The Western Gateway Pavilion is at Pavilion number 16 in the Pavilion Zone.
Meet the UK's fastest growing economy at the Western Gateway Pavilion
Back for the UK’s Real Estate investment and infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025, join the Western Gateway pavilion to find out about the area with the fastest growing economy outside of London.
Partnering with Cardiff Capital Region and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority the Western Gateway Pavilion highlights some of the key investment opportunities across the area.
With an economy worth over £130bn, the area is home to Freeports and Investment Zones and is the UK’s proposed destination for the first deployment of Small Modular Reactors, the UK’s largest brownfield development and a globally-leading cyber security and AI cluster – the Western Gateway is the place to be this UKREiiF.
Key event partners
Tuesday 20th May
09:00 – 10:00: Delivering sustainable growth in the UK’s highest potential area – Breakfast with the Western Gateway
Predicted to have the fastest economic growth outside of London over the next five years, the area of South Wales and Western England is quickly becoming the best place to do business in the UK. With large changes on the horizon through the government’s devolution agenda and in Wales, find out what this means for investment and infrastructure development in this creative, diverse, and forward thinking area.
Speakers
Chair: Sophie Camburn, Director and UKIMEA Advisory Services Leader at Arup
Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of West of England Combined Authority
Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, Leader Newport Council and Cardiff Capital Region board member
Ben Watts, Economy and Spatial Planning manager at Gloucestershire County Council
11:45 – 12:30: Cardiff Capital Region: a leading UK region for delivering sustainable investment
The economic heart of Wales, Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) represents 50% of the Welsh economy and contributes around £40bn to the UK economy. The CCR team has new devolved statutory powers over spatial and transport planning in addition to its current remit and aims to increase sustainable investment across South-East Wales. See how growth is coming through major investment projects including Cardiff Crossrail, the Metro, the 500-acre Aberthaw low carbon development and the world-first compound semiconductor cluster in Newport.
Speakers:
- Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, Leader Newport Council
- Ken Poole MBE, Head of Economic Development, Cardiff Council
13.00 – 14.00: West of England Investment Opportunities Lunch (sponsored by Bristol Airport)
An exclusive opportunity to connect with key decision-makers and stakeholders shaping the future of the West of England. Engage with leaders from Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire to explore new opportunities and collaborations.
Proudly sponsored by Bristol Airport, which is increasing our region’s international and domestic connectivity.
14:30 – 15:30: The West of England – investing in the future
Learn about the West of England’s plans for growth, job creation, innovation, and sustainability. Explore the potential of key growth locations, such as the West Innovation Arc, Severn Estuary, and Bristol & Bath Growth Zone, and engage with stakeholders to influence the region’s future.
Featuring the new Mayor of the West of England and Stephen Peacock Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
16:30 – 18:00: West of England Drinks Reception (sponsored by YTL Developments)
The West of England’s thriving economy offers unmatched growth opportunities. With world-class innovation hubs, global transport links, and a highly skilled talent pool, the region is the ideal place to start, scale, and succeed in business. Join us and be part of this success story.
Sponsored by YTL Developments, the firm behind the £2 billion transformation of the former Filton Airfield into Brabazon, the most exciting new city district in the South West.
Wednesday 21st May
11:00 – 12:00: Unlocking Regional Growth: Catalysing Private Sector Investment Through Strategic Developments in Southwest Wales
Get an insight into the dynamic development opportunities transforming the Southwest Wales Region, highlighting key developments and infrastructure investments for sustained economic growth. Find out how public-sector initiatives are driving private investment, fostering innovation, collaboration and positioning the region as a hub for long-term growth and prosperity.
Speakers:
Chair: Cllr Darren Price, Vice Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) and Leader of Carmarthenshire Council
Martin Nicolls, Chief Executive for Swansea Council
Alex Williams, Head of Health-Related Capital Projects for Carmarthenshire County Council
Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive for Pembrokeshire County Council
Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive Officer for the Celtic Freeport
Simon Brennan, Head of Property and Regeneration for Neath Port Talbot Council
13:15 – 14:15: Driving growth through co-investment with Cardiff Capital Region
In this panel Q & A session understand how Cardiff Capital Region’s devolved powers, political access and its own investment funds, including the £50m Strategic Premises Fund, £50m Northern Valleys Initiative and £50m Innovation Investment Capital can be accessed to support innovation, employment, business growth and regeneration in the region. Hear more about CCR’s proven track record of delivering schemes with co-investment from private and institutional investors.
Speakers:
- Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire Council and Chair, Cardiff Capital Region
- Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair, Cardiff Capital Region
- George Richards, Director of CBRE
14:45 – 15:45: The Role of Collective Investment Vehicles in delivery of Local Growth Plans
A panel discussion on the practical execution of Collective Investment Vehicles to drive private capital to support the delivery of Local Growth Plans across a range of asset classes: including Property, transport, regeneration, industrial decarbonization and net zero.
Speakers:
Chair: Justin Olosunde, Senior Funding Manager at the West of England Combined Authority
- Joanne Patrick, Head of Sustainable Energy of Amber Infrastructure
- Ed Rowberry CEO of BBRC
- Kellie Beirne, Cardiff Capital Region
- George Richards, Senior Director of CBRE
16:30 – 18:00: Cardiff Capital Region Drinks reception
Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is transforming the economy, business landscape and potential for inclusive prosperity across South East Wales, the most populous area of Wales. Started As a partnership of 10 local authorities with additional responsibilities for regional transport and strategic planning, come and meet the Leaders who are looking to unlock growth for CCR.
Thursday 22nd May
09:00 – 09:45: Harnessing the UK’s tidal energy – Next steps for the Severn Estuary
As an island nation, the UK is uniquely well placed to take advantage of the power the oceans to create reliable, clean, low cost energy. The Severn Estuary has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. Following the results of an independent commission, find out what is next for this vitally important resource.
Speakers:
Chair: Kate Gilmartin, CEO of British Hydropower Association and Tidal Range Alliance, NED at Great British Energy
Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair of Cardiff Capital Region
Roger Hoare, Director of Environment at the West of England Combined Authority
John Fogarty, Executive Director at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Mike Dobson, New Energies Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate
Find out more information on the UKREiiF website
To buy tickets, find out more about the venue and discover the wide range of events happening at this year's UKREiiF, head to the official website.
