Bond Bryan:Fairhursts UKREiiF Wrap-Up

We’re proud to have had a strong presence across Bond Bryan:Fairhursts – engaging with clients, local authorities, developers, and collaborators. The conversations were honest, ambitious and – crucially-focused on action. We were incredibly fortunate to both host and be hosted by so many fantastic individuals (too many to mention!) who make what we do so rewarding. What an industry we are!

We were especially proud to mark the launch of our first project as Bond Bryan:Fairhursts—the University of Sheffield’s Runway Park.
We also hosted a meaningful and thought-provoking roundtable—The Economy of Tomorrow: Creating Places that Attract High-Growth Sectors – as part of the Building New Communities programme. Huge thanks, as always, to White Label for helping us bring it all together.

1. We need more PPP (Public–Private Partnerships).
   There’s growing recognition that the challenges we face—especially around housing and infrastructure—can only be solved through long-term, collaborative partnerships that bring public land and private funding together under a shared vision.
2. Housing targets demand a step change.
   To meet the government’s target of 300,000 homes a year, we need a 47% uplift in delivery. With most land in public ownership, the answer lies in smarter partnerships and shared accountability.
3. Temporary accommodation is straining public budgets.
   The cost to local authorities is unsustainable. Affordable, permanent housing solutions must be prioritised—and speed of delivery is critical.
4. Growth ambitions are strong across the board.
   From local authorities to developers and housing associations, there’s no shortage of ambition—just a need for the right frameworks, funding, and collaboration to unlock it.
5. The challenges are real.
   Viability, funding gaps, the cost of living, infrastructure needs, political uncertainty, inflation, and BSA compliance were recurring themes—but there was also a clear determination to overcome them.
6. Science and innovation need tailored support.
   The growth and needs of the UK’s science and tech hubs were explored in depth—emphasising the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and shared knowledge among incubators. Key challenges include the lack of lab space (e.g., in Paddington), the need for flexible, adaptable environments for digital and tech life sciences companies, and better support for spin-outs and start-ups—particularly access to mid-tech space and lease flexibility to retain innovation within the UK.
7. Government support is essential.
   Government involvement in infrastructure, planning, and partnerships is crucial. Cities like Manchester and Cambridge demonstrate what’s possible when government, academia, and enterprise collaborate to support life sciences. There’s a strong call for greater NHS collaboration with start-ups, deeper support from institutions like the AMRC, and expanded infrastructure in growth-focused cities.
8. We need more ecosystems.
   Live–work–play environments—like Sheffield—are key to nurturing talent and supporting long-term growth. Purpose-built lab and manufacturing space (not just refurbished buildings) is vital. Strategic initiatives—such as the UK’s Industrial Strategy for Science, Crown Estate investments in renewables, housing, and life sciences, and the emergence of quantum and AI clusters (e.g., STFC at Daresbury)—are all promising. But with 72% of UK science activity taking place outside London and the Southeast (despite £6.2bn of funding going into that region), a more balanced investment across the UK is urgently needed. Early STEM education and regional infrastructure must also be priorities.
9. Optimism with purpose.
   Despite the complexity, the atmosphere throughout UKREiiF was one of grounded optimism—anchored in pragmatism but driven by a shared belief that progress is possible through partnership, innovation, and outcome-focused thinking.