• More than 50 presentations, panel events and receptions taking place over three days
  • Region to present investment opportunities worth almost £10 billion to thousands of international investors
  • Events to follow seven themes on a journey through the real estate lifecycle

A comprehensive event programme for MIPIM 2018 has today been revealed by Midlands UK, the Midlands-wide delegation attending the global property and real estate show in Cannes, France (13th-15th March 2018).

More than 70 public and private sector partners from across the Midlands will come together to showcase major investment opportunities in the region to MIPIM’s international audience, which will include potential investors, property agents, developers and media from more than 100 countries. The events will all be held in the Midlands UK Pavilion (C16.D) and will explore topics including connectivity, housing and inclusive growth.

Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine, will present the real estate investor community with the Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio on 13th March, showcasing almost £10 billion worth of investment opportunities.

Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine, commented:

“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.

Meeting the residential challenge in the region will be another focus. A panel discussion on Wednesday 14th March will look at how to unlock the housing potential of the Midlands and will feature Sir Ed Lister, chairman of Homes England.

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.

Key schemes that will be showcased to investors include: MIRA Technology Park Southern Manufacturing Centre in Warwickshire; the £550 million Birmingham Paradise project; Heart of the City, a mixed use scheme in Derby city centre; and the Island Site, a £500 million project in Nottingham city centre.

Court Collaboration founder Anthony McCourt said:

“Great things are happening in the Midlands – you can feel it. Confidence is high here and it has given Court Collaboration scope to develop thousands of new homes people can be proud of.

“But there is more to come – some of Europe’s largest regeneration schemes will continue to drive more scope for growth, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from across the globe.

“This vast potential will be there for all to see at MIPIM, and we are excited to be part of it.”

Andy Cliffe, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, commented:

“It’s important for us to fly the flag for the Midlands. As an airport, and a key employment and economic hub in our own right, we’re an important asset for the region. These are exciting times for the Midlands as plans for HS2 and improved regional connectivity start to be developed. If we are to realise the benefits of such investment, there needs to be momentum in shaping what this will look like. We can play a key role in this while helping to secure future investment in the region.”

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.

To see the full Midlands UK event schedule and for more details on the region’s presence at MIPIM 2018, please visit www.midlandsukmipim.com/events. The Midlands UK delegation will tweet major announcements, event images and interviews from its Twitter account @UKMidlands using the hashtags #MidlandsUK, #MIPIM and #MIPIM2018.