• 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?

Moderated by: Jason Rockett

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.

Moderated by: Andy Hillier

Learn how leading commercial developers are meeting their Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, and understand why off-site mitigation is often the most financially efficient strategy that benefits nature and local communities.

• 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?

Moderated by: Catriona Fraser

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: Grid Connections & the Capacity Crunch: The Impact on New Developments and Increasing Electrical Requirements for Existing Logistics Real Estate and How to Navigate it

Brian Moorhead, Grid Consultancy Director, eSmart Networks

Talk 3: Rooftop Solar Updates
Why do only five percent of UK warehouses have any solar panels on the roof? And more importantly, what can we do about it? UKWA’s 2022 research on this topic attracted the attention of investors, developers, warehouse operators, academics and government. Now their CEO brings us up to date on what happened next and proposes practical steps to tackle the carbon footprint of the logistics sector.

Clare Bottle, Chief Executive, UKWA

Talk 4: Decarbonise to Core - Solving Sustainability Challenges from the Ground Up

Paul Crosbie, Director, LS Estates

• 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?

This session will explore how the migration to online behaviour can help increase direct response and brand awareness to grow your business long-term.

• 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?

Moderated by: Paul Bridson

• 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)

Moderated by: Ben Segelman

• 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?

Moderated by: Raimund Paetzmann