Mobilising Investment for Local Net Zero: Insights from developing Net Zero Neighbourhood Investment Memorandums
File type: pdf
File size: 74.13Mb
events
The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum
A forum dedicated to unlocking investment and driving regeneration and development across the UK
Event finished: 22nd May 2025
We’re delighted to partner with the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, a forum dedicated to unlocking investment and driving regeneration and development across the UK to accelerate economic growth.
This year’s event promises to attract over 16,000 delegates, over 2,500 fringe event attendees, 1,250 speakers and 150 exhibitors from the built environment representing every core UK city and region.
Connected Places Catapult will have its own Pavilion – a dedicated platform for partners and stakeholders from UK cities, regions and freeports to network, collaborate and discuss pressing challenges and solutions in the built environment, transport, data and digital, and international partnerships.
Meet us in Pavilion Square to collaborate, discuss and extend your network.
To find out how to arrange a business meeting with us, join the discussion in the pavilion or collaborate on projects contact us at events@cp.catapult.org.uk
Last year we attracted over 1,300 visitors and 50 speakers. View 2026 pavilion’s programme:
u003cmark style=u0022background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)u0022 class=u0022has-inline-color has-cpc-green-coloru0022u003eu003cstrongu003eCreating innovative urban spaces with sustainable community investment.u003c/strongu003eu003c/marku003e
09:50 – 10:00
Opening Address
Kick-start your visit to the Forum by learning how we help grow the UK economy by driving the commercialisation of emerging innovations and next technologies in transport and the built environment in our towns and cities.
- Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
10:00 – 10:45
Is Investing in Innovation Infrastructure a Priority for UK cities?
Hear about how UK cities and place leaders understand the role of innovation – and high-quality, purposeful innovation spaces – in driving economic growth, attracting talent, and supporting sustainable development across different regional contexts.
- Chair: Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eAlisdair Gunn, Project Director, Glasgow City Innovation Districtu003cbru003eStephen Jones, Director, Core Cities UKu003cbru003eCarolyn Dwyer, Non-Executive Director, Connected Places Catapult
11:00 – 11:45
Strategic International Collaboration as a Driver for Local Growth
As UK places look to the exploitation of urban challenges as drivers for local growth and innovation, carefully crafted international partnerships have the potential to derive greater impact in response to common ambitions. The Innovation Twins programme participants, Birmingham and Swansea Bay, will share their insights from different points in their collaboration journey.
- Chair: Gareth Davies, Head of International Partnerships, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eRaj Mack, Head of Digital City and Innovation, Birmingham City Council
13:00 – 13:45
Transforming Public Spaces: Driving Health, Investment u0026amp; Sustainability in Real Estate
Join us for a panel discussion on how innovation in the public realm can drive economic growth, improve community health and well-being, and support sustainability in real estate development.
- Chair: Gavin Summerson, Head of Digital Construction and Infrastructure, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eDaisy Narayanan MBE, Public Realm Director, The Crown Estateu003cbru003eMatt Baker, Urban Regeneration Specialist, Rise Associatesu003cbru003eLucy Musgrave, Founder, Publicau003cbru003ePhoebe Mangoma-Dennis, Planning Lead, Social Value Portal
14:00 – 14:45
Building Bridges – Digital Twins Driving Regional Economic Growth
This session will look at the growing use of digital twins in regeneration to drive economic growth in the West Midlands.
- Chair: Iain Mansell, Head of Regional Engagement, Connected Places Catapult u003cbru003eRaj Mack, Head of Digital City and Innovation, Birmingham City Councilu003cbru003eLaura Collings, Head of Policy and Strategy, City of Wolverhampton Councilu003cbru003eSarah Windrum, Head of Cluster Development at Horiba Mira and Deputy Chair of the West Midlands Innovation Board
15:00 – 15:45
Innovation Districts: Catalysts for Economic Growth and Urban Transformation
This session will explore how Innovation Districts are reshaping urban economies and driving sustainable inclusive growth through strategic clustering of research institutions, enterprise, startups, and talent. Our expert panelists will examine successful Innovation District models, how to measure their impact on local economies, and the essential elements for driving the innovation economy.
- Chair: Carolyn Dwyer, Non-Executive Director, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eAlisdair Gunn, Project Director, Glasgow City Innovation District u003cbru003eEmily Robson, Assistant Chief Executive, Knowledge Quarter Liverpoolu003cbru003eDr Adrian Johnston, Innovation Commissioner, Innovation City Belfast
16:00 – 16:45
Innovative Public and Private Partnerships Through Procurement
Despite the public sector spending over £400Bn on procurement in the public sector, we still have significant challenges in the built environment around affordable housing, Net Zero, creating liveable places, economic growth and much more. This panel will discuss the opportunities, challenges and recommendations on how public and private collaboration can help create new value.
