AGENDA 2025

Property Week's Industrial and Logistics Conference presents a unique opportunity for attendees to network with prominent industry experts and gain valuable insights into the latest developments in the sector. 

Explore the agenda below to see what awaits you at the Industrial and Logistics Conference 2025!

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Registration & Networking
Welcome from Property Week and Chair
Keynote
Keynote Panel: Government Policy Shake-up - What’s Next for the Sector
How will recent UK government policy changes and industrial strategy reshape the logistics and industrial sectors? With land, infrastructure, and tax reforms on the horizon, this session tackles the tough questions about competing land use priorities, infrastructure gaps, and how government strategy can truly support the logistics industry.

  • Land vs. logistics: with housing taking priority, is there any land left for logistics and industrial growth? What needs to be done from educational point and to help to recognise the importance of the sector?
  • As the government targets creative industries and life sciences, what does this mean for logistics infrastructure—and is it enough?
  • Policy impact on logistics and how transport, tax, and regulatory changes will hit logistics development—will it fuel growth or create more roadblocks?
    Speakers
    CEO
    British Land
    UK Head of Sustainable Investment & Partnerships
    Prologis
    Global Discussion: Market Trends - Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Industrial and Logistics Real Estate
    A deep dive into the key occupational and market trends shaping the industry, examining macroeconomic influences, supply-demand dynamics, and the evolving landscape of modern warehousing and industrial properties

    • Which macroeconomic forces and geopolitical events are currently having the greatest impact on global logistics and supply chains?
    • Trump’s foreign policy and general impact likely to cause higher inflation for longer
    • How is weak demand and slowed exports affecting the manufacturing sector and its real estate needs?
    • How is the shift toward regional supply chains influencing warehouse demand from manufacturers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers
    • How is the growing influence of low cost economies, particularly in electric vehicles and fast fashion, shaping the European and UK logistics markets? Is there a push towards port locations, additional air freight and/or river freight with supply chain adaptation happening and congestions in cities increasing?
    • Will increasing supply saturate the logistics market and slow rental growth, or is demand strong enough to maintain upward pressure?
    • How are industrial properties diversifying beyond traditional logistics, and which new sectors are driving this shift? Cold storage, IOS, data centres, film studio.
    Panel: Fast-tracking Industrial Growth: Government Policy and Planning for Logistics Development
    This session will address the upcoming changes in government policies and how they affect the industrial and logistics sectors, with a focus on national planning frameworks and speeding up permits.

    • How will the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) impact industrial development, and what key benefits can developers expect?
    • What strategies can logistics companies use to effectively engage with local and national governments to streamline permit and planning processes?
    • Examples of successful public-private partnerships that have accelerated logistics infrastructure development, and what lessons can be learned? What lessons can we learn from other international markets?
    • How can policymakers strike a balance between necessary regulatory restrictions and the need for rapid industrial and logistics growth?
    • What steps can governments take to better recognise and support the economic importance of the logistics sector in national growth strategies?
    Speaker
    Head of Planning
    Prologis
    Morning Refreshments and Networking
    Lightning Talks - Energy

    Three 10-minute presentations/use cases to showcase how industrial and logistics properties are addressing sustainability challenges, focusing on energy efficiency, off-grid solutions, biodiversity, and legislation impacts.

    Talk 1: View from The Top - Inside Data Centres: Tackling Energy Consumption and Security Challenges

    Paul Lewis, Managing Director European Data Centres, Principal Real Estate

    Talk 2: Powering Independence - Off-grid Solutions for Resilient Logistics Operations

    Talk 3 

    Clare Bottle, Chief Executive, UKWA

    Speakers
    Managing Director European Data Centres
    Principal Real Estate
    Chief Executive
    UK Warehousing Association
    Q&A and Polls
    • How should landlords and developers prepare for the 2028 Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (EPC C), and what are the potential challenges in meeting these regulations?
    • What are the most effective strategies for integrating solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency measures in logistics and industrial spaces to contribute to greening the grid?
    • When deciding between retrofitting older logistics properties or opting for redevelopment, what financial and operational factors should be prioritized?
    • What innovations in carbon capture technology and power infrastructure are necessary to support electrification in logistics, including EVs and electric forklifts?
    • How are government policies and incentives driving the shift toward carbon-neutral logistics operations, and what additional support is needed for long-term sustainability?
    Speakers
    Managing Director European Data Centres
    Principal Real Estate
    Chief Executive
    UK Warehousing Association
    Sponsored Session
    Presentation and Q&A: What Does the Last Mile Actually Mean?
    Speaker
    Head of Estates
    Evri
    Panel: Capitalising on the Last Mile - Winning Strategies for the Future of Urban Logistics
    This panel will focus on the last mile & urban industrial growth and explore what strategies that are proving most effective in this high demand market

