UKREiiF and Cartwright team up to uncover the sector’s biggest and brightest ideas
News
20 Jan 2026
Katie Nelson
Director | Head of construction
STRATEGIC marketing agency Cartwright has been announced as the official storytelling partner for UKREiiF 2026 as part of a new year-round agreement.
Building on the relationship developed since UKREiiF’s inception, the two organisations will be working together to uncover and tell the story of the sector’s best and brightest ideas for innovation and collaboration.
As part of the partnership, Cartwright is launching the ‘One Big Idea’ initiative to give property and construction specialists the opportunity to make their mark and push the sector forward. Open to any level of seniority or experience, the initiative aims to uncover new concepts and ways of thinking – with no limits.
Katie Nelson, director and head of construction at Cartwright, said: “UKREiiF has become a catalyst for some of the most important conversations in the built environment, bringing together people who are genuinely trying to shape a better future for places and communities.
“Having worked closely with the UKREiiF team on content and to represent our clients since the event’s inception, this partnership represents a major step forward in our relationship and a huge opportunity to share more of the great success stories born out of the event each year. As storytelling partner, our role is to help bring ideas, innovations and collaboration to the fore, turning them into conversations before they make a real impact – not just in May, but year-round. One Big Idea is about giving the whole industry a platform to be heard, no matter their role or level of experience.
“These ideas could be new innovations, ways of tackling longstanding sector issues, or simply ways we could be doing something we already do in a better way. At its heart is championing bold thinking, sharing learning and creating momentum well beyond those three days in Leeds.”
Submissions for One Big Idea will be open in the run up to UKREiiF, before being judged by a panel of industry experts. The most compelling will be shared at the Big Idea Breakfast at UKREiiF on Wednesday 20 May.
Following the event, Cartwright will be releasing a ‘One Big Idea’ report for the wider market, telling the stories of the winning entrants, and sharing a wider selection of big idea suggestions - including insights gathered from its on-site presence at the event.
James Bywood, marketing director at UKREiiF said: “One great thing about UKREiiF is that it’s become more than what happens across three days in May – it’s a platform that works year-round. Deals are made, connections fostered and collaboration enhanced – but UKREiiF acts as a springboard for future success.
“Showcasing the scale of change that can be made together is critical, and we know there are incredible ideas in the minds of many people across the sector. One Big Idea is the platform to bring those ideas to the fore – making sure the best and brightest ideas are platformed, not just the loudest or most senior voices. Having worked with Cartwright for years, we know they are the people to not just find these ideas, but amplify their stories, and this is a great next chapter for our story together.”
As a powerful marketing and PR ally specialising in the built environment, Cartwright helps ambitions organisations do what they can’t do alone through insight-led strategy, intelligent creativity and real-world impact.
United across Nottingham, London and Birmingham, Cartwright continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner to the built environment, supporting clients including Pagabo, Willmott Dixon and SLR Consulting. The partnership announcement follows on from Cartwright’s recent Agency of the Year win at the Construction Marketing Awards in December.
Follow our socials to find out more about the launch of our One Big Idea competition.