- Chair: Rikesh Shah, Head of Procurement Technical, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eGraeme Craig, Chief Executive Officer, Places for Londonu003cbru003eJohnny Hugill, Managing Director, Publicu003cbru003eSophie Bloom, Marketing u0026amp; Product Director, Bloom
16:50 – 17:00
Thank You and Wrap Up the Day
- Alan Welby, Build Environment and Local Growth Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
u003cstrongu003eu003cmark style=u0022background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)u0022 class=u0022has-inline-color has-cpc-green-coloru0022u003eDriving regional growth through investment, data and new technologies.u003c/marku003eu003c/strongu003e
09:50 – 10:00
Opening Address
- Alan Welby, Build Environment and Local Growth Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
10:00 – 10:45
Unlocking Opportunity – How Freeports are Driving Growth, Jobs and Prosperity
Hear how the UK Freeports are leading the charge on Place Based Growth, by attracting investment into parts of the country that have historically missed out. Freeports are becoming hotbeds of innovation and building new clusters in sectors of the future, creating thousands of long-term, high quality jobs for local people, join the conversation.
- Chair: Ibrahim Mohamed, Associate Director Freeports, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003ePhilly Strahan, Freeport Innovation Network Manager, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eBen Russell, Deputy Head of Freeports and Investment Zones, Department for Business and Tradeu003cbru003eChris Rowell, Head of Net Zero, Tees Valley Combined Authorityu003cbru003eNora Senior, Chair, East Midlands Freeport, East Midlands Freeport
11:00 – 11:45
Investor Panel: Translating Public Sector Innovation into Private Sector Investment
Local Authorities in the UK have set ambitious Net Zero targets that require sector-wide collaboration to achieve. However, there’s still a conflict between the demand for Net Zero funding into the public sector and private investors’ risk appetite. This session explores the perspective of investors on the appeal of place-based investing, the risks it can carry and how financial institutions can overcome these risks to enable Net Zero funding at scale.
- Chair: Catherine McGuinness CBE, Non-Executive Director, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eJames Close, Head of Climate Change, NatWest Groupu003cbru003eKate Gilmartin, Non-Executive Director, Great British Energyu003cbru003eDom Boyle, Local Authority Advisory u0026amp; Lending, National Wealth Fundu003cbru003eJulian Batson, Head of Government u0026amp; Local Authorities, Barclays
12:00 – 12:45
A Tale of Two Cities (Regions)
This session will explore the approaches taken by Belfast and Liverpool to drive growth through innovation and will also consider two city regions roles as major places within the Irish Sea Rim with its rich assets and talent pool.
- Chair: Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult u003cbru003eDr Adrian Johnston, Innovation Commissioner, Innovation City Belfastu003cbru003eJohn Fogarty, Executive Director, Liverpool City Region Combined Authorityu003cbru003eProfessor Phil Leigh, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, University of Cumbria
13:00 – 13:45
Dissert u0026amp; Discuss with BSI Group – u003cbru003eDecarbonising the Built Environment Through Standardisation
Explore how trusted standards support credible, consistent net zero strategies in infrastructure—enabling whole-life carbon management, aligning global efforts, and empowering collaboration across the value chain to drive meaningful climate action.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAttend this session to gain practical insights into using trusted standards like PAS 2080 and the ISO Net Zero Guidelines to embed decarbonisation across infrastructure projects, align with climate targets, and future-proof your strategy.
- Chair: Rahul Shah, Global Director, Built Environment, BSI Group u003cbru003eArun Thaneja, Technical Services and Sustainability Director, Winvic Construction Ltdu003cbru003eDr Natasha Boulding, CEO u0026amp; Co-founder, Low Carbon Materials
14:00 – 14:45
What’s Next for the Future of Planning?
Join us to hear from leading voices from organisations at the forefront of shaping the next chapter of digital planning in the UK. Our speakers will reflect on the successes and lessons learned from nearly a decade of digital transformation in the UK planning system, and look ahead to explore the emerging challenges and innovation opportunities in spatial planning.
- Chair: Alan Welby Managing Director, Built Environment and Local Growth, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003ePeter Kemp, Head of Change and Delivery, Planning, Greater London Authorityu003cbru003eDr Wei Yang, CEO, Digital Task Force for Planningu003cbru003eBridget Wilkins, Head of Adoption, Engagement and Innovation, Ministry of Housing, Communities u0026amp; Local Governmentu003cbru003eStefan Webb, Principal Partner – Place and Infrastructure, TPX Impact
15:00 – 16:30
The launch of Historic England’s Heritage Investment Prospectus
We are delighted to partner with Historic England and Buttress Architects. Join the launch of Historic England’s first Heritage Investment Prospectus at UKREiiF 2025 in Leeds. Hear first-hand a curated collection of historic sites and buildings across England, many with planning permission or agreed development briefs with local authorities, which actively seeking partners or investors to help write their next chapter.
- Chair: Erika Lewis Chief Executive Officer Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eCouncillor Jane Ashworth OBE, Leader of the Council Stoke on Trentu003cbru003eEmma Squire CBE, Director of Regions, Historic Englandu003cbru003eStephen Anderson, Director, Buttress Architectsu003cbru003eRichard Upton, Commissioner, Historic England
u003cstrongu003eu003cmark style=u0022background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)u0022 class=u0022has-inline-color has-cpc-dd-orange-coloru0022u003eFringe event at the Connected Places Catapult Pavilion u003c/marku003eu003c/strongu003e
17:00 – 18:30
u003cstrongu003eCommercial Property Investor, Developer and Occupier Mixeru003c/strongu003e
Meet place senior decision makers from investors, developers, occupiers and operators within commercial property. This is a closed event organised in our pavilion together with the UKREiiF team, express your interest to attend by contacting Kevin Smith at u003ca href=u0022kevin.smith@ukreiif.comu0022u003ekevin.smith@ukreiif.comu003c/au003e.
