UK&I Commercial Property Conference 2026

Why value is changing  - Strategic narrative

Set the strategic tone for the day by exploring how commercial property contributes to economic growth, investment confidence, regeneration, productivity and wider social value.

• How value is changing beyond pure capital returns
• How commercial property contributes to economic growth
• Policy, investment, productivity, regeneration and national growth
• The role of commercial property in supporting communities and economies

What is happening now – Market interpretation

Following the opening keynote, this session will examine how changing market conditions are affecting different parts of the commercial property sector.

Drawing on the latest market evidence, the session will explore how offices, retail, logistics and alternative assets are performing, what the latest trends reveal about occupier demand and investment activity, and where resilience is emerging across the market.

Delegates will gain a clear understanding of the market signals shaping commercial property today and the implications for the sector going forward.

Speaker

• Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist,  RICS

What do professionals need to do differently it in practice?

The regulatory landscape for commercial property is evolving rapidly, creating new challenges and opportunities for landlords, investors, occupiers and advisers. to 

This session explores some of the developments having the greatest impact on the sector today, including Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), building safety obligations, proposed reforms to upward-only rent reviews, and evolving ESG expectations.

Through practical insights and real-world examples, our speakers will examine how these changes are influencing asset values, leasing strategies, investment decisions and professional advice.

Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of the direction of travel, the risks and opportunities facing commercial property professionals, and the practical steps they can take to help clients navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment.

Speakers

• David Hourihan, MSc Prop Invest FSCSI FRICS, Associate Professor, Head of Academic Profile & Impact - Real Estate & Innovation, UBE
• Camilla Chorfi, Barrister, Falcon Chambers

Following the morning’s discussion on market shifts, sector performance and evolving expectations of value, this session brings the conversation into real-world application. Through practical case studies, it will explore how value is created and delivered on the ground - from asset repositioning and regeneration projects to navigating planning, commercial and community trade-offs.

Hear directly from those leading projects about what works in practice, where challenges arise, and how decisions are being made in today’s market.

With a focus on outcomes rather than theory, this session sets the foundation for how better insight, data and technology can further support value creation in commercial property.

Speaker

• Marc Trumper, Director, MAPP

Building on how value is delivered in practice, this session explores how data, AI and PropTech are shaping decision-making across commercial property.

Key areas include:

• Asset performance and portfolio strategy
• ESG and sustainability data
• Valuation, risk analysis and occupier insight
• Energy and infrastructure considerations
   

Through real-world examples, hear how organisations are:

• Turning data into action to improve performance
• Managing risk and identifying opportunity
• Overcoming practical adoption challenges
   

Moderator

• Tom Storey, Senior Specialist, Data, Technology, & AI, RICS
   

Speakers

• James Garner, Head of AI & Data, Gleeds
• Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry, Director, Avison Young
• Karen Burns, CEO & Co Founder of Fyma

Breakout 1A:

Reinventing High Streets: What’s Actually Working on the Ground

High streets are evolving fast - but what’s really delivering results? This session focuses on practical examples of regeneration, repurposing and place-led strategies that are driving footfall, value and community impact. Hear from those on the ground about what’s working, what’s not, and what it takes to create vibrant, resilient town centres.

Speakers

• Richard Williams MRICS, Chief Executive Officer, Ringley Group
• Laura Harris, Founder of HighStreetPositives
• Mark Robinson, Founder of MRP Strategy, Chair of Fellows, Radix Big Tent
   

Breakout 1B:

Winning in a Changing Market: How Property Businesses Are Adapting to Grow

Explore how property businesses are responding to market shifts, from repositioning portfolios to adapting operating models and driving sustainable growth.

Speaker

• Luke Hamilton-Jones MRICS, Senior Vice President at The Valesco Group, RICS Matrics Commercial Property Surveyor of the Year 2024, RICS Matrics UK board

Breakout 2A:

ESG That Works: Practical Decisions Shaping Commercial Property

ESG is no longer a future consideration - it’s a current business driver. This session cuts through the noise to focus on real-world decisions, from retrofit strategies to investment priorities and risk management. Learn how ESG is influencing value, shaping portfolios and driving tangible outcomes across commercial property.

Speaker

• Sarah Beattie, Global Head of Corporate ESG Strategy, Knight Frank

Breakout 2B:

Designing for Demand: What Occupiers Value - and What It Means for Asset Performance

Occupier expectations are changing - and so is demand. This session explores what tenants really want, from wellbeing and flexibility to sustainability and experience, and how this is shaping leasing decisions and asset performance. Understand how aligning with occupier needs can drive both value and long-term resilience.

Speakers

• William Stewart Msc MRICS WELL AP, Associate Director, Health and Well-being Consultant, Ekkist
• Carolina Seixas, Portfolio Services Director, JLL

As the commercial property landscape continues to shift, expectations of value are changing with it. This closing debate brings together senior industry voices to reflect on the day’s themes and explore what the sector must deliver to drive growth across economies, communities and places.

Theme 1: What is value now vs 2030?

From income and resilience to sustainability, social impact, occupier needs and data, what will truly define value in the years ahead?

Theme 2: What needs to change?

As pressures and priorities evolve, what should the sector stop doing, start doing and do differently — and what does “growth” really mean going forward?

Theme 3: What does this mean for you?

How should professionals prepare, and what skills, behaviours and mindsets will be needed to remain relevant in a changing market?

Expect candid perspectives, constructive challenge and forward-looking insight on how the sector must adapt - and what it will take to succeed over the next decade.

Speakers

• David Inskip, EMEA Head of Research, CBRE Investment Mangement's Insights & Intelligence Team
• Vanessa Hale, Chief Executive, Real Estate:UK (RE:UK)