Billions of pounds of Midlands investment opportunities to be unveiled at international property conference MIPIM 2018

Developments in Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country will be among those on show at this year’s global property and real estate show MIPIM, held in the French resort of Cannes in March.

More than 70 public and private sector partners, 10 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas, and the Department for International Trade (DIT) will represent the region – the largest delegation Midlands UK has ever taken to the annual event.

The region will present details of the multi-billion pound portfolio to the exhibition’s 24,000 attendees, which will include potential investors, property agents, developers and media from more than 100 countries.

A 2,000 sq ft dedicated Midlands UK pavilion will showcase the region’s investment portfolio, with separate sections for each destination partner, and an event space to host a programme of more than 50 events, including presentations, receptions and panel discussions.

Sarah Middleton, chief executive of Black Country Consortium, said: “The Midlands UK Pavilion actively demonstrates that our region is collectively driving forward investment and collaborating to showcase an outstanding mix of investment opportunities.

“Alongside our colleagues we will demonstrate the progress and opportunities through our 21st Century Garden City – one of Britain’s biggest ever brownfield site regeneration programmes; showcase the £3.7 billion investment either on site or in the pipeline for the City of Wolverhampton; and present our HVM City Opportunity Gateway, directly aligned with the HS2 Procurement Portal, which is already driving supply chain development and integration across the Black Country.

“Located at the heart of the Midlands, the Black Country will use MIPIM as a platform for demonstrating our exciting economic future through showcasing the Black Country’s lucrative growth potential.”

Councillor Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton council, said: "MIPIM provides a global platform to sell what the City of Wolverhampton has to offer as part of the Midlands Engine.

"Multi-billion-pound regeneration is changing the face of our city and creating a wealth of attractive opportunities for developers and investors.

"2018 is going to be a big year for regeneration in Wolverhampton with the £55 million Westside project and £150 million Interchange scheme leading the way.

“Impressive strides have already been made in the city and there are exciting opportunities on the horizon - we hope to make some important connections at MIPIM that will benefit the city in the future.”

It is the second year that the Midlands region will work together to attract investment from around the world following a successful united presence at MIPIM 2017.

Destinations attending MIPIM as part of the Midlands UK delegation include Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Derby & Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, Leicester & Leicestershire, The Marches, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire, UK Central Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, City of Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.

The region’s presence is being coordinated by the West Midlands Growth Company, with key partners including Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport, global car giant Jaguar Land Rover and the Midlands Enterprise Universities Group.

Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “The Midlands UK delegation will show the world that the region is open for business. We are confident about the future and are ready to build on the Midlands commercial and trading history.

“Where else can you find 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.

“By working together, Midlands UK will promote the region to investors and trade partners – delivering more growth, exports, jobs, and a better quality of life for those living in the region.”

Andy Street, Mayor for the West Midlands, added: “We are proud to be a partner in the Midlands at MIPIM and excited about the unrivalled opportunities this event offers to promote the West Midlands as the most liveable, investable and competitive place in the UK.

“The West Midlands is at the heart of the future of Britain. We are the largest regional economy with more business start-ups than anywhere else in the UK. We have unrivalled connectivity – with 90% of the UK’s market in reach within four hours. We are confident and we are winning.

“The West Midlands’ time is now, and as part of the wider Midlands delegation to MIPIM we will maximise our opportunity to showcase our region to the world.”