There’s always a bit of energy in the run up to UKREiiF, but this year it feels different. From 19th to 21st May, the industry heads back to Leeds. UKREiiF has quickly become one of those events people genuinely make space for in their diaries.
What stands out this year isn’t the size of the event, it’s the tone. We’ve spent years discussing how to unlock funding, accelerate delivery, and make sure communities benefit. Those conversations remain important, but there’s a growing sense that the sector is ready to move beyond discussion. People want practical steps that actually get projects moving.
For us at Frankham, that starts with stronger alignment between public and private sector partners and making deliverability part of the conversation from day one. With recent investment from LDC supporting our growth strategy, we’re focused not just on talking about what needs doing, but on getting it done. Whether that’s helping clients navigate complex compliance issues, optimise development value or manage delivery from briefing through to completion.
Housing will inevitably dominate conversations. Ambition across the UK is huge, but the challenge is turning that ambition into homes at pace. This year, discussions are more grounded in practical action: modern methods of construction, innovative funding models and planning reform are all being used to help schemes deliver. Dedicated UKREiiF spaces are showing how communities and homes actually get built.
“One of UKREiiF’s greatest strengths is how it brings places together, sparking conversations that rarely happen elsewhere.“
Viability remains at the heart of every discussion. Sustainability requirements and infrastructure costs make schemes complex, but the focus is now on solutions that work for developers, local authorities and communities alike. Infrastructure is finally getting the attention it deserves. Transport, utilities and energy networks are no longer background considerations, they’re essential to creating lasting growth. It’s great to see that the UKREiiF sessions are exploring how to tackle these challenges in ways that make a real difference.
There’s also growing attention on places that have historically been overlooked, such as towns, coastal communities and regions with untapped potential.
Sustainability is moving away from just an aspiration and focused on how we can actually help continue to deliver this throughout projects and developments. Retrofitting, decarbonising infrastructure and embedding ESG principles are becoming standard practice rather than future ambitions. Social value is following the same path. It’s embedded in projects from the outset, creating real benefits for communities, whether this be jobs, better public spaces or improved wellbeing.
One of UKREiiF’s greatest strengths is how it brings places together, sparking conversations that rarely happen elsewhere.
If there’s one lesson that comes back year after year, it’s that collaboration matters. When public and private sectors come together around the same table, real progress happens and developments that last are the result.
UKREiiF 2026 feels like a turning point. Less talk, more doing. If you’re heading to Leeds, expect engaging discussions, but also a strong sense that the industry is ready to turn ambitions into delivery.
Richard Chitty
CEO – Frankham Consultancy Group