Midlands UK presents its success story to thousands at MIPIM 2018
Published: Monday 19 Mar 2018
The Midlands UK Pavilion welcomed more than 4,700 visitors at global real estate show MIPIM 2018 - a 57 per cent increase on 2017.
More than 50 events were hosted by Midlands UK, including panel discussions and showcase presentations, featuring almost 100 speakers.
Visitors to the Pavilion included potential investors, property agents, developers and the media from more than 100 countries.
Sir John Peace, chair of the Midlands Engine speaking at MIPIM
This year's theme at MIPIM of urbanity featured throughout the Midlands UK event programme as it explored topics surrounding sustainability, new housing potential and connectivity.
Popular events included an update on the landmark Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio and the launch of a new Investment Prospectus by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The Prospectus showcases 20 transformational schemes, offering up to £10 billion of opportunities to invest in the West Midlands.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: There was a real feeling at MIPIM that our region is on the up.
It also saw the West Midlands working together in showing the world how we are the UK's new growth capital and its most liveable, investable and competitive region.
The launch of our £10 billion Investment Prospectus was significant and proved effective in demonstrating to potential investors and developers the sheer breadth of opportunities on offer.
But it also underlined our determination to make sure that this growth benefits everyone and that the investment set out in the Prospectus tackles the things that really matter to people like good homes, jobs and access to skills and learning
Other events included a panel discussion featuring Sir John Peace, chair of the Midlands Engine and hosted by director of export and investment at the Midlands Engine, Simon Hall.
The refreshed Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio highlighted 26 of the region's most exciting investment-ready projects, worth a combined £11 billion. New sites include MIRA Technology Park's Southern Manufacturing Sector in Warwickshire, Birmingham International Station and Stafford Gateway North.
Sir John said: MIPIM provides the Midlands with a huge opportunity to showcase the region's most valuable investment schemes potentially generating thousands of jobs and significant economic growth.
The Midlands UK delegation has engaged with more investors at MIPIM than ever before. Building on the success of last year we have delivered an outstanding programme of panel discussions, investment showcases, meetings and networking events.
"The vibrant atmosphere at the Midlands UK Pavilion is testament to the exciting opportunities we have been able to promote this year
The private sector was also at MIPIM. The size of the Midlands UK delegation increased significantly in the run up to MIPIM, with 68 commercial partners - including the region's property community, major businesses, airports, science and tech parks, and local universities - working with 12 public sector partners to promote the region.