Events

EVENT:

Our Director of Policy (Finance) Peter Cosmetatos will be a keynote speaker at this one day conference produced by RICS London.

Full programme

10.00   Registration opens

Coffee, tea and water available

10.30   Welcome

Conference Chairman – Alun Oliver FRICS

10.45 – 11.30

Macro Economic Overview - The Bumpy Road to Recovery
Speaker: Simon Rubinsohn, RICS

Simon Rubinsohn is the Chief Economist for the RICS. He is responsible for leading the economics and research team in
providing timely analysis of developments in both the commercial and residential property markets as well as in the
construction industry. He is also responsible for delivering the RICS suite of high profile surveys measuring sentiment in
different segments of the property market, helping to develop RICS policy positions alongside the External Affairs team and is
a regular media commentator. Prior to taking up this position, Simon was Senior Strategist for Barclays Wealth, and has also
previously lectured in economics.

Topics will include:
· The prospects for the global economy
· The ability of the UK economy to withstand the policy tightening now under way
· The impact of the ‘bumpy road’ on the commercial and residential property markets

11.30 – 12.15   Overview of the UK and international policy landscape – hopes and threats for real estate

Speaker: Peter Cosmetatos, British Property Federation

Peter is Director of Policy (Finance) at the British Property Federation, where he is responsible for formulating and articulating
industry views on finance, tax and regulatory matters, ranging from the promotion of Tax Increment Finance (TIF) and REITs
to trying to protect the industry from European financial regulation. He previously worked as a tax lawyer in the City with a
particular focus on property finance.

The following topics will be covered:
· UK tax policy developments following the change of government (including TIF, REITs, EPR and CRC)
· EC initiatives for financial regulation (the AIFM Directive and regulation of derivatives)
· Changes to lease accounting

12.15 – 13.15   Buffet Lunch

13.15 – 14.00
VAT – Minimising costs and avoiding costly errors

Speaker: Martin Scammell, E³ Consulting

Martin is a self-employed VAT consultant working, in particular, with property taxation specialists E³ Consulting and with
several London law firms. He has largely specialised in property and construction issues for the last 25 years, first in VAT
Policy in Customs & Excise, and subsequently at Ernst & Young and more recently as head of indirect tax at Eversheds.
VAT can make an enormous difference to project costs, but the rules are often illogical, and the details can make all the
difference.

Martin will guide us through the issues:
· Commercial development – making sure of VAT recovery
· Care homes and student accommodation – some special problems
· Residential projects – getting the benefits of reliefs
· Landlord and tenant – opportunities and traps

14.00 – 14.45   Capital Allowances and Land Remediation – Optimise Your Profitability, Minimise Tax!
Speaker: Alun Oliver, E³ Consulting

Alun is Managing Director of E³ Consulting, a firm of Property Taxation Specialists, he has nearly 20 years experience of
generating valuable tax savings on both Commercial and residential property developments through a combination of Capital
Allowances, Land Remediation and Repairs & Maintenance.

Property tax is too often a project after thought, or surprisingly NEVER considered at all. Taking timely advice on the
availability and quantum of the different tax incentives and allowances can make a difference on projects proceeding or
languishing on the drawing board! Alun will also highlight the recent changes to these complex areas of property tax.

14.45 – 15.00 Questions & Answers

15.00   Conference Close

To book, please go to the RICS website.