u003cstrongu003eu003cmark style=u0022background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)u0022 class=u0022has-inline-color has-cpc-green-coloru0022u003eBridging the gap between discovery and the market to spark innovation across the country.u003c/marku003eu003c/strongu003e
08:30 – 09:30
The UK Innovation Districts Group Business Breakfast
We know it’s the third day of UKREiiF and you may well be exhausted so we have got you! Join us light breakfast and connect with other members and those within the wider ecosystem. It will be informal but will give you the chance to catch up with all those working within or alongside Innovation Districts.u003cbru003eu003cbru003ePlease feel free to extend to colleagues, but please do get in touch with us at u003ca href=u0022events@cp.catapult.org.uku0022u003eevents@cp.catapult.org.uk u003c/au003eso we know the number.
10:30 – 11:00
The Art of the Possible: Unlocking the Potential of Community-Based Finance in the UK
Following the launch of our recent The Art of the Possible report, this session explores why community-based finance matters, what the research reveals, and what needs to happen next to unlock local investment and drive economic growth.
- Chair: James Cushing, Head of Regional and Local Growth Technical, Connected Places Catapultu003cbru003eIpsa Agnani, Programme Coordinator, Impact Investing Institute
11:00 – 11:30
Meet the Innovator: City Science
Join City Science to explore the need to act quickly and efficiently to progress your net zero plans. With the need for meaningful outcomes with current budget constraints, how do we get to net zero at pace? How do we fast track local plans, economic strategies and infrastructure and create better communities? Join us to hear more.
- Suzanne Conn, Net Zero Partnership Lead, City Science
reports
Mobilising Investment for Local Net Zero
Insights from developing Net Zero Neighbourhood Investment Memorandums.
As part of their mission to catalyse investment into net zero, 3Ci worked with local authorities to identify a diverse range of prospective Net Zero Neighbourhoods and subsequently published them in our Net Zero Neighbourhood prospectus. The next step was to translate these opportunities into propositions that could attract real investment.
Acting on a recommendation from 3Ci’s Investor Task Force to produce investor-focused documentation, 3Ci with support from KPMG as our professional advisors developed detailed Investment Memorandums (IMs) in collaboration with Hounslow Council and Glasgow City Council. Barclays contributed feedback to 3Ci to help align the work with likely investor expectations.
The UK’s legally binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 creates one of the most significant challenges for the built environment.
This report, produced by Connected Places Catapult and 3Ci, demonstrates that place-based Net Zero Neighbourhoods, supported by targeted government funding and robust investment models, can unlock private capital and accelerate large-scale retrofit across the UK.
articles
Leading regions and high-potential SMEs out in force for smart cities expo
Barcelona welcomed delegates to Europe’s largest urban innovation exhibition, Smart City Expo World Congress 2025, and Connected Places Catapult hosted partners at the UK Pavilion, packed with forward-thinking place leaders and high-potential businesses.
Thousands of delegates joined a record 31 partners representing 10 UK cities and regions and 12 innovative businesses on the UK Pavilion, to promote investment opportunities and build global partnerships.
Highlights included a keynote address by the Department for Business and Trade’s Head of Place, Helen Creighton on the role of the Industrial Strategy to drive regional economic growth. Further sessions featured speakers from Sunderland and Glasgow City Councils on the impact of data architecture and generative AI in transforming public services; and the launch of a digital twin by Nexus Leeds, the innovation and collaboration hub of the University of Leeds.
Reflecting on the three-day event, Connected Places Catapult’s Chief Executive, Erika Lewis said the UK Pavilion was a tremendous showcase of partnership in action.
“For us, our stand really was about our partners; we were selling Team UK, and it did two things. Firstly, it represented an inward investment opportunity; cities and regions were able to promote themselves to delegations from around the world, and secondly a trade opportunity, for the SMEs who joined us. It was all about learning from one another, and having the chance to strike up great conversations.”Erika Lewis, Connected Places Catapult’s Chief Executive
“We help the places that we work with to think more clearly about how they can draw people into their local economies.” Erika added that the event also demonstrated that the Industrial Strategy is “very cognisant of the geography of the UK”, adding that it fitted with the Government’s theme of places as engines of growth.
SMEs a focus
Several of the city and region partners on the stand invited high performing SMEs, who are crucial for local business growth to help develop business opportunities, discuss ideas and further their knowledge of developments in wider, international markets. SMEs were also a focus of the agenda during a ‘takeover’ session on the second day, focusing on innovation and the impact of small businesses in key sectors. Day one saw the Department for Business and Trade host a networking brunch, and day two saw UK co-exhibitors and partners host a networking reception on the UK Pavilion.
One of the SMEs welcomed to the pavilion was Terminus Technologies. Chief Executive, Joshua Ward said: “To have the backing and support of the UK and the Catapult, and to be able to be show what we can do as a country to the rest of the world, is incredibly exciting.”
The over-riding feeling among participants on the UK Pavilion was one of optimism and positivity, Erika said. “Everyone is now beginning to understand the new UK innovation funding landscape, as many choices have now been made around where some of that infrastructure spend is going to happen.”
