THE RICS North East Summit 2012 will bring together a host of experts from politics, property, business and finance to provide a State of the Region picture that couldn’t come at a more vital time.
Taking place in Newcastle on January 20, the event, entitled Vision & Economic Growth: It’s time to start writing our own future, will highlight the vital role of property and construction in the region’s economic recovery.
Jennifer Welch, operations director, RICS North, explained: “As the Government aims to cut public spending by £95 billion in the next five years, the North East is likely to face new and bigger challenges. The race is on to replace public sector jobs with private sector jobs and to grow the economy using all of the opportunities available to us.
“The property sector is crucial to the region and will play an important role in ensuring that we take advantage of those opportunities. Whether it is the new Enterprise Zones, the proposed changes in the planning framework, the New Homes Bonus or the Growing Places Fund, property professionals in both the public and private sectors will be central to economic growth and job creation.
“The summit is open to all and will be of particular value to anyone passionate about the region and concerned about our future. We have a fantastic line up of speakers who will undoubtedly provide a clearer picture of how the region can embrace a more successful future.”
The RICS North East Summit will, in particular, look at how the region can move forward in the three areas of politics, finance and enterprise.
Jennifer Welch added: “The bodies that have been tasked with making sense of all this in the regions are Local Enterprise Partnerships and two in the North East, Tees Valley and North Eastern, have major challenges to tackle. The question we will be asking is how can the region’s property professionals help.”
The impressive line up of experts includes both national and regional figures who will explain their aims and aspirations, provide up-to-date information on the latest developments in policy and practice, and debate the current issues so vital to the North East.
The summit will be chaired by North East-based Kevan Carrick, senior partner at JK Property Consultants LLP, a Fellow of the RICS and a member of the organisation’s Regeneration Panel.
Mr Carrick said: “If you are involved in a property-related job this event will have great value. The RICS Summit is aimed at all professionals working in the land, property and construction sectors who wish to see the bigger picture. Whether you operate in the public sector, the private sector, the third sector or all three, the information-packed day will provide much food for thought as you plan ahead and will help you to make informed decisions for the future course of your company or organisation.”
The audience will have an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers and a report will be forwarded to the national policy team of RICS to aid in the development of policy and position statements when liaising with Ministers, MPs, government departments and partner organisations.