Partnerships and investment
Developing new models for cross-sector partnerships
As London boroughs seek private sector partners for major housing and regeneration projects, Future of London is creating cross-sector opportunities. Discover how our programmes and resources are strengthening long-term partnerships.
Public–private partnerships can unlock funding, share risk and accelerate delivery. However, without a clear understanding of their partners’ motivations, financial models, risk and governance, councils risk misaligned priorities, unexpected costs and a loss of control.
Our webinars, training courses and research projects help councils and their private sector partners develop productive partnerships that protect public interests, while ensuring private sector investment in housing and infrastructure.
Investment Academy
Future of London is partnering with the London Housing Directors’ Group and the London Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme (EHAP) to launch a pilot Investment Academy in autumn 2026.
This course will help boroughs build the skills and confidence needed to secure institutional investment for housing supply (including both social homes and temporary accommodation) and regeneration. To find out more, contact sarah@futureoflondon.org.uk
“Investment 101” for the public sector
How can boroughs build effective business cases for private sector capital investment? Our informal training webinars in partnership with Opportunity London focus on helping all local authority officers involved in making the business case to understand the fundamentals of institutional investment. Watch the webinar series
Read the webinar write-ups, with top takeaways for boroughs:
How investment committees work and what boroughs need to know
How institutional investors value residential assets
“Effective partnerships 101” for the public sector
How does a borough find the right partner? And how do they structure a partnership that can adapt to the challenges? Our current webinar training series, with Opportunity London and Arcadis, covers key insights, best practice and real-world examples of successful public–private partnerships. The next webinar is in autumn 2026. Watch the webinar series
Read the webinar write-up, with top takeaways for boroughs:
How to create partnerships with purpose
Regenerative Partnerships
How do the public and private sectors work together to sustain long-term collaboration? This programme explores how regenerative practice could reshape partnership models. We convened a group of cross-sector leaders to test new models that prioritise place-based social, environmental and economic outcomes. Find out more
Housing Development Academy
The Housing Development Academy offers training courses on public–private partnerships for borough officers to build skills and capabilities in setting up partnerships, assessing financial structures, developing risk management strategies and negotiating effectively. Find out more
Councils as social housing entrepreneurs
From flexing their “municipal muscles” to developing financial literacy, some council housing teams are finding innovative ways of responding to challenging market conditions. Our new research explains how to drive the culture change that is required, including through the creation of effective partnerships. Find out more