BNP Paribas Real Estate at UKREiiF 2025

Leeds | 20 - 22 May | Pavilion Avenue

We are proud to be part of UKREiiF 2025 which connects people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK.

Our involvement offers a valuable opportunity to engage with clients, peers, and industry leaders, sharing insights and ideas that are shaping the future of UK real estate. Powered by our unique positioning as the only real estate adviser backed by one of the leading financial services groups, we will deliver a tailored programme of activities and market perspectives. 

This year, we’re introducing Next X, our game-changing data-driven customisable location analysis tool designed to help real estate professionals make smarter, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re exploring new markets or assessing existing portfolios, Next X turns complex data into actionable insights. 

Our Programme

Tuesday 20th May

11:00-12:00 | Planning for Change: How Evolving Policies are Shaping the Future of Development

Moderator: Tom Stanley, UK Head of Development & Planning, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Speakers:

David Baker-Brook, Associate Director, Caddick

James Blakey, Planning & Engagement Director, Moda Living

Caroline McDade, Head of National Planning, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Kathryn Pennington, Regional Managing Director, untypical Western 

This panel will explore how recent changes in government policy are reshaping the planning landscape for the delivery of housing. The discussion will cover the opportunities created by evolving planning policies, the latest plan led system, the role of land promotion in housing delivery, including balancing policy drivers with what motivates a landowner to sell. The session will also address key challenges such as resourcing, funding and the Government’s measures to speed up the planning system offering insights into navigating today’s complex planning environment.

12:30-13:30 | Next X & The GPA: Rethinking Location Strategy for Success

Speakers:

Josh Arnold, Associate Director - Office Research, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Mark Bourgeois, Government Chief Executive, Government Property Agency (GPA) 

Vanessa Forster, GPA Contract Director, Senior Director, BNP Paribas Real Estate

This in conversation with panel will explore the Government Property Agency’s approach to strategic location decisions and portfolio management across the UK. The discussion will cover key themes in public sector real estate strategy, including data-driven decision-making, regional investment, and the evolving needs of workspaces. The session will also introduce Next X, a tool designed to enhance location intelligence and support strategic planning.

15:30-16:30 | Retrofitting, Risk & Reward: Unlocking the Next Generation of Grade A Offices

Moderator: Rebecca Shafran, Alternative Markets - Research, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Speakers:

Marion Baeli, Principal - Sustainability Transformation, 10 Design

Hugh Garnett, Investor Strategies Senior Specialist - Real Assets, The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) 

Richard Treanor-Smith, Programme Manager (Net Zero) - Property Services Directorate, Government Property Agency (GPA) 

Simon Robinson, Senior Director - Investment, BNP Paribas Real Estate

This panel will explore how retrofitting can unlock the next generation of Grade A office space in regional cities. Speakers will discuss the growing investor focus on retrofit, the financial and regulatory challenges involved, and the role of embodied carbon, internal carbon pricing, and green finance in driving change. The session will also consider how retrofit strategies can support corporate ESG goals and strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness.

Wednesday 21st May

11:00-12:00 | Alternative Capital, Real Returns: Rethinking Real Estate Finance

Moderator: Vanessa Hale, Head of Research & Strategy, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Speakers:

James Agar, Head of Real Estate Origination, PIC Capital

Jeremy Humphreys-Davies, Managing Director, Financial Institutions Coverage, BNP Paribas

Simon Williams, Head of National Markets, BNP Paribas Real Estate

The panel will explore the evolving landscape of real estate investment and financing. It will set the scene by examining emerging trends in alternative capital sources and the quest for resilient, real returns. The discussion will delve into specific strategies such as income strips and ground rents, highlighting their role in stable cash flow generation amidst market uncertainties. Panellists will also analyse corporate finance considerations, including ESG integration and the regulatory environment shaping the sector. Looking ahead, the conversation, will consider future challenges and opportunities, concluding with insights on navigating the shifting landscape of real estate finance.

14:30-15:30 | Investing in Residential Development: Achieving Viability in the Living Sectors

Moderator: Andrew Screen, Head of Residential Capital Markets, BNP Paribas Real Estate 

Speakers:

Nada Jarnaz, Director, Development Origination, Maslow Capital

Félicie Krikler, Director, Head of Residential, Barr Gazetas

Stephen Rees, Finance Director, Wates Residential

Tom Stanley, UK Head of Development & Planning, BNP Paribas Real Estate

This panel will explore the challenges and solutions for achieving financial viability in residential development across key living sectors, including Build to Rent (BTR), Single Family Rental (SFR), Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Co-Living. We will discuss the impact of rising construction costs, labour shortages, interest rates, and new building safety regulations on development. The panel will also explore strategies to overcome early-stage investment challenges, maximise returns through innovative land use and design, and share investor perspectives on risk, rental growth, and yields.

17:30-20:30 | Drinks & Canapé Reception

Join us for a relaxed opportunity to connect and network with industry peers.

This client event is invite only. Please email us for more information. 

Thursday 22nd May

10:00-11:00 | Financing the Future: Overcoming the Affordable Housing Challenge 

Moderator: Anthony Lee, UK Development Viability & Affordable Housing, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Speakers:

James Barrett, National Head of Affordable Housing, Development & Planning, BNP Paribas Real Estate

Jacqueline Esimaje-Heath, Growth Director, L&Q

Janany Kathirgamanathan, Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Jo Makinson, Chief Investment Officer, Abri

This panel will explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the delivery of affordable housing today. With many Registered Providers (RPs) under financial pressure - driven by rent caps, rising costs, condition of existing stock and limited funding - the traditional delivery model is shifting. The session will examine how these constraints are impacting Section 106 delivery and what role for-profit RP’s, and institutional investors can play in bridging the gap.

Meet with us at UKREiiF 2025

We look forward to connecting with you. Complete the form below to arrange a meeting with our team.