Our next speaker is Ben Cross on his mission to create a ‘problem solving’ property business that also makes a healthy returns for investors and equity partners. He set up his property company More in 2024.

Drawing on his experience working first as an architect and then for developers Hub and  General Projects, Ben believes seeing 'both sides of the coin' has given him a unique insight into the UK's real estate market.

He argues that market is "broken" because it is driven by spreadsheets and risk-return rather than a deep, creative understanding of the built environment and “what makes a great building”.

One of the company’s current projects is the refurbishment of Number One Poultry where More is acting as development manager on behalf of its overseas owners.

At the same time, he is actively looking for development opportunities typically involving the conversion of existing commercial buildings where he  can secure equity investment.

Ben says: “We live in such a complicated and nuanced world at the moment that that is the opportunity for architects because they are the people who understand those nuances the most".

The talk will be followed by networking drinks and nibbles.

This event is supported The Society Building.

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