As part of the UK Prop Social programme UK Property Forums hosted Cambridge Social on the topical subject of Responsible Business.
Working in conjunction with Rachel Hales, the founder and director of Get Synergised and the With Purpose Network and Sarah Coates, partner at Tees Law, the event had a confirmed guest list of fifty-five and was hosted at the Novotel in Cambridge North.
After an introduction to Cambridge North from Harry Blevins, surveyor in the business space team at Bidwells and client, Simon Wallis from Brookgate talked about the desire to have strong community links as the scheme is developed.
Chaired by Matthew Battle, managing director of UK Property Forums, the session explored the topic of Responsible Business with a panel comprising Rebecca Britton, regional director – communication, communities, and partnerships at Urban + Civic, Nicky Shepard, chief executive of Abbey People, Darren Heffer, director of Saunders Boston Architects and Sarah Coates, partner and head of commercial property, Cambridge with Tees Law. Speakers referred to their personal experiences and gave examples of how business can become more responsible.
Sarah Coates, partner of event sponsor Tees Law, was keen to ensure the conversation about community engagement and ‘good’ growth for Cambridge was understood by the property sector.
She said: “Too often many of these issues have been ignored and consequently there is a disconnect between business and the community. Tees Law are working hard with many charities and social enterprises to correct this gap and provide where possible advice and support.”
Rachel Hales said: “This event marks the beginning of more focused conversations on responsible business in the property sector. There is a strong commitment to breaking down silos and driving innovation through cross-sector collaboration, addressing community needs in a more meaningful, holistic, and sustainable way.
“Community engagement now goes beyond tick-box exercises for businesses – it requires strategy, listening, and long-term partnerships based on shared values. The property and development world must take a longer-term approach, considering the full development cycle wherever they start and end.
“The people in the room have a desire and appetite to move forward together, to help shape good practice, policy, and delivery, reflecting all community voices and creating lasting, positive change around responsible development for future generations to come.”
UK Property Forums will be returning to the the subject of Responsible Business at the East of England Awards at Homerton College in Cambridge on Wednesday, June 25. Get Synergised has produced a summary document which is essential reading for those working in this area across Cambridgeshire.
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