Leeds City Region delegation boosted by further private sector support

PRIVATE sector commitment for Leeds City Region’s Investment Week continues to grow strong following confirmation that commercial property adviser GVA and developer GB Group Holdings will return as part of the partnership at MIPIM 2014.

Following endorsement from the private and public sectors, Leeds and Partners will once again work in partnership with both sectors to deliver Investment Week at MIPIM 2014 and lead the delegation between Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield and York.

Leeds and Partners has been working closely with GVA to raise the profile of investment opportunities in the Leeds City Region.

Last month, the two organisations hosted a briefing to more than 100 London investors.

Ben Hall, director at GVA, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Leeds and Partners again this year to support them at MIPIM. We’ve seen the property market warm up in the region over the last 12 months, which is very encouraging for investors and developers alike.

“The impressive turnout at our ‘Invest in Leeds City Region’ event in London, which we jointly hosted, was testament to where the market is right now. As market sentiment continues to improve, so too is the frequency of funds looking outside of the capital and into regions such as Leeds City. It is the stronger regions demonstrating the will to provide the most attractive, medium to long term investments that will win out, and Leeds City Region is in an exceptionally strong position.”

Plans for the new Leeds Arena Hilton Hotel were first unveiled by developers GB Group Holdings during Investment Week at MIPIM 2013.

Leeds and Partners has been working in partnership with GB Group to support their investment into the city and will continue to provide support and guidance in recruitment, apprenticeships and the hotel opening.

Brandon Riley, director of hotels at GB Group, said: “We are extremely proud to be key contributors of many new developments within the Leeds City Region.

“These include the recently completed St Marks residences for the University of Leeds, the Printworks for Leeds City College, as well as the new Leeds Arena Hilton Hotel which is currently under construction. The completed Hilton hotel will be owned by GB Group as an investment.”

“The Leeds City Region is a great place to do business and we are delighted to be supporting Leeds and Partners at MIPIM 2014.”

Following support from international medal winning cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, who arrived at the head of the Cycle to Cannes charity cycle ride during MIPIM 2013, Leeds and Partners are in discussions with Cycle to Cannes about putting together a Leeds City Region team to join next year’s ride.

It is intended that a regional cycling team will boost the partnership’s investment drive, and help to highlight opportunities presented by the Tour de France’s Grand Départ 2014.

Jonathan Riley, chairman of Bradford Property Forum and partner at law firm Pinsent Masons, said: “There’s a significant number of passionate cyclists amongst the region’s property professionals, some who’ve ridden since their youth and others who’ve discovered bikes more recently.

“It would be fantastic if we could muster a team of Yorkshire men and women, from property businesses all along the route of the Grand Depart, to fly the flag for Yorkshire on the road south through France to MIPIM.”