Addressing impact of the Knowledge Economy, Tom Mellows, head of Savills Science, joined a panel discussing what role life sciences play for London including how emergent sectors and locations are strengthening the position of London on the global life science stage, and the UK growing as a superpower in the life sciences.

Chris Cummings, Savills Earth director, joined the debate ongoing in London regarding what is responsible development in light of climate change, and whether refurbishments rather than full scale development is the best solution. The answer it seems is one size does not fit all.

Caroline Pontifex, Workplace Experience director, took part in a session on new workplaces. This looked at how the pandemic accelerated existing trends in remote work, ecommerce, and automation, as well as asking how temporary interventions in hybrid working are and what this will look like by 2050. 

On a panel that looked at the rapid growth in e-commerce, Industrial director Bridget Outtrim discussed what is causing a high demand for logistic solutions and industrial facilities in the Capital.

Discussions were brought to life with keynote speeches, panel debates, project briefings and solution-focused roundtables. Meanwhile, as part of the LREF School Engagement Design programme, Daniel Jones from Workthere helped with a voluntary ‘Dream Workplace’ workshop. Students were invited to discuss and design ideas with industry professionals and in the process learn about the built environment and potential career pathways.

David Williams, executive director Savills UK Development, comments: “LREF is always a very worthwhile event for Savills and our many panellists as an event to drive forward conversations on the future of London. Bringing together all aspects of the Capital’s development delivery once a year, we owe them all our considerable thanks for making London a smaller place.”