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We are delighted to announce Sir Andy Street as our guest headline speaker at our 2025 Land Use conference on 16 October at The View, Royal College of Surgeons, London.
The UK’s land use landscape in 2025 is undergoing significant transformation, with reforms aimed at streamlining the planning process, changes to the leasehold system, local government reorganisation and addressing environmental priorities. This year’s conference will explore some of the key changes and challenges facing the sector, identifying the implications of proposed reforms, and highlighting areas where further change may be necessary.
Our guest headline speaker, Sir Andy Street, was elected as the first Mayor of the West Midlands in May 2017, a role created to cover Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and surrounding metropolitan councils including Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall. He served two terms as Conservative mayor, leading the West Midlands Combined Authority formed in 2016.
During his mayoralty, Sir Andy secured £10 billion in central government funding, successfully hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games under budget, and initiated major transport projects including six new railway stations and advances in light rail innovation. His leadership unlocked £650 million for brownfield redevelopment, boosted growth in business and hospitality, and prioritised the restoration of public spaces across the region.
Previously, Sir Andy had a distinguished retail career with John Lewis, joining as a graduate trainee in 1985 and rising to become Managing Director before leaving in 2016 to enter politics. In recognition of his contributions to public service, Sir Andy was appointed CBE in 2015 and received a knighthood in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List.
Jenny Wigley KC and Tim Morshead KC, Joint Heads of Chambers, commented “We are delighted that Sir Andy Street will join us as a headline speaker at our Land Use Conference this October. Andy’s knowledge and experiences in infrastructure delivery, housing growth, and regional regeneration will bring valuable insights to all attending.”
Bookings are now open!
