The strength and ability of the UK regions to drive their own economic future is expected to be a key topic of discussion during MIPIM (12-15 March, Cannes) – with the debate directed by cities such as Birmingham.

As the world’s largest real estate show, MIPIM attracts nearly 20,000 delegates each year, ranging from business leaders to global investors. Birmingham is taking part in nine events at MIPIM – with two happening on the main conference programme.

Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, will be speaking at an event hosted by property consultant GVA on MIPIM’s main stage on Wednesday afternoon. The event comprises a panel debate with other UK cities about funding future urban developments.

A number of regional city leaders will also come together on the Birmingham stand on Wednesday to discuss the impact the HS2 high-speed rail link will have on driving regeneration and new developments, and rebalancing the UK economy.

Sir Albert Bore. Photo: Jas Sansi

Sir Albert Bore said: “The future of the UK’s recovery rests on the ability of its regional economies to realise their potential in attracting investment – and developing an infrastructure that brings our major cities closer to each other, and to the rest of the world.

“Birmingham can lead this debate and confidently say that we are in a strong position to realise our potential. The city is connecting for growth, by investing in our network of transport links, digital infrastructure, new developments and public spaces.”

In addition to showcasing its development and regeneration projects such as Paradise Circus, Arena Central and Exchange Square, Birmingham is also focusing on the initiatives that are driving its growth.

Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone – the largest city centre Zone in the UK – launched its Prospectus for investors last month, and will be showcased at one of Birmingham’s MIPIM events. The Enterprise Zone demonstrates how a regional city can use its assets to fund new developments. Working with Birmingham City Council, the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP has borrowed against a future uplift in business rates expected to be generated in the Zone, to fund developments such as Paradise Circus.

The Enterprise Zone is also one of Birmingham’s six new economic zones, which will be discussed at MIPIM. Delegates will be offered an exclusive look at an interactive 3D map that will be used to market the zones to investors.

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham

Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at inward investment programme Business Birmingham – which is operated by Marketing Birmingham – will be presenting the 3D map.

He said: “MIPIM will be the first time our economic zones are shown at an international event. They are a key part of Birmingham’s campaign to attract more investors and build on the success of last year, when we attracted a near 40% increase in inward investment projects. We are on track to replicate that achievement this year. As well as the economic zones, the news from our partners – including their new developments, innovative funding products, and investor support packages – highlights that there is plenty happening across the city that attendees should take notice of.”

Rider Levett Bucknall is one of the companies attending MIPIM as part of Birmingham’s delegation. The cost and property consultant has joined forces with the city at Cannes for the last five years.

Nigel Mason, Managing Partner at Rider Levett Bucknall, said:  “There is no substitute for meeting face-to-face with the property experts and investors who attend MIPIM. Rider Levett Bucknall has secured a number of projects as a result of discussions started at the conference and considers it an essential part our event calendar. This year we are using it as the platform to launch the Riders Digest for 2013. This is an invaluable compendium of industry trends and data that we produce each year. Copies will be available on the Birmingham stand or on our website, www.rlb.com.”

Business Birmingham has joined with 18 partners from the public and private sectors for MIPIM this year. These organisations include Arena Central, Argent, Brindleyplace, Bruntwood, DLA Piper, Glenn Howells Architects, GVA, Jaguar Land Rover, Nikal, Rider Levett Bucknall and Willmott Dixon.

In 2012, the city engaged with nearly 1,000 international investors at MIPIM. This year’s events programme will largely take place on Birmingham’s stand R27.09 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

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