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This May, the Royal Armouries proudly hosted UKREiiF 2024, a three-day event that brought together a diverse array of key decision-makers from every sector of the built environment. This included representatives from the public sector, government, investors, funders, and developers.
UKREiiF 2024 not only provided a platform for experts in real estate and investment to connect and discuss issues of national importance but also showcased Leeds and the Royal Armouries as premier event destinations.
UKREiiF has become the must-attend event in the industry, and the overwhelming attendance of regional combined authorities, local councils, government departments, as well as the largest investors, developers, and end-users from across the UK and beyond, underscores this sentiment.
UKREiiF in full swing- guests entering the Royal Armouries on the first day of the event.
With over 13,000 attendees, UKREiiF 2024 saw key players, influencers, and decision-makers gather in Leeds for three days of networking and deal-making.
The timing couldn’t have been more fortuitous- with a general election announced on the second day of the event, the industry was facing the possibility of a massive shake-up.
One of the keynote speakers was Angela Rayner, now Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, one of the key people who are going to be making the decisions for the industry in government.
She touched on Labour commitment to affordable homes that are also environmentally conscious, seeking to end the choice between fulfilling environmental commitments and building more houses. Her talk was thoughtful and informative, and gave guests a glimpse into what the next five years in the industry will look like.
The mission statement of UKREiiF – to connect people, places, and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformational investment – was truly brought to life.
Nathan Spencer, Director of UKREiiF, said: “We continue to be humbled by what UKREiiF has achieved in such a short time. From the outset, we wanted to build an event that not only was UK-based but also one that was also focused on doing great business – and importantly an event that celebrated diversity.”
Nathan continued “each year we hear stories of young people from all backgrounds getting a start in the industry because they came to UKREiiF and of collaborations and contracts worth millions of pounds getting signed because of a meeting that happened somewhere in the Royal Armouries…this what UKREiiF about and the key to our success. I’m glad people enjoyed the event in 2024…the good news is that 2025 will be even better!”
Angela Rayner giving her keynote speech.
13,000+ Event Attendees
2,500+ Fringe Event Attendees
800+ Speakers Across 30 Stages
150 Exhibitors
100+ Fringe Events
250+ Local Authorities Attending
1,500+ Investors Attending
750+ Occupiers Attending
500+ Developers Attending
This year's event was one of the most well-attended in the organisation's history, with record numbers of guests, exhibitors and fringe events across the docks.
This included the public sector, with every core UK city and region involved, alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders, and more.
Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell's live recording of The Rest is Politics podcast marked a highlight, especially when they mentioned the surprise announcement of a general election on the second day.
Investor and Developer Facilitation sessions successfully connected UK regions with investors, developers, and occupiers.
A standout breakfast event highlighted the collaborative efforts of South Wales and Western England to establish a unified economic powerhouse.
Additionally, stakeholders from Glasgow delved into investment and development opportunities within the city's three innovation districts, showcasing Glasgow's potential in the innovation and knowledge economy.
UKREiiF 2024 provided an essential platform for the public sector to showcase the scale of development progress and profile future investment opportunities.
Exhibitors had the opportunity to present their brands, solutions, and best practices in front of influential business leaders.
The registration section at the Royal Armouries.
UKREiiF not only connected industry professionals but also showcased the Royal Armouries and Leeds as premier event destinations. The Royal Armouries demonstrated its capability to host large-scale events, welcoming over 13,000 attendees and multiple event stages.
Its newly redeveloped meetings and events spaces were on full display, facilitating exhibitions, smaller meetings, and breakout networking opportunities and showcasing the facilities on a National stage.
The event's success was bolstered by the Royal Armouries' excellent catering, AV, and support staff, whose tenacity and organisational skills ensured smooth operations.
Leeds also shone, hosting numerous fringe events across the city, further cementing its status as a hub for innovation and development in the North of England.
A recent study by development consultancy Arup found that UKREiiF has generated almost £21m of local economic activity in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region in 2024 and £38.5m since its inaugural event in 2022.
They found that 41% of attendees stayed for two nights or more and that 33% of people attending UKREiiF are now visiting Leeds more frequently between each event ‘due to the event’. This not only emphasises the real economic impact UKREiiF has had on the local Leeds economy but also the potential for the event to bring more visitors and further growth to Leeds in the future.
Members of the UKREiif and Royal Armouries team celebrating their win at Conference and Events awards.
The UKREiiF’s teams incredible efforts were acknowledged at the Conference and Events Awards 2024, where they received the award for Best UK Conference/Event. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the team's unwavering hard work and commitment.
UKREiiF will return to the Royal Armouries in 2025, and we eagerly anticipate connecting more industry professionals and showcasing the Armouries as one of the premier event spaces in the North.
