Event

Bidwells at UKREiiF 2025

20-22 May 2025 Bidwells pavilion, Pavilion Avenue, UKREiiF, Leeds

At UKREiiF 2025, we’ll be examining Investment for Growth in the Bidwells Pavilion. Join us for discussions on the biggest opportunities driving productivity, innovation, and impact.

20-22
May 2025
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Address:

Bidwells pavilion, Pavilion Avenue, UKREiiF, Leeds

From the future of science clusters to the rise of sustainable assets, AI infrastructure, and the evolution of operational living, our expert-led panels and roundtables will explore where capital is flowing and how investment strategies are evolving.

With a focus on unlocking high-growth sectors, navigating policy changes, and de-risking major developments, we’ll examine the forces shaping the UK’s real estate investment landscape.

Whether you're seeking new opportunities, insights into market trends, or connections with key decision-makers, make sure you visit the Bidwells pavilion.

Day One

09:30 - 10:00

Investment for Growth - Driving Productivity, Innovation, 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.

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10:30 - 11:30

Building & Funding Thriving Science & Tech Hubs – Panel  

Moderator: Jo Hawkings, Partner, Investment and Property Management, Bidwells
 
Panelists:
Jane Hutchins, Director, Cambridge Science Park
Suki Balendra, Director, Paddington Life Sciences
Mike Bell, Leader, North Somerset Council
Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer, Bruntwood SciTech

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.

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12:30 - 12:30

Operational Living Roundtable with lunch

Host: Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living, Bidwells

Invitation Only

 

14:30 - 15:30

Navigating Planning Reforms: Is this the Path to Progress?  

Moderator: Mike Jones, Partner, Planning, Bidwells  

Panelists:

Rachel Allwood, Planning Director, Dandara Ltd
Michelle Sacks, CEO, Huntingdonshire District Council
James Welch, Director of PreConstruction, Willmott Dixon
Meeta Kaur, Partner, Town Legal LLP

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.

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16:00 - 18:00

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

Moderator: Helen Newman, Head of Sustainability, Bidwells

Panelists:
Victoria Birks, Head of Operations, Socius
Zoe Lamb, Climate Management Lead, Barclays  
Theodore Michell, COO, Co-Founder, Bywater Properties


This session will delve into how BCorp principles can guide investors and developers to create impactful real estate strategies. By aligning business objectives with BCorp commitments, we’ll discuss how to drive meaningful change through investor-developer activities, enhance community impact, and meet growing stakeholder demands for purpose-driven development. Gain actionable insights on leveraging the BCorp framework to attract ethical investment, foster innovation, and deliver sustainable growth while maintaining a focus on measurable social and environmental outcomes.

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Day Two

08:30 - 09:30

Is social value valued? What are the investment disconnects? An interactive panel discussion bought to you by ARL x Bidwells

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

This interactive panel discussion will investigate a Golden Thread framework for delivering Build-to-Rent schemes which embed Social Value at their core to deliver high returns on investment.  Through the perspectives of investors, developers, operators, tenants, local authorities, and communities, we’ll explore diverse Build-to-Rent models, tackle cultural barriers to renting in the UK, reimagine public sector housing, and build stronger collaboration between the public sector and capital markets - driving financial success while creating vibrant, sustainable places for communities to thrive.

Invitation Only

10:00 - 11:00

Tracking the Journey of Spin-Outs  

Moderator: Max Bryan, Partner, Head of Laboratory & Office Agency, Bidwells
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.

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11:30 - 13:00

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

Moderator: Roland Bull, Partner, Head of Rural Investment, Bidwells

Panelists:
Claire Petricca-Riding, National Head of Planning & Environment Law, Irwin Mitchell 
Syreeta Bayne, Head of Social Value & Sustainability, Muse Developments


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.

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13:45 - 14:45

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

Moderator: Matt Allen , Executive Director, Supercluster Board   

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.

Roundtable by Invitation Only

 

15:30 - 17:30

Investing in Co-Living: Models for Long-Term Success

Moderator: Oliver Heywood, Partner, Operational Living Capital Markets, Bidwells

Panelists:
Miles Keeley, Head of Acquisitions, HUB

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.

Followed by drinks

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Day Three

09:00 - 10:00

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

Moderator: Richard Todd, Head of Built Environment, Bidwells

Panelists: Carl Ennis, CEO GB&I, Siemens


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. 

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10:30 - 11:00

Oxford-Cambridge Arc Market Databook Research Presentation  

Presenter: Sue Foxley, Research Director, Bidwells   

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11:00 - 12:00

The Next Frontier in Sustainable Investment

Moderator: Finlay Clark, Head of Energy & Climate, Bidwells

Panelists:
David Gardner,  Forestry, Gresham
David Willock, Managing Director, Sustainability Advisory, Corporates, Lloyds Bank


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.

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Our Home Team

Highlights from 2024

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