UKREiiF - Government Property Agency

From 19-21 May in Leeds some 16,000 property professionals – including over 4,000 developers and investors who are fundamental to the property sector’s growth – arrive for three intensive days of presentations, panels, roundtables and meetings at UKREiiF, the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum.

Cross-government collaboration

In collaboration with the Office for Government Property (OGP) and 11 other government bodies, we are hosting a dedicated venue within UKREiiF – the UK Government Campus, which is made up of two pavilions: the Knowledge Hub will host panels and speaker sessions, and the Investor Hub which is for scheduled meetings and roundtables. There is also an outdoor space between the two pavilions – the Collaboration Corner – for informal conversations.

Our partners in the UK Government Campus include:

Office of Government Property (co-lead)
Homes England
Department for Business and Trade
Ministry for Housing, Community, and Local Government
Historic England
Department for Transport
Mining Remediation Authority
Platform 4
HM Land Registry
Department for Education
Office for Investment
National Investment and Service Transformation Authority

A forum like UKREiiF creates opportunities to demonstrate the depth and breadth of our expertise in the UK property sector, pointing to tangible, real-life examples of our vision for a smaller, better, greener government office estate, stimulating economic growth across the UK, and bringing civil servants closer to the communities they serve.

Why the UK attracts investment

The property sector is a huge driver of the UK economy, worth around £110 billion and supporting one in 13 jobs*. Domestic investment from government and businesses is vitally important, and the UK is often the first port of call for international investors.

The UK leads in its decarbonisation strategies for building design and construction, how we repurpose existing buildings, and how we employ rigorous standards and world-leading sustainability assessments such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System).

*Source: The British Property Federation March 2025

Where is the UK Government Campus?

Knowledge Hub

Investor Hub

1 Pavilion Square

Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT

The GPA's delegation

Find out which of our senior leaders and subject matter experts will be attending.

View our delegates

Want to meet while at UKREiiF?

Reach out with an expression of interest to meet with one of our senior delegates while you’re at UKREiiF.

gpaevents@gpa.gov.uk

UKREiiF main event website

Find out more about the whole event on the UKREiiF website, including the full programme across the three days.

UKREiiF 2026

Fresh Perspectives: sparking new thinking, encouraging collaboration and bringing together a diverse mix of voices.

We are hosting an industry networking event at UKREiiF in partnership with Gleeds, and supported by Real Estate Balance.

The lively session will create space for forward‑looking conversations about shared goals, individual ambitions and the challenges shaping the year ahead. Attendees will be encouraged to step outside their usual networks and exchange ideas with people at different career stages, surfacing fresh perspectives on common challenges and opportunities.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May I Time: 5pm to 6.30pm I Location: UK Government Campus, Investor Hub, 13 Pavilion Square

UK Government Campus programme – Knowledge Hub

Panel sessions being held in the Knowledge Hub, 1 Pavilion Square

Day 1 – Tuesday, 19 May

10am

Connecting the dots: The hubs strategy and regional productivity

How is the Government’s commitment to regional growth being delivered through its estate?

Explore the ‘Hubs’ program, co-location benefits, and the role of strategic placemaking in boosting local economies and civil service productivity.

Panel:

Chair: Vasant Chari, Director of Regional & Local Growth, Connected Places Catapult
Simon Hulme MBE, Capital Projects Director, Government Property Agency
Marie Southgate, Places for Growth
Jonathan Stewart, Senior Director Public Sector Lead, Gleeds
Danny Payne CMG, Managing Director, Tetra Tech

11am

The data balance: Optimising assets, protecting people

As the government delivers an interoperable estate, we rely on AI and digital twins to unlock efficiency. But to maximise asset value across 180,000 buildings and confidently bring people into these spaces, we face a double-sided challenge of trust.

This session unites public and private sector leaders to debate how we build confidence in our digital evolution. We will explore how to secure robust, accurate portfolio data to drive commercial decisions, while simultaneously protecting users and tackling privacy fears.

Panel:

Chair: Sammy Pahal, Managing Director, UK PropTech
Saurabh Bhandari, Director, Property Delivery and Transformation, Cabinet Office
Carly Ersser, Workplace Services Director, Government Property Agency
Damian Wild, Chair of the Real Estate Data Foundation, and Managing Director, ING
Gerry (Geraldine) Wildman, Assistant Director, Digital and Information, Mining Remediation Authority
Matthew Marson, Managing Director, Technology Consulting, JLL Technologies

12pm

Beyond the tracks: how rail-led regeneration can shape better places and stronger communities

Rail-connected land offers one of the UK’s greatest opportunities for sustainable, inclusive urban regeneration. But how can rail infrastructure go beyond transport to drive real placemaking – delivering homes, workplaces and public spaces that strengthen communities and economies?

