Industry calls for cross-departmental Real Estate Forum for Scotland

The SPF believes the forum can provide the impetus to restore jobs in the sector and economic impact back to pre-2008 levels - equivalent to an increase of 5,000 jobs and a 50 per cent boost to the sector’s overall economic impact.

The announcement was made today by chairman of the SPF, Chris Stewart, at the ninth annual conference in Edinburgh, Attracting Global Capital, during his speech outlining the new strategy for the industry going forward.

Real estate cuts across a number of different departmental portfolios, and it is suggested that the forum will bring each together to consider how to attract global investment and to build Scotland’s social, cultural and economic success.

The new forum will ensure better coordination between the Scottish government and the real estate sector to ensure a more joined-up approach when making policy decisions to achieve the country’s economic ambitions.

Chris Stewart, chairman of the Scottish Property Federation, said: “One of the key issues facing our industry is that property falls across a number of government portfolios, which can be a barrier for truly joined up policy. A new real estate forum that brings together the finance and economy briefs, alongside communities, planning, housing, heritage and the environment will be of huge benefit. It will allow government and industry a direct means of communication; one that ensures that policy decisions are made with an informed view of the markets and in line with the country’s ambition.

“This forum will also allow the property sector to realise its true potential for providing additional jobs and adding more value to the economy.”

David Melhuish, director of the Scottish Property Federation, said: “We believe that with the right impetus, and a strong collaborative approach, the sector has the potential to deliver sustainable growth, ultimately restoring job levels and economic input back to pre-2008 figures.”