We were proud to once again be selected as a partner of UKREiiF this year – the three-day real estate investment and infrastructure forum and the largest of its kind in the UK.
The conference took place in Leeds from Tuesday 19th May until Thursday 21st May 2026, and thousands of participants were in attendance at the main conference venue at the Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock and at the 100+ fringe events taking place across the city.
Our Chair Jo Davis, other REB Board Directors, our executive team and members of our committees and networks were among them.
We made the case for fairness, representation and inclusive workplace cultures in our sessions with members, below.
Fresh perspectives with the GPA and Real Estate Balance, in partnership with Gleeds
Investor hub, UK Government pavilion
The Government Property Agency (GPA) and Real Estate Balance, in partnership with Gleeds, hosted Fresh Perspectives, an interactive drop-in networking session designed to spark new thinking, encourage collaboration and bring together a diverse mix of voices from property and infrastructure, including those across the public and private sectors.
The event opened with a short, informal conversation, hosted by Mark Bourgeois, CEO of the GPA with Jo Davis, chair, Real Estate Balance and Brian McArdle, COO from Gleeds, talking about their experience in the sector and how they were supported in their career journeys, before moving on to networking.
Davitt Jones Bould’s Drinks Reception
The Met Hotel
Real Estate Balance were delighted to be diversity partner for the champagne reception hosted by our member, Davitt Jones Bould. The event was designed for senior decision makers to come together, network and raise a glass (and some funds) for charity partners LandAid and Rethink Food.
Real Estate Balance & Newmark’s Networking Breakfast
Newmark Pavilion
Our drop-in breakfast networking event hosted by Newmark in collaboration with Real Estate Balance and Ability RE connected like-minded peers. There were representatives from all three organisations on hand who shared insights and spark conversation on practical ways to build cultures of care and belonging, and how we can design for greater equity and inclusion.
Bingo Networking with Real Estate Balance & Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn Pavilion
This year we wanted to break away from traditional networking and hosted a fun twist with bingo networking.
Hosted at the Shepherd and Wedderburn Pavilion, this drop-in event brought together industry professionals dedicated to furthering diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry.
From Access to Leadership: Delivering Real Change in Real Estate Talent
Shepherd and Wedderburn Pavilion
This panel session brought together leaders from across the talent pipeline, from early access and education through to leadership representation, to explore how the industry can widen access, support progression and build a more inclusive future. Drawing on practical insight and lived experience, the discussion examined what’s working, where gaps remain, and how organisations can collaborate to drive impact at scale.
Speakers included:
- Jo Davis, Chair at Real Estate Balance, and Principal and UK Executive Chair at Avison Young
- Michele Steel, Chief Executive at Regeneration Brainery
- Emma Guthrie, Partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn and co-chair of REB’s NextGen committee
- Alex Saifiti, Manager at Deloitte