The Association for Rental Living (ARL – formerly the UKAA) has announced the launch of a new regional Hub for the North East and Yorkshire.

Chaired by Paul Beattie, Account Director at Glide UK, the foundation of the North East and Yorkshire Hub comes at a crucial time for regional Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK.

According to JLL’s H1 2024 data, the UK’s ‘big six’ regional cities (Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester) are now home to 28,400 operational BTR homes, while a further 31,100 are in the planning and construction pipeline. That means the BTR sector in these six regional locations accounts for approximately a quarter of all operational Build to Rent homes in the UK.

With the spotlight firmly on Leeds, the ARL North East and Yorkshire Hub will serve the interests of all those with a stake in BTR in the city and the wider region. Chair Paul Beattie will be supported by Dan Asquith (Business Development Manager at BRE) as temporary Vice Chair, pending the appointment of a permanent Vice Chair in line with the ARL’s equality, diversity and inclusion principles.

The regional Hub model has served ARL members well for many years, as the rental living sector’s membership organisation expands its strategic reach. The ARL is focused on increasing the visibility and strategic influence of the entire rental living sector, including BTR, through strong leadership, knowledge creation and distribution, and mutually beneficial partnerships. The ARL North East and Yorkshire Hub adds to those already established in the Midlands, London and the South East, Scotland and the North West, as well as an Australian Hub that supports the sharing of international best practice.

Work is already underway following the first meeting of the ARL North East and Yorkshire Hub this week, with an inaugural event in Newcastle being planned for November 2024. The Hub is still open to applications from sector specialists who wish to volunteer their time to support its work. ARL members interested in volunteering to join the committee should email [email protected].

Brendan Geraghty, CEO of ARL, commented on Paul’s appointment: “As part of the ARL’s planned strategic expansion, we are delighted to announce the creation of the new North East and Yorkshire Hub. As the Build to Rent sector continues to grow its role of providing good-quality, professionally managed housing in the UK, this Hub will serve as a unifying voice for all those with a stake in the sector in the local region, from investors to operators and everyone in between.”

Paul Beattie, Chair of ARL North East and Yorkshire Hub, said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the North East and Yorkshire Hub. With the growing demand for good-quality rental housing, particularly outside of London, this Hub will provide an essential platform for sector collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. We’re excited to foster new opportunities for growth and innovation across the North East and Yorkshire, supporting the delivery of vibrant, sustainable communities that meet the needs of modern renters.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Build to Rent sector in the region and we can help shape the future of rental living, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of residents and supports the continued growth of vibrant communities across the North East and Yorkshire.”

For more information, please visit www.thearl.org.uk/