Inside the Russell-Cooke UKREiiF experience: networking, insights, and breakfast at Harvey Nichols
Last week, our real estate team had the pleasure of attending the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) — an important event on the property and infrastructure calendar.
In this blog, the team looks back on the event's highlights, including a private networking breakfast held at Harvey Nichols.
A unique opportunity to connect
Held in Leeds, UKREiiF brought together investors, developers, local authorities and infrastructure experts for three days of networking and catching up on the latest in the industry. Topics ranged from net zero and placemaking to investment strategies and social value.
With over 16,000 attendees from across the public and private sectors, the forum was a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discuss the future of real estate, and explore the strategic priorities shaping our built environment.
Our team had the opportunity to engage in discussions, meet with connections both new and longstanding, and deepen our understanding of the 2025 real estate landscape.
Breakfast at Harvey Nichols: conversations over coffee
To mark the occasion and create a space for conversation, we were proud to co-host a private fringe breakfast with Daniel Watney LLP at Harvey Nichols during the conference.
Set against the elegant backdrop of Harvey Nichols’ Leeds store, the breakfast brought together a curated group of property professionals and investors. It was an energising way to start the day - sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and building relationships in a relaxed yet purposeful setting – while enjoying the excellent breakfast and coffee.
Together with our expert panel featuring Richard Garner and Nick Delaney from Daniel Watney, Dominic Curran from BPF and our own Pippa Beesley, we explored the theme “retrofit or redevelop – navigating the challenges and opportunities”. As the real estate sector faces increasing pressure to address sustainability, environmental targets and evolving market needs, the debate over whether to retrofit existing buildings or redevelop entirely is more relevant than ever.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us for adding their perspectives to the conversation.
Looking ahead
UKREiiF reminded us of the power of face-to-face engagement in an increasingly hybrid world. The real estate and infrastructure sectors are evolving fast, and forums like this are vital for staying connected, informed and inspired. The consensus was positive for the real estate market for 2025 with lots of exciting projects and innovations being discussed.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and to continuing the conversations sparked in Leeds — both around the table and on the conference floor. Until then, thank you to UKREiiF for another fantastic event and to all those who joined us at Harvey Nichols.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our real estate planning and construction solicitors; Holborn office (Email Holborn) +44 (0)20 3826 7523; Kingston office (Email Kingston) +44 (0)20 3826 7518; Putney office (Email Putney) +44 (0)20 3826 7518 or complete our form.