“Those incredibly entrepreneurial local areas that we took with us to Barcelona are thinking about how to make the best use of that extra activity, in a way that drives innovation and growth, and ultimately supports the prosperity of their communities.”
Making an impact on the main stage
Erika joined a panel session on the main stage at the Congress to discuss the role that digital innovation can play to improve resilience in the built environment, and help combat threats including the risk of increased flooding and rising temperatures.
She was joined by Cris Turner of Google, Natalia Olson-Urtecho of Repscan, David Ramirez of FCC Enviro, and Bilel Jamoussi of the International Telecommunication Union.
Erika highlighted how the Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo) is setting a new standard for climate adaptation. “Some of the conversations we’re having in the UK are much more advanced than in other places, particularly around the interrogation of federated data sets on secure platforms,” she noted. “There is still a great need for the data infrastructure work that we’re doing, but we are starting from a really good place.”
She also chaired a session exploring how digital and data sharing infrastructure can help tackle some of the environmental and social problems cities face, alongside speakers from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Innovation City Belfast and CMCL – a data-led SME.
Erika said she came away from the Congress with a strong sense that innovation is all about “people, partnership and purpose” which “run through everything that we do.”
Get involved in our SME community, and read about our work in the built environment, transport and data and digital.
events
london international shipping week
The must-attend global shipping event
Event finished: 19th September 2025
London International Shipping Week is one of the biggest global maritime events in the calendar.
Connected Places Catapult is delighted to be an active partner of the event, celebrating our contribution to accelerating innovation in the UK’s Maritime sector.
Find out more below on the events we’re taking part in, plus some of our recent reports on coastal shipping, future fuels and more.
Events
ITS Maritime Forum
09:30 – 12:00
Meeting in London on 16 September, this gathering will bring together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the importance of resilience in the maritime sector.
We’ll be discussing key topics, including the impact of GNSS interference on maritime operations, and how robust global data standards form the backbone of safe, sustainable and resilient maritime operations, as well as delving into challenges related to autonomous vessels.
Richard Holland, Head of Maritime at Connected Places Catapult, will be presenting as Maritime Forum vice-chair.
We’ll hear also hear from Royal Institute of Navigation, ITS Norway, Peel Ports, and Zulu Associates, with more to be confirmed soon.
Clean Maritime Day
10:00 – 17:00
Maritime Innovation Day 2025 is an Innovate UK flagship event to showcase the Department for Transport’s pioneering environmental work in the maritime sector.
This year, Connected Places Catapult’s Head of Maritime Mark Wray will be speaking on the Maritime Investment panel.
We are also delighted to be exhibiting at the event, so please do stop by our stand to discuss the future of maritime innovation with us.
resources
Future Fuels Blueprint
Connected Places Catapult has created an interactive blueprint which aims to accelerate the transition to future fuel adoption by producing a pathway to 2050 for UK ports and harbours.
Coastal Shipping
This report explores how shifting more goods to coastal shipping can relieve pressure on road networks, reduce emissions, and support regional economic growth.
Green Shipping Corridors
The UK Government made a pledge in the Clydebank Declaration at COP26 to establish six green shipping corridors by 2026. This report describes in detail a pathway to deliver, what could be the first in the UK, between Liverpool and Belfast.
Centres of Excellence
The National Shipbuilding Office’s Centres of Excellence Task and Finish Group has launched a Centres of Excellence (CoE) Playbook, developed in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult.
events
Smart City Expo World Congress
The event for better cities and urban innovation.
Event finished: 6th November 2025
We’re excited to partner with Fira Barcelona and join 25,000+ visitors from over 130 countries.
Connected Places Catapult will lead the UK Pavilion, joining 1,100+ exhibitors, 600+ speakers, and representatives from 850+ cities.
The event annually attracts a diverse audience of industry executives, government leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs who come together to explore complex issues at the heart of a new model for cities and society.
Together with 31 partners from UK cities, regions, academia, freeports, and businesses, we will be showcasing smart and innovative solutions they have implemented to help deliver their city ambitions.
Our partners include:
Meet us in person in Hall 3, Stand D131 to share information and extend your network.
Join Us at the UK Pavilion!
Tuesday 4 November | 11:00–12:00
Kick off your day with the Launch of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and our Meet the UK Partners Business Brunch.
We’ll begin at 11:00 with a Welcome Address from Erika Lewis, CEO and UK Government Representative, followed by a networking brunch – a great chance to connect with UK cities, regions, and innovators.
Wednesday 5 November | 17:00–18:00
Join us for Networking Drinks hosted by our UK partners.
Meet the UK delegation and hear how they’re driving innovation and international collaboration to build better, more sustainable communities.
No registration needed – just drop by the UK Pavilion. We’d be delighted to see you there!
To find out how to arrange a business meeting with us and our UK partners, contact us at events@cp.catapult.org.uk or search for Connected Places Catapult on the SCEWC event app.
From local to global: smart city collaboration across the UK and beyond
11:00 – 11:20
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the UK’s Industrial Strategy is a bold 10-year plan launched in 2025 to drive long-term economic growth, boost business investment, and position the UK as a global leader in future-focused industries.
Hear directly from the UK Government on how the strategy is progressing since its launch – and what’s next for innovation, investment, and international collaboration.
