​Once again, the Cambridge Social was held at the offices of Mills & Reeve Offices in Cambridge, and was a resounding success, drawing a packed room of more than 60 attendees eager to hear expert insights on real estate trends and predictions in the East of England.
Matthew Battle, managing director and founder of UKPF, set the tone by highlighting the recent announcements by the Chancellor regarding the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. He emphasised the significance of this development, suggesting that it positions the Golden Triangle as a pivotal area for innovation and growth, akin to the European Silicon Valley of the UK. This strategic focus by the government has reinvigorated interest and investment in the region, placing it at the forefront of national economic discussions.
Ian Keys, partner and the head of the Cambridge office at Knight Frank took the opportunity to discuss Land Aid, a charity dedicated to supporting homeless young people. He also mentioned the upcoming sleep-out event at Cambridge Rugby Club planned for 27th February, along with other sports-themed fundraisers, underscoring the importance of community engagement and social responsibility within the real estate sector.
The first presentation was delivered by Henry Godsal, head of investment strategy & asset management at Savills. Henry provided an in-depth analysis of the office and laboratory space uptake in Cambridge. He highlighted a significant capital raise of over £12 billion by industrial sectors in 2024, earmarked for investment in 2025. This influx includes foreign investment, although evolving in composition, remains a crucial driver of growth in the area.
Steve Dobson, a workplace consultant from Overbury, presented compelling data on the impact of hybrid working. He noted a decline in desk utilisation from 50 per cent to 30 per cent, reflecting the ongoing shift in workplace dynamics. Steve emphasised the need for high-quality work environments to attract graduates accustomed to university-style settings, suggesting that the full implications of hybrid working are yet to be fully realised.
Pete Collins, principal associate at Mills & Reeve (Cambridge), addressed the political landscape, noting the end of uncertainty in 2024 and a stabilisation in 2025. He expressed cautious optimism about the real estate market in Cambridge, highlighting a busy pipeline of projects that signal continued growth and opportunity.
Finally, Jade Uko, director East of England at DevComms, discussed the government’s growth strategy, noting the approval of nine major infrastructure projects in the first six months of their term. She pointed out changes to local government and tweaks to the National Planning Framework in 2025, which are expected to bolster the government’s growth agenda.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session and ample networking opportunities. Matthew Battle expressed gratitude to Mills and Reeve for hosting the event in such a prime location. He also reminded attendees of the upcoming East of England Property Awards on Thursday, 26th June, at Homerton College, encouraging participation in what promises to be a showcase of excellence in the field with submissions due at the end of March.
Details about the East Prop Awards: https://ukpropertyforums.com/event/eastpropawards/
Land Aid Sleep Out Details: https://join.landaid.org/event/sleepout/donate-fundraiser
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