The next generation of leaders launch LEP’s 50th birthday celebrations at G4C event in Margate

LEP were proud to be co-headline sponsor for the latest G4C event held at the prestigious Turner Contemporary in Margate which saw 10 of the next generation of LEP leaders launch our 50th birthday celebrations.

2024 marks 50 years of LEP (Lee Evans Partnership, founded 1974). As we look back over half a century of history, we thought it was the perfect opportunity for the future generation, representing the next 50 years, to kickstart our birthday celebrations, reflecting on the past with pride, and looking forward to the opportunities of the future. The event was the perfect platform to launch a summer of celebration, with more exciting news in the coming weeks.

G4C is the young professional voice of the UK built environment industry, providing a unique environment for camaraderie, sharing ideas, and using the network as a platform for getting their voices heard in industry. The G4C network is an opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative industry thinking and best practice in the sector. This made the event the perfect arena for the launch of our forward-looking, future-focussed 50th anniversary celebrations, looking more so than ever to punch above our weight to realise our mission to improve places together.

Kent’s G4C network was pleased to welcome four industry-leaders as speakers at this event: Brian Horton (Director, Horton Strategic), Sarah Martin (Head of Exhibitions, Turner Contemporary), Annette Russell (Executive Director, Margate Creative Land Trust), and Stewart Haywood (Director of Capital Projects, EKC Group). Speakers were united under the theme of ‘regeneration’, and took delegates on a whistle stop tour through the ‘big picture’ of coastal regeneration in East Kent, before exploring regeneration in practice – through art and culture, creativity and community, and through education and young people. Delegates posed some interesting questions, all the more so given that many attendees are involved – directly or indirectly – across the supply chain in realising some of the case study examples discussed.

LEP’s Ines and Edward, who are working towards qualification as chartered Architects, reflected on the event:

“Aside from the brilliant talks regarding Margate’s and Kent’s regeneration at the G4C event, it was great to have a platform set up for us to network and meet other people in the construction industry. As I am currently in the early stages of my career, I am eager to leverage these networking opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, gain insights into industry trends, and build relationships that could lead to potential collaborations and career growth.“

Ines Combalat

“Attending the G4C at the Turner Contemporary was a fantastic opportunity to connect with individuals from various disciplines, all united by the common goal of regenerating Kent. As a trainee architect, I am eager to continue the conversations we started at the event, fostering collaboration and open communication to achieve this shared vision.“

Edward Flores Acuna

Reece Lemon (LEP Associate and London Planning Lead) sits on the G4C Committee and led the organisation of this event. He notes

“G4C events centre the early and mid-career professionals that directly input into the types of development we see coming forward across the region. To be able to host some brilliant, top-tier speakers and give our membership direct access is a great feeling for the committee, and speaks to the value of these events.“

Reece Lemon

The next G4C event is scheduled for September 2024, and we look forward to supporting our LEP team’s attendance at future events.