LPP is London's recently-launched, deal-focused property networking group and is part of the fast-growing UK Property Professionals (UKPP) network.

UKPP, an Edinburgh-based company, specialises in the development of city-specific property networking groups to increase communication and collaboration between all property professionals throughout the UK. 

GVA, the main sponsors of the last week’s forum, hosted the event at its offices in Mayfair, London, on Wednesday 28th November 2012, with around 60 people in attendance.

The forum was an exclusive platform for developers and agents to meet the Funding Panel, share opportunities and nurture relationships.

The Funding Panel

(From left to right: James Bloom, Regentsmead Limited; Daniel Norman, Davon Ltd; Steven McColl, Soho Corporate; Noel Meredith, United Trust Bank; Andrew Bloom, Masthaven Bridging Finance; Elliot Hyames, Dragonfly Property Finance; Mark Antscherl, UK Property Professionals)

Opening the session Mark Antscherl, Founder and Chief Executive of UKPP, described how the group started as a modest group of likeminded individuals in Edinburgh which has since rapidly grown to include Glasgow, Aberdeen and London, with plans to launch in a further five cities.

He explained that as development funding continues to be a key area of frustration and concern for developers working in London’s commercial and residential property sectors, the unique Expert Forum was set up to bring together a selection of active funders and investors looking for opportunities.

After Mark’s introduction, each member of the Funding Panel presented a brief introduction to their respective businesses along with a recent case study. After the presentations, there was a networking opportunity which gave the audience the chance to engage and talk directly with the Funding Panel members. Guests discussed their funding requirements, enquiring about development funding and JV development partnerships.

Mark Antscherl told B&C: “We differentiate ourselves by being the only networking and deal-focused property group covering the UK. Membership of a city group not only offers the benefit of networking events and expert forums in the selected city, but also gives access to other city groups and the extended network of members.

“Since launching in April 2010, we have attracted well over 300 subscribed members from over 250 leading companies. We have run over 80 successful and extremely well attended events and have over 8,500 online members, making us the fastest-growing property network in the UK. 

“The most important element of our activities is that individuals and companies are connecting and doing business, which is extremely positive and the ultimate gauge of any networking initiative. Launched at an extremely difficult time, UKPP is relevant and beneficial, reflected in the encouraging membership support and sponsorship support.”

Members are invited to all future events. Previous London events have included an evening with serial entrepreneur James Caan, with an insight into his investment plans within the real estate sector, expert forums and ‘Property Question Time’ with leading professionals about areas such as the London residential property market, private and institutional investments, commercial property, senior debt and property fund management.

To find out more about UK Property Professionals, the different cities linked to the network, its membership and future events, click here.

By Jason McGee-Abe