The British Property Federation has appointed Morgan Garfield, head of capital partnerships at NewRiver REIT, as the new chair of the BPF Retail Board. He takes over the role of chair from Allan Lockhart, CEO of NewRiver REIT.
Garfield co-founded the retail and town centre investment management firm Ellandi, which was acquired by NewRiver REIT in July 2024.
In his role as chair of the retail board, Garfield will work with members to highlight the pivotal role and positive impact that the property industry plays in towns and cities across the UK.
He will promote the investment case for UK retail to a broad audience of investors and stakeholders and advocate for government policy that facilitates investment in real estate to the benefit of communities.
Garfield will also continue to articulate the BPF’s calls for business rates reform and an amended Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 to streamline the commercial leasing process, support the decarbonisation of buildings and enable empty and underutilised space in town centres to be repurposed.
Garfield said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the BPF Retail Board. Our high streets, town centres and shopping centres are the lifeblood of the economy and our local communities. We have seen huge structural changes, that were accelerated by Covid, and retail is now at an inflection point.
“Retailers and consumers increasingly appreciate the value of physical shops in an omni-channel environment – and communities and government appreciate the value of place within our towns and cities. This creates an opportunity to invest, to curate and to shape vibrant retail places that will help drive long-term societal and economic prosperity.
“This is an exciting time in retail property and I look forward to communicating this to investors and stakeholders. It is also critical that the BPF and its members help shape a policy and regulatory environment that encourages investment and delivers vibrant towns, jobs and places that people want to live, shop and socialise.
“I would like to thank Allan Lockhart at NewRiver, the departing chair, for his work over the last few years and look forward to continuing the positive work that is underway with the Board members.”
