(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.
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Selected Works
Middlesbrough College: TTE Centre Official OpeningA milestone moment for technical education in Teesside
Jomast - Jesmond Three SixtyTurning a Development into a Destination
GB BankBuilding the Profile of a Leading Property Finance Provider
Gateshead RegenerationCreating a Cohesive Brand for Long-Term Transformation
Barker and Stonehouse: Gateshead Store LaunchUnveiling the new £5m store in Gateshead.
Middleton GrangeStrengthening Community and Digital Presence
The North East Ambulance Service:Make a Life-Saving Difference.
True North ConstructionA Distinctive Brand for a High-Performance Builder.
Mako BespokeFrom Quiet Craft To a Confident Brand Presence
Steel River QuayCharting a New Course
Teesworks: Rising Strong, 5 Years OnRising Strong, 5 Years On
Point NorthExpanding reach beyond County Durham
Northumberland County CouncilNorthumberland Line: From Abandoned Tracks to Brand Victory
TeesworksThe UK’s largest Freeport
Harrogate Spring WaterMindful Drinking takes centre stage at Festive Influencer event.
Harrogate Spring Water - Mindful DrinkingBringing a taste of Royal Ascot to North Yorkshire.
The City Baths Newcastle X John LewisBringing a brand partnership to this historic leisure destination.
Barker and Stonehouse: A Story of SustainabilityA sustainable approach to furniture retail.
Grainger MarketEnhancing Newcastle’s Bustling Grade I Traders’ Market.
Anglo American:Powering cyber security.
Teesside UniversityCelebrating the Tees Valley digital community.
ProtiumStakeholder communications and engagement strategy.
Banks HomesCreating a unique brand identity for the new-to-market luxury housebuilder.
North P&I:160 years of incredible maritime history.
Middlesbrough College:Finding brand purpose for a dynamic educator.
Sleepeezee:Everything's easy when you Sleepeezee.
North East England Chamber of CommerceGiving businesses their say in skills provision.
Ercol:A moment of pride in ercol’s history.
Newcastle Helix:Our City’s Drive Towards Net Zero.
Story Homes:A new chapter for this thriving residential developer.
Stephenson WorksA welcoming and generous spirit.
NewcastleGateshead Quays:A quay moment for NewcastleGateshead.
TeesAMP:Making it in Middlesbrough.
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau:Tyne to get back to business.
Tees Valley Combined Authority:Encouraging staycations in Tees Valley.
Siglion:Bringing some vitamin sea to Seaburn.
Thirteen Homes:How do you want to live?
herdysleep:A first of its kind for the bed-in-a-box market.
Libra Interiors:Connecting consumers in a new way.
Tees Valley Combined Authority:Tees Valley Mayoral Election Campaign.
Imagine. Create. EGGER:Launch of a new product range for this global manufacturer
Finchale Group:A dynamic rebrand for the leading employment charity.
Duresta:A brave and bohemian collaboration.
South Tyneside Council:Recognising local community heroes.
Fusion:Healthy in the Heart of the City.
UK Land EstatesBuildings for Business.
Merit HoldingsA world leading engineering company.
Harrogate Spring Water:Continuing to make a difference.
Barker and Stonehouse:Say hello to Mr Clarke.
