A Brainee’s Eye View of UKREiiF

Nathan Spencer sat down and spoke to Regeneration Brainery Ambassadors Jay, Manuella and Praise about their experiences of UKREiiF 2024 and what they’re looking forward to in 2025.

Nathan: Hi Brainees! So tell me, how was UKREiiF 2024 for you?

Jay: I’ve attended the last two UKREiiF events. Both years we (the Regeneration Brainery Ambassadors) had the opportunity to speak on a panel, only this year it was on a much bigger scale, in the main Bury Theatre. Public speaking opportunities like this have benefitted me massively. It’s such a confidence boost to have people attend something you are speaking at.

UKREiiF takes place during University term time so it has meant trying to fit it in around deadlines. Though for me, attending UKREiiF is such a great investment in my future, it is more than worth the juggling it requires and the early trains. I have made so many connections and it’s also allowed the opportunity to practise networking in a supportive environment where everyone is looking to make connections. 

Praise: When I arrived at UKREiiF it was such an incredible view that I had to take a minute to soak it all in. I felt so blessed to be there with so many industry leaders and was really excited to get everything I could out of the next couple of days. 

I picked talks and exhibitions that I wanted to learn most about, and the types of professionals I wanted to speak to.

One very special panel session that I went to was in the Lloyds pavilion.  There were some very inspirational women on the panel – Caroline Snowden from Lloyds Bank and Catherine Raynsford from Hyde Housing, who uniquely articulated some of the big challenges that social housing providers are facing to provide tenants with the quality of homes they deserve. It was really special to see women in leadership speaking to the audience.

Manuella: I spoke to so many people at UKREiiF – Octopus Real Estate, Savills, LandSec and lots more. It was interesting to see lots of different companies be so committed to helping young people and explain the opportunities that they had available. 

My journey to Leeds was smooth because I have family that live in Leeds, so I was able to save travel time across the days. I did have to miss three days of college and UKREiiF was during the deadline period for my assignments, but they all got completed I’m happy to say!

The events I’m able to attend with Regeneration Brainery are always worth it. 

Nathan: That’s brilliant to hear. Sounds like it’s a no-brainer, but what would you say is the main benefit of students and early careers professionals being able to attend UKREiiF?

Jay: I think the benefit is three-fold. There is so much opportunity to practise all the skills required of the property industry. UKREiiF was my first proper experience of networking (on mass!), public speaking and trying to soak all the information and talks happening around me. So it’s such a valuable time to put into play (sometimes for the first time) the skills needed in the industry. 

The property industry really is ‘who you know’ more than people would like to think. Both of my work experiences have stemmed from connections I have made through networking. UKREiiF has helped me form the connections I need to gain the experiences that will hopefully aid my job applications through standard hiring procedures. 

The other benefit, which I think is just as valuable, is meeting and becoming friends with other Ambassadors and Brainees. Some of the best advice has come from those around me, and watching others get experiences and jobs is so motivating. Meeting up with the Regeneration Brainery community is such a massive perk of UKREiiF. 

Manuella: UKREiiF enables you to present yourself to companies and be able to ask them questions to find out whether the company is right for you, as well as, are you right for the company.

You are able to build connections that you may not otherwise make. For a young person stepping into the industry, it allows you to build your confidence and understand the importance of networking and leaving a good impression to potential employers.

Praise: For me the benefit of going to UKREiiF this year was that it gave me a snapshot of the vastness of opportunity in the industry. Everything from the exhibitions and panels to the conversations at lunch and at drinks after events – so much wisdom was passed to me over the three days that has been invaluable and made it very easy for me to find my next steps after completing my apprenticeship a few weeks after I attended. 

Nathan: So what do you hope to see, who do you hope to meet, and what do you hope to follow up at UKREiiF 2025?

Manuella: I hope to meet more companies at UKREiiF 2025 and make more connections.

Praise: Next year I am looking forward to the knowledge sharing of people who have worked on large scale industry projects across different sectors. I want to hear the lessons learnt on processes and approaches that worked well and also the challenges that occurred. 

Jay: I am really looking forward to seeing everyone from Regeneration Brainery and hearing what people have been up to in the last year. Also to meet up with connections made from my work experience. At UKREiiF 2025 I will be most of the way through my Urban Planning Masters, and I am looking forward to experiencing the conference with new insights and learning from my MSc and seeing how it can be useful for the future. 

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Thank you to Regeneration Brainery’s Brainees for sharing their thoughts on the opportunity to attend industry events. Jay is currently studying for an MSc in Urban Planning at University of Birmingham.

Manuella has recently completed her A Levels and is shortly to commence and internship with LandSec U&I.

Praise has recently started as an Asset Project Officer at One Manchester.