
We apply best practices and industry-standard methodologies such as PRINCE2® and AgilePM® to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with maximum efficiency.

Can CivicStar assist with residential housing needs?
Yes, we provide tailored solutions for residential housing, addressing immediate and long-term housing requirements by repurposing underutilized assets and developing new housing strategies.

How does CivicStar handle transformation projects for Local Authorities?
We specialize in guiding Local Authorities through transformation projects by developing tailored strategies that enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and sustainability while aligning with their broader goals.

What types of asset disposal strategies does CivicStar provide?
We offer strategic asset disposal solutions, including commercial, residential, and civic properties, helping Local Authorities make informed decisions that maximize revenue and community benefit.

How does CivicStar ensure the success of project management?
Our focus is on delivering clear planning, transparent communication, risk management, and post-project evaluation, ensuring that each project aligns with the Local Authority’s goals and achieves sustainable outcomes.

What are the benefits of working with CivicStar?
CivicStar provides expertise in asset management, transformation, project execution, and strategic planning, offering cost-effective and time-efficient solutions that result in lasting, positive impacts for Local Authorities.

What is the role of CivicStar in temporary housing?
CivicStar provides immediate, flexible, and cost-effective temporary housing solutions for Local Authorities, helping them meet urgent housing needs while minimizing reliance on costly hotel and B&B accommodations.

How does CivicStar assist with Right to Buy valuations?
We offer comprehensive RTB valuations, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines and providing accurate, timely valuations for Local Authorities to process requests efficiently.

What makes CivicStar's approach to asset management unique?
We apply a hands-on, deliverables-focused approach, charging per job rather than per day, which incentivizes efficient, effective, and high-quality execution with no delay or extra costs.

How does CivicStar streamline housing projects?
We streamline housing projects by focusing on efficient workflows, risk management, and clear communication with all stakeholders, ensuring projects are completed quickly and meet the needs of Local Authorities.

How can CivicStar help Local Authorities with surplus property sales?
We provide tailored strategies for surplus property sales, assessing each asset and helping Local Authorities determine the best course of action for disposal, maximizing returns and ensuring community benefit.

What are CivicStar’s solutions for commercial property management?
CivicStar provides a full suite of commercial property management services, ensuring assets are optimized for maximum efficiency and aligned with the financial goals and community needs of Local Authorities.

Can CivicStar assist with sustainable building practices?
Yes, we incorporate sustainable building practices into all our projects, ensuring that new developments, refurbishments, and repurposed assets meet environmental standards and benefit the local community.

How does CivicStar address project delays or obstacles?
We proactively identify potential challenges early, using our expertise and flexibility to mitigate risks and maintain momentum, ensuring projects stay on track and deliver the desired outcomes.

What impact does CivicStar's work have on Local Authorities' bottom lines?
By implementing cost-effective solutions, reducing inefficiencies, and optimizing asset value, CivicStar helps Local Authorities increase their financial returns, minimize costs, and improve operational sustainability.

5How can CivicStar help with strategic asset utilization?
We assess underperforming assets and develop strategies to repurpose, consolidate, or monetize them, improving their value and aligning them with Local Authorities' long-term financial and community objectives.

What is CivicStar’s approach to sustainability?
We focus on creating sustainable, long-term solutions in all our projects by incorporating green initiatives, ensuring that all asset strategies and developments benefit the environment and local communities.