City leaders from the East Midlands met with investors and developers at MIPIM UK last week to talk about the region’s huge opportunity for growth.
Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and East Midlands Airport came together at MIPIM UK, the country’s largest property exhibition and conference for national and international property professionals, in a collaboration called the Power of 3.
The Power of 3 was launched in MIPIM in Cannes earlier this year with the aim of putting the spotlight on the East Midlands and its huge potential for investors and developers.
Representatives from Nottingham, Leicester and Derby city councils and regional inward investment leaders got together in London to highlight the massive potential of the East Midlands economy.
Two business showcases were held with panellists including Liz Fothergill, president of the East Midlands Chamber; Paul Robinson, chief executive of Derby City Council; Andy Cliffe, MD of East Midlands Airport, Matt Smith, lead partner at JLL in Nottingham and David Williams, chairman of Geldards LLP.
The message from both showcases was clear: the three cities have a compelling story. Panellists external to the region, from think-tank Centre for Cities and JLL’s London office, highlighted the confidence and vibrancy of the region, and its huge growth prospects.
John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “It is really important to give strong messages to attract investment and the three cities are prepared to work together to the benefit of all.
“Together we have three million people, and some of the greatest businesses in the UK – Rolls Royce, Boots and Next – so there is lots to shout about. The Power of 3 has a joined up message which will help attract international investment. The London and the south already had a global reach and the northern powerhouse is getting considerable attention from the government. We in the Midlands need to tell our great story and that’s why the Power of 3 is so important.”
David Bishop, corporate director of development at Nottingham City Council, said: “The Power of 3 is a powerful idea; the three cities and counties are complimentary to each other and it’s a relationship that really works very well. With so many important offerings in our patch – East Midlands Airport, the new HS2 station, the Power of 3 has so much to offer. This relationship is very important and as a result, the LEPs, city and county councils are working closer together. We have to make the most of our opportunities.
Helen Donnellan, inward investment director at Leicester City Council, said: “The Power of 3 has huge strategic value in the world of inward investment.
“Inward investment doesn’t recognise administrative boundaries, it does recognise the economic offer. We need to harness the economic geography we have together to investors. We have a really powerful offer that investors understand and relate to. Local government and businesses are working together to welcome investment.”
Andy Cliffe, MD of East Midlands Airport, said: “The three cities and counties complement each other. Each has its own strengths – biomedical and retail in Nottingham, automotive logistics in Leicester and advanced manufacturing in Derby for example. There is a huge opportunity for collaboration and we are so central with great links to the rest of the UK. The transport investments in the area are an example of a platform we can promote.”
There were three Power of 3 events at MIPIM UK which featured representatives from each city.
MIPIM UK is the UK’s largest exhibition and conference for property professionals. It provides a market place for UK players and international investors to meet, discuss projects and opportunities and do business.