- Opening address: Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
- Guest speaker: Helen Creighton, Head of Place – Industrial Strategy Unit, Department for Business and Trade
11:20 – 12:00
Networking Brunch: Meet the UK Partners supported by the Department for Business and Trade
Kick-start your Congress experience with our Networking Brunch! Connect with 20 UK partner organisations – including cities, regions, academia, freeports, and innovative SMEs – all showcasing their smart solutions at the UK Pavilion and have some delicious food and freshly brewed coffee.
12:00 – 12:35
How Can the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and the AI Growth Plan help Drive Towards a More Digital Future?
This panel explores how AI, data infrastructure, and digital twin technologies – central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy -can drive sustainable growth. It highlights how smart cities, Freeports, and innovation clusters are harnessing digital transformation to build inclusive, resilient economies ready for future challenges.
- Chair: Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
- Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Freyja Lockwood, Programme Manager- Digital Office, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
- Alison Young, Director of Trade & Investment, Thames Freeport
- Helen Creighton, Head of Place – Industrial Strategy Unit, Department for Business and Trade
13:00 – 13:35
Innovation at Scale: Public-Private collaboration for smart infrastructure
Explore how cities and tech innovators co-develop infrastructure pilots, investment zones, and innovation districts. This session highlights scalable models for collaboration, procurement, and deployment, with insights on clusters, accelerators, SME involvement, and procurement reform. Learn from UK innovation zones and their global relevance in accelerating smart urban transformation.
- Chair: Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
- Naomi Hutchinson Yes Chief Innovation Growth Officer Sunderland City Council
- Oana Beattie, Vice President, Kyndryl
- Michael Quane, Chief Commercial Officer, Terminus Technologies
- Theresa Searle, Telecoms Unit Manager, Glasgow City Council
14:00 – 14:35
From Sandbox to Scale: How are Testbeds Accelerating Innovation Adoption Across UK Regions
Testbeds enable place-based innovation by trialing emerging technologies in real-world settings. Applied to local challenges like transport or public health, they offer controlled environments for experimentation. This helps de-risk investment through validation, user insights, and measurable impact -informing smarter procurement and accelerating adoption across regions.
- Chair: Marcos Kauffman, Research Centre Director, Coventry University
- Mike Dawson, People and Digital Transformation Director, Belfast Harbour
- Shah Zeb, Technical Specialist, Smart Internet Lab Bristol, University of Bristol
- Miles Blagden, Inward Investment Manager – Sustainability, London & Partners
- Alison Young, Director of Trade & Investment, Thames Freeport
15:00 – 15:35
How the advancements in data architectures and generative AI are providing ‘game changing’ opportunities for public sector reform.
This session explores how advances in data architecture and generative AI are transforming public services. With practical examples from local authorities, it highlights opportunities for reform and addresses key ethical and security considerations in deploying these technologies.
- Chair: Justin Anderson, Data and Digital Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
- Liz St Louis, Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services, Sunderland City Council
- Freyja Lockwood, Programme Manager- Digital Office, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
- Dan Wysocki, Head of IoT and Smart Places, Makutu
- Dr Colin Birchenall, Chief Digital Officer, Glasgow City Council
16:00 – 16:35
How Places Lead with Data: From Policy to Practice
This session explores how UK Government investment and legislation are reshaping the data landscape. It highlights how cities are implementing national strategies through data sharing, digital twins, and interoperable platforms -building resilience, driving growth, and showcasing why cities are uniquely positioned to lead digital transformation.
- Chair: Lloyd Broad, Head of European and International Affairs, Birmingham City Council
- Dr Amit Bhave, CEO & Founder, CMCL
- Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- Phil Swan, Director for Digital, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Agora Stage
17:50 – 18:35
Building Resilient Places with Data Sharing Infrastructure
Agora Stage: Infrastructure & Building
UK Cities today are grappling with a perfect storm of infrastructure challenges: ageing buildings, costly maintenance, increased flooding, and rising temperatures are straining systems that were never designed for today’s climate changes and extremes. Failing infrastructure leads to cascading impacts on people, places and transport systems. This panel explores how Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI) can support national goals like net zero, public service reform, and economic growth across our regions. By aligning policy, technology and collaboration, we can build the frameworks that allow innovation to thrive and places to become more connected and sustainable.
- Chair: Erika Lewis, CEO, Connected Places Catapult
- Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, Innovation Commissioner, Belfast
- Tiffany St James, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Dr Amit Bhave, CEO & Founder, CMCL
- Abdul Rahim, Chief Innovation Officer, London Legacy Development Corporation / Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Unlocking economic growth through AI, data and digital twins
10:00 – 10:35
How Can Technology Improve the Efficiency of the UK Transport Landscape
Technology is making UK transport smarter and greener, with AI, data, and automation powering seamless journeys and faster, cleaner logistics. These innovations are building connected cities where efficient, sustainable movement, benefits everyone.
- Chair: Sameer Savani, Transport Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
- Mike Dawson, People and Transformation Director, Belfast Harbour
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- David Cronin, Inward Investment Manager – Sustainability, London & Partners
- Hannah Tune, ITS Development Manager, Transport for Greater Manchester
11:00 – 11:35
Driving a More Inclusive Future for the UK
This panel explores how inclusive innovation, policy, and place-based strategies can shape a fairer future for communities across the UK. Speakers will share insights on unlocking opportunity through collaboration, investment, and inclusive design – ensuring no one is left behind in the UK’s transformation journey.
