Summit to hear US specialist unveil new avenues to funding

Greg Stype, of Squire Sanders Hammonds in Columbus, Ohio, will present a case study on tax increment finance and the role it has played in increasing investment into regional areas in the US at the Unfold event taking place at Leeds Town Hall on March 31.

The seminar will feature alongside a brief presentation on the Aire Valley where Leeds City Council will explore the opportunities available for private business to invest in areas of this type.

Over 500 delegates are expected to attend the day-long event, which is being organised by Financial Leeds. The Yorkshire Post is a media partner.

Mr Stype said: “The current economic climate has increased the drive to find new funding structures to bring about economic development and regeneration in the UK. Tax increment financing has been used by local authorities in the US for decades to provide valuable financial support for regeneration projects. At the ‘Future of Financing Development and Regeneration Projects’ seminar we will present learning from the US experience that might help shape Tax Increment Financing in the UK for the better.”

Other seminars include a debate relating to tall buildings and their role in regional cities chaired by Steve Watts from Davis Langdon, consultants in global construction.

Seminars, which will run alongside the developer-led exhibition in Victoria Hall, have received a great deal of interest, according to organisers. As a result, a larger location has been found within the Town Hall to meet demand. All sessions will deal with the current and future issues vital to the city region and beyond.

Howard Kew, chief executive of Financial Leeds, said: “We are delighted with the high level of interest this event is creating, particularly in its first year.

“There is exceptional strength in the exhibition which has been well balanced by a range of thought leadership seminars led by high quality experts in their respective fields.

“The event should leave delegates in no doubt that Leeds city region is full of opportunity for investment, relocation and development alike.”

Event partners include: King Sturge, Knight Frank, CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle, GVA, BNP Paribas Real Estate, Colliers International, Drivers Jonas Deloitte, Sanderson Weatherall, Lambert Smith Hampton and DTZ. Event sponsors include Squire Sanders Hammonds, ARUP, DLA Piper and Henry Boot. For more information, visit www.unfoldleeds.com