Even His Majesty, it seems, is partial to a bit of last-minute Christmas shopping after visiting retailers at the Battersea Power Station redevelopment earlier this month, touring its festive markets in Turbine Hall A.

Among the congregation leading the King's tour included Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company, and Donagh O’Sullivan, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company. His Majesty also visited Apple’s 500,000-square-foot UK headquarters in the 'Boiler House', where he met with its CEO Tim Cook.

The redeveloped Battersea Power Station opened its doors more than two years ago and today hosts shops and office accommodation alongside homes, restaurants, bars and public realm. It is owned by Sime Darby Property, S P Setia and the Employees Provident Fund.

Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company, a special purpose vehicle set up to acquire the site last decade, said: "We were honoured to welcome His Majesty to Battersea Power Station to witness the transformational restoration of the Grade II listed building and to meet with members of the local community, small business owners and workers for whom the neighbourhood has become their town centre.

"Creating a sense of community at Battersea Power Station has always been a key focus for the shareholders and it was particularly special to see so many members of the local community gather today to celebrate this historical moment for Battersea Power Station at such a festive time of year."

It's been a busy week for Shepherd senior partner Ian Fergusson after announcing the acquisition of a Whyte & Barrie Chartered Surveyors and naming 14 new partners. The practice said its merger "highlights the firm's growth ambitions". Whyte & Barrie has 25 staff and offices in Lanark, East Kilbride, Hamilton and Glasgow. Eight of Shepherd's new partners are internal promotions, four from the merger and two from sister company, London-based Shepherd Property Consultancy, which is being brought under the control oof the surveying practice.

Emily Miller has joined CSquared, the built asset, land and advisory consultancy based in the west of England, as a senior surveyor in its lease advisory team. Miller, who joins the firm's lease advisory team, arrives from Lambert Smith Hampton, which she joined as a graduate surveyor in 2021, before moving up to surveyor two years later. The firm said in a statement on LinkedIn: "Emily brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for excellence, undoubtedly enhancing our capabilities as we strive for even greater success."

The Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by property development firm Knight Property, has raised £42,000 for 23 charities across Scotland as part of its biannual giving programme. The Trust was established by Knight Property founder and chairman James Barrack in 2019 amid a fall in charitable donations. The firm said the money will help support organisations tackling critical issues, such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. It added that the charities, which vary from grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts.

Strettons, the London-based property consultancy, has added to its insurance department with two appointments. Philip Gorman joins as head of insurance and has more than 40 years' experience in the insurance and underwriting sectors, developing extensive expertise in property insurance. Peter Wright is the second addition and is "vastly experienced in property and real estate insurance", according to his employer, having managed insurance portfolios and mitigated risks for leading organisations for over 30 years. He has worked for Aberdeen Asset Management and AXA.

Tenants at Birmingham's Brindleyplace offices have donated Christmas presents to the Ladywood Community Project. The "Gifts and Games at Christmas" campaign saw staff buy board games for the children, ages three to eight, and eight and over. Ladywood Community Project help families on low incomes or in financial hardship to manage their day-to-day needs. Caron Hallahan, families development worker at the charity received the presents last week. "I am absolutely stunned by the amazing generosity of the people of Brindleyplace," she said.