Log in

UKAA launches new London and South East Hub

  • Dandi’s Sam Smith will chair the new Hub and lead its work
  • Active London and South East members sought to join Steering Group
  • New Hub launch follows success of regional Hubs in Scotland, North-West and Midlands

Following the successful establishment of regional Hubs in Scotland, the North-West and Midlands, UKAA (the UK Apartment Association) has announced the launch of a new London and South East Hub.

The London and South East Hub will be chaired by Sam Smith, Mobilisation & Operations Lead at contemporary city living space creators Dandi. Smith was already an active member of the UKAA North-West Hub before he moved to London. Now, he is keenly assembling a team to join the newly launched Hub’s Steering Group, to serve as UKAA’s voice in London and the South East.

Smith has nearly two decades’ experience in the private rented sector (PRS), having held senior property operational positions with institutional PRS clients across the UK. His focus encompasses stakeholders, capital and investment partners, along with a firm commitment to the value of always adhering to best practice.

The establishment of the London and South East Hub is the latest step towards advancing the aims of the 2023 UKAA Manifesto. The manifesto outlines a regionally responsive growth and outreach strategy attuned to the needs of the ever-evolving Build to Rent (BTR) sector.

“We are delighted to welcome Sam as the Chair of our new UKAA London and South East Hub. This important group will ensure that voices from the BTR sector in this well-established and highly active region are heard.” – Brendan Geraghty, CEO, UKAA

JLL reports that there were 37,800 completed BTR homes in London at the end of 2022, with a further 27,600 either with plans approved or already under construction. These represent an additional £10 billion in investment in the capital over the coming years.

Keen to lead by example, Smith will be speaking at the UKAA Annual BTR Conference and Awards on 2nd November 2023. He will join with other UKAA Regional Hub Chairs to represent views from around the UK on how BTR can support cities and their cultural offering, including key delivery and operational issues.

“I am delighted to be appointed Chair of the London & South East hub, as the UKAA and the Build to Rent sector continues its upward trajectory. With every key city across the UK having communities planned, built, or delivered, it was important the UKAA’s reach was properly represented in London and the South East with an ever-growing presence of the sector in our region. It’s mine and my UKAA colleagues’ ambition that the organisation (UKAA) truly represents and tackles the key topics for our members. Our region is represented by a fantastic cross section of Build to Rent professionals and stakeholders and we’re excited with how this regional presence will strengthen the UKAA and learning amongst our members.’’ – Sam Smith, Chair, UKAA London and South East Hub

Active UKAA members in London and the South East who are keep to help deliver the local programme in the region are invited to connect with Sam Smith at the conference on 2nd November or through [email protected]. The first meeting of the Hub Steering Group will take place later in November, with further meetings and other regional events due to take place in 2024.

For more information, please visit https://www.ukaa.org.uk/ or email [email protected].

Disclaimer:- This website provides general knowledge and is for information/educational purposes only. None of the information or accessible content on or via this site is intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute professional advice or recommendation(s). Specific professional advice should be sought before taking or refraining from any action. ARL carries no liability for any the content published on the website.