Alex Pease appointed as a founding member of the BPF PBSA Board to strengthen advocacy for the student accommodation sector
Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent and student accommodation, is pleased to announce that it has helped to launch the British Property Federation’s (‘BPF’) new Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Board, with Alex Pease, Chief Executive Officer appointed as a founding member.
The new Board brings together senior leaders from eight of the UK’s leading PBSA providers, including Joe Lister, CEO, Unite Students, Matt Merrick, CEO, iQ Student Accommodation, Ashling Fox, MD, Student Roost, Duncan Garrood, CEO, Empiric Student Property, Elaine Hewitt, CEO, UPP, Nick Porter, CEO, DOT Group and Graham Rogers, Co-CEO Homes for Students, representing more than 250,000 student beds nationwide. Chaired by Joe Lister, Chief Executive Officer of Unite Students, the Board will serve as a unified industry voice – championing the sector’s critical role in supporting students, universities and local communities, while driving regeneration, investment and economic growth across the UK.
The Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (‘PBSA’) sector provides professionally managed homes for over 450,000 students and has attracted more than £90 billion in investment since 2015. Fresh, the residential-for-rent division of Watkin Jones, has contributed to this growth by supporting the wider rental market. The Board will work closely with government and key stakeholders to highlight how PBSA supports the UK’s housing supply, skills agenda and global higher education reputation.
Alex Pease, Chief Executive Officer at Watkin Jones, said:
“The creation of the BPF PBSA Board is a significant step forward for our sector. Purpose-built student accommodation plays a vital role not only in supporting the higher education system but also in driving regeneration and placemaking across the UK’s student cities.
“We are proud to have helped launch this important initiative and to be working collaboratively with colleagues across the sector to promote high-quality, affordable and sustainable student homes that meet the needs of the next generation.”
Watkin Jones is proud to play a leading role in the growth and responsible evolution of the PBSA sector — one that delivers long-term value for students, universities, investors and communities alike.