The 2025 UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) successfully concluded its fourth annual event held at the end of May in Leeds. More than 16,000 delegates gathered, where over 2,300 speakers took to more than 60 stages to share insights and tackle the pressing challenges facing the built environment. The event drew significant engagement from the national government, featuring a keynote address by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and panel contributions from Investment Minister Baroness Poppy Gustafsson and Minister of State Matthew Pennycook MP. In a show of unified regional ambition, every UK metro mayor attended alongside their local authorities, all championing investment opportunities across their regions.

This year’s forum also saw the launch of the Real Estate Market Sentiment Survey. With the support from Holistic Insight, the survey gathered insight and opinions from over 10,874 UKREiiF delegates. Capturing sentiment from developers, contractors, investors, funders, consultants, architects, occupiers and the public sector, the results point to a decisive shift in mood. Positive sentiment has risen from 52% to 70%, an 18-point increase. Negative sentiment has dropped from 17% to just 6%, while neutral views have declined from 31% to 24% – indicating a more confident and decisive industry outlook.

An impressive 83% of delegates have secured investment, won contracts or achieved tangible success directly through their involvement with UKREiiF, and the event has been instrumental in unlocking over £2billion in projects and investment, reinforcing its role as a critical driver of UK-wide growth. UKREiiF has also retained the ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management Accreditation for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability by not only meeting but exceeding the standard’s requirements. This milestone reflects UKREiiF’s ongoing dedication to delivering one of the most environmentally responsible events in the industry. The event also continues to impact the local area, generating over £38.5million for local economy and £5million in social value since its inception. UKREiiF has officially confirmed its return to Leeds from 19-21 May 2026, with tickets already on sale.

Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at UKREiiF, said: “This year’s event has exceeded all expectation, from the record-breaking attendance to the depth and quality of discussions taking place across every stage. UKREiiF continues to prove itself as the UK’s premier platform for driving real action, investment, and collaboration within the built environment. We’re already looking ahead to 2026, where we aim to build on this momentum and deliver even greater event.”

Comment from…
James Richardson, Director, Transpennine Route Upgrade

“It was great to able to attend UKREiiF in Leeds last month, where thousands of people from across the country were brought together to discuss and drive forward regeneration and growth in our regions. A topic at the forefront of discussions I was involved in was growth. Our work between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York will provide an enormous boost to the Northern economy and enable swathes of investment across the region, and it was really encouraging to see how people and organisations from all over the country can collaborate to spark ideas and unlock potential.

“We are already seeing the benefits of our works now and we’re close to electrifying a quarter of the route between York and Manchester this summer, which takes us a big step closer to faster, cleaner and greener trains with more services, that all helps towards unlocking the economic potential of the north. TRU was at the heart of a number of conversations throughout the event, and it was fantastic to see how the programme has caught people’s imaginations – our teams across the Enterprise are making a difference now, and will leave a lasting legacy. What was really encouraging was the way people came together to focus on shared opportunities.

“On TRU we have around 5,000 people at work and that will rise to as many as 8,000 in the years ahead when we reach peak delivery. UKREiiF was a chance to share how we might be able to better plan our resources ahead with other major programmes and projects so we can retain and also develop the skills and resources that the north needs to prosper. We’ve already kicked off some good conversations in this area with colleagues at United Utilities as they undertake a major programme of work, so there is lots ahead to focus on.”

Comment from…
Nicky Gordon, Managing Director, Genesis Homes

“UKREiiF 2025 was a landmark moment for Cumbria, marking our first major collective presence at a national economic forum of this scale. I attended in a dual capacity, representing Genesis Homes, and as a board member of the Cumbria Economic Growth Board. From the outset, the momentum was clear. The Cumbria Pavilion’s opening breakfast session, Going for Growth, was oversubscribed and buzzing with energy – by far the busiest at that hour. The launch of ‘Cumbria 2045: Going for Growth’ set a confident tone, followed by insightful sessions on infrastructure and devolution.

“The clarity and consistency of Cumbria’s message impressed me – the honesty, ambition, and understanding of our strengths were palpable. Investors were listening. I had planned a detailed speech for the housing panel, but instead chose to be direct: Cumbria has the assets – natural beauty, a skilled workforce, and world-class industries. But we also have a tendency to undersell ourselves. That needs to change, and this event proved that we needed to do so. The Genesis Homes video showcased our commitment to the region, and conversations throughout the day highlighted a real shift: a more unified, determined Cumbria ready to attract and support investment.

“UKREiiF was not just an event – it was a statement of intent. For me, it felt like the culmination of two decades of work. I left Leeds with pride and renewed optimism, confident that Cumbria is now firmly on the national stage and ready to seize the opportunities ahead.”

Comment from…
Kevin Hollinrake MP, Member of Parliament for Thirsk and Malton
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

“As Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, it was a privilege to attend UKREiiF – a vital platform for advancing our shared ambition to unlock growth, deliver homes, tackle regional imbalances and build stronger communities across the UK. With representatives from across the public and private sectors, UKREiiF showcased the immense potential of partnership-led regeneration and the scale of opportunity to drive investment into our towns, cities and rural communities. Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the country. We need to deliver more well-designed and constructed homes, in the right places and with the right infrastructure. This will help us level up the country and deliver regional growth.

“Events like UKREiiF remind us that collaboration is essential; local authorities, developers and investors must work together to overcome barriers to development and deliver the homes people need. In the various panel discussions and events I participated in, I was deeply encouraged by the level of discussion and the understanding in the room of what needs to happen to meet the housing needs of future generations.

“My message was very clear, we are very pro-development and will seek to constructively engage with the government but also recognise the need to provide the stability and continuity that developers, land promoters and planners need to invest. We will not pursue change for changes sake.”

Comment from…
Sean Anstee CBE, Director of Operations for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority

“The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority is stepping forward with confidence – ready to lead, attract investment, and deliver for our region. At UKREiiF 2025, I proudly represented the Devon and Torbay CCA as part of the Torbay Council delegation, showcasing our strengths alongside the Great South West. Over three days in Leeds, I joined panel discussions, roundtables, and one-to-one meetings with investors, developers, and funders. The energy was inspiring, and our region’s strategic importance in the UK’s growth was clear.

“We held valuable conversations with national and international stakeholders focused on clean energy, defence, and food security – sectors where we’re already making an impact. Our devolution deal is unlocking £16million in capital funding, with £8million accelerating 16 projects, including the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, a Green Skills and Energy Centre at South Devon College, and 36 new affordable homes in Torbay.

“A standout project is the £70million regeneration of Torquay’s harbourside, delivered with Willmott Dixon and Milligan. This mixed-use scheme includes a 154-bedroom hotel, commercial space, and redesigned public realm – creating 80 jobs, generating £32million in wages over 30 years, and attracting 86,000 visitors. We also explored collaborative solutions to labour and housing challenges. With over 30,000 people employed in advanced manufacturing and defence, and a growing green economy, our region is well-positioned for the future. With a clear Local Growth Plan, we’re focused on delivery and ready to unlock the next chapter of opportunity.”  devonandtorbay-cca.gov.uk

Find out more : ukreiif.com