The Midlands area will come together to showcase investment opportunities worth almost £10 billion at this year’s global property and real estate show MIPIM (13th-16th March, Cannes, France).
More than 70 public and private sector partners, 10 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas, and the Department for International Trade (DIT) will represent the region – the largest delegation Midlands UK has ever taken to the annual event.
The region will present details of the multi-billion pound portfolio to the exhibition’s 24,000 attendees, which will include potential investors, property agents, developers and media from more than 100 countries.
It is the second year that the Midlands region will work together to attract investment from around the world following a successful united presence at MIPIM 2017.
Destinations attending MIPIM as part of the Midlands UK delegation include Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Derby & Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, Leicester & Leicestershire, The Marches, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire, UK Central Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, City of Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.
The region’s presence is being coordinated by the West Midlands Growth Company, with key partners including Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport, global car giant Jaguar Land Rover and the Midlands Enterprise Universities Group.
A 200m² dedicated Midlands UK pavilion will showcase the region’s investment portfolio, with separate sections for each destination partner, and an event space to host a programme of more than 50 events, including presentations, receptions and panel discussions.
Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said:
“The Midlands UK delegation will show the world that the region is open for business. We are confident about the future and are ready to build on the Midlands commercial and trading history.
“Where else can you find one of the fastest growing regions in the world, sitting at the heart of one of the world’s largest economies, with a bed of skills and infrastructure in which to grow your business.
“By working together, Midlands UK will promote the region to investors and trade partners – delivering more growth, exports, jobs, and a better quality of life for those living in the region.”
Jenny Kenning, Director, Midlands Enterprise Universities, said:
“As a consortium of seven entrepreneurial universities, we are delighted to sponsor Midlands UK at MIPIM 2018. As strong anchor institutions we regenerate place and communities as well as providing a highly skilled talent pool and an innovative ecosystem for businesses to thrive. At MIPIM we are keen to meet new partners, who would like to work with us to create a prosperous Midlands.”
Rob Groves, Regional Director of Argent, said:
“Paradise Birmingham is contributing to the growing momentum in the regional commercial property sector that is seeing more top-quality developments brought to market, creating jobs, opportunities and economic growth across the city and wider Midlands. Paradise showcases to the MIPIM audience some of the key economic drivers behind the region’s on-going ambitions.”
The Midlands UK area has a population of 10 million people – 15.4% of the UK – and an economy worth more than £200 billion economy. Last year, the Midlands UK region attracted 225 foreign direct investment projects, creating over 8,300 new jobs.