- Chair: Freyja Lockwood, Programme Manager- Digital Office, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
- Dr Adrian Johnston, Innovation Commissioner, Innovation City Belfast
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- Angela Harrington, Director of Inclusive Economy, Manchester City Council
- Cllr Paul Leinster, Chair of the Digital Glasgow Board, Glasgow City Council
12:00 – 12:35
Leading Urban Transformation for the Future.
Lessons from the Lesser-known: A Capstone project for the EIT Urban Mobility Emerging Leaders Programme
This session would provide an opportunity to explore how cities can collaborate to strengthen urban leadership, building on the experiences of the Emerging Leaders programme and its previous editions.
- Chair: Olev Parts, Deputy Head of Talinn Transport Department, Tallinn Transport Department, Estonia
- Mihai Ionut, Consultant to the Mayor of Bacau, Primaria Municipiului Bacau, Romania
- Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, United Kingdom
- Juan Carlos Escudero, Head of Mobility and Data Science Unit, Centre for Environmental Studies, Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, Spain
- Emma Court, Walking & Cycling Officer Fingal County Council, Republic of Ireland
13:00 – 14:00
The Small Business Takeover: The Power of Small: SMEs Driving the IoT Revolution
Join us at The SME Takeover, a casual and relaxed event spotlighting the innovation, agility, and impact of small and medium-sized enterprises across key sectors. Designed to amplify the voices of emerging businesses, the takeover provides a platform for SMEs to showcase their solutions, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to shaping future policy and market trends.
- Chair: Moderator: Iqbal Singh Bedi, Intelligens Consulting
14:00 – 14:35
Modelling Success: Digital Twins as Policy Outcome Accelerators
Digital twins are evolving from concept to impact.
This panel explores how governments and stakeholders are using digital twin simulations to anticipate challenges, test scenarios, and deliver measurable outcomes in infrastructure, climate resilience, mobility, and public services. Panellists will share real-world applications, lessons learned, and the potential for smarter, faster, and more effective policy-making.
- Chair: Alanna Gluck, Senior Consultant – Data and Digital Products, Connected Places Catapult
- Amit Bhave, CEO & Founder, CMCL
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- Sam Li, Head of Digital Innovation, Transport for Greater Manchester
- Joanna Birch, Director, Growthinnk
15:00 – 15:35
Beyond Readiness – Integrating Society and Technology Through Digital Twins
The launch of the Nexus Digital Twin and its integration into the STRIDE Test-Bed marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of smart city innovation. These platforms serve as dynamic environments for testing, validating, and scaling digital twin technologies across sectors, enabling real-time simulation, predictive analytics, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Chair: Dan Isaacs, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Twin Consortium
- Sian Purvey, National Operations Manager, Crysp
- David McKee, CEO & Founder, Counterpoint Technologies
- Dennis Dokter, Smart Cities Lead, Manager Data and Insights, Nexus, University of Leeds
17:00 – 18:00
Networking Drinks Reception: Meet the UK Partners
Join us for an informal evening of conversation and connection with leading UK organisations driving smart city innovation. This reception offers a unique opportunity to meet UK partners across government, industry, and academia, explore collaboration opportunities, and celebrate shared ambitions for sustainable urban transformation. Enjoy drinks, light refreshments, and engaging dialogue in a relaxed setting.
Creating an innovative, sustainable and better connected urban future
10:00 – 10:35
Seeding and Scaling Innovation Places: International Perspectives on Policy, Partnerships, Placemaking and Infrastructure
This panel brings together international perspectives from Australasia, Europe and the UK to explore what it means to seed and scale innovation districts. Drawing on global experience, speakers will share practical insights into building resilient, future-ready places that unlock inclusive growth, investment, and long-term value.
- Chair: Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
- Abdul Rahim, Chief Innovation Officer, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Ronan Herron, Co-Founder, the European Association of Business Innovation Districts
- Catherine Hadfield, Strategic Lead, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, West Midlands Combined Authority
- Dr. Sunil Dubey, Professor of City Strategy, UNSW City Institute
events
The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum
A forum dedicated to unlocking investment and driving regeneration and development across the UK
Days hours mins secs
Driving growth across the UK and accelerating economic development.
This year’s event will bring together 16,000+ delegates, 1,250 speakers, 150 exhibitors, and thousands more across fringe events, including government, investors, developers, and innovators from almost every UK region.
Connected Places Catapult will host our own Pavilion: a space for UK cities, regions, clusters and freeports to connect, collaborate, and tackle regional challenges. The programme will spotlight local growth and investment, construction, transport, social value, heritage, and emerging technologies.
Our UKREiiF Strategic Partner
Our UKREiiF Programme Partners
Join us to share ideas, collaborate and grow your network!
Last year we attracted over 1,200 visitors. View our 2026 pavilion’s programme:
Tuesday 19 May | 11:45 – 12:45
Closed Networking Lunch: Sticky innovation, thriving places: from university to scale up with Midlands Innovation and UK universities.
Tuesday 19 May | 14:00 – 15:00
Closed Roundtable: Unlocking Growth in Industrial Strategy Zones
Thank you to JLL for hosting the session in the JLL Pavilion.
