South West’s strategic investment opportunities to be showcased at leading national event

The Great South West, the Pan-Regional Partnership representing Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, will be leading a delegation of senior business and political leaders to make the case for the region at The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). UKREiiF is the largest investment and development event in the UK, set to take place between 21-23 May 2024 in Leeds.

An exciting programme of events, panel sessions and meetings at the Great South West Pavilion will provide insights into the region’s critical role in delivering the UK’s future security through its leading energy, defence, food, farming and technology sectors, and how investors can benefit.

The programme will showcase the region’s nationally strategic investment opportunities, including Gravity Smart Campus, Hinkley Point C, Spaceport Cornwall, Goonhilly Earth Station, Exeter & East Devon Enterprise Zone, Talbot Innovation Quarter, floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, the Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, the Appledore Clean Maritime Centre, and Dorset Innovation Park.

Set piece events throughout the three days will feature industry leaders and experts from across the region and nationally. George Freeman MP, former Science Minister, will also be joining a panel on the region’s world-class science base, with opening remarks from Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.

Ahmed Goga, Director of the Great South West, said: “UKREiiF presents a fantastic opportunity for Great South West to showcase the unparalleled investment potential of our region, and why we are critical to the future success of the UK economy. Our presence at UKREiiF will showcase the innovative projects that drive sustainable growth and showcase the capabilities of the South West on the national stage, driving investment into our region."

The Pavilion is sponsored by leading companies and organisations from across the region: Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, Treveth Holdings, Cornish Lithium, Exeter Science Park, and Southern Construction.

Cecilia Bufton, Chair of Dorset LEP Board, said: “Dorset LEP is a collaborative organisation, working with partners across the county, promoting our place to investors, showcasing the many opportunities that exist for businesses to thrive. Being part of the Great South West Pan-Regional Partnership enables us to work on a wider scale with focus on key policy areas, to drive investment and growth from Government and the private sector across the region. We welcome the opportunity and look forward to supporting Dorset and Great South West at UKREiiF 24.”

Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said: "Plymouth and South Devon Freeport are proud to be supporting the Great South West at UKREiiF. Our partnership signifies a powerful alliance. Together we're unlocking the region's potential for investment and trade, providing a catalyst for innovation, and fostering economic growth across the South West. The Pavilion at UKREiiF provides an opportunity to showcase our dynamic ecosystem and connect with partners who share our vision for a thriving future."

Tim Mulholland, Managing Director of Treveth, Cornwall Council’s B Corp certified property development company, said: “Treveth is delighted to sponsor the Great South West Pavilion at this year’s UKREiiF. We recognise the partnership’s role in driving investment to, and delivering major projects in, the region. It’s important we all work together to ensure that key opportunities for development and investment across multiple growth sectors, including construction, are understood and brought to fruition, as this will help to shape a future where the South West’s potential knows no bounds.”

Led by the UK’s leading property events company Built Environment Networking and supported by some of the biggest UK property and infrastructure companies, the third annual UKREiiF event will be held in Leeds on 21-23 May 2024. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.

For more information and to register for the Great South West Pavilion events: https://www.ukreiif.com/event/ukreiif-2024/

Find out more about the Great South West: greatsouthwest.co.uk