BPF Futures x Retail Board Panel and Networking - 11 February 2026

BPF Futures was delighted to host an evening event with the BPF Retail Board, bringing members together to explore how the retail sector has evolved over recent decades and what lies ahead. The session featured Retail Board members Louisa Butters, Laura Thursfield and Jacinta Rowsell.
 
Kindly hosted at Knight Frank’s London offices, the presentations and panel featured industry leaders Emma Barnstable (Knight Frank), Louisa Butters (CBRE), Jacinta Rowsell (Canary Wharf Group) and Laura Thursfield (The Crown Estate), expertly chaired by Will Lund (Knight Frank). The discussion underscored just how dynamic and resilient the retail sector continues to be.
 
A central theme was the shift from traditional “core retail” to experience-led destinations. Physical retail is no longer solely transactional; it is increasingly integrated with leisure, dining and wellness, reflecting evolving consumer expectations and the continued growth of online channels. Rather than replacing stores, digital has reshaped their purpose: today’s stores act as brand showcases, fulfilment hubs and immersive experience centres.
 
The panel also explored the operational and economic pressures facing the sector. Rising labour costs, business rates, inflation and broader cost challenges continue to impact occupiers. In response, collaboration between landlords and retailers is more important than ever, with partnership models and flexible leasing structures becoming increasingly common.
 
ESG was another key focus. Sustainability is now central to retail asset strategy, from infrastructure investment to long-term value protection. While financial returns on ESG initiatives can be complex to quantify, the importance of resilience, regulatory readiness and future-proofing assets is clear.
 
The conversation concluded by reflecting on why retail remains one of the most compelling sectors within real estate, uniquely combining investment, operations, consumer insight and placemaking in a tangible and constantly evolving environment.
 
Thank you to our panellists for sharing their expertise, to Betsy Brady (Knight Frank) for hosting, and to all BPF Futures members who joined the discussion and attended the networking.
 
Find out more about BPF Futures events here.