Hollie Hanrahan, Octopus Real Estate’s Investment and Operations Director, talks to UKREiiF about Octopus’ experience as a Regeneration Brainery mentor and UKREiiF partner.

“Octopus Real Estate has been a Partner of Regeneration Brainery for several years now. As a business that supports the full life cycle of real estate investment and lending, we’re acutely aware of the opportunity gap that exists in property and real estate. There is a pressing need to bring more young, diverse talent into the industry. Octopus is  a B-Corp, a company verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social, environmental performance, transparency, accountability (the equivalent of a Fairtrade coffee stamp but for companies). We were also founded on the principles of innovation and entrepreneurship. So, working with an organisation like Regeneration Brainery to bring fresh talent through, via its brilliant Bootcamps and networking events, aligns perfectly with our ethos.

Joining forces with Regeneration Brainery at UKREiiF 2024 gave us two major benefits.

Firstly, the Regeneration Brainery Studio space enabled discussions on topics that promoted inclusive place-making. We sent our Head of Care Homes, Mike Toft, and Clinical Assurance Director, Carrie Pilgrim to the Studio to lead a discussion on planning for the elderly, focussed on adult social care provision for the end user. Mike and Carrie were able to share with the audience the work that we do to create care homes that are well managed, with high levels of care and that drive the sustainability agenda. It’s an important discussion topic, with an ageing population and increasing numbers of people living with dementia. Having the chance to discuss some of the key issues and interact with the audience was a great way for us to share the work that we do at the UK’s biggest property conference.

The second major benefit is the additional time that we can spend with the students that we mentor and support through the Regeneration Brainery programme.

One of the key ways that we support Regeneration Brainery is to offer internships to students within our business, to give them hands-on work experience that is directly relevant to the industry. Two of our past Interns, Rose and Benjamin, spoke on the main Bury Stage at UKREiiF this year and it was brilliant to see their confidence blossom and hear them speak so passionately about their experiences – including with Octopus Real Estate.

We continue to work with Regeneration Brainery to nurture the next generation of industry talent and are already looking forward to 2025 and hosting another brilliant session in the Regeneration Brainery Studio – watch this space!”

Hollie Hanrahan, Investment and Operations Director at Octopus Real Estate