With MIPIM, the international property festival only days away Sean Beech, Liverpool Office Senior Partner, discusses how the UK's Northern cities will combine in France to discuss the Northern Powerhouse agenda.
MIPIM is nearly upon us, so it will soon be time to pack the Factor 8, sunglasses and speedos! Seriously, the annual international property conference in Cannes gathers together over 20,000 individuals from over 80 counties to showcase major cities, property developments, and investment opportunities. For those not familiar with the conference, try to picture the scene - a bustling trade fair in the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, with a supporting cast of breakfast briefings, presentations, and civic debates in hotels and pavilions along the Boulevard de la Croissette. Unfortunately, March Mediterranean winds mean that coats are normally required.
MIPIM 2015 promises to be a great conference given the improved economic outlook. The Deloitte CFO Survey has reported increased business confidence throughout 2014 and whilst we face a number of heightened concerns due to political uncertainty (notably, the general election and ongoing Eurozone negotiations) these risks should be short term. Our very recent Leeds Crane Survey reported a 117 per cent rise in construction activity in 2014, and most other external indices report favourable conditions.
For the UK regional cities, many of the organised debates focus on the big themes of the day – the new devolution agenda, increased transport connectivity promised by HS2 and HS3, and the benefits of closer regional collaboration. For example, Manchester and Liverpool host a joint breakfast event to discuss regional investment and, even more impressively, the CEOs of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield share a panel to debate the Northern Powerhouse and maximising growth. Both events are completely sold out.
On a personal level, I am delighted to again lead the Liverpool city delegation and our theme is Creating Conversations. So, if you are lucky enough to be in Cannes, please do come and stop at the stand for a chat with Mayor Joe Anderson and our other city ambassadors.
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