    • Is demand still outpacing supply in urban industrial spaces, and what impact is this having on rental growth and market competition?
    • What does the ultimate last mile facility actually look like? What is the future for last mile?
    • With vacancies on the rise, where are the sources of future demand? And what do they look for in terms of space/location
    • Where are the best opportunities to invest, and what strategies are creating the most value? Where should investors place their bets to maximize returns?
    • What role does urban logistics play in shaping the future of last-mile delivery solutions in densely populated cities?
    Speakers
    Managing Partner & Co-founder
    Bloom Developments
    Real Estate Director
    Royal Mail
    Senior Consultant
    Momentum
    Founding Partner
    Caisson IO
    Lunch and networking
    Lightning Talks: Innovation in Automation and Technology for Logistics Operations
    Three 10-minute presentations/case studies to explore the role of AI, automation, and technological advancements in transforming warehousing and logistics from robotics to fully automated distribution centres

    Talk 1

    Talk 2

    Martin Betts, Vice President Real Estate Services EMEA, Ntrust

    Talk 3

    Charles Pease, Vice President Real Estate Europe, GXO
    Speakers
    Vice President Real Estate Services EMEA
    Ntrust
    Vice President Real Estate Europe
    GXO
    Q&A and Polls
    • How is AI transforming predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization, and what impact does this have on decision-making for logistics operators?
    • How can logistics companies strike a balance between the benefits of automation and the need for human oversight to ensure operational efficiency and safety?
    • What role do digital twins and other advanced technologies play in simulating and optimizing logistics processes, and how are they improving operational outcomes?
    • How are technologies like on-demand warehousing and real-time inventory tracking reshaping traditional business models in logistics?
    • What are the implications of AI and automation on the workforce in logistics, and how can companies prepare for these changes through upskilling and training programs? Enhancing staff well-being with technology. Place making- creating a sense of place
    Speakers
    Vice President Real Estate Europe
    GXO
    Vice President Real Estate Services EMEA
    Ntrust
    Panel: Investment Strategies - Seizing Opportunities in a Dynamic Industrial Market
    This panel will discuss the current investment landscape in industrial and logistics properties, focusing on the right timing for investments amid market fluctuations.

    • What are the key high-growth areas for logistics development, especially with the rise of urbanisation and e-commerce?
    • How are investors balancing risk and return in today’s fluctuating industrial market, and what strategies are they using to mitigate risks?
    • How are ESG compliance and sustainability certifications impacting investment decisions in the logistics real estate sector?
    • Dispersion in performance – what strategies and geographies are succeeding vs struggling
    • What are the benefits and challenges of converting underutilised industrial spaces into last-mile delivery hubs and fulfilment centres?
    • What long-term strategies should investors adopt to meet evolving tenant demands in logistics real estate?
    • Sustainability certifications (such as BREEAM and LEED)
    Speakers
    Global Head of Logistics
    AXA IM Real Assets
    Head of Capital Markets
    Panattoni
    Real Estate Debt Strategies
    Blackstone
    Senior Vice President
    Brookfield Asset Management
    Panel: What Do Occupiers Really Want? Insights Into Evolving Market Demands
    As occupiers gain increasing influence in today’s dynamic commercial property market, their needs and expectations are reshaping the landscape. Despite ripe opportunities, they face significant challenges that impact decision-making. This panel of experts will explore the key factors driving occupier preferences, the obstacles they encounter, and the initiatives shaping the future.

    • What are the top priorities for occupiers in today’s market?
    • How companies are adapting to meet consumer demands for faster, more sustainable deliveries
    • Is there a rental affordability issue for occupiers, given the rapid increase in rents? Is there still room for further rent growth?
    • What challenges are most affecting occupier decision-making, from supply chain issues to space availability?
    • How are occupiers innovating to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability across their sites?
    • What role does sustainability certification and ESG compliance play in occupier preferences?
    • How are occupiers balancing short-term flexibility with long-term commitments in logistics and industrial spaces?
    Speakers
    Head of Industrial Real Estate Europe
    AP Moller - Maersk
    Global Director of Real Estate & Workplace
    Deliveroo
    Closing Remarks. End of the Conference