MIPIM event programme revealed as Midlands UK showcases £12 billion of investment opportunities

Speakers from Jaguar Land Rover and HSBC are amongst the global business leaders who will be addressing international investors about opportunities in the Midlands as part of MIPIM (10-13 March 2020), the world’s largest real estate event.

Ranging from mixed-use developments to major transport networks and new residential schemes, projects worth a combined £12 billion will be presented by delegates from the Midlands to a global audience.

Unveiling a packed event programme for the show – which takes place in Cannes, France – the Midlands UK delegation will be focusing on topics ranging from 5G connectivity to harnessing the economic potential of sport and culture.

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, will lead the delegation, which includes senior private sector leaders  including Simon Richards, Chief Financial and Engineering Officer at Birmingham Airport, and Bek Seeley, Managing Director, Development, Europe at Lendease. Also taking part are Ashley Kensington, Managing Director at St Joseph and Patric Cassidy, Director of Cassidy Group, which recently completed a £25.1 million student accommodation development in Nottingham.

Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, and Greg Miller-Cheevers of Conygar, will reveal further details of the 40-acre Island Quarter – hailed as one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the UK today. They will be speaking at the Midlands UK Pavilion (C16.D) at 14.20 CET on Tuesday 10 March.

Other panel discussions and presentations at the Midlands UK Pavilion will focus on the unique strengths that make the Midlands such an attractive region for investment. These include a highly successful track record of private-public collaboration, the region’s position at the forefront of 5G and digital innovation, and leadership in sectors ranging from advanced engineering to food and drink and professional services.

Nick Spencer, Director of the Non-Production Purchasing, Property and Trading Division at Jaguar Land Rover, and Sharon Quinlan, Head of Corporate Real Estate at HSBC, will discuss why their businesses have chosen to invest and grow in the region as part of the Making it in the Midlands event, on Wednesday 11 March at 17.00.

An opening speech by Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, will kick off the Midlands UK event programme – and has said:

“2020 will be the fourth year that we have showcased the huge potential the Midlands has to offer at MIPIM. Together, through our collaboration with private and public sector organisations, we will once again demonstrate our global competitiveness as an investment destination.

 “With £12 billion of large-scale redevelopment opportunities from every part of the Midlands on show, we present an incredibly compelling offer to major investors and developers. And of course, new property and infrastructure schemes have a huge impact on those living and working within the region – improving the quality of life here, and creating new jobs.”

A multi-city panel from Birmingham, Manchester and London will be taking part in a City to City discussion at 17.00 on Tuesday 10 March focused on the global property market. Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, will be joined by Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, and Phil Graham Executive Director for Good Growth at the Greater London Authority. Bek Seeley, Lendlease, will also be taking part. She commented:

“The Midlands is an incredibly ambitious region that has a strong story to tell at MIPIM. To remain competitive, we must continue to develop a vibrant business community and world-class connectivity, focused on skills and incorporating physical and digital infrastructure. MIPIM provides the opportunity to discuss the major benefits on offer for those looking to invest in the region.”

More than 85 delegates from private and public sector organisations across the Midlands will outline the benefits of investing in the region, as part of the Midlands UK delegation at MIPIM 2020. During the four-day show, there will be an action-packed event programme full of presentations, panels and showcases at the Midlands UK Pavilion (C16.D).

Principal partners include WSP, Paradise Birmingham, University of Warwick and Godwin Developments. Cassidy Group will sponsor the Midlands UK Official Reception on Tuesday 10 March at 17.40.

To find out more, and to see the full event programme, visit: https://midlandsukmipim.com/events-programme/.