The UKREiiF Annual Event 2023 took place from 16 to 18 May 2023 in Leeds, bringing together over 7,000 people from across the public sector, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders, and other stakeholders. Wayne Butcher and Tom Cudmore share their reflections on the key conversations.
The headline topics from the latest meeting of the UK's real estate and infrastructure forum included the launch of the new Homes England Strategic Plan, challenges of infrastructure delivery innovation districts, sustainable housing, and the effectiveness of ‘Levelling up’ in practice.
During the event we hosted our own networking event. It was a great opportunity for some of our clients and contacts to connect and discuss their thoughts and key takeaways from the opening day.
Tom Cudmore, public services advisory assistant manager at Grant Thornton said:
"This was one of the first networking events I attended as part of the REA team and it was great to be able to meet some of our clients and get to know them on a personal level, which can be difficult in a world of hybrid working. It was especially interesting to hear the encouraging feedback from Anna Stamp, Interim Programme Director for the Edinburgh BioQuarter, on our work in recent years in relation to the Financial Case for the project, and our contributions to helping them select a preferred developer for this exciting project."
We were also joined by Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire and leader of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), who delivered a brief speech, highlighting its recent progress, alongside some of the investments and developments taking place in the region.
Among the drinks and canapés, the attendees engaged in discussions revolving around several key topics. One key conversation was around the viability of project delivery, particularly in the face of the current high-inflationary economic environment. Participants shared insights and perspectives on how to navigate and ensure successful project outcomes amid these challenges.
Another significant point of discussion was the importance of collaboration efforts to push projects 'over the line', especially between the private and public sectors. Recognising the interdependence of both sectors, attendees explored ways to foster effective partnerships and maximise synergies for project delivery. The emphasis was on finding efficient strategies to enable swift implementation of these projects.
This was one of the first networking events I attended as part of the REA team and it was great to be able to meet some of our clients and get to know them on a personal level, which can be difficult in a world of hybrid working. It was especially interesting to hear the encouraging feedback from Anna Stamp, Interim Programme Director for the Edinburgh BioQuarter, on our work in recent years in relation to the Financial Case for the project, and our contributions to helping them select a preferred developer for this exciting project.
The evening, and the UKREiiF event as a whole, was an invaluable chance to hear views on the latest topics in the public sector sphere and wider transport, real estate and infrastructure industries. It was useful to meet people to better understand their views and issues facing their organisations, and suggest ways we can be a part of finding a way forward, together.
We’re looking forward to being back at UKREiiF in 2024 with an even bigger team!
For more insight and guidance, get in touch with Wayne Butcher or Tom Cudmore.
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