Northern Powerhouse makes its collective case at major property expo

The Northern Powerhouse cities sought to press their collective case as the “land of opportunity” at a major property event that was notable for the absence of regional cities.

Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry, as well as political and civic leaders from Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Hull and the North East, were all promoting the development potential across the wider region.

Berry was educated in Liverpool and Sheffield, before qualifying as a solicitor and specialising in housing and development law.

“Whatever else you hear today, the north – the Northern Powerhouse and all we have to offer – is the land of opportunity when it comes to property development,” he said. “I know because I used to be one of you.”

MIPIM UK is the London version of the long-standing international jamboree held in Cannes, France, each March.

Left, Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry on the Manchester and Liverpool stand at MIPIM UK shaking hands with Eamonn Boylan, chief executive of Devo Manc (Credit: MIPIMWORLD)

The show was smaller this year, perhaps indicative of the pressures facing both the real estate sector and local authorities. But one local authority chief executive remained happy with the investment saying “the people who haven’t come are the ones who have made the mistake”.

However Liverpool and Manchester again presented a joint showcase while Leeds, Knowsley and Hull also exhibited. YPG, the developers behind the plans at Liverpool’s Monarch Dock were also present, holding discussions with the Union Bank of India, among others.

Berry added: “In terms of investor returns, there is a high yield in the north of England. We have lower land values and a highly skilled workforce – and that means we can drive the investor returns.

“We have large scale investment opportunities – the Northern Powerhouse has these in abundance.”