Innovo engages UAE and UK leaders at House of Lords reception

Innovo’s Deputy CEO Simon Penney CMG addressed UAE and UK Government and industry leaders at a recent parliamentary reception held at the House of Lords.

In partnership with UAE-UK Business Council, the event focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between the two great nations and discussed the scope for growth and collaboration in innovation.

In his opening speech, Simon outlined how Innovo is actively working to forge greater alliances between the UAE and UK, and the businesses that operate in them.

Describing, the countries’ relationship as “a highly effective corridor for turning ideas into projects”, Simon shared examples of where Innovo is enabling UK companies to find access to the UAE, and UAE companies to export to the UK.

Invest and grow

Simon continued: “The UAE–UK relationship continues to evolve and cannot be taken for granted – both sides must work continuously to strengthen it. That is where Innovo sees its role. We sit at the intersection of infrastructure, development and delivery, giving us a clear view of opportunities for UK companies in the UAE; particularly those bringing technology, innovation and specialist expertise to the built environment.

“We are already helping UK businesses enter the UAE and access our projects. At the same time, we are investing in the UK – growing our real estate business, deploying capital, expanding our portfolio, delivering high-quality housing, supporting jobs across the value chain and contributing to long-term economic strength.

“As a homegrown UAE business, UK partnerships are central to Innovo’s strategy, and we are confident that we can help deepen UAE–UK ties – enabling UK businesses to access new markets in the UAE and supporting UAE investment and growth in the UK.”

Cross-border networking

Simon was joined by a senior Innovo delegation at this special event, including Chair Lord Philip Hammond, CFO Tom Tildesley, General Counsel Kate Teh, Innovo Developments UK CEO Brendon Moss, Chair of Developments John Forrester, and Non-Executive Director Juergen Maier CBE.

The reception was also attended by a number of prominent dignitaries, including Lord Udny-Lister, UK Co-Chair of the UAE–UK Business Council; HE Badr Jafar, UAE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy; HE Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK; Sir Oliver Dowden, MP and former UK Deputy Prime Minister; Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports; Saif Malik, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank; and Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance.

Collaboration and close dialogue

Bradley Jones, CEO of the UAE-UK Business Council, also spoke at the event: “The UAE and UK share a close, productive relationship, strengthened by the UK’s support during Iran’s unprovoked aggression. We are optimistic about the future and pleased that events like this highlight opportunities for deeper collaboration and dialogue between our countries.”

HE Badr Jafar, UAE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy said: “In recent weeks, the UAE has faced disruption on a scale few modern economies have experienced – over 2,800 missiles and drones, up to 700,000 cyber-attacks, 13 lives lost and 224 injured. Confidence has been tested, but it remains strong. A country that planned for resilience is proving it under pressure.

“Tonight is not a moment to step back from ambition, but a chance to move forward with greater clarity and resolve. Our economy endured – businesses stayed open, people kept working and supply chains held. And that continuity was by design and through the strength of our partnerships with countries like the UK.

“Indeed, the UAE–UK relationship is one of real substance – two economies committed to open markets, innovation-led growth and rules-based trade. The answer to fragmentation is not isolation, but resilient openness. The UAE is committed to that path, and the UK is a vital partner in shaping it.”

Innovation, capital, and delivery. As an active member of the UAE–UK Business Council, Innovo is committed to expanding trade, investment, and innovation between the two countries, furthering the UAE’s ambition to enhance its position as a global partner and an attractive and influential economic hub.

Operating across both markets provides structural advantages – combining UAE delivery strength, speed and scale with UK access to global capital, deep financial markets and high-skilled talent.

Together, this creates a model that connects local execution with global capability, supporting delivery today while positioning Innovo for long-term growth.