Midlands leaders encourage businesses to join search for global investment.
Businesses across the West Midlands are being encouraged to take part in the Midlands UK delegation at this year’s MIPIM (Cannes, 10th-13th March 2020), the world’s largest property event.
Billions-of-pounds’ worth of investment is agreed each year at the international property and real estate show, with major regional projects such as the City of Wolverhampton’s £185 million Brewers Yard development tracing its origins back to the event.
For the fourth year in a row, the Midlands UK delegation will bring together the region’s public and private sector leaders to showcase their most important regeneration and development schemes. This presence at MIPIM aims to grow the Midlands’ reputation as a globally competitive investment destination.
MIPIM provides the opportunity to profile businesses and projects, strengthen networks and share knowledge with industry peers. The show is the world’s largest real estate event, bringing together a global audience of more than 26,000 delegates from key markets such as the USA, Middle East and Western Europe.
Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine, said: “MIPIM offers an unrivalled opportunity for the private and public sectors to join forces and showcase our multitude of major developments and schemes to an international audience.
“The Midlands powers the UK economy, as a hotbed of talent, innovation and enterprise. Showcasing its strengths at MIPIM will help us to attract more global investment – helping to regenerate the region, create new jobs and deliver inclusive growth.”
To date, major businesses including platinum partners Birmingham Airport and St Joseph have signed up to join the Midlands UK delegation for MIPIM 2020. Others include Bruntwood, Lovell Partnership and Arup.
Tony Pidgley CBE, Chairman of St Joseph, a Berkeley Group company, said: “The Midlands is a fantastic place to invest, with strong leaders, a clear vision for the future and ambitious regeneration programmes well underway.
“We are proud to be part of this growth story and to be working in partnership to create the new homes and opportunities local communities need.”
In 2019, £11 billion of major development schemes were presented at the Midlands UK Pavilion to potential investors, partners, clients and suppliers. A busy event programme, comprising 43 events and 97 speakers, also highlighted the region’s most significant investment opportunities.
The City of Wolverhampton’s Brewers Yard project has rapidly progressed following conversations between City of Wolverhampton Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority and Court Collaboration during MIPIM 2019. The scheme will generate £250 million Gross Development Value through the creation of 1,200 houses and apartments, and 60,000 sq ft of new retail and commercial space.
Sitting metres away from the city’s new transport Interchange, the scheme aims to deliver high quality, affordable living and will become one of its tallest towers. Brewers Yard is a key part of £4.4 billion of investment being ploughed into the City of Wolverhampton, with significant improvements to public transport routes, office and residential space and its university.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Harman Banger, said: “MIPIM provides a global platform to sell what the City of Wolverhampton has to offer as part of the Midlands UK delegation. Multi-billion-pound regeneration is changing the face of our city and creating a wealth of attractive opportunities for developers and investors.
“Court Collaboration working on our exciting Brewers Yard city living scheme is an example of a major partner we met at MIPIM. We hope to make further important connections at MIPIM 2020 that will benefit the city in the future.”
The West Midlands Growth Company is organising the Midlands UK presence at MIPIM 2020. To find out more about becoming a partner for MIPIM 2020, please get in touch by emailing mipim@wmgrowth.com or visiting here.