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GREATER ESSEX RISING: THE UK’S FOURTH LARGEST ECONOMY TO SHOWCASE ITS INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

20-22 May 2025

On May 20th-22nd, Greater Essex is set to take to the stage at UKREiiF, the UK’s Premier Real Estate, Infrastructure and Investment Forum, with a programme of panel discussions that will put the region firmly on the map as a growth hotspot.

Read more about Greater Essex UKREiiF here 

greater Essex Day – Wednesday 21st May

Location: Estuary View – Pink zone
Royal armouries, Leeds

08:30 – 09:00
networking breakfast

Sponsored by: Potter raper

Opportunity to network with breakfast, tea and coffee available

9:00 welcome speech by: essex county council and potter raper

9:15 – 10:00
Panel discussion: Greater Essex Rising: What opportunities will Devolution bring to the UK’s 4th largest economic region and key growth hotspot?

SPONSORED BY: eSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

Greater Essex is one of only 6 areas chosen for the Devolution Priority Programme, a new mayor-led strategic authority will create the UK’s 4th largest economy. Already a key gateway for UK supply chains and one of the fastest growing regions – this panel debate will consider how the Devolution Revolution will accelerate and support ambitions for renewal, regeneration and growth

Chaired by:
Melanie Leech, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation
Potter Raper representative TBC

Panellists:
Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council
Julia Gregory, Chair of the Greater Essex Business Board
Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of Royal Town Planning Institute

10:30 – 11:15
Panel discussion: How Public-Private Partnerships are helping to make Harlow one of the fastest growing areas in the UK

SPONSORED BY: hARLOW COUNCIL

Harlow is set to grow at a rate two times faster than Oxford, four times faster than Leeds and five times faster than Manchester over the next 20 years. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will support Harlow in achieving this. Both sectors share a common goal—delivering high-quality, sustainable development. This panel debate will explore how strategic PPPs can accelerate the planning and delivery process, overcome funding barriers, and unlock mutual benefits. Experts will share insights on collaboration models, risk-sharing, and innovative financing solutions.

Chaired by:
Jackie Sadek, Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor

Panellists:
Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council and Chair of the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee
Richard Fagg, Director of Development at Vinci UK Developments
Tom Hill, Executive Director at Hill Group

11:45-12:30
Panel discussion: New Settlements and Garden Communities: With 24,000 new homes going through planning permission this year, the region could potentially deliver 1.6% of the national 1.5m housing target in just four planning applications.

SPONSORED BY: ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

Greater Essex is home to the UK’s largest Garden Communities programme. Join our panel of experts to learn new insights into how navigate the challenges and unlock the benefits of new homes and communities.

Chaired by:
Krishma Shah, Epping Forest District Council

Panellists:
Russ Edwards, Project Director at Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, Latimer by Clarion Housing Group
Andrew Taylor, Group Planning Director at Vistry Group
Osian Evens, Harlow Gilston Garden Town
Jas Bhalla, from Jas Bhalla Works

13:00 – 14:00 (invite only)
Could onsite training centres bridge the skills gap to increase your workforce?

SPONSORED BY: Tbc

14:30 – 15:15
pANEL DEBATE: Beyond Local Plans: Can devolution and strategic planning deliver real change for our communities?

SPONSORED BY: ESSEX 2055 (from ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL)

Central government has begun devolving 30-year Long-Term Investment Funds and wants to see universal coverage of Strategic Plans by the end of the Parliament. Join a lively panel debate on whether places can now dare to think beyond Local Plan timescales and targets, solving local challenges for the benefit of residents and businesses.

Chaired by:
Lisa McCance, Director of Shared Intelligence

Panellists:
John Edwards, Director, Office for Investment at The Department for Business and Trade
Jenny Rydon, Partner at Montagu Evans
Andrew Taylor, Group Planning Director at Vistry
Prof. Samer Bagaeen, Technical Director – Planning, Environmental Assessment & Management at Arcadis

16:00 – 17:00
The Edge of Opportunity: How Strong Business Partnerships Help Unlock Growth Potential – Networking drinks

SPONSORED BY: THE GREATER ESSEX BUSINESS BOARD (gebb)

Launch of the Greater Essex Business Board – join our facilitated networking and to discover what difference can business leaders and influencers make in advocating for investment and economic growth, promoting collaboration between public and private sector and being empowered to lead for their economy.

Chaired by:
Julia Gregory, Chair of the Greater Essex Business Board

Joined by:
Cllr Louise McKinlay, of Essex County Council
Ryan Liversage, Area Director (Essex) at Morgan Sindall
Steve Beel, from Freeport East
Rupert Wood, Head of Strategic Land at Almcore

 

18:00 – 19:00
East of England Investment Prospectus networking drinks

SPONSORED BY: EAST OF ENGLAND APPG

Showcasing the regions pivotal role in driving the UK’s economic growth.

Joined by:
Jack Abbott MP – East of England APPG Inward Investment Envoy
Gavin Winbanks – East of England APPG 

Come and meet us at UKREiiF - get in touch here

    Contact us

    Contact us via extraordinaryessex@essex.gov.uk or complete our contact form below: