Midlands puts on united front in bid to woo MIPIM investors

Sir John Peace

More than 70 public and private sector partners from across the Midlands will be showcasing the region to global investors when they unite as part of a major delegation heading to this year’s MIPIM exhibition.

Investors, property agents, developers and media representatives from more than 100 countries will be present in Cannes for this year’s event, which takes place between March 13-15.

The region’s offering will be showcased in the Midlands UK Pavilion (C16.D) and will explore topics including connectivity, housing and inclusive growth.

Spearheading the presentation will be the chair of the Midlands Engine, Sir John Peace, who will outline the Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio on March 13, during which he will showcase almost £10bn worth of investment opportunities.

He said: “This year’s event programme builds on the success of last year, and the huge variety of partners, speakers and topics is testament to the versatility of the Midlands and the exciting range of investment opportunities available here.

“The Midlands is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, sitting at the heart of one of the world’s largest economies, with a bed of skills and infrastructure in which to grow your business

“Since launching the first Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio in 2016, we have seen strong overseas interest in many of the projects. By working together as a region as we are this year at MIPIM, we’re making it easier for investors to choose the Midlands.”

The event programme is split into seven themes that follow the real estate lifecycle, starting with creating the right landscape for growth through to attracting investment and building for the future. Thousands of delegates are expected to attend across the 50+ events.

Connectivity will be a key focus across a number of events, with massive infrastructure investment including high-speed rail network HS2 and expanding air, rail and road networks all playing a role in boosting the economic impact of the Midlands.

Andy Street, Mayor for the West Midlands and representing the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “The West Midlands is at the heart of the future of Britain. We are the largest regional economy with more business start-ups than anywhere else in the UK. We have unrivalled connectivity – with 90% of the UK’s market in reach within four hours. We are confident and we are winning.

“The West Midlands’ time is now, and as part of the wider Midlands delegation to MIPIM we will maximise our opportunity to showcase our region to the world.”

The event programme will also highlight some of the region’s recent cultural successes, with receptions celebrating Coventry as UK City of Culture 2021 and Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games win.

A further element to this could be the relocation of Channel 4 to Birmingham. Although this has yet to be made official, it is thought the second city is in pole position to land the broadcaster.

Key schemes that will be showcased to investors include: MIRA Technology Park Southern Manufacturing Centre in Warwickshire; the £550 million Birmingham Paradise project; the HS2 Interchange station at Solihull; Friargate, the £700m mixed use scheme in Coventry; and the Garden City initiative in the Black Country.

The seven themes that the Midlands UK events will follow are: creating the ideal landscape for growth; big ideas and masterplanning; world class developments; moving into the Midlands; residential – meeting the challenge; living and thriving; and building for the future.

Private sector partners joining forces with the Midlands UK delegation this year include:

Platinum partners: Jaguar Land Rover, East Midlands Airport, Midlands Enterprise Universities, Birmingham Airport, Court Collaboration.

Principal partners: CEG, Gleeds, Harworth Estates, Godwin Development, Scape, Friargate, Warwick University, Extra MSA, Countryside, Calthorpe Estates, Miller Developments, Paradise, Bouygues, Ramboll, PGC Capital, Bruntwood, Arcadis, Birmingham Life Sciences Park.

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