Housing transport and innovation at heart of MIPIM discussions for Sheffield
Housing, transport, innovation and the growing Global Innovation Corridor were at the centre of discussions during a busy week for Sheffield City Region at MIPIM.
The Sheffield delegation hosted events over four days at the conference in Cannes.
Dave Smith, managing director of the Sheffield City Region, said: “This year I’ve been pleased with the number of new investors that we’ve met and had serious conversations with over opportunities in the Sheffield City Region.”
Events included a Northern Powerhouse breakfast at the UK Government Pavilion, with Sir Nigel Knowles – special advisor for trade and investment to Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis.
Sir Nigel said: “The Sheffield City Region has a great deal to offer; from world-class university and business collaboration opportunities to a growing Global Innovation Corridor, super-connected transport links and a highly-skilled workforce. But there is only so much we can achieve alone.
“Together, we can be stronger than the sum of our parts.
“That’s why it is so important that, as LEPs in the North, we work together to drive economic growth and demonstrate that the North is open for business.”
Events during the week included “Unlocking Growth in the Northern Powerhouse” discussion, with Victoria Merton of The Peel Group showcasing the firm’s vision for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and demonstrating how this can play a transformative role in unlocking growth.
There was an “Innovation-led Growth” session with experts including Professor Roger Eccleston of Sheffield Hallam University, Keith Lilley of the University of Sheffield, Nick Shepherd of Kier Construction, Stuart Howie of Avison Young and Amy Casterton of Homes England discussed the importance of collaboration with universities in terms of regeneration and talent.
A breakfast event earlier on Wednesday, hosted by Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council John Mothersole, focused on city development and Sheffield’s ambitious plans for growth.
Points of discussion included why McLaren and Boeing chose to locate in the region.
Mr Mothersole said: “The level of investment interest in the region is unprecedented.
“The difference this year is investors are wanting to work with us, rather than buy from us. The positive facts of the region are doing the job for us.”
On Tuesday, highlights of the programme included a Housing the Powerhouse breakfast event, hosted by Doncaster Council’s Scott Cardwell, and a session focusing on the region’s Global Innovation Corridor.
Focused around the SCR’s research and design assets and cutting-edge partnerships with two world-leading universities, the Global Innovation Corridor will be a global magnet for people, industry and innovators.
The Global Innovation Corridor will link assets such as the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the National College for High Speed Rail, Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre and Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Partners joining the SCR delegation for MIPIM 2019 have included Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield, Harworth, Scarborough Group, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Atkins, JF Finnegan, Strata, Irwin Mitchell, BE Design, Bond Bryan, Litton Properties, Verdion, IBI Group, Ask4, HLM Architects, David Lake Photography and Arup.
Owen Michaelson, chief executive at Harworth Group, said: “The region has a big story to sell in two respects; the quality of the assets it has at its disposal including the Advanced Manufacturing Park and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, alongside what it contributes to the quality of discussion and key policy matters such as placemaking and infrastructure.
“Land and property-related businesses in the region should therefore not underestimate just how important MIPIM is in establishing and refining potential deals and cultivating new relationships.”
