Leeds City Region prepares for MIPIM UK and MIPIM 2019

Leeds City Region is looking to build on the momentum of investment announcements this year as it prepares for the world’s leading property investment and development conference.

Outlining its plans for both MIPIM UK 2018 and MIPIM 2019, the City Region aims to capitalise on the region’s recent successes, which have included Reed Smith selecting Leeds as the location for its billion dollar start up – ‘Reed Smith Global Solutions’.

It will also showcase progress on key developments such as Leeds South Bank, Huddersfield Waterfront, York Central and Bradford’s stations. The latter of which could provide a £1.5bn boost to the local economy according to new research into the effects of a Northern Powerhouse Rail hub station in the city.

The conference programme is being developed in collaboration with public sector partners and private sector sponsors in order to demonstrate the key drivers behind investors and occupiers selecting Leeds City Region.

Last year during MIPIM the delegation, which is predominantly funded by the private sector, took part in more than 300 meetings, while attendance at the conference over the past five years has generated more than 430 enquiries across the delegation.

The LEP is today launching its sponsorship drive and a number of sponsors have already confirmed their involvement including Munroe K, the developer of White Rose Office Park, and Morgans City Living.

Roger Marsh, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “We have a globally significant economy that is already attracting investment from international businesses. They want to not only be at the heart of the UK but also benefit from our young, dynamic and creative population. MIPIM offers the region the opportunity to build on this success. It’s an annual opportunity to have meaningful discussions with investors, developers and occupiers who want to be part of our story and success.”

David Aspin, founder of Munroe K, added: “We are delighted to once again be supporting Leeds City Region’s presence at MIPIM UK 2018 and MIPIM 2019. Last year’s presence received a lot of attention from international investors particularly those who are looking to diversify their portfolio outside of London.

“At White Rose Office Park we are attracting international occupiers including Perform Group and have ambitious plans for the future of the site including our new ICON development. I look forward to working with colleagues from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and the rest of the delegation to highlight to the international attendees that our region is a location that supports growth and delivers returns for investors.”

Leeds City Region has also confirmed its delegation will once again benefit from a direct flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to the conference, thanks to Jet2.com. The locally headquartered airline has once again offered a preferential rate to City Region delegates in order to support the campaign.

Phil Ward, MD at Jet2.com, said: “As the leading airline in Yorkshire and the North of England we are delighted to be supporting Leeds City Region’s attendance at MIPIM for the third year running by enabling the delegation to fly directly from Leeds Bradford Airport to Nice with Jet2.com.”