Built Environment Networking, the UK leader in providing real estate and infrastructure conferencing and events, has appointed Simon Rhodes as Group Sales Director.

Real estate and infrastructure conferencing and events business Built Environment Networking (BEN) has made a senior hire – appointing Simon Rhodes, who had previously spent almost 20 years at Barbour ABI, as Group Sales Director.

Rhodes, who is BEN’s first ever Group Sales Director, now heads up the company’s sales function and will play a key role in driving business growth. His role will cover the entire range of events run by BEN, but with an initial focus on the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) – which will culminate in a three-day real estate and infrastructure event in Leeds between 17-19 May 2022.

Keith Griffiths, Chief Executive of Built Environment Networking, explained:

“I have known Simon for well over a decade, and every time I have met him I have been impressed by his drive, energy and ability to get the job done. That is why I am delighted to have appointed Simon as a key member of my senior team.

“Built Environment Networking is at a critical moment in our growth – we weathered the COVID storm brilliantly, posting our biggest ever profit in 2020 – and as we move out of the worst of the pandemic, our eyes are now squarely fixed on the future.

“Through UKREiiF, which has already generated massive public sector, investor and developer interest, alongside other new products which we will launch in the coming weeks and months, BEN is on the cusp of a significant expansion – expansion Simon will help to deliver.”

Simon Rhodes, Group Sales Director at Built Environment Networking, added:

“Keith’s vision for Built Environment Networking is an incredibly exciting one, and one which I was really keen to become a part of. With UKREiiF gaining real momentum, alongside BEN’s brilliant existing offer, we are going places.

“I look forward to helping to further drive growth and business success, and I am thrilled to be here.”

This year BEN has launched the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). UKREiiF is an entirely new, market-leading property and infrastructure movement that will culminate in a three-day event in Leeds on 17-19 May 2022, which is expected to be attended by over 3,000 people and has already attracted significant public and private sector support.