Drawing on perspectives from public and private sector partners, this panel explores how rail can unlock existing stations and brownfield sites to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

Panel:

Andrew Ferguson, Platform 4
Tricia Williams, CEO, Northern Rail
Speakers to be confirmed

1pm

De-risking the deal: Remediating and developing legacy land

Learn how Government expertise is transforming high-potential, complex brownfield and former mining sites into investable, clean, and safe development opportunities for housing and logistics.

Panel:

Joanne Enyon, MRA
Angie Lilleston, MRA
Andrew Simpson, MRA
Geraldine Wildman, MRA
Chris MacArthur, MRA
Matthew Fox, MRA

2pm

Affordable futures: Navigating the social affordable housing programme

Highlighting practical guidance and opportunities for affordable housing delivery.

Panel:

Shahi Islam, Homes England
Miranda Foster, Homes England
Speakers to be confirmed

3pm

Net Zero to net value: The regeneration gold rush

Beyond compliance, this session explores the Net Zero mandate as a massive commercial opportunity.

Learn about government leadership and local authority best practice for large-scale retrofit and green development that drives long-term asset value.

Panel:

Saurabh Bhandari, Cabinet Office
Fallon Horan-Swords, Deputy Director Workplace Projects, Government Property Agency
Fiona Daly, NHS
Paul Broadbent, Department for Education
Michael Cross, Willmott Dixon
Helena Rivers, AECOM

4pm

Fireside Chat: A new chapter for Homes England

An opportunity to hear first-hand about the direction Homes England will take to meet national housing challenges and unlock opportunities for growth. Event will conclude with a drinks reception.

Panel:

Amy Rees, CEO, Homes England
Pat Ritchie, Chair, Homes England

5pm – Investor Hub (next door to the Knowledge Hub)

Networking reception hosted by the GPA in partnership with Gleeds

Fresh perspectives: sparking new thinking, encouraging collaboration and bringing together a diverse mix of voices from property and infrastructure.

Supported by Real Estate Balance.

6.30pm CLOSE

Day 2 – Wednesday, 20 May

10am

The £725 billion roadmap: NISTA’s 10-year infrastructure pipeline

Hear directly from the heart of the Government’s new delivery body.

Get an exclusive, data-driven look at the confirmed national infrastructure pipeline for the next decade, focusing on energy, transport, and digital.

Learn how the new strategy accelerates consenting and de-risks private sector commitment.

Panel:

Becky Wood, CEO, NISTA
Mark Chivers, Cabinet Office
Suzanne Nicholl, CEO, Build UK
Mark Bourgeois, CEO, Government Property Agency

11am

Beyond Whitehall: The transformative impact of Places for Growth

This event will highlight how the Places for Growth programme is reshaping the Civil Service landscape.

We’ll examine the strategic importance of decentralising policy-making, enhancing regional productivity, and delivering better outcomes for citizens by embedding civil servants within local communities.

Panel:

Marie Southgate, Director, Places for Growth
Chris Barton, Director – Local and International Growth, DBT
Alice Clark, Deputy Director – Strategy, Government Property Agency
Ben Rimmington, Director General, Buildings, Fire & Resilience, MHCLG
Laura Blakey, Director of Strategic Finance and Investment, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Kate Josephs, Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council

12pm

The Northern Growth Corridor: Delivering on the new Plan for the North

Join the government’s first Envoy for the Northern Growth Corridor, Tom Riordan CBE, to hear his strategic plan.

Focused on linking key regional economies and coordinating cross-departmental delivery, this session outlines the specific infrastructure, land, and devolution priorities needed to unlock a new wave of sustained growth and investment across the North of England.

Panel:

Tom Riordan CBE
Mark Chivers, Cabinet Office

1pm

Funding the future: National Housing Bank and investment pathways

This session outlines available funding streams, innovative financial models, and partnership opportunities to support large-scale housing delivery across the UK.

Panel:

Investment Team, Homes England – speakers to be confirmed

2pm

Building britain’s future: The 1.5 million homes roadmap

Join us to discover the progress and plans for the government’s mission to deliver 1.5 million new homes.

This session will highlight how the property and regeneration sector is central to kickstarting economic growth, rebuilding Britain’s infrastructure, and ensuring development benefits every community.

We’ll discuss how strategic partnerships and streamlined processes are removing barriers and driving growth.

Panel:

Joanna Key, Director General for Regeneration Housing and Planning
Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England
David Lewis, L&Q
Speakers to be confirmed

3pm

Developing local growth levers for devolved institutions: Devolution and the future of growth in the UK

A discussion on how devolving powers and funding to devolved institutions can drive local growth and improve outcomes for people.

Panel:

Will Garton, Director General for Local Government, Growth & Communities, MHCLG
Speakers to be confirmed

4pm

[Private event] Reception – The National Housing Bank: Strategic vision and sector engagement

The discussion will outline the Bank’s strategic priorities for housing finance and delivery and share its overarching plan with key sector stakeholders. This will also be an opportunity to share updates about key/new funds.

