MIPIM underlined Midlands momentum
Momentum is with the Midlands after the best MIPIM for years.
That was the verdict of panellists attending this year’s MIPIM and who shared their experience with members at a special event held at one of Bruntwood’s Colmore Business District offices last week, reports Kevin Johnson.
Louise Brook-Smith from Arcadis and David Frisby from Mode Transport swapped Cannes for Cornwall Buildings at the breakfast event on Thursday which explored what was achieved at the world’s leading property market.
With 13 MIPIMs under her belt, Louise Brook-Smith reflected on how the event and the presence of Birmingham and wider region has changed over the years. More business-oriented and an improving picture of diversity in all its forms were just two improvements she noted.
David Frisby was a first-timer at the Palais des Festival, but immediately recognised the value of both the official programme as well as opportunities to have “meaningful conversations” with other delegates that would seldom happen back at home.
MIPIM provides the largest concentration of leading firms involved in land and property according to the Downtown panel. There was also a much bigger presence from Government as Brexit draws closer. The Department for International Trade along with Homes England and the British Property Federation made sure the message that the UK is open for business was seen and heard loud and clear.
The Midlands UK Pavilion welcomed 4,700 visitors who attended 50 events. 350 people were part of the delegation that was supported by 68 commercial partners.
Deals announced at MIPIM included Bruntwood’s acquisition of Innovation Birmingham as well as the unveiling of IM Properties as Birmingham city council’s preferred development partner for the first phase of Peddimore.
Birmingham was ranked fifth overall out of fifty cities analysed across Europe in the Cities of Influence report published during MIPIM, whilst being placed first in Colliers International’s ranking of mid-sized cities.
An investment prospectus offering up to £10 billion of opportunities to invest in the West Midlands – the “UK’s new growth capital” was also launched at the event.
The Midlands presence was better co-ordinated and presented than ever before, even out-shining London and friendly rivals Manchester, according to Downtown members who were in Cannes.
The sheer scale and recognisable progress of exciting opportunities in the region are creating momentum for the Midlands. The energy and communication skills demonstrated by Mayor Andy Street were also seen as important factors in the success stories emerging from MIPIM.
Panellists and other members at the Downtown session made a powerful case to other business leaders to be part of future MIPIM events for the real business opportunities it offers.
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