Leeds leads the way: UKREiiF returns in full force

There’s a buzz in the air around Leeds Dock as the city once again gets ready to welcome the leading lights of the UK’s real estate and infrastructure sectors – and it might actually be sunny this year!

That’s right, it’s time for thousands of industry professionals to come to Leeds for UKREiiF – the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum – for a week of collaboration, networking, learning, and a few big announcements along the way.

Last year, now Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP chose the forum to announce a raft of Labour policies, including investments in housing and new towns, so expectations are high for a few big players to make an appearance and give a shot in the arm to investment in the UK’s built environment.

We already know that several of the metro mayors will be in attendance, including West Yorkshire’s own Tracy Brabin, as well as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Stephen Rotherham, so we can expect them to be passionately making the case for investment in the north of England – with devolution still a hot political topic.

This year’s forum has four key themes: sustainability and net zero; the future of real estate; social value and EDI; and inward investment. It’s interesting to see social value and net zero high on the agenda, indicating that there will be a hefty focus on improving people’s lives through investment in real estate and infrastructure –perhaps Leeds will get an update on its much-vaunted tram network?

At Harris, we’ll be reacting to the biggest news as it emerges from the event, as well as attending several fringe events across the city, including Blacks Solicitors drinks reception at the Leeds Art Gallery, a Women In Property breakfast, and the ‘Devolution Unwrapped’ breakfast with KPMG. We’re looking forward to seeing our home city teeming with people, and catching up with some old friends whilst building new connections across the industry – which is what UKREiiF is all about.