The UK Economic Development Organisation (UKEDO) acts as an honest broker in connecting project promoters and their investment opportunities, to investors, end users, delivery partners and occupiers. This brokering, or matchmaking service, is supported by industry experts in this field, both from the public and private sector who have a strong track record of working within and advising Government and its various agencies in delivering this service at a national scale.
We recognize that for most projects or investment opportunities looking to secure funding/support, it is simply a matter of visibility – connecting party A to party B is sometimes all it takes for the right opportunity. This is where UKEDO, via its team of Investment Advisors, works with their partner contacts (with known requirements and appetite) to bridge those gaps. We are looking to work with Local Authorities and Developers, and support you in delivering your regeneration and development projects throughout the United Kingdom.
Our Service
- Introduction to support and guidance from experienced professionals
- Deal-shaping to ensure the propositions are right and investable to meet investor’s hurdle rates
- List of typical investor source:
- Institutional investors
- Sovereign wealth funds
- Private Family Offices
- High net worth individuals
- Introduce you to pre-approved OJEU compliant delivery partners who can guarantee delivery certainty
- Facilitated introductions to occupiers to help with project exit routes
- Project assessment to ensure viability
- Your dedicated project partner throughout the process and happy to work collaboratively with existing consultants and retained agents
- We will work to introduce sustainable investment where investors can also meet their ESG criteria matched to the values of all parties
About
Utilising our unrivalled network of local authorities, developers and investors we run a bespoke and dynamic offering to act as an honest broker in connecting project promotes and their investment opportunities, to investors, end-users, delivery partners and occupiers.
Simply put – we matchmake between both the public sector and investors/developers to unlock development opportunities and accelerate the process.
We work with a team of recognised experts who have brought over £10bn of inward investment to the UK – and their experience in facilitating introductions and shaping difficult capital and commercial requirements – makes us the perfect partner for you.
Our Experts
Ummar Hanif – BA CIHCM
Ummar is a dedicated and self-motivated senior manager with a comprehensive background in global investment, regeneration, and development. As a trusted ambassador for HM Government, he has a wealth of experience working across the United Kingdom. His focus areas include:
- Large Developments: Delivering substantial projects and structuring investments to achieve net-zero through real estate and infrastructure.
- Asset Management: A strong track record in asset, housing management, and creating sustainable communities.
- Awards & Recognition: Received the ‘Business In The Community Leadership’ award from the Prince of Wales for his contributions to the North of England.
- Cross-Sector Experience: Ummar has worked in both private and public sectors, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and expertise.
Since 2016, as a Senior Investment Advisor to the UK Government, Ummar has:
- Established a global network of financial institutions across all major markets.
- Gained a national reputation for delivering investment into large, complex real estate and infrastructure projects.
- Specialized in regeneration, public sector delivery, and sustainable development.
His key contributions include:
- Investment Opportunities: Identifying and enabling some of the largest regeneration projects in Europe.
- Diverse Financing: Securing investment including equity, debt, and mezzanine finance while ensuring the successful delivery of projects.
- Strategic Advisory: Advising on joint ventures, special purpose vehicles, and other investment and delivery models.
- Global Impact: Working with some of the largest investors in the world on high-profile UK projects.
Ummar has also successfully built a development pipeline of projects worth over £50 Billion, demonstrating a strong track record of delivery.
Roger Holman – Investment Consultant
Roger is an experienced property investment consultant and advisor, offering over 44 years of dedicated service in the real estate sector to both public and private sector clients. His extensive experience encompasses:
- Viability and Construction: Demonstrating deep expertise in the feasibility and building aspects of real estate.
- Land Acquisition and Development: Skilled in procuring and developing land across various asset classes, with a particular focus on residential properties.
- Government Service: Serving as Senior Regional Manager of the DIT Capital Investment Directorate within the UK Government, contributing to local, national, and international investment strategies.
From 2013 to 2020, Roger played a pivotal role in:
- Capital Investment: Promoting and attracting high-value institutional investment into UK real estate projects.
- BTR/PRS Initiatives: Leading efforts across the UK in Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Private Rented Sector (PRS) projects.
- Economic Recovery: Focusing on the logistics and industrial sectors as key areas for the UK’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery, matching projects with institutional capital.
Roger’s contributions have significantly impacted the UK economy, including:
- Large-Scale Investments: Facilitating projects with a Gross Development Value (GDV) above £100m in regions such as the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine, Wales, and Scotland.
- Collaborative Efforts: Working alongside Local and Combined Authorities, County Councils, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), and various government agencies including Homes England and Highways England.
- Devolved Administration Support: Assisting the Welsh and Scottish governments with real estate, investment, and regeneration projects, driving several billion pounds of investment into the UK economy.
