SCOTLAND is set to have a huge presence at a major UK forum that is focused on connecting investors and developers with sustainable and inclusive regeneration opportunities.
Over 12,000 domestic and international investors, developers, and built environment thought leaders will head to Leeds in May for The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, and Scotland will build on its already impressive presence at the event, as they look to entice investment into the region to create jobs and prosperity.
The biggest presence will be from Scottish Cities Alliance and Glasgow City Council, representing the city regions and combined authorities, both securing prime space at the event to meet developers and investors. Joining them are locations such as Dundee City Council, Fife Council, and including representation from the Scottish Government.
In addition to looking to showcase and attract developers, investors, and job creators to the region, they’ll also take to numerous stages to highlight the opportunities while discussing pressing subjects such as social and affordable housing, sustainable infrastructure, the net zero agenda, and skills.
Speaking of their involvement, Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This will be only the third UKREiiF but already it has become a key date in our calendar, an increasingly critical platform for Team Glasgow to discuss our plans, policies, ambitions and opportunities with key investors and developers.
“At this year’s UKREiiF, our expanded Team Glasgow delegation brought to Leeds expertise across inward investment, property, planning, development, and digital, showcasing Glasgow and the opportunities for investment and transformation. The outcomes from that are already emerging.
“Next year, we’ll build on that again, giving investors even more confidence in the opportunities presented by a city at the forefront of transition, with internationally recognised high-growth sectors and a reputation for building and nurturing partnerships.”
Launched in 2022, the event is held over three days and brings together the public and private sectors, with all of the UK’s cities and regions represented alongside the UK Government and numerous governmental departments. Over 700 speakers will be involved across 30 stages, including Nicola Cameron, Director of Property Joint Ventures at University of Glasgow. Nicola will join a panel discussion on how the UK’s university and higher education campuses are evolving over the coming years.
The event covers many topics in addition to Scotland’s own presence through bespoke and dedicated content the region is planning to put on. From the high street, social value, and social housing to industrial development, life sciences, energy, and healthcare estates, the event looks to showcase national and international best practice across all sectors.
Having grown from 3,500 attendees in 2022 to 7,500 in 2023, the event in 2024 is set to attract over 12,000 to Leeds. In addition to 12,000 attendees, the event is set to attract a further 3,000 people to the city to enjoy the fringe events across the city, with £20m set to be generated for the local Leeds community.
Facilitation and Investment
The event has already been lauded across the UK by many cities and regions, with Torbay Council recently confirming a major £100m investment into the seaside destination, which is set to create jobs, homes, and revitalise the leisure offering in the region, in addition to several other schemes totalling over £500m of investment known to be in the pipeline following direct facilitation and introductions at the event.
The region’s involvement includes a dedicated facilitation session where sustainability and socially aware investors and developers who’re known for their community-first approach will be introduced to those councils in attendance from Scotland to explore how they can work together across all aspects of the built environment.
The North West’s enhanced involvement comes following its sudden emergence as Europe’s fastest-growing real estate and built environment event.
President of international investors Amro Partners said: “UKREiiF tells me that the UK is open to business, and as an investor, that is a fantastic message. The event brings together Government ministers and officials, people from Whitehall, local authorities, investors, and developers – it’s a phenomenal representation of the real estate sector.”
Alan Denby, Director of Pride in Place at Torbay Council, added: “Being at UKREiiF has enabled Torbay to have discussions with investors, developers, and occupiers, and from these discussions we’ve announced the preferred development partner to work with us on four key development sites worth over £100m to the local community, and that investment is a direct result of being involved in UKREiiF.”
Alastair Campbell, Former Director of Communications for No. 10 Downing Street, said: “UKREiiF brings together all the different parts of the equation that are needed to regenerate regions and the economy successfully. And it’s changing people’s views of the industry world.
To find out more, visit www.ukreiif.com