5.30pm CLOSE

Day 3 – Thursday, 20 May

10am

Shaping tomorrow: Delivering with local leaders through Homes England’s place-based working

Introduce the new Regional Executive Directors and how they and their teams will bring together the breadth of Homes England and NHB support to work with local leaders to realise ambitions.

Panel:

Homes England Regional Directors – speakers to be confirmed

11am

The future worker: Designing the smart, flexible public workplace

Explore approaches towards creating a ‘Smart Working’ public sector workspace, demonstrating how digital innovation, flexibility, and high-quality design are driving civil service efficiency and attracting talent outside of London.

Panel:

Chair: Dominic Brankin, Strategy Director, Government Property Agency
Carly Ersser, Director Workplace Services, Government Property Agency
James Devany, Director – National Office Agency, JLL
Lynda Rawsthorne, Government Head of the Property Profession
Emma Wiggin, Director – Gleeds

12pm

Skills for 2030: Re-tooling the property professional for ESG and AI

The demand for ‘T-shaped’ professionals – deeply technical yet broadly savvy – has never been greater.

This vital session tackles the property sector’s skills gap, focusing on core competencies: integrating AI/proptech for better asset management, mastering complex ESG reporting, and developing the commercial acumen needed for Net Zero compliance and social value delivery.

Panel:

Chair: Lynda Rawsthorne, Cabinet Office
Lorraine Wall, HR Deputy Director, Government Property Agency
Chris Law, AECOM
Mike Lea, Department for Education
Nathan Ovien, Valuation Office Agency
Louisa Finlay, Kier

1pm CLOSE

Our delegation Get in touch today to arrange a time to meet at the event

We have a diverse group of senior subject matter experts attending UKREiiF.

We will highlight our knowledge and leadership across the property landscape, strengthening our position as a leading property expert, providing valuable insights and making connections to drive future initiatives.

Chief Executive Officer - Mark Bourgeois

Mark is highly experienced in strategic and operational leadership across investment, development and asset management within commercial real estate at FTSE Board level.

Chief Financial Officer - Nick Brown

Nick works closely with our CEO and Executive Team to lead on its financial matters, improving return on investment and enhancing client satisfaction.

Carly Ersser, Workplace Services Director at the Government Property Agency

Director of Workplace Services - Carly Ersser

Carly leads the team providing frontline services to people in our buildings, enabling civil servants to work productively in modern, efficient and sustainable workplaces.

Director of Strategy - Dominic Brankin

Dominic is responsible for understanding workforce planning across the Civil Service through a long-term lens.

Deputy Director for Business Development - Alexandra Morley

Alexandra plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the UK government's property strategy, demonstrating expertise in property management, valuation, and strategic development.

Director of Capital Projects - Simon Hulme

Simon oversees the delivery of a well-assured programme of construction and fit outs in line with business cases from the CIO.

Chief Investment Officer - John Duckworth

John works to align workforce plans with an estate strategy, oversee all property transactions and consolidate outline business case creation.

Senior Responsible Owner, MDC - Philippa Harvey

Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the Manchester Digital Campus (MDC), Philippa is known for delivering complex, high-profile government programmes with national and international impact.

Deputy Director, Portfolio Management - Jane Hunt

Jane leads the Government Property Agency’s commercial delivery contract with BNP Paribas Real Estate and plays a key role in driving the GPA’s property portfolio.

Deputy Director, Workplace Projects - Fallon Horan-Swords

Fallon leads the team responsible for Lifecycle Replacement, Net Zero and client requested work, delivering investment into our managed estate while ensuring value for money.

Deputy Director, Strategy - Alice Clark

Alice leads the strategic direction of some of the UK’s most ambitious property transformations, delivering social value, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Head of Workplace Design - Sam Carey-Smith

Sam bridges the gap between heritage and modern functionality to deliver inclusive, sustainable and client-focussed environments.

Deputy Director, HR - Lorraine Wall

Lorraine leads the HR function, providing services to enable a high performing, inclusive and collaborative organisation.

Commercial Property Director - Neil Richardson

Neil leads the delivery of property acquisitions and disposals, manages value identification, lease events and interactions with the marketplace, funders and developers.

Deputy Director, Property Lead - Central & North - Laura Thomson

Delivering our portfolio strategy Laura is responsible for asset management planning for the GPA managed estate to support our client’s property requirements and the Hubs Programme.

We have a great story to tell

We lead one of the UK’s most ambitious workplace transformation programmes, working in partnership to deliver a smaller, better, greener property estate and creating great places to work for civil servants.

We’re enabling Civil Service reform, bringing teams closer to the communities they serve, breaking down geographical barriers to open up access to government careers to more people, and attracting diverse talent as well as supporting the government’s regional growth ambitions