Tuesday 19 May | 17:00–18:00
Join us for Networking Drinks hosted by Buttress Architects.
Connect with the site owners, developers, investors, and architects unlocking investment through heritage‑led regeneration.
Wednesday 20 May | 17:00–18:00
Join Metro Dynamics for informal drinks and conversation to explore what it will take to turn ambition into action, and discuss opportunities to mobilise investment and growth across the UK.
We’d be delighted to see you there!
09:50 – 10:00
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Join us in our pavilion where we unite partners from across the UK to focus on delivering infrastructure and place‑based innovation. Visit us to connect with public and private sector leaders, unlock projects, and help turn ambition into real‑world delivery and regional growth.
- Alan Welby, Built Environment & Local Growth Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
10:00 – 10:45
What is the Role of Local Government in Driving Innovation and Business Growth?
Some regions already have strong innovation economies, while others are using the Local Innovation Partnership Fund to develop clusters and new triple‑helix collaborations. Building on the LGA’s ‘Force for Growth’ report, this panel will explore how local leaders can drive innovation‑led growth and the roles councillors and officers should play.
- Eleanor Springer, Associate Director, Metro Dynamics
- Eve Roodhouse, Director of Policy, Local Government Association
- Prashant Pillai, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange, University of Wolverhampton GIC
11:00 – 11:25
Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre Panel
Innovation procurement is practical, compliant and already happening. This panel explores innovation procurement as a solution to barriers in public and private sector innovation, enabling place‑based growth and net zero. Through the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC), Leeds City Council, and NEPO examples the panel will examine enabling SMEs and the market to drive and scale innovation in cities.
- Jonathan Pryor, Councillor, Leeds City Council
- Rikesh Shah, Head of Procurement Technical, Connected Places Catapult
- Ruth Long, Procurement Manager, North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO)
11:45 – 12:45
Sticky Innovation, Thriving Places: From University to Scale up
Join the UK university sector and Connected Places Catapult for a working lunch to explore how places can optimise the conditions for university spin outs to scale. The lunch follows a morning of panels in the Connected Places Catapult pavilion, with a focus on regions reaching their full potential as the sites of business growth.
- Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
- Dr Helen Turner, Director, Midlands Innovation
13:00 – 13:45
Raising Private Capital for Businesses in Regions
What is holding back investment in businesses in regions? How do places turn the challenge of place-based investment into an opportunity? What are the respective benefits of different models for collaboration, investor relations, portfolio development and investment zones.
- Chair: Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, The Centre for Cities
- Joanna Birch, Chief Innovation Officer, Woodbourne Group
- Paige Portal, Senior Account Director, Henham Strategy
14:00 – 14:45
Financing Net Zero infrastructure – From Strategy to Delivery
This session explores how public, private and blended finance can accelerate innovation and unlock investment in Net Zero infrastructure and place-based delivery. It will examine what works, the barriers that remain, and how partners can structure investable portfolios that move projects from pipeline to implementation.
- Chair: Stephen Jones, Director, Core Cities
- Alana McPhee, Head of Sustainable Structuring, Barclays
- Charlie Ross, Investment Manager – Real Assets, Standard Life
- Patrick Allcorn, Head of Local Net Zero Demonstration and Delivery, DESNZ
14:00 – 14:45
Roundtable: Unlocking Growth in Industrial Strategy Zones (Freeports & Investment Zones)
This closed roundtable brings ISZ Senior Responsible Officers and government together for the first time to share challenges, identify opportunities, and discuss practical ways to accelerate growth across Freeports and Investment Zones. As national catalysts for innovation, ISZs will outline key barriers and potential solutions.
- Hosted at: JLL Pavilion, Pavilion Square
- Chair: Alan Welby, Manging Director of Local Growth and Built Environment, Connected Places Catapult
15:00 – 15:45
Delivering Joined-Up Impact Across the Asset Lifecycle
This panel brings together practitioners from across the sector to share practical approaches to collaborative impact delivery. Expect real‑world examples and actionable takeaways, including how innovation can be delivered through procurement. The session opens with a keynote from Nicola Mathers (Future of London) on creating lasting legacy, followed by a panel discussion with an architect, planner, and developer‑manager.
- Chair: Cléo Folkes, Lead Consultant – Real Assets, Thrive
- Cithra Marsh, Director, Buttress Architects
- Chris Law, Central & Local Government Lead, Aecom
- Jamie Quinn, Sustainability Director, Related Argent
- Nicola Mathers, Chief Executive Officer, Future of London
16:00 – 17:00
Historic England: Second Heritage Investment Prospectus Launch
Historic England launches its second Heritage Investment Prospectus at UKREiiF, alongside launch partner Buttress Architects. Join a panel discussion exploring 20 historic development sites with the potential to deliver over 1,600 new homes, unlocking investment through heritage‑led regeneration, followed by networking drinks.
- Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEO, Historic England
- Stephen Anderson, Director, Buttress Architects
17:00 – 18:00
Networking Drinks hosted by Buttress Architects
Historic England launches its second Heritage Investment Prospectus at UKREiiF, alongside launch partner Buttress Architects. Join to celebrate and network with site owners, developers, investors and architects, and learn about 20 historic sites unlocking investment through heritage‑led regeneration.
