New networking group for young property professionals launched in the North East

Joel Neasham, senior associate at the Newcastle office of Henry Riley and chair of the Newcastle YEP

A new initiative to support young property and construction professionals is to be launched in the North East for the first time.

For more than two decades, Young Entrepreneurs in Property (YEP) Global has provided a forum for like-minded entrepreneurs, rising stars and future leaders in the sector to network and share ideas and best practice.

Now the Newcastle division of Henry Riley, an international property and construction consultancy that works on projects across the built environment, is bringing the initiative to the North East by launching YEP in Newcastle.

Several local companies have already signed up to be involved in the initiative ahead of its expected launch early next year, taking in sectors from across the built environment including construction, architecture, engineering, urban planning and design.

Joel Neasham, senior associate at the Newcastle office of Henry Riley and chair of the Newcastle YEP, said: “I’m passionate about giving young people in our region the opportunities to make the best of their talents. YEP provides a great forum for them to build and strengthen relationships, learn new skills and share ideas in a fun and friendly environment. We have seen its success and impact from Henry Riley’s involvement in other YEP chapters across the country.

“It’s a unique concept; there’s nothing else like it for property and construction professionals in the North East of England. Ultimately, what we want is to fast-track the development of young talent so that we can make the sector even more attractive and competitive in this region.”

YEP Global has been supporting young people in the property and construction industry for over two decades. With a global membership of more than 5,500 individuals from in excess of 1,500 firms, it has chapters in ten locations in the UK (including Newcastle) and one in Dubai.

Members of YEP Newcastle include: Henry Riley, Intu, Advance Northumberland, GT3 Architects, DPP, Cundall, Wates, McCarrick Construction, Desco and 3E.

Paul Reed of GT3 Architects said: “We got involved in this initiative because we’re committed to developing property professionals and entrepreneurs of the future, particularly in the North East. By creating this network and these opportunities, we will contribute towards encouraging the best talent and creative minds to stay in the region.”