North East real estate advisory firm launches to create UK sustainability investment

An ambitious Teesside start-up aims to drive new UK inward investment in real estate and deliver long-term property and infrastructure projects across the private and public sectors.

United Kingdom Development Corporation (UKDC), based in Middlesbrough, is a newly launched real estate advisory firm set up by managing director Ummar Hanif to attract inward investment into the UK.

With access to billions of pounds worth of UK and foreign funds provided by institutional investors, sovereign wealth and private equity, the firm aims to focus primarily on driving sustainable real estate investment to increase economic prosperity throughout the UK.

It is looking to work with local authorities to help fund and advise on their regeneration plans and will seek new investors to invest in early-stage projects from the public and private sector in a move designed to supercharge the post pandemic economic recovery.

This will support local supply chains, creating jobs and economic prosperity through increased inward investment, working with local people offering traineeships and apprenticeships.

Ummar Hanif, who has spent almost 20 years in the real estate industry advising government and institutions on inward investment, and has experience securing domestic and global funds to support government sponsored real estate projects, said there is a gap in the market for UKDC to fill which will also help create jobs and attract businesses to the country.

He set up the business to inspire change and help drive down emissions within the built environment, achieving net zero through the delivery of real estate and working with specialists in modern methods of construction.

Ummar added, “there is huge demand to attract more overseas investment into the UK economy. In particular, around existing sustainable projects and those that will follow in the wake of the Government’s energy strategy and schemes that meet the environmental, social and governance agenda.

“Forty percent of carbon emissions come from real estate development; so, there’s a real gap in the market for us to create opportunities and projects with a sustainability focus. This is not only through financial investment, but also by working collaboratively with investors, connecting them, and providing them with the experience and bespoke deals to succeed.

“Our investors from across the USA, Canada, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and South East Asia will be exposed to excellent opportunities, and a wide variety of exciting investment options, and a network of fellow investors, both here in the North-East and further afield.”

UKDC has already attracted considerable interest from investors keen to be involved in projects aimed at levelling up the economy and tackling the climate emergency.

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