UKREiiF and strategic marketing agency, Cartwright have published the ‘One Big Idea’ report, revealing the industry’s brightest and boldest ideas and concepts.

The report encapsulates more than 150 ideas collected through the ‘One Big Idea’ initiative both before UKREiiF through an online entry process, and at Cartwright’s in-person stand throughout at UKREiiF. The resulting analysis showcases insights from across the property and construction industry.

From consultants, developers, investors, and central and local government to name a few, the report delves into the breadth of ideas shared, from early concept to fully-fledged ideas that are ready to be actioned. Most importantly, the One Big Idea report lays the roadmap of how industry ideas can go from insight to actual impact.

A key takeaway from the range of submissions gathered both before and at UKREiiF was the breadth in themes showcased. Despite 12.4% of panels on the UKREiiF agenda covering the topic of housing, only 6% of ideas submitted had housing as a sole focus. Instead, the industry turned to ideas and insights on challenges across other themes including skills, inclusion and social value (20%), AI and data (16%), planning (16%) and placemaking (11%).

Katie Nelson, director and head of construction at Cartwright, said: “Our One Big Idea initiative is defined by its central purpose to offer the space and opportunity for new and impactful thinking from across the industry.

“Across all submissions, we can see the pressure the industry is facing from different directions and levels. With close to half of entries collected at UKREiiF itself, it’s clear that industry growth was at the forefront of attendee’s minds. The data collected illustrates the value of events like UKREiiF to allow the industry to step away from day-to-day delivery pressures and think differently.

“But what One Big Idea has also shown is that there’s no shortage of ambition, imagination or technical ingenuity – in fact, quite the opposite. However, in many cases, what the sector is short of is the collaboration, capacity and coordination to turn those ideas into delivery.

“The next phase of the conversation needs to go deeper. It’s not just about what needs to happen, but who has the power to make it happen, who is missing from the conversation, and what systems need to change. Our analysis shows clear evidence that ideas can become the stepping stones to each other – building a chain from isolated ideas into practical pathways for change and growth.”

Taking place at UKREiiF, the One Big Idea Breakfast saw three shortlisted ideas captured ahead of the event take to the stage in front of a panel of industry judges. The three shortlisted ideas include focuses on the reduction of carbon, supporting the next generation and solving viability gaps for projects.

The winning idea at the breakfast came from Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council. Her idea focused on a nationally scalable primary aspiration raising programme that connects employers with primary schools to inspire children in relation to the built environment, engineering, STEM and beyond.

James Bywood, marketing director at UKREiiF, said: “One Big Idea has given us an opportunity to listen to the industry at scale, which has revealed clear ambition, but a gap when it comes to routes to delivery. Skills, inclusion and social value were top concerns ahead of UKREiiF, reflecting that talent and representation is central to success rather than an add-on.

“Once UKREiiF opened its doors, the conversation sharpened further, reflecting the day-to-day pressures of policy, planning and procurement just to name a few. It’s been incredible to see the breadth of ideas come to life. From founders and managers to students and apprentices, UKREiiF and the One Big Idea initiative has given a platform to all levels of seniority and experience to share their insights on growth.”

The One Big Idea initiative formed the newest era of the partnership between Cartwright and UKREiiF, with Cartwright taking on the role of official storytelling partner for UKREiiF 2026, as part of a year-round agreement.

Click here to find out more and sign up to receive the One Big Idea report.