Two of Shoosmiths’ real estate experts will address more than a hundred of the nation’s leading developers, investors and directors at the Estates Gazette First Annual Development Summit in Manchester on 11 November.

The Estates Gazette Development Summit will look at how the regions – and the Northern Powerhouse concept in particular – are challenging the balance of UK inward investment and development, a topical theme which has led to almost 200 delegates from the real estate sector signing up.

Shoosmiths’ partners, Vaqas Farooq and Kirsten Hewson, will participate in panel discussions.

Farooq, along with representatives from Muse Developments, Manchester Airport, Kier Living and Legal & General Property, will discuss what will drive further investment in cities outside of London. This will cover the influence of infrastructure including HS2 and HS3, talent retention in the region and what this means for residential and commercial developers, development funding and whether the focus should be on London or the regions.

Hewson, along with representatives from Barratt Developments, Glenbrook Property and Peel Holdings, will discuss whether we are seeing a flow down to practical delivery of housing. This will focus on whether PRS will work better outside of London, who will deliver housing and whether the planning process is helping or hindering this area of development. The panel will also look in to issues around affordability and infrastructure.

Vaqas Farooq said: ‘There are exciting yet challenging times ahead for the regions. Kirsten and I are very much looking forward to sharing a platform with these developers and sharing our views and experiences.’

Other panels will discuss the future of development and focus on occupiers. Case studies of St John’s development in Manchester and Sheffield’s Park Hill will be presented and leading local authority figures, such as Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester Council will be in attendance to discuss the influence of devolution.

The summit is sponsored by Savills, Shoosmiths and Conveyancing Risk Solutions.

All discussions and Q&As will be hosted by Damien Wild, editor of the Estates Gazette.