AREF Newsletter
AREF has had a busy start to the year, hosting five in-person events, launching our new Charter, publishing our new Strategy, and actively engaging in lobbying and advocacy. Below, you'll find updates on our recent work and what’s ahead, including events, consultations, and the latest sustainability news.
Discussions with the BPF and the IPF continue, as outlined in Paul's CEO Overview last month, on creating a new organisation to represent UK real estate. The Shadow Board has had two constructive meetings, and we will keep you updated. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We also have vacancies on some of our committees, offering a great opportunity for you to have a voice in shaping policy, influencing industry standards, and driving key initiatives. Joining a committee gives you a platform to engage with industry leaders, contribute to thought leadership, and help shape the future of real estate investment. If you're interested in getting involved, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
|
|
Introducing The Charter
The Charter replaces AREF's Code of Practice. It has been updated, simplified and streamlined to ensure it remains relevant and effective. The Code has long been recognised as the gold standard in corporate governance for unlisted UK property funds and the Charter reinforces our commitment to best investment practices, transparency, and accountability.
|
|
|
|
|
AREF Funds: Leading in Governance
Congratulations to the 10 funds already complying with the new Charter! By completing self-certification, fund managers show their commitment to governance excellence in unlisted UK property funds.
|
|
|
|
Refreshed Strategy
The AREF Board, Management Committee & Team dedicated significant time and thought last year to agreeing on a refreshed strategy for the organisation. This strategy is built around key strategic initiatives and six new pillars designed to deliver greater value to our members and the broader real estate investment community.
|
|
|
|
|
Free Tickets to UKREiiF 2025
We're pleased to share that staff working for an AREF Investor Member or an AREF Fund Member firm are eligible for free tickets to the UKREiiF 2025, taking place in Leeds from 20–22 May 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Chair for AREF FutureGen Committee
We are pleased to announce that Alexander Davies has kindly agreed to serve as Chair of AREF’s FutureGen Committee, effective immediately.
|
|
|
|
Join our FutureGen Committee
We are seeking new members for our FutureGen Committee, open to those in the first 10 years of their career and not yet in senior management roles. The committee is a dynamic group that meets monthly to discuss fresh ideas for events and initiatives to support the growth and development of our industry.
If you're passionate about shaping the future of the sector, we’d love to hear from you!
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to our new members!
This month we've welcomed PwC and Colliers as Affiliate Members and Cardiff Capital Region as an Investor Member
|
|
|
|
|
Wanted! New member(s) for the ESG & Impact Investing Committee
The Committee is looking for real estate professionals (direct/indirect fund managers & investor relations representatives) with a keen interest in ESG issues but who are not in a specialist ESG role to broaden the views, opinions and experience of the Committee.
|
|
|
|
|
New! Meet the AREF Team!
Each month we will spotlight one of our amazing team members, sharing a glimpse into their role, passions, and what makes them an invaluable part of our journey. Stay tuned to get to know the people behind AREF! This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Mel Ali.
|
|
|
Sponsorship Opportunities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miss a recent event? Catch up on the materials here..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Follow us on LinkedIn
We would encourage all members to follow us on LinkedIn. Please 'like' and 'share' our posts to help spread news of the good work AREF is doing.
|
|
|
|
|
AREF Guidance
Did you know? Our website offers a fabulous range of guidance available to AREF members on our website. From best practice recommendations to insightful resources, our member hub is a treasure trove of support—do explore it and make the most of what’s on offer!
|
|
|
|
|
|
We can share your Articles and White Papers
We welcome any interesting articles, research, or white papers from our members and would be glad to share them across our channels.
|
|
|
|
AREF's History
Read about the history of AREF from its launch in the 1970s as The Association of Property Unit Trusts to what it is today, written by our very own Rachel Portlock, AREF's Head of Research.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Policy Activity
|
|
AREF is busy engaging with regulators and government to ensure they hear the voice of the real estate industry when determining policy. We always welcome members participation; particularly to consultation response.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AREF in the Press!
|
|
Read press articles from this month, featuring AREF
|
|
|
|
|
|
Missed an AREF event?
You can catch up with our events by reading the write-up, watching the recording or listening to the podcasts for all our events held this year.
|
|
|
|
|
AREF Committee Updates
Did you know you can read all about what the AREF Committees have been working on recently?
|
|
|
Industry Initiatives
|
 |
|
LSH/Revo 'state of the nation' survey
|
|
LSH and Revo are once again conducting their survey to help understand the dynamic trends and challenges facing our cities, towns, shopping centres and high streets.
As a key stakeholder with a vested interest in the planning, management, regeneration and funding of our centres, they would like to hear your views on a range of issues - including how we can deliver their future sustainable economic growth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSM Webinar: Real Estate and the Economy: What’s in store for 2025?
Register your place for an upcoming webinar on the outlook for the year ahead featuring industry leading speakers from RSM, the British Property Federation and Savills. During the webinar, the panel will unveil their top picks across the residential and commercial markets, the economic forecast and share key government policy areas to monitor in 2025. Insights will also be shared from RSM’s real estate 360 survey, which captured the views of 200 businesses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Training & Events from Diversity Talks Real Estate (DTRE)
DTRE is offering 10% member discount to AREF members on their upcoming training courses using promo code PARTNERTEN.
|
|
|
|
Do you have any FutureGen colleagues who would like to join the Network?
Please forward this to any FutureGen friends and colleagues who would be interested in joining the network to receive updates of our latest events and initiatives. AREF is committed to investing in our future! We have over 400 future generation members in our Network.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Committee Vacancies
|
|
We actively encourage all members to get involved with the association. Click to view the current vacancies on AREF committees.
|
|
|
|
|
The Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) is the body that represents the interests of its fund managers, those firms that advise and support them and the end-investors. For further information, please visit our website.
|
