MIPIM 2012: Investment awards rounds off successful week for Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM has been recognised as a highly attractive destination for foreign investors at a ceremony at the MIPIM property conference in Cannes, rounding off a successful week for the city at the international event.

The city was listed in the top 10 of four categories in the prestigious fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future awards.

The categories included foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy and business friendliness for large cities.

Delegates from the city were joined at the ceremony by representatives from 40 cities and 23 regions across Europe. fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future recognises cities that have the best prospects for inward investment, economic development and business expansion.

Cllr Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “For Birmingham to be recognised for its FDI strategy highlights the city’s strong proposition for investors and the hard work undertaken by our inward investment programme, Business Birmingham, to promote the city internationally as a leading European business destination.

“The city’s ranking as a business-friendly destination also comes as no surprise. The Birmingham Business Hub brings together the city’s leading business support organisations – including Birmingham City Council, the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP and Marketing Birmingham – to form a single destination that provides a streamlined and coordinated approach to investor development.

“The private and public sectors in Birmingham collaborate to provide a range of tailored support for organisations that want to locate or invest here, from consultancy time to meeting space and networking opportunities. This week’s announcement that leading architectural firm Gensler is opening its first UK office in Birmingham confirms that this strategy pays dividends.”

Visit Business Birmingham ’s MIPIM page here.

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