It's always a pleasure to attend UKREiiF, the biggest gathering of all those interested in regeneration and development in UK, held once again this year in Leeds. Having expanded significantly this year, it was clear to see this is now the pre-eminent gathering of the public and private sectors to discuss all things about the built environment.
For me, it was an opportunity to catch up with a variety of people from local government, the development world and also government, as well as listen to some great discussions, including my great friend (and LGA boss) Cllr Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council and the LGA Conservative Group, in conversation with Nicky Kilby, chairman of Cratus. Nowadays I do a great deal more listening than talking, however it was nonetheless nice to join a panel with Kier group, talking about procurement.
Whilst I attended a variety of events in my capacity as a board member at Homes England, I was also pleased to pop into the Keele University Development Zone, to hear about the latest activity at the home of one of our local universities. It's good to see confidence in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent continuing - long may it continue!
