Event

Bidwells at UKREiiF 2025

20-23 May 2025 Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock, New Dock, Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT

Step into the Bidwells Pavilion at UKREiiF 2025 for a series of insightful discussions on the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the property sector.

20-23

May 2025

Address:

Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock, New Dock, Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT

From driving investment in science and tech hubs to unlocking the value of sustainability and biodiversity, our expert-led panels and roundtables will offer cutting-edge research, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies.

Find out more about UKREIIF

The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum. Connecting people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment.

Find out more

Contributors:

Nick Pettit

Senior Partner

Kelly Bream

Chief Operating Officer

Day One

09:30 - 10:00

Investment in Action - Driving Growth, Transformation and Impact

Nick Pettit, Senior Partner, Bidwells
Sue Foxley, Research Director, Bidwells

Against a backdrop of economic transformation and technological advancement, we’ll examine how targeted investment strategies can unlock innovation, catalyse regional growth, and address challenges like sustainability and resilience. Through thought-provoking insights and research, we’ll demonstrate the investment opportunities that will drive economic productivity, attract global capital, and deliver impactful solutions that benefit communities and stakeholders alike.

10:30 - 11:30

Building & Funding Thriving Science & Tech Hubs – Panel

Moderator: Jo Hawkings, Bidwells

We will explore the investment needs of the UK’s science and tech clusters, highlighting the demand for incubator spaces and growth-enabling infrastructure. We will examine what drives successful science and tech clusters and highlight how development design, funding models, and strategic planning can create thriving ecosystems. By examining incubator spaces, our research assess how to attract capital into these areas and foster regional growth.

12:30 - 12:30

Operational Living Roundtable with lunch (Private event)

14:30 - 15:30

Navigating NPPF Reforms: Is this the Path to Progress?

Moderator: Mike Jones, Bidwells

This session will examine the opportunities presented by the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), focusing on its potential to address the UK housing crisis and foster resilient communities. Critical questions remain: How far will these changes go to meeting the housing need; streamline Local Plan processes, and reduce Nimbyism? A panel of experts will debate the likelihood of these outcomes, exploring how real estate professionals, local authorities, and communities can work together to translate the framework’s ambitions into tangible results.

16:00 - 18:00

The Value of BCorp: Transforming Investment into Impact - Panel with Drinks Reception

Moderator: Helen Newman, Bidwells
Panellist: Victoria Birks, Head of Operations, Socius

This session will examine the opportunities presented by the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), focusing on its potential to address the UK housing crisis and foster resilient communities. Critical questions remain: How far will these changes go to meeting the housing need; streamline Local Plan processes, and reduce Nimbyism? A panel of experts will debate the likelihood of these outcomes, exploring how real estate professionals, local authorities, and communities can work together to translate the framework’s ambitions into tangible results.

Day Two

08:30 - 09:30

Bidwells & ARL present: Developing a Framework for Social Value as a Build to Rent Investment Strategy [with Breakfast]

Host - Kelly Bream, COO, Bidwells
Facilitator - Brendan Geraghty, ARL

Against a backdrop of economic transformation and technological advancement, we’ll examine how targeted investment strategies can unlock innovation, catalyse regional growth, and address challenges like sustainability and resilience. Through thought-provoking insights and research, we’ll demonstrate the investment opportunities that will drive economic productivity, attract global capital, and deliver impactful solutions that benefit communities and stakeholders alike.

10:00 - 11:00

How Investment in Technology is Changing Real Estate Requirements

Research presentation - Sue Foxley, Research Director, Bidwells

Join us as we unveil Bidwells’ latest research on the growing demand for tech-enabled spaces tailored to startups, incubators, and innovative companies. We’ll then delve into how advancements in AI, robotics, and automation are reshaping industries, driving real estate to adapt to evolving building requirements. This seminar will explore the transformative impact of technological innovation on the design, functionality, and location of properties across sectors, including life sciences, manufacturing, and retail. Discover how investment in technology is paving the way for smarter, more efficient spaces that meet future business needs and sustainability goals.

11:30 - 13:00

The impact of biodiversity and green spaces on property values and community appeal. How to make development sustainable

This session will explore the significant role biodiversity and green spaces play in enhancing property values and creating more appealing, liveable communities. By examining how sustainable development practices, such as integrating natural capital and prioritising biodiversity net gain, can drive economic and social benefits, the discussion will provide developers with insights into balancing profitability with environmental stewardship. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how green infrastructure, from urban parks to natural corridors, not only improves community well-being but also boosts long-term asset value, making sustainability a core driver of successful, future-proof developments.

13:45 - 14:45

The Role of Government in stimulating private investment to increase productivity - Spotlight on the OxCam Arc & Northwest regions

This session will examine how government policies and incentives can boost private sector investment and capital in real estate development, focusing on the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and the North West region. Through an exploration of regeneration initiatives and strategies for attracting inward investment, we’ll consider the importance of public-private partnerships, infrastructure funding, and tailored incentives. Participants will discuss how these approaches can unlock regional potential, foster economic growth, and drive sustainable real estate projects in these dynamic areas.

15:30 - 17:30

Investing in Co-Living: Models for Long-Term Success [followed by drinks]

This session will examine the most effective investment models for co-living spaces, highlighting why this fast-growing sector is increasingly attractive to pension funds, banks and private equity.

Day Three

09:00 - 10:00

Todd Talk: Powering AI: Building the UK's Digital Future

Moderator - Richard Todd, Head of Built Environment, Bidwells

In conversation with Bidwells’ Richard Todd, our speaker will discuss the UK Government's ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan, highlighting the need for significant expansion in computing power to establish Britain as a global leader in artificial intelligence. This keynote explores the transformative impact of AI on real estate and infrastructure, focusing on supercomputing facilities, energy-intensive data centres, and AI Growth Zones. We’ll examine investment strategies to build state-of-the-art, sustainable infrastructure, and meeting the energy demands of this rapidly evolving sector, while driving economic growth and innovation.

11:00 - 12:00

The Next Frontier in Sustainable Investment

Finlay Clark, Bidwells

This session delves into the expanding opportunities within sustainable investment sectors, including forestry, carbon credits, and biodiversity net gain. Explore how offsetting and insetting strategies enable investors to manage emissions while achieving financial and environmental returns. We’ll discuss the rising demand for high-quality carbon credits, the appeal of projects offering social and environmental benefits, and the potential for strong returns in emerging markets. The session will also address key risks, including market transparency, regulatory uncertainty, and scalability challenges, providing a roadmap to navigate these dynamic and impactful sectors.