UKREiiF and Cartwright Unveil Industry’s Most Innovative Concepts in ‘One Big Idea’ Report
UKREiiF, in collaboration with strategic marketing agency Cartwright, has released the ‘One Big Idea’ report, highlighting the most innovative and impactful ideas emerging from the property and construction sectors.
The report compiles over 150 submissions gathered through the ‘One Big Idea’ initiative, which accepted entries both online prior to UKREiiF and in person at Cartwright’s stand during the event. These contributions represent a wide spectrum of industry voices, including consultants, developers, investors, and representatives from central and local government.
Rather than focusing predominantly on housing, which accounted for 12.4% of UKREiiF’s panel discussions, only 6% of the ideas submitted centred solely on housing. Instead, the industry’s attention has shifted towards themes such as skills, inclusion and social value (20%), artificial intelligence and data (16%), planning (16%), and placemaking (11%).
Katie Nelson, director and head of construction at Cartwright, commented: “Our One Big Idea initiative is defined by its central purpose to offer the space and opportunity for new and impactful thinking from across the industry.”
She added: “The submissions reveal the multiple pressures facing the sector. Nearly half of the entries were collected at UKREiiF itself, demonstrating that industry growth was a key concern for attendees. Events like UKREiiF provide a valuable opportunity for the sector to step back from daily operational demands and consider fresh approaches.”
Nelson further noted the abundance of ambition and technical creativity within the industry but highlighted a lack of collaboration, capacity, and coordination necessary to transform ideas into real-world outcomes. “The next phase of the conversation needs to go deeper. It’s not just about what needs to happen, but who has the power to make it happen, who is missing from the conversation, and what systems need to change,” she said. “Our analysis shows clear evidence that ideas can become the stepping stones to each other – building a chain from isolated ideas into practical pathways for change and growth.”
During UKREiiF, the One Big Idea Breakfast event featured three shortlisted proposals presented before a panel of industry judges. These ideas addressed carbon reduction, supporting the next generation, and resolving viability gaps in projects.
The winning concept was submitted by Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council. Her proposal outlined a nationally scalable primary aspiration-raising programme designed to connect employers with primary schools, inspiring children about careers in the built environment, engineering, STEM, and related fields.
James Bywood, marketing director at UKREiiF, reflected on the initiative’s impact: “One Big Idea has given us an opportunity to listen to the industry at scale, which has revealed clear ambition, but a gap when it comes to routes to delivery. Skills, inclusion and social value were top concerns ahead of UKREiiF, reflecting that talent and representation is central to success rather than an add-on.”
He continued: “Once UKREiiF opened its doors, the conversation sharpened further, reflecting the day-to-day pressures of policy, planning and procurement just to name a few. It’s been incredible to see the breadth of ideas come to life. From founders and managers to students and apprentices, UKREiiF and the One Big Idea initiative has given a platform to all levels of seniority and experience to share their insights on growth.”
The One Big Idea initiative marks the latest phase in the partnership between Cartwright and UKREiiF, with Cartwright appointed as the official storytelling partner for UKREiiF 2026 under a year-round agreement.
Click here to learn more and register to receive the full One Big Idea report.
