UKREiiF to depart Leeds for new Liverpool home

A flagship real estate event is moving to a new city.

The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) is set to switch from Leeds to Liverpool.

Organisers say the summit will take place at Liverpool Experience Campus from 2028 and allow the headline conference to “enter its next chapter”.

Exited UKREiiF founder Keith Griffiths has called the decision “a sad day for Leeds and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority”, adding he hopes to “provide a welcome shot in the arm for the local economy” through a previously unveiled new entrepreneurial event.

Launched in 2022 and held annually at Leeds’ Royal Armouries Museum, officials say UKREiiF has catalysed investments and projects worth in excess of £4 billion by uniting more than 17,000 Government, local authority, investment, development and built environment delegates.

The event’s 2027 version is set to take place between May 18 and 20 before moving to Liverpool from 2028.

Nathan Spencer, UKREiiF co-founding director and managing director, said the summit will leave a “legacy” in Yorkshire.

He said: “This is a story about celebrating everything that Leeds and West Yorkshire has helped UKREiiF become.

“Without the region and the people within it, the event wouldn’t have been as successful.”

Matt Christie, UKREiiF co-founding director and director of external affairs, added: “We’re enormously grateful to the whole West Yorkshire community for its support.

“The proposition we’ve created alongside Liverpool is excellent and will keep the vibe which makes UKREiiF what it is.”

Reacting to the news, UKREiiF founder Keith said the event’s departure would leave a significant economic gap, but has vowed to help bolster Leeds’ and West Yorkshire’s commercial landscape through a new event called The Entrepreneur Festival.

The summit is slated to take place between June 15 and 17 next year at the Royal Armouries, before assuming UKREiiF’s May slot in 2028.

He said: “UKREiiF has become a pillar of the business community, bringing national attention and significant income to the local economy. 

“I remain committed to helping the combined authority, which is why I’ve launched The Entrepreneur Festival.

“The Royal Armouries is a fantastic venue, and Leeds and West Yorkshire remain the perfect place to host and grow a national event.”

The news comes just days after the Royal Armouries unveiled plans to capitalise on a “once in a lifetime opportunity” with a £100 million-plus regeneration.

Nat Edwards, director general and master of the Royal Armouries, said: “It has been a privilege to host UKREiiF for six remarkable years.

“What began as a bold new addition to the UK’s events calendar has grown into one of the most influential forums in the country.

“Our project will create a world-class venue, and I very much hope we may see UKREiiF return to a transformed venue in the future.”

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