The Midlands UK Pavilion welcomed more than 4,700 visitors at global real estate show MIPIM 2018 (Cannes, France, 13-16 March), a 57% increase on 2017’s event, which attracted 3,000.
More than 50 events were hosted by Midlands UK, including panel discussions and showcase presentations, featuring almost 100 speakers. Visitors to the Pavilion included potential investors, property agents, developers and the media from more than 100 countries. The Midlands UK delegation comprised 350 people from both the public and private sectors.
This year’s theme of urbanity at MIPIM featured throughout the Midlands UK event programme as it explored topics surrounding sustainability, new housing potential and connectivity.
Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine, commented:
“MIPIM provides the Midlands with a huge opportunity to showcase the region’s most valuable investment schemes potentially generating thousands of jobs and significant economic growth.
“The Midlands UK delegation has engaged with more investors at MIPIM than ever before. Building on the success of last year we have delivered an outstanding programme of panel discussions, investment showcases, meetings and networking events. The vibrant atmosphere at the Midlands UK Pavilion is testament to the exciting opportunities we have been able to promote this year.”
Regional leaders unveiled major developments to prospective investors. Popular events included an update on the landmark Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio on Tuesday. A panel discussion featured Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midland Engine and was hosted by Director of Export and Investment at the Midlands Engine, Simon Hall. The refreshed Investment Portfolio highlighted 26 of the region’s most exciting investment-ready projects, worth a combined £11 billion. New sites in the Portfolio include MIRA Technology Park’s Southern Manufacturing Sector in Warwickshire, Birmingham International Station and Stafford Gateway North.
Terry Spall, Commercial Director, MIRA Technology Park, said:
“MIPIM is one of the most important events in the property industry, and we were delighted to attend this year’s event to launch MIRA Technology Park’s Southern Manufacturing Sector; an area of prime employment land, which we expect to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs across a variety of skill sets and sectors.
“The Midlands’ presence at this year’s MIPIM was the strongest I have ever seen, and it was great for our development to be included in both the Midlands UK Investment Portfolio and West Midlands Combined Investment Portfolio, alongside a very strong selection of delegates from the region. Our seminar, at which we displayed a scale model of the Southern Manufacturing Sector alongside MIRA Technology Park, was very well attended and allowed us to explain the benefits the site will have on the Midlands automotive industry.”
The private sector has been out in force at MIPIM. The size of the Midlands UK delegation increased significantly in the run up to MIPIM, with 68 commercial partners – including the region’s property community, major businesses, airports, science and tech parks, and local universities – working with 12 public sector partners to promote the region. This includes the Department for International Trade, a key funder and supporter of Midlands UK.
Rob Eaton, Head of Planning, Transport & Strategy, Birmingham Airport, said:
“This year’s MIPIM event has been phenomenal and Birmingham Airport was proud to be able to support Midlands UK to showcase the unrivalled opportunities available to investors from across the world.
“Having support from The Mayor and leaders of councils from across the Midlands demonstrated a united front and all involved spoke with one voice which will no doubt send a strong message to those looking to invest in the region that this is the place to live, play and work.”
Beyond Cannes, the @UKMidlands Twitter account has reached 300,000 users throughout the event, while the Midlands UK MIPIM website received nearly 15,000 page views since mid-February.