North East to make ‘powerful’ case to UKREiiF real estate conference

A delegation of private and public sector organisations will be trying to attract investment at the event in Leeds in May

The North East will be sending a delegation to this year’s UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) event in a bid to secure investment to the region.

The delegation to the event in Leeds this May will be led by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and will be the second year that the region has had a presence at the country’s largest real estate conference. Organisations from the public and private sectors, including Newcastle Airport and Knight Frank, will be involved in the delegation.

UKREiiF attracts more than 16,000 attendees and aims to unlock sustainable and transformational investment for different parts of the UK. The North East England pavilion will be positioned prominently on the dock near the Royal Armouries, and will host a three‑day programme of events and opportunities to engage with investors.

NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) are delivering the North East delegation on behalf of the North East Combined Authority, working with private sector partners.

Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I am really excited North East England is returning to UKREiiF this year to speak with a single powerful voice about the fresh offer we can make. We are investing record amounts in growing our green energy sector, in building thousands of new homes in new urban neighbourhoods, and in landmark cultural projects such as the Crown Works film studios and a new arena on the banks of the Tyne.

“In North East England business and the public sector really do work hand-in-hand to create real opportunity and fertile ground for investment. I look forward to joining good friends from our business community to welcome you as delegates, investors, and neighbouring regions to our North East England Pavilion. Come in to find out just how much we have to offer.”

Sunderland City Council leader Michael Mordey said: “It’s fantastic to see local authorities from across the North East joining forces to showcase everything that is great about our fantastic region.

“Thanks to the mayor and more devolved powers from Government, we have been able to drive forward with some seismic developmentsfor the area, from new leisure and retail hubs to the Creative Mayoral Development Zone at Riverside Sunderland.”

“The zone has already unlocked vital funding for the first phase of the Crown Works film studios, new urban neighbourhoods and projects to boost the city’s creative sector.”

This years UKREiiF event will be preceded by a Northern Investment Summit, where Northern mayors will aim to bring in investment for major projects to boost the region’s economy.