We caught up with Mark Gilkes, a Partner in our Infrastructure Consultancy team, following his first visit to the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, and he had plenty to share from the sun-soaked, three-day event.
Reflecting on the experience, Mark described UKREiiF as “a goldmine for anyone in the infrastructure space,” packed with networking opportunities, thought-provoking sessions, and valuable industry insights. As a first-time attendee, it took a little time to get oriented, but the value of the event quickly became clear.
Top tips for first timers
If you’re planning to attend in future, here are two golden nuggets from my own learning curve:
- Look beyond the main agenda. While the headline talks and speakers were impressive, the real value often lies in the fringe events. These less-formal sessions offer more meaningful conversations and longer contact time, ideal for building genuine connections.
- Wear trainers. With so much ground to cover (literally and figuratively), comfortable footwear is essential — especially if you’re following tip one.
Beyond the socials: Strategic takeaways
While the social side of UKREiiF is well known, Mark attended with a clear purpose: to explore how Fisher German’s infrastructure team could evolve, grow and add value in a rapidly changing market.
Traditionally, the team has focused on client-led schemes, from Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) to single landowner developments. But the market is shifting. New players are entering the space, and not all are following conventional procurement models. This opens up exciting opportunities for Fisher German to adapt, innovate, and lead.
Here are some of the standout themes that Mark identified:
- Gridlock on the grid: Energy producers and users alike are being held back by limited grid connections. With our network and expertise, we’re well-positioned to help bring these projects together and unlock progress.
- Water use under scrutiny: Data centres are using potable water to ‘cool their chips’ (systems), while the public remains wary of recycled water in the supply chain. There’s a clear need for smarter, more sustainable solutions, and we can help shape them.
- Transport as a value catalyst: Infrastructure, especially transport, has the power to unlock significant land value. We can provide the evidence to support this, helping projects attract investment and even turn NIMBYs into YIMBYs.
- CPO powers for net zero: Emerging sectors are exploring the use of compulsory purchase powers to deliver net zero projects. This is familiar territory for us, delivering complex, high-impact schemes is what we do best.
- The SAF supply challenge: Aviation is under pressure to increase its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), but supply and production are lagging due to broader constraints set by the government.
When this market matures, the logistics of moving SAF will require new investment in pipeline infrastructure, and our clients are ready to be part of that solution.