Invest York & North Yorkshire have released an enhanced programme of events for this year’s UKREiiF, showcasing how the region is primed for growth by doing things differently.
The UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) will take place in Leeds between 19 to 21 May 2026. For the first time, York and North Yorkshire will be hosting a pavilion and up to 12 events across the three days.
This year’s theme for York and North Yorkshire is “Innovation Driving Investment”. Through thought-provoking panel sessions, experts across sectors will discuss how York and North Yorkshire offers extraordinary potential as a location for investment, with distinctive strengths and areas of opportunity.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said:
“York and North Yorkshire has always been a spectacular place to live, work and do business. With one of the highest performing economies in the North, world-class strengths, a skilled workforce and space to grow, there has never been a better time to invest in our region.
“At UKREiiF, we’re showcasing how we’re breaking down barriers to unlock bold, employment and housing developments, from Selby to York to Scarborough.
"We’re backing ambition for our people and our businesses, improving productivity, making work fairer and supporting people with the skills businesses in our region need to grow.
“The opportunities ahead of us are substantial, and they are within reach. My door will always be open to anyone who wants to be part of the story we’re writing.”
Cllr Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire Council, said:
“As the largest investment showcase of its type, UKREiiF is an excellent opportunity to work in partnership with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and City of York Council to ensure the wealth of opportunities in North Yorkshire are showcased at the highest level.
“Our team will also take part in sessions focused on sectors that are key to the success of the North Yorkshire economy, including placemaking and housing solutions, innovation, creativity for growth, unlocking the potential of coastal economies and tourism investment opportunities.”
City of York Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, Cllr Pete Kilbane, said:
“Independent experts agree that York is the top-performing UK city for good growth, one of the country’s most dynamic business locations and one of the best places to live.
“At UKREiiF we will make sure the world knows what a great place York is for long term investment. We are a place of opportunity, with a skilled population and easy connectivity that high-quality, world-renowned businesses who already call home.
“Working with the Mayor, and alongside the York Central Partnership, we will show that York & North Yorkshire is the place to invest - bringing well-paid jobs to the city, affordable homes and so much more. The city is in confident mood, has a great future ahead and offers a warm welcome to judicious investors.”
York and North Yorkshire will be hosting a diverse range of sessions across the three days. These include progressive solutions to meeting housing targets, creating a world-class bioeconomy cluster through cross-regional collaboration, the significant inward investment opportunities offered through the creative economy and being a blueprint for coastal regeneration.