Speakers revealed for West Midlands UKREiiF programme

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, the BBC’s Tom Wrathmell and urban design author David Rudlin are among the speakers announced for the West Midlands event program at the UK’s biggest property conference.

The trio will join a diverse delegation of property experts and local authority leaders on the West Midlands pavilion at the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum (UKREiiF).

Led by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, the West Midlands will be exhibiting collectively at UKREiiF for the first time, showcasing over £20bn worth of opportunities from Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands will lead the regional delegation to the main property show

Underpinned by a £1.5bn devolution deal, new Growth Zone powers and a region-wide innovation-led investment zone, the West Midlands’ presence at UKREiiF aims to showcase the region’s collective strength . Over the three days, an eventful program will explore the most pressing topics shaping the property sector both in the West Midlands and across the UK.

On Tuesday, writer and director Steven Knight will be interviewed about his plans for a new film and TV studio in Birmingham; Tom Wrathmell, Director of Strategy Across the UK at the BBC, will lead a session on how the creative industries drive economic growth and wider regeneration; and David Rudlin, Director of Urban Design at BDP, will lead a discussion on urban development outside the UK’s cities.

On Wednesday local authority leaders from Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire and Wolverhampton will outline how they plan to deliver the new £5.5bn West Midlands Investment Zone; decision-makers in Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall will discuss how to distribute more than £600m in housing and land earmarked funds’; and, as well as hosting the ‘best SportAccord ever’, speakers will explore how sport is driving change through regeneration and social inclusion at several of its football clubs.

The West Midlands Pavilion is also expected to host a number of updates on major development projects that will showcase the transformative power of the region, including Canalside South in Wolverhampton and Mell Square in Solihull. In addition, attendees will get an exclusive look at the revamped West Midlands Investment Prospectus (Tuesday 21 May 3.30pm) and will be among the first to see a new Investment Prospectus for Coventry (Wednesday 22 May 5pm: 00).

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The opportunities for investors and developers in the West Midlands are truly impressive, our £20bn investment prospectus captures just a few of them.

“UKREiiF will see our region come together to engage with those who are keen to capitalize on those opportunities presented, but also share our vision to build a West Midlands economy that is beneficial and meaningful to all our communities.

“This is a dynamic region, one that is busy removing barriers to growth and improving its workforce. Visitors to the West Midlands Pavilion will be able to hear and see how we are accelerating investment and delivery, helping businesses move here and developers build more homes. Our aim is to make the West Midlands the best place in the UK to do business.”

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight

Steven Knight CBE, said: “Birmingham and the West Midlands is on the way to becoming a global destination and creativity is driving some of its most notable regeneration schemes.

“Places like Digbeth, anchored by international brands like the BBC, are bringing a new generation of production and skills that will accelerate the region’s emerging reputation as a powerhouse of creativity – and creating new opportunities for the incredibly talented people who live here.”

Katie Trout, director of policy and partnerships at West Midlands Growth Company, said:
“The West Midlands is a multi-city region with an economy comparable to some European countries. We also have nine world-class universities, fast transport links and the youngest and most diverse population in the UK.

“In short, it’s a region where things happen and we’re really proud to showcase the collective, transformative power of the West Midlands at UKREiiF for the first time. The strength of speakers gracing the West Midlands pavilion is testament to the scale and breadth of exciting opportunities taking place across the region.”

Chris Lovatt, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON, West Midlands at UKREiiF Premier Partner, said: “The energy transition is a way not only to create greener cities with better homes, cleaner air and healthier citizens, but it is also a path to local regeneration. savings – that’s what we’re working towards in our first UK strategic partnership with Coventry City Council, and it’s what we aim to show the people at UKREiiF.

“Whether it’s our work in and with Coventry, improving homes with energy efficiency measures in the area or the hundreds of skilled tradespeople coming through our new net zero training academy in Kingswinford, these are exciting times in the Midlands and we’re happy to help promote our home region.”

The West Midlands presence at UKREiiF 2024 is sponsored by E.ON, Deloitte, The Hill Group, Mott MacDonald, Nimbus, Stoford, Wavensmere, Woodbourne Group, Arup, BDP, Cordia UK, Complex Development Projects, Cundall, Lovell Partnerships, Moda Group, Westside BID and WSP.

To see full details of the West Midlands at UKREiiF program and to register your interest, visit investwestmidlands.com/wm-at-ukreiif.