It’s official, UKREiiF has generated an impressive £5 million in social value since our inaugural year in 2022. Each year, we collaborate with leading social value consultants, Loop, to produce a comprehensive report that details and quantifies the positive impact created by our event.

One of the key drivers behind this impressive figure is our strong partnerships with charities and diversity and inclusion (D&I) organisations. We currently collaborate with over 70 CIC’s and D&I groups across the industry, providing more than £2 million in complimentary tickets, sponsorship opportunities, speaking slots, and more to support their vital work.

Our official Charity Partner Regeneration Brainery has been involved with UKREiiF from the first event. One of our core values is to create the most inclusive event we can, and we make this happen is through our close partnership with award-winning social mobility programme for brilliant young minds, Regeneration Brainery. Regeneration Brainery bring a cohort of graduates and young people (Brainees) to UKREiiF each year, to experience the event. In 2024, they had a dedicated studio space, where they were able to host their own activities and discussions. The event gives the ‘brainees’ a chance to meet with industry leaders and key decision makers who attend the event. Many of which have successfully landed roles and placements across the industry as a direct result of meeting their employer at UKREiiF.

In 2024, we teamed up with Young Entrepreneurs in Property (YEP), who, in the lead-up to UKREiiF, hosted a series of Hackathons. These events brought together young professionals to tackle key challenges facing the industry and explore innovative solutions. The team then met up once again at UKREiiF in May 2024, to re-visit these discussions and present back the ideas and feedback on solutions for those challenges. Grace Ellinor, Senior Regeneration Officer at Leeds City Council and Chair of YEP Leeds, said: “I think we recognise that for a lot of people, the property and construction is thought as men in neon jackets and hard hats. And actually, there’s over 50 different roles in the built environment industry.” She added that the biggest takeaway from the hackathons was “about engaging with young people and raising awareness about the different roles that are on offer in the industry.” YEP Global’s Director, Sophie Eastwood emphasised the importance of giving the next generation a platform at UKREiiF, calling it “hugely important and valuable.” She also noted that the hackathons were “a great conversation starter,” with hopes that they will lead to concrete actions to improve the industry.

In 2023, we partnered with Canal Connections CIC, a Leeds-based charity dedicated to supporting the local community with issues like mental health, addiction, and bereavement. Together, we invested both time and money to refurbish a canal barge, enabling the charity to generate more funds through their activities. During UKREiiF, the boat serves as a unique meeting space for developers, investors, end-users, and local authorities to connect. Beyond the event, the newly upgraded barge is used by Canal Connections CIC for their men’s mental health club and neurodiversity group. Peter Forrest, Project Manager at Canal Connections CIC, explained that the refurbishment has transformed the boat into a “professional, smart looking boat” that can now host corporate team-building activities, helping to fund their vital community outreach programs.

UKREiiF has played host to a cycle sportif fundraiser event in support of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, an organisation dedicated to ensuring no child or young person is left behind due to ill health, disability, or financial hardship. he UKREiiF Charity Cycle Ride saw participants cycling from Harrogate to UKREiiF, with 100% of the entry fees and donations going directly to the charity. Hexa Consulting, a key supporter, helped facilitate the partnership with Yorkshire Children’s Charity. When Richard Osbond, Director at Hexa Consulting, approached Charlotte Farrington, Chief Executive and Founder of the charity, she saw it as a fantastic opportunity. Initially expecting to raise £10,000, the event surpassed expectations, raising an incredible £20,000. Thanks to the collective support and promotion from all involved, the event was a huge success and has now become a staple in the UKREiiF calendar.

These are just a few examples of how UKREiiF’s partnerships with CICs and D&I organisations have contributed to generating over £5 million in social value. If you’d like to learn more about UKREiiF’s ongoing efforts in driving social value, feel free to reach out to Mya Driver at [email protected].