Making the Most of UKREiiF 2025 with Craig Robertson

WWith UKREiiF 2025 less than four weeks away, taking place from 20th to 22nd May, we caught up with our Director and Head of Residential, Craig Robertson, a seasoned attendee, to get his perspective on this year’s event. He shares what he’s looking forward to, his thoughts on the key themes, and his tips for making the most of your time in Leeds. 

Organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, the event continues to be a leading platform for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and foster collaboration across the built environment. 

Now preparing for his third visit to UKREiiF, Craig brings a seasoned perspective on what makes the event so valuable. 

“This will be my third trip to UKREiiF in Leeds, and I genuinely enjoy the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet a wide range of people, including a few blasts from the past. Hopefully we’ll get less rain this year!”

With a packed agenda ahead, Craig is hopeful for real momentum this year, with more action being taken to address some of the UK’s biggest challenges in development. 

“I’m optimistic that we’ll see an even bigger turnout in 2025, with less talk and more tangible action across the country. There’s a growing focus on meaningful ESG, affordable housing, and the regeneration of our town and city centres. 

To really move things forward, we need stronger government support, integrating best-value sustainable performance into the planning process, delivering a more effective Building Safety Regulator framework, and unlocking development through accessible funding.”

With Wallace Whittle playing a key role in some of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, including Birmingham’s £1.9 billion Smithfield development and the multi-phase transformation at Elephant Park in London, Craig is proud to see the firm’s engineering and sustainability strategies at the forefront of shaping future-ready communities. 

These projects not only reflect the scale and complexity of the challenges facing urban regeneration today, but also the importance of long-term, performance-led thinking when it comes to sustainability, building safety, and energy efficiency. 

Reflecting on this, Craig shared: 

“Wallace Whittle is involved in some of the UK’s largest regeneration developments, working alongside our excellent clients, many of which I’m looking forward to seeing in Leeds. I’m proud of our continued efforts to deliver engineering and energy strategies that set the standard, rather than follow it.”

With UKREiiF 2025 set to bring together thousands of professionals across real estate, infrastructure, investment, and sustainability, this year’s event promises another packed agenda. From headline talks and panel debates to regional showcases and informal gatherings. For those attending, whether it’s your first time or a return visit, knowing how to navigate the three days can make all the difference. 

As someone who’s experienced it before, Craig offers some practical advice for getting the most out of your time in Leeds: 

“My top tip for getting the most out of UKREiiF is to make time for some of the excellent sessions at The Armoury, and don’t miss the fringe events hosted by friends and colleagues, they’re always worth attending, and a personal rule: hold off on the alcohol until the sun is over the yard arm! 

I’ll be the one in the blue suit and sunglasses if you happen to spot me.”

Craig will be joined in Leeds by several of our colleagues from across the business, each bringing their own expertise and focus areas to UKREiiF 2025. From sustainability and energy strategy to large-scale regeneration and infrastructure investment.  

If you’d like to meet with one of our delegates during the event, whether for a coffee, a conversation, or to explore opportunities for collaboration, feel free to reach out directly. 

You can read more about our full delegation and what they’ll be getting involved in at UKREiiF here. We look forward to seeing you in Leeds.