Join our UKREiiF fringe events
We’ll be running training and networking events throughout this year’s UKREiiF. Join our experts to ensure your business is up-to-date with the latest industry challenges and opportunities. These events are open to all, whether or not you are attending UKREiiF as a delegate.
UKREiiF networking masterclass
Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4BZ
Tuesday 20 May 2025 8:30am - 10:30am
As Leeds prepares to host UKREiiF once again, please join us for a networking masterclass designed to help you take advantage of all the events taking place across the city. We’ll cover how to engage in good conversation, tips for creating engagement and how to effectively leave conversations (without the awkwardness!)
This event is part of our Junior Real Estate Forum programme, which is aimed at those in the early years of their real estate career. The session will be upbeat, interactive and will give you the tools you need to make the most of UKREiiF’s networking events.
Environmental Delivery Plans – balancing efficiency and the environment
In partnership with LPDF Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4BZ
Tuesday 20 May 2025 12:00pm – 2:00pm
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been met with cautious optimism by many in the sector, but as ever, the devil is in the detail. At this roundtable event we’ll bring together industry experts and stakeholders to delve into the key components of the Bill including:
- Streamlining planning process
- The return of strategic planning
- Compulsory purchase reform
- The Nature Restoration Levy.
We’ll also put a spotlight on Environmental Delivery Plans and their likely impact on the provision of new homes and the environment.
Speakers:
- Claire Petricca-Riding, Head of Planning and Environment, Irwin Mitchell
- Phill Bamford, Policy Director, LPDF
Future-proofing your office space for 2025 and beyond
In partnership with JLL Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4BZ
Tuesday 20 May 2025 3.45pm - 5.30pm
The cost of owning and/or occupying property is significant, and as businesses are dealing with a growing number of pulls on their finances, the need to maximise the value gained from office space has never been more important.
At this event we’ll be drawing on the results of our recent Office Occupier survey and discussing:
- The environmental, social, financial and logistical factors that are driving stay vs go decisions
- The current mismatch between demand and supply in the office market
- Trends in adapting existing space to suit future needs
- The legal considerations that might impact decision making.
Speakers
- Will Scott, Partner – Real Estate Disputes, Irwin Mitchell
- Sarah Swann, Legal Director – Real Estate Transactions, Irwin Mitchell
- JLL – Adam Challis, Head of Research UK
Navigating the Higher-Risk Building (HRB) regime across the transaction lifecycle
In partnership with Socotec Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4BZ
Wednesday 21 May 2025 8:30am - 10:30am
Irwin Mitchell’s recent FOI request revealed that the average time taken by the Building Safety Regulator to approve Gateway 2 applications is 25 weeks – more than double the timeframe for new builds, and three times the deadline set for refurbishments. These delays are a significant concern for the construction industry, as they increase costs, extend project timelines, and put cash flow at risk.
While the BSR has implemented a plan to improve its response times, applicants can also contribute to a more efficient process.
In this session, experts from Irwin Mitchell and Socotec will take you through the practical steps needed to navigate the BSR regime in comparison to non-higher risk buildings and across the typical transaction lifecycle. Where issues arise, we will also explore where liabilities may sit, and what evidence may be required in order to bring a claim against any negligent parties.
Speakers:
- Robert Tunningley, Partner – Construction, Irwin Mitchell
- Mike Plews, Senior Associate Solicitor – Construction, Irwin Mitchell
- Panos Rousakis, Associate Director – Structural Engineering, Socotec
- Stuart Macdougald-Denton, Managing Director of Technical Experts, Socotec
How UK immigration can drive your investment & business strategy
Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4BZ
Wednesday 21 May 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Join us for an insightful talk on UK Immigration and its impact on your investment and business strategy. This session will delve into crucial compliance issues for sponsor licence holders, including:
- Self-Sponsorship – learn how to sponsor yourself under the self-sponsorship arrangements
- Visitor Visa Route – understand the permitted activities under the visitor visa route
- Sponsorship of Foreign Workers – explore the specifics of sponsoring foreign workers in the construction industry.
Speaker:
- Mandeep Khroud, Partner – Immigration
Networking drinks
Dirty Martini, 31 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL
Tuesday 20 May 2025 6:00pm - 10:00pm
We’re delighted to invite you to join us for drinks, canapes, music and good conversation on the first evening of the UKREiiF conference in Leeds. Whether you’re attending the conference or not, this will be a great opportunity catch up on the day’s events, network, and make new connections across the industry.
Please be aware that this event is by invitation only. If you’d like to attend, please contact emma.curtis@irwinmitchell.com