Case Study
Torbay Council’s Investment Journey with UKEDO Team Post-UKREiiF 2021
Background:
The journey of Torbay Council’s transformative investment plans began at the UKREiiF 2021 event in Leeds. This marked the start of an 18-month collaboration with the UKEDO Team, which has since played a pivotal role in supporting and guiding the council through various investment and development challenges.
Torbay, once a bustling holiday destination, has faced a gradual decline in its tourism sector, a key driver of its local economy. The area, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has seen a noticeable reduction in holiday visitors over recent years. This downturn has been further exacerbated by a decline in the retail sector, with high street shops and local businesses struggling to thrive amidst changing consumer habits and economic pressures. These challenges have placed Torbay at a critical juncture, highlighting the urgent need for strategic investment to rejuvenate its economy, revitalize its tourism and retail industries, and restore its status as a vibrant and prosperous region. The situation called for a concerted effort from both public and private entities to inject new life into Torbay, ensuring its long-term economic sustainability and preserving its unique charm for future generations
Initial Engagement:
The first meeting with the Torbay Council team took place in June 2021, following the inaugural UKREiiF event. The UKEDO Team initially worked alongside Torbay Council’s existing advisors, focusing on the Union Square project. This project faced significant viability challenges, as highlighted in a report by JLL and further compounded by the withdrawal of a major public sector Hub from the scheme.
Strategic Interventions:
In addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Torbay, the UKEDO Team played a crucial role in not only identifying potential partners but also in meticulously shaping and structuring the regeneration plans. Their strategic approach involved tackling risks head-on and addressing viability challenges that were hindering the progress of key projects.
The team’s involvement was pivotal in transforming the Union Square project into an attractive proposition for institutional investors. This was achieved through a comprehensive analysis of the project’s economic feasibility and the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance its viability. By bringing in a specialist in Health Sector funding and a Build-to-Rent (BTR) developer, the UKEDO Team opened new avenues for investment and development, aligning the project with the interests and requirements of major financial players.
Furthermore, the team’s support in the council’s decision to acquire third-party land interests in the shopping centre was a strategic move that significantly bolstered the project’s potential. Completed in November 2022, this acquisition not only resolved existing land ownership issues but also provided a more consolidated and attractive opportunity for investors.
Through these actions, the UKEDO Team demonstrated their expertise in navigating complex development landscapes, ensuring that Torbay’s regeneration plans were not only feasible but also aligned with the expectations and standards of institutional investors. Their ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the project has been instrumental in setting a strong foundation for Torbay’s economic revival and future growth.
Investor Engagement and Development Partner Selection:
Recognizing the need for a more proactive approach, the UKEDO Team advised Torbay Council to host a selective investor/developer event in London. This event showcased Torbay’s investment opportunities, economic potential, and the region’s commitment to growth, supported by strong civic leadership and ambitious private sector partners like Jim Parker of Torbay Weekly. It was at this event that the council first connected with Milligan, who would later become a key development partner.
Securing Development Partners and Funding:
In October this year, Torbay Council secured unanimous Cabinet approval to appoint Milligan (alongside Wilmot Dixon) as the development/delivery partner for Union Square and other projects. At UKREiiF 2023, the UKEDO Team facilitated introductions to key institutional funding partners, notably one of the UKs largest pension funds. This led to a high-level event and visit at Torbay Council in August, culminating in the fund proposing an NDA to explore a long-term funding partnership, working alongside Milligan and Wilmot Dixon.
Summary:
The transformative journey of Torbay Council, particularly in the context of the Union Square project, stands as a testament to the pivotal role played by the UKEDO Team. Their deep expertise and extensive experience in the realm of urban regeneration and investment have been fundamental in accelerating the redevelopment process in Torbay.
The UKEDO Team’s strategic guidance went beyond mere problem-solving; they brought a visionary approach to the table, enabling the council to not only overcome initial hurdles but also to leap forward in its development agenda. Their proficiency in identifying and engaging with key partners like Milligan and one of the UKs premier pension funds was crucial in securing relationships that were both strategic and synergistic. This partnership has not only provided the necessary financial backing but also brought in a wealth of expertise in development and project management, crucial for the success of such a large-scale regeneration effort.
Moreover, the team’s ability to effectively manage and mitigate risks, address viability challenges, and present the project in a manner attractive to institutional investors has been a game-changer. Their involvement has meant that the regeneration of Torbay has not just been about redevelopment but also about reimagining and revitalizing the area in a way that aligns with contemporary economic and social dynamics.
The acceleration of the regeneration process in Torbay, under the guidance of the UKEDO Team, is a clear indication of their capability to transform challenges into opportunities. Their strategic foresight and hands-on approach have ensured that the regeneration is not only swift but also sustainable and aligned with the long-term economic and social goals of the Torbay region. This has set a precedent for how targeted expertise and experience can significantly impact the pace and quality of urban redevelopment projects.