Wednesday, 22 May – Tournament Gallery
08:30 – 09:45Breakfast briefingSupporting social mobility in real estate
 
While those working in real estate often come from privileged backgrounds, the sector operates within diverse communities where individuals converge to live, work and socialise. Prioritising social mobility is crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, as well as for ensuring that the real estate industry mirrors the diversity of its surroundings. How can we further advocate for the economic benefits of diversity? What strategies can organisations and individuals employ to drive positive transformations, fostering a more vibrant, adaptable and fair urban landscape? How can tangible opportunities for local communities be provided in the process?

Jennie Colville, head of ESG & sustainability, Landsec
David Lynch, director of strategic housing & development, Manchester City Council
Julie Simms, partner, joint head of the National Public Sector Real Estate Team and Liverpool managing partner, DWF
Chair: Pui-Guan Man, news editor, EG
10:00 – 10:45Impact investment: Transforming lives, enhancing opportunities

As the UK undergoes substantial transformation and seeks avenues for growth and innovation, how are the strategies of both the public and private sectors evolving to ensure that investments make a positive impact on society, all the while overcoming potential challenges? What role does value alignment and a shared vision play in this endeavour?

Kellie Hatton, partner & co-head of development, Shoosmiths
Julie Nugent, chief executive, Coventry City Council
Tim Newns, managing director levelling up, Office for Investment
Nick Walkley, principal and UK president, Avison Young
11:00 – 11:45The complexity of developing infrastructure in the UK

A thriving built environment is intricately linked to robust infrastructure, with real estate serving as a vital component in maximising the effectiveness of infrastructure. What hurdles are impeding the UK’s aspirations for substantial construction projects? Will the discontinuation of HS2 pose heightened difficulties for forthcoming large-scale infrastructure undertakings and, if so, what impact could this have on real estate? Moreover, what insights can be gleaned from past errors in undertaking construction projects incrementally?

Neale Coleman, commissioner, National Infrastructure Commission
Charlotte Leach, director, CT Group
Katie Le May, regional property director, Network Rail
Laura Shoaf, chief executive, West Midlands Combined Authority
12:00 – 13:00Championing progress: Waltham Forest’s dedication to innovation, flexibility and dynamism.

With a rich industrial heritage, Waltham Forest held the title of the Mayor of London’s Borough of Culture in 2019. Since then, its creative enterprise zones have thrived. The local authority has actively engaged in listening to businesses and the community, enhancing the borough’s cultural infrastructure and attracting investment.
This session will delve into Waltham Forest’s journey to cultivate a positive environment that fosters innovation, adaptability and a vibrant community.  What lessons can local authorities, investors and developers learn from the redevelopment of areas such as Blackhorse Lane? How has the regeneration process evolved around such sites to foster an engaging mix of new homes and diverse businesses within genuine surroundings? We will explore Waltham Forest’s strategic plans for continued progress, examining why a commitment to creativity is fundamental to the ongoing development of the area. 

Dan Batterton, head of residential, Legal & General Investment Management
Fay Cannings, senior inward investment manager, Waltham Forest Council
David Joyce, director of placemaking and housing, London Borough of Haringey Council
Jonathan Martin, director of inward investment & higher education academic relationships, Waltham Forest Council

Jennifer Offord, head of meridian water regeneration, Enfield Council
Adam Walker, co-founder, The Foundry

Chair: TIm Burke, deputy editor, EG
13:00 – 14:00Lunch
14:00 – 14:45Evolution in real estate: Embracing alternative assets

The real estate landscape is undergoing a notable shift away from the conventional stronghold of core assets. In response to a growing demand, the industry is actively reimagining how we utilise space. How can we strategically leverage and maximise the potential of alternative assets to align with the dynamic market trends and evolving investment landscape in our cities and regions? In this discussion we will explore the role of connectivity in this transformative process and delve into the considerations surrounding both new and existing spaces and the impact on local communities.

Michael Auger, managing director –  South region, Muse
Richard Beckingsale, head of regeneration, Gowling WLG
Amy Crick, head of London, UK real estate, Barclays Corporate Banking
Riah Patel, director, CBRE
15:00 – 16:00Launch of the EG public sector forum guide, Working in Partnership

Last June, EG formed a public sector forum of senior local authority leaders seeking to encourage economic growth, in parallel with the recent Harrington Review into foreign direct investment. The EG public sector forum is launching its guide, Working in Partnership, a place-based strategy to encourage investment. The work has been endorsed by the EG investors forum and supported by The Municipal Journal. Together we seek to have more productive conversations and to achieve appropriate directed growth for all of our communities.

Adele Gritten, chief executive, Local Partnerships
Lord Richard Harrington, member, House of Lords
Ingrid Hooley, director – place, Local Partnerships

Andy Martin, non-executive chairman, ARC Capital Markets
Jackie Sadek, director, Rural & Urban Strategic
Tom Stannard, chief executive, Salford City Council

Chair: Samantha McClary, editor, EG
16:30 – 18:30Continuing Conversations – the Editor’s Reception with Clyde & Co

Venue: El Gato Negro, 35 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JL
Thursday, 23 MayBarton Suite, Royal Armouries
10:45-11:45Panel discussion: Councils face financial exposure – Implications for economic regeneration

With councils grappling with funding cuts and resource challenges, the potential financial risks associated with regeneration projects loom large. Is the scale of risk too daunting? What alternative funding channels can guarantee the sustainability of regeneration efforts? Can commercial real estate provide the enduring commitment needed for development and placemaking? Moreover, can transparent collaborations between councils and the commercial real estate sector alleviate financial strain and safeguard the future of public services? What innovative avenues could there be for the private and public sectors to forge impactful partnerships?

Patricia Brown MBE, vice-chair development committee, British Property Federation
John Cotton, leader, Birmingham City Council
Dr Simon Kaye, director of policy, REFORM think tank


Chair: Samantha McClary, editor, EG
LNRS Data Services is an accredited CPD content provider. Attending this event will count towards your CPD hours.