Keele returns to UKREiiF with Staffordshire delegation
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's position as a leading location to invest and do business will again be showcased at a national investor event in May, with Keele University continuing its sponsorship of the We Are Staffordshire delegation at UKREiiF (UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) 2026.
The three-day event is in its fifth year and brings together local and regional public sector organisations with Government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders and more. It is being held on 19-21 May 2026 in Leeds.
The delegation includes the county council, seven district and borough councils and Stoke-on-Trent City Council as We Are Staffordshire – the county and city’s place marketing organisation.
It will promote key investment and development opportunities across the county and city, including town and city centre regeneration such as Stafford’s Eastgate area, the A50/500 corridor, development sites such as Chatterley Park and the Central Edge on the South Staffordshire/Wolverhampton border - as well as an update on the Keele Innovation District.
In addition, the increased technical and entrepreneurial skills of the local workforce will be highlighted, which are essential to productivity and growth, and a key factor in attracting investment.
Alongside Keele, fellow sponsors for the 2026 event include property developer Stoford, Harworth, Indurent and Bericote Properties.
Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Martin Murray said: "UKREiiF is a national platform which enables us to demonstrate to potential investors why Staffordshire is the beating heart of the country in terms of development opportunities, with our central location and superb connectivity.
"We’ll be showcasing our fantastic offer through our We Are Staffordshire brand – to major investors and national decision makers to lever additional funding. This means we can continue to deliver on our plans to attract national and international business which stimulates the creation of higher skilled jobs for Staffordshire people.”
Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement & Partnerships at Keele University, added: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with We Are Staffordshire as headline sponsors for another year at UKREiiF. Universities have an increasingly important role to play in supporting the growth of their local economies and enabling the creation of good quality job opportunities.
"The University Science and Innovation Park really adds strength to that. UKREiiF has been an important platform for us to showcase our plans for an expanded Keele Innovation District. The event is unique in enabling us to reach the investment, policy, and industry audiences we need to ensure its success.”