09:00 – 09:45
Building for outcomes: a new blueprint for sustainable delivery and smarter growth
Ditch the presentations and panel talks for a participative breakfast discussion. How can we deliver more homes while simultaneously tackling social and environmental crises? Is “purpose” an added luxury or the key to unlocking growth? Bring your perspective, test ideas, and challenge assumptions about what purpose-driven development can achieve.
Start the day with an interactive breakfast hosted by the Quality of Life Foundation, The Crown Estate, Landsec and Muse.
10:00 – 10:45
Industrialised Construction – The Viability Breakthrough?
Modern Methods of Construction have promised transformation before and fallen short. This session explores the evolution to Industrialised Construction and what’s changed: stronger pipelines, better digital standards, maturing manufacturing capability, and coordinated public‑sector demand. We’ll examine how these shifts can finally close the viability gap and unlock the market for industrialised construction, making large‑scale housing and new towns deliverable, investable and genuinely lower‑risk.
- Chair: Krithika Ramesh, Head of Built Environment & Urbanism Engagement, Connected Places Catapult
- Ben Jowett, Head of Digital Transformation, Wates Group
- Edward Jezeph, Senior Manager, Homes England
- Jeff Endean, Director, Cast
- Kate Rudin, Housing and Innovation Director, Akerloff,
11:00 – 11:45
Humber Freeport Investment Prospectus Launch: Unlocking Investment-Ready Opportunities
This session marks the launch of the Humber Freeport Investment Prospectus, showcasing investment-ready opportunities across Hull, Goole and Immingham. Featuring a short film, strategic overview and panel discussion, it highlights how Humber Freeport is unlocking sites, accelerating development and connecting investors to opportunity across a globally significant industrial cluster.
11:45 – 12:45
Humber Freeport Networking Lunch
13:00 – 13:45
Smart Places, Smarter Councils: Driving Digital Transformation Across Local Government
With a focus on PropTech – and demonstrating the divergence of views and adoption of this – this session will discuss digital innovation in local government. This includes a review of current capacity and capability within the sector with contributions from central government in how it is supporting adoption of technology in the sector to accelerate transformation and deliver services that are more accessible, efficient, and tailored to local need.
- Chair: Owen Pritchard Director of Data Insight and Innovation Local Government Association
14:00 – 14:45
Accelerating Housing Through Collaborative Innovation
Whether delivering a new town, regenerating a complex urban area, or building out a large housing site, accelerating housing requires a clear view of feasibility, constraints and the right delivery model, whether a development corporation, joint venture or developer‑led approach. This session explores how the i3P model – a collaborative innovation partnership used by major UK infrastructure clients to solve shared delivery challenges – can be adapted to unlock faster housing delivery and stronger business growth. By bringing public bodies, developers, infrastructure providers and supply‑chain innovators together, i3P enables partners to fix common bottlenecks once and scale solutions across multiple sites.
- John Reid, Director, Homes England
- Kevin McGinley, Director Development Property, Platform 4 (Network Rail)
- Martyn Saunders, Director, Metro Dynamics
15:00 – 15:45
Minding the Gap: Investing in Innovation Districts
Focusing on the distinct market challenges facing innovation districts, this panel explores why viability gaps emerge and what makes these places particularly complex in real‑estate terms. Through case studies, we will hear how different places are addressing this challenge and the tools and tactics proving effective.
- Chair: Emma Frost, Chair, Innovation Districts Group
- Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council
- Helen Goulden, Innovation & Partnerships Lead, Lloyds Banking Group
17:00 – 18:00
Networking Drinks hosted by Metro Dynamics
Join us for Networking Drinks hosted by Metro Dynamics.
Meet leaders from across the public and private sectors who are driving innovation, collaboration, and investment to build better, more sustainable communities.
10:30 – 11:30
Moving People, Growing Businesses: the Role of Transport and Connectivity in Business Growth Networking Event
Meet us in Pavilion Square to collaborate, discuss and extend your network.
To find out how to arrange a business meeting with us, join the discussion in the pavilion or collaborate on projects contact us at events@cp.catapult.org.uk
events
Innovation Zero 2024
The UK's largest net-zero congress
Event finished: 1st May 2024
We are delighted to once again participate in Innovation Zero, and we’re contributing to a number of sessions, including:
Andrew Chadwick, Ecosystem Director, Air Mobility & Airports, joining the Fuelling Flight: Hydrogen session on 1 May at 11:45.
Alison Young, Head of Global Investment, joining the session on Funding the Automotive Transformation, on 1 May at 12:25 in the Transport & Mobility Forum.
events
UKREiiF 2024
The UK's Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum
Event finished: 23rd May 2024
This year, we are proud to host our own Pavilion, a place designed to showcase real innovation, and provide opportunities to connect with thought leaders, and UK and global peers.
To review our full Agenda of sessions and activities taking place over the three days and plan your visit, please head to the UKREiiF website > Programme tab > Download Programme or > Click on the Connected Places Catapult Pavilion dot to browse online.
Make sure to visit our Pavilion in Pavilion Square, we look forward to connecting with you in Leeds!
events
Open and Agile Smart Cities (OASC) Conference 2024
Become better connected
Event finished: 17th January 2024
We’re delighted to participate in the Open & Agile Smart Cities Conference. Make sure to visit our Connected Places Catapult stand on the show floor and to join the sessions our experts are participating in over the course of the two days.
