(Image credit: UKREiiF)
Powering Places: Our Key Takeaways from UKREiiF 2026
Every year, UKREiiF brings together some of the UK’s most influential voices across property, regeneration, infrastructure, investment and government to shape conversations around the future of our towns, cities and regions.
For us at Cool Blue, it’s always a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand how national policy, regional ambition and industry collaboration is evolving – particularly around place, growth and sustainability.
One fringe event that particularly stood out this year was the all-female panel hosted by DLA Piper, bringing together Mayors Helen Godwin, Kim McGuinness and Claire Ward to explore how devolution is shaping smarter, greener placemaking across the UK.
The overriding message from the discussion was clear: regions are ready to move faster, and devolution is giving local leaders the political agency to make that happen.
1. Devolution is accelerating decision-making
A major talking point throughout the session was the need to reduce bureaucracy and empower regions to make decisions closer to the communities they serve. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness spoke passionately about devolution, allowing leaders to “look across the region and see what’s needed, connect to communities and accelerate the pace of delivery.”
2. Green energy presents a major regional opportunity
For us, the discussion also reinforced the scale of opportunity tied to green energy and infrastructure investment, particularly in the North East. Conversations around energy security, increasing grid capacity and the potential creation of 10,000 green jobs highlighted just how significant the region’s role could be in supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions.
3. Transport drives access and inclusion
Transport and connectivity also featured heavily across the discussion, with Kim summarising it simply: “Transport = access to opportunity.” Investment in public transport, active travel and infrastructure was positioned not just as an environmental priority, but as a catalyst for economic growth, inclusion and access.
4. Public and private sector collaboration is critical
Another key takeaway was the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors. There was strong recognition that businesses will play a critical role in helping regions innovate, deliver infrastructure and unlock long-term investment opportunities at pace.
5. Successful placemaking starts locally!
Mayor Helen Godwin perhaps captured the wider sentiment best when she described regional leaders as being “of and for our places” – a reminder that successful placemaking starts with understanding the unique needs, ambitions and identities of local communities.
Get in touch
Selected Works
