LREF 2018 – 10 things to look out for
This week the most influential figures in the UK’s real estate market will descend on Berkeley Square, W1, for the London Real Estate Forum.
The conference will be split into three concurrent segments: “Responding to the Challenge”, illustrating how key sectors are adapting to change and what shape they will need to take in the future; “The Changing Face of London”, looking at individual areas that will see the most change in the next decade; and “London as a Global City”, a series of panel discussions analysing interaction between the capital and other major global cities.
Here are 10 things you should try not to miss:
This week the most influential figures in the UK’s real estate market will descend on Berkeley Square, W1, for the London Real Estate Forum.
The conference will be split into three concurrent segments: “Responding to the Challenge”, illustrating how key sectors are adapting to change and what shape they will need to take in the future; “The Changing Face of London”, looking at individual areas that will see the most change in the next decade; and “London as a Global City”, a series of panel discussions analysing interaction between the capital and other major global cities.
Here are 10 things you should try not to miss:
1. Tuesday 13 June, 18:30 – Opening Reception
The opening night will see a series of six speeches by grandees attending the conference this year. Speakers will include Richard Beddoe, cabinet member for place shaping and planning at Westminster City Council, which remained blue in the recent local elections but is still in the midst of having to deal with political hot potatoes such as affordable housing.
2. EG Roundtables
EG will be holding flagship roundtable discussions, bringing together the biggest names at the conference to thrash out the biggest issues. These include “What’s the deal with London investment?”, with Brookfield Office Properties UK chief executive Neil Thompson; “Delving into digital connectivity” with Belinda Fawcett, director of property and estates and general counsel, CTIL; and “Building bridges with the community: the benefits of collaboration” with Killian Hurley, chief executive of Mount Anvil.
3. Wednesday 14 June, 15:30-16:15 – Future of Retail
Amid a sea of pressure in the retail world, some department stores have lost their sense of purpose and identity. Katherine Russell, head of real estate, planning, policy and commercial at John Lewis Partnership, will be outlining her vision for the future of the retail giant, which has now committed to Westfield Croydon.
4. Wednesday 13 June, 18:30 Claridge’s – LREF dinner
LREF VIPs will be treated to dinner in one of the capital’s most famous hotels, hosted by EG and in partnership with ABP and Al Marjan Island.
5. Thursday 14 June, 9:00-9:45 – Keynote: “Good growth” – more than just a buzzword?
With Birmingham and Manchester mayors also pursuing similar strategies, is “good growth” about to take off – and will property companies that embrace this new mantra be the ones that thrive? Hear from deputy mayor of London for planning, regeneration and skills Jules Pipe as well as deputy chief executive of U+I Richard Upton.
6. Thursday 14 June, 14:30-15:15 – Transport Related Development
Looking at how the private and public sectors will capture value from major transport and infrastructure projects in the capital, the panel will include William Jackson, development consultant at Crossrail 2 and TfL, who is expected to cover what charges may be levied on owners around future stations.
7. Thursday 14 June, 14:30-15:15 – London/Singapore: major development projects
What can two of the world’s economic powerhouses learn from each other? The session will include Andrew Fassam, senior director at Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Katie Kopec, principal adviser at London and Partners, the mayor of London’s official promotional agency.
8. Thursday 14 June, 15:30-16:15 – Unlocking public land
The public sector is on a drive to make the most of its land ownership in London in order to deliver more much-needed homes and create value. Hear from industry experts including Colm Lacey, chief executive of Brick by Brick, Croydon Council’s development company, on how it is looking to deliver.
9. Thursday 14 June, 16:30-17:15 – London: Where next?
Having been a net seller of assets for the past two years, Great Portland Estates chief executive Toby Courtauld will set out his stall for the path ahead, as well as touching on cultural and social issues such as homelessness, Brexit, Grenfell and the gig economy.
10. Thursday 14 June, 17:30-21:00 – Westminster Property Association 30th anniversary reception
The WPA is celebrating three decades of representing the industry in the heart of the capital. The association is currently chaired by James Cooksey, director of central London at the Crown Estate.
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Main image: Jason Hawkes
