When I was at the helm of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, our favorite saying was “businesses create jobs, not governments.” Fast forward a decade or so and this was very much the war-cry of the UK Government at this week’s Global Investment Summit. We employ nearly 600 people in our London office and at our sites across the UK, so this was music to my ears and shows a clear commitment to partnering with the private sector. The historic backdrop of Hampton Court Palace, one of Henry VIII’s most favored residences, provided an interesting contrast to discussions that squarely focused on the future. High on the agenda were clean energy, AI and the future of manufacturing, but old stalwarts like planning were given just as much weight. The latter is something that we often think is exclusively a real estate problem, but the reality is that it affects every business regardless of the sector it operates in and can hamper growth. The audience was made up of more than 200 senior executives from leading global companies, representing sectors from manufacturing to financial services, and institutional investors from as far as North America, Australia and the Middle East. Cabinet Ministers were visible and in listening mode, keen to hear how they could ensure the UK remains an attractive place for inward investment. I was pleased to hear that the UK Government not only has an acute awareness of the need for more housing, but the important role that a purpose-built and professionally managed rental product must play in meeting demand. Several of our clients were at the event and in partnership with them, we have invested £11.3bn in the UK market since 2013. Our rental housing portfolio in the UK currently comprises 11,000 build to rent homes – all of which represent new supply – and 37,000 student beds. During the post-Summit reception at Buckingham Palace, I found myself in conversation with the founder of BioNTech. It was fascinating to hear first-hand the role his organization played in producing the COVID-19 vaccine and his plans for what’s next. The work he is doing saves lives while we just build homes, but Greystar can play an important support role to those businesses by housing their highly educated workforces as they create new high-quality jobs for the UK economy. With housing so high on the news agenda, it was encouraging to see that the real estate industry has a seat at the table at this important Summit. Attracting inward investment is critical for economic growth and I agree with the Prime Minister that the UK is truly a nation of opportunity. #GlobalInvestmentSummit #RealEstate #GIS2023
Scott Winkler
7mo
Hi Bob, Your post provides a unique perspective on the Global Investment Summit and the dynamic discussions around the future of business and economic growth. The mention of "old stalwarts like planning" caught my attention, underscoring the enduring importance of urban planning and regulatory frameworks in fostering sustainable development. It's intriguing to see how even as we delve into cutting-edge topics like clean energy and AI, the foundational elements of business, like meticulous planning, continue to play a pivotal role. Acknowledging these traditional aspects is a testament to their enduring impact on growth across various sectors. Your insight serves as a reminder that while we explore innovative frontiers, we must not overlook the significance of well-thought-out plans and regulatory frameworks that underpin the success of ventures. Looking forward to more reflections on the intersection of tradition and innovation in shaping the business landscape. Cheers, Scott Winkler
"Robb" Itkin
1w
The owner and manager of this building, Greystar, has failed to prevent continuing armed robberies and vehicle and package thefts at this 55+ senior housing. In the past 6 months, THEFTS include: 1. ARMED HOLDUP in the garage 2. CAR STOLEN from the garage 3. Numerous Package thefts from the mailroom 4. Numerous Package thefts from residents’ front doors. CARRIERS AND RESIDENTS: IF YOU HAVE PACKAGES STOLEN OR MISSING, PLEASE REQUIRE LANDLORD GREYSTAR TO FILE POLICE REPORTS EACH AND EVERY TIME A THEFT OCCURS SO WE CAN FINALLY GET SOME ACCOUNTABILITY that is based on senior resident SAFETY, not Greystar’s bottom line.
I send you a cordial greeting Mr. Bob, my name is Jennifer sosa and I am trying to contact you and offer you our apartment cleaning services in general, I would like you to give me the opportunity, we are a team with a lot of experience and above all we are very honest. I hope you can contact me at my email jennifersosa23@hotmail.com. Thank you very much.
Sugei Viveros
6mo
Mr. Bob you need to know about all the illegal business that are bing run in several apartments communities ran by your company!!! The management does absolutely nothing about it they are fully aware of the tenants making profit from running business’s in their units and it’s completely unacceptable!!! It’s all a lie!!! Greystar does not provide world-class service in the residential rental housing industry. Look at all the illegal activities and business making profits and the managers know about the airbnbs and amenity rentals and do nothing about it at 1818 Platinum triangle apartments, Jefferson Edge Apartments, Jefferson Rise Apartments, Revo Apartments, The Paramount Platinum apartments all located in Anaheim CA.
Jacob Ayala
7mo
Love this post. My big take away from this is the importance of being a “global citizen”. Seeing how so many industries and governments need to come together to ensure the prosperity of our future should be of utmost importance for everyone. It’s something I teach my son constantly and I’m always learning endlessly.
Impressive insights from the Global Investment. The intersection of real estate and economic growth, especially in housing, is commendable. Well done! 👏 #GlobalInvestmentSummit #EconomicGrowth #RealEstateImpact
Debera Calvello
6mo
Mr. Faith I live at the Estuary in Weehawken, New Jersey for seven years now. I recently got my New Jersey real estate license and my New York real estate license. I have inquired about positions at Greystar. They do keep sending me job openings in my area but I never seem to get an answer or to get hired I would be very interested in an opportunity to work at Greystar, thank you in advance for your consideration. Happy new year.!
James Pargeter
7mo
Very good to see you were there at the Summit, Bob. There’s still much more to be done on housing, and your experience is really valuable in delivering it.
Tiffany Phillips
6mo
Greystar does not value its employees though trying to get rental assistance gets you fired around the holidays is pretty low.
Providing strategy, business development, and commercialization expertise to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and vaccine industry.
7moLove it...“businesses create jobs, not governments.” AMEN