Buff Dining Club

A group of opinionated clients, professionals and consultants from the UK property, design and construction sector who meet on a regular basis for banter and debate on topical issues of the day. Members are encouraged to invite guests and speakers will be asked to lead 'around the table' discussions. Held at venues which are convivial in atmosphere which allow members and their guests to express their views in an 'off the record' format. It is a format which has worked since the Buff Dining Clubs formation in Summer 1990 and of the current 70 members across the UK, many of which are original members.

Currently we have clubs which meet regularly in Bristol and London, although over the years we have had events in Bimingham and Johannesburg (South Africa) which have been run on a similiar round table format. However, during the past few months (Autumn 2008) we have reviewed the club 'ethos' and decided to create more of a 'buzz' and direction by inviting Key Note speakers to lead the discussion on topics of the day. Our aim is to increase the membership and grow the Buff Dining Club, with the aim of reaching 100 active members.

I hope that you will join us on this journey..

The Legacy Debate with Tom Russell
Group Director, Olympics Legacy for the London Development Agency.
Date : 19th November, 2008
Arrivals 7.15pm for 8pm and finish 10.45pm
Dress: Black Tie

Tom Russell is Group Director, Olympics Legacy for the London Development Agency.

Previously he was Chief Executive of New East Manchester Urban Regeneration Company, which is leading the regeneration of east Manchester, an area of 2500 acres with a population of over 30,000 extending from the fringe of the city centre to the administrative boundary of the city.The area was a base for traditional manufacturing industries which collapsed in world recessions in the 1970s and 1980s, but it was the location for most of the facilities constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and is now undergoing a comprehensive programme of physical, economic and social renewal.

Prior to this he worked as Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, with responsibility for major urban regeneration initiatives, including Manchester's Inner Area Programme, the regeneration of Hulme,a quarter of the city with acute social and economic problems,and the city centre reconstruction, following the IRA bomb in June 1996.He has had responsibility for local, national and European funding programmes geared towards urban regeneration and has also previously worked on the management of regeneration programmes in London and Oldham.

In the audience:

Paul Morrell, ex-Senior Partner Davis Langdon and CABE Commissioner

Moderator

Matthew Battle, Chair UK Property Forum and Director, Ibex (part of Doyle plc)

Format for the Evening - 'building upon discussion'

During every lunch or dinner, we will host a conversation around the table on topical issues of the day. Using the convivial atmosphere, the aim is to encourage debate and understand Members views which will help to create a better view of the world of property.