Leading social value measurement organisation, Loop, has produced a social value report following The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) after forging a partnership with the organisers at the start of the year.

The report is the first for a conference of this kind and focused on the social value generated at this year’s UKREiiF, which took place earlier this year in Leeds.

Along with 80 exhibitors, 400 speakers across 15 stages attracted more than 4,000 people to the inaugural event, including 500 developers and 500 investors. Loop’s report has revealed that UKREiiF generated more than £1 million in social value, with an 81% return on investment.

The forum’s operations, both in the lead up to and during the event, were analysed by Loop for a range of impacts using the National Social Value Standard (SVS) measurement framework for the appraisal of social value.

Ethan Campbell, social value economist at Loop, said: “The event organisers focused on generating jobs, as well as several key themes to progress industry conversation – including the UK’s Net Zero targets – by gathering key players, influencers and decision makers within the industry.

“It’s been a pleasure to have collaborated with the UKREiiF team to capture the wide range of activities and introductions that took place around the conference and help to determine the quantitative and qualitative impacts of the three-day event.

“We’re delighted that our report is able to put a total figure on the social value that the event generated and provide attendees, speakers and exhibitors with a return-on-investment figure to solidify why attending UKREiiF is of value and importance.”

UKREiiF’s first major event succeeded in bringing together the public sector from across every core UK city and region with government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more.

Loop led activities across the three days in the Social Value Pavilion, and hosted breakfast sessions allowing attendees to get involved with discussions around how best to maximise project social value creation. Loop will be attending UKREiiF and producing a similar report on the 2023 event, which will take place 16 to 18 May.

Nathan Spencer, director at Built Environment Networking, which organises and runs UKREiiF, added: “UKREiiF has set out to become much more than an event – it’s a 365-forum that connects investors, developers and local authorities together to drive inclusive and sustainable regeneration and economic growth across the UK.

“Our values have been clear from the outset when creating the event. We wanted to create a platform for facilitation to take place that leads to positive regeneration and development in our communities, but we wanted to do this while maintaining a focus on sustainability, social value and aligning to the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.

“This report with Loop is one example of that commitment, while achieving ISO Sustainable Events Management Accreditation for UKREiiF is another. We’re really excited now that the report has been formed to delve into the outcomes and understand how we can maximise the platform we have for UKREiiF 2023 and beyond to truly drive positive social outcomes within the locations we work – and we’re delighted to have secured The 55 Group and Loop as supporters once again for next year.”

The full report can be downloaded from Loop’s website here.