Unlocking the Public Estate:
A national research initiative led by Watling Consulting
The pressures on local government property have never been greater.
Watling Consulting’s national survey reveals how councils are balancing financial survival, service demand and national policy goals, and what this means for the future of public land and property.
Rationalisation over regeneration
Capacity
constraints
Unrealised potential
Why Take Part
Because every council’s experience matters
Benchmark your approach against others
Shape the agenda; your feedback informs our Autumn Briefing
Connect with peers via our Public Estate Insight Network
Be first to receive the 2025 report Unlocking the Public Estate
Funding the Future Estate
- Date: 27th November 2025
- Venue: 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ
- Time: 8:45 am
About Watling Consulting
Watling Consulting helps public and institutional clients shape and deliver property strategies that improve services, reduce cost, and unlock value for communities and the economy.
Our team brings deep public-sector insight and commercial delivery experience across government, local authorities, blue-light and education estates.
Guy Brett
A leading public sector property strategist and transformation specialist, Guy brings 30 years’ experience advising government bodies. He helped develop the original Good Practice Asset Management Guidelines for local authorities in 2000 and was seconded from PwC to HM Treasury to lay the groundwork for One Public Estate.
Nick Axford
Dr Chris Emin
Chris brings deep expertise in real estate strategy, data, procurement, systems and business modelling across complex public sector real estate environments.
The core team is supported by a wider team of local authority real estate, regeneration and economic development specialists including Richard Grass, Mike Lane and Kate Mullins.
