Five takeaways from UKREiiF 2025

From 20-22 May 2025 Leeds became the epicentre of the UK’s real estate and infrastructure ambitions as it hosted UKREiiF– the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum. Over 16,000 delegates from across the UK and beyond converged on the city, which sprawls over 43 square miles and is recognised as the fastest-growing city in the UK. The event infused millions into the local economy, underscoring Leeds’ pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.

So, what have I taken away from this year’s event, what was on decision makers’ minds, and what was the development world talking about?

The political pulse: Devolution, LGR, and local elections

UKREiiF 2025 wasn’t just a showcase of infrastructure projects; it was a reflection of the nation’s evolving political landscape. Devolution (Devo), Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and the recent local elections were at the forefront of discussions. Most panels, workshops and discussions centred around the economic power and future of mayoral combined authorities. This is expected given many of these are home to the UK’s main economic and urban hubs. These areas now have budgets and powers that enable the authorities to drive economic and regeneration projects at scale. But remember that without statutory powers for economic development, areas that have been excluded from ‘devo’ and business rates retention schemes are left without the resources to have this impact, potentially creating more disparity across the country.

Infrastructure and investment: Housing and data centres take centre stage

Central to UKREiiF 2025 were discussions on housing and data centres. The “1.5 million homes” message could be heard uttered at almost every panel or speech. Both public and private sector seem very conscious of this target and the deals made at this event will undoubtedly contribute to reaching that figure. Aside from housing, another subject of conversation was data centres. Subtly weaved into discussions and overheard at every corner, these big boxes of critical national infrastructure were certainly a hot topic and one to look out for.

Regional focus: The North and Midlands lead the way

The North and Midlands remain clear focal points for development. It became evident that a significant portion of the discussions and the perspectives shared by the panels were largely focused on the experiences and challenges of the North and the Midlands. The main example was the launch of the “Great North” initiative, with the backing of eight northern mayors and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, a bold effort aimed at accelerating green energy investments and fostering regional development. By focusing on clean energy, enhanced trade connections, and furthering devolution, the initiative seeks to position the North as a leader in sustainable innovation and economic revitalisation.

An event of contrasts: Reflecting on realities

While UKREiiF 2025 showcased ambition and investment, it also highlighted stark contrasts. Walking just beyond the event’s gates, the presence of homeless individuals using the venue wall for shelter, served as a poignant reminder of the challenges that persist. Add to this, another stat that hit many delegates and was echoed many times over was the fact that over 160,000 children are sleeping in temporary accommodation, with uncertainty hanging over them every day. As delegates discussed multi-million-pound projects, as millions of pounds were spent on drinks receptions and shiny pavilions, the juxtaposition underscored for me the important need to ensure that such investments translate into tangible benefits for all, especially the most vulnerable.

Concluding thoughts

UKREiiF 2025 demonstrated the UK’s commitment to growth, innovation, and regional empowerment. It is an event and a platform which can secure productive meetings in a place where everyone is focused on one thing – securing deals which will grow the economy. The key messages in the iED’s manifesto of national devolution, funding stability, net zero, business development and skills resonate with the conversations at UKREiiF and need to be addressed more than ever. The hope remains for me that between these points and the deals made at events like UKREiiF, the whole country from the Shetlands to the Isles of Scilly, from Belleek to Lowestoft, can build prosperous inclusive communities for all.

Tom Jenkins is Economic Development Manager at Ashford Borough Council.

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