Liverpool delivered its strongest presence at MIPIM for years, presenting a confident, ambitious vision for the future of the city region to global investors, developers, and decision-makers, according to city business leader Frank McKenna.
A powerful delegation of private sector leaders, supported by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson, ensured that Liverpool’s voice was heard loud and clear throughout the international property conference in Cannes.
With a unified message centred on growth, opportunity, and delivery, Liverpool’s presence was further amplified by Liverpool Business Improvement District CEO Bill Addy, representing the city on multiple global platforms, championing its investment potential and economic momentum.
The strength of Liverpool’s public sector leadership team was also evident throughout the week. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority CEO Katherine Fairclough and Liverpool City Council’s Corporate Director of City Development, Nuala Gallagher, played key roles in engaging with investors and articulating the city region’s long-term vision.
“Their presence added depth, credibility, and strategic clarity to Liverpool’s offer – demonstrating that behind the ambition sits a capable and experienced leadership team ready to deliver” said Downtown in Business CEO and Group Chair, Frank McKenna.
Key regeneration and development opportunities promoted during the week included the transformational Kings scheme, the expanding Knowledge Quarter, the strategic Pall Mall commercial district, and the Central Station redevelopment, each demonstrating the scale and diversity of Liverpool’s investment pipeline.
Downtown in Business played a central role in supporting the city’s presence, bringing together a high-profile private sector delegation, and facilitating key introductions, discussions, and events which connected Liverpool’s leadership with international capital.
McKenna said: “This was Liverpool at its very best – confident, outward-looking, and absolutely clear about its ambitions. Launching a £2billion Growth Fund, the city region is no longer just talking about potential; it is showcasing delivery, opportunity, and a pipeline of projects that can genuinely compete on the global stage.” He added: “The strength of the private-public partnership on display in Cannes was hugely impressive. When you combine committed civic leadership with an ambitious private sector, you create a compelling proposition and that’s exactly what Liverpool brought to MIPIM this year.”
McKenna also welcomed the prominent role played by the city region’s political leadership:
“It was crucial to have both Steve Rotheram and Liam Robinson leading from the front as part of Team Liverpool. Their presence, energy, and clarity of message sent a powerful signal to investors that this is a city region aligned, ambitious, and ready to do business.”
Reflecting on the wider impact of the week, McKenna concluded: “There is no doubt that Liverpool has reasserted itself on the international stage. The conversations we had, the interest we generated, and the partnerships we strengthened will translate into real opportunities in the months ahead. This was not just a good week – it was a statement of intent.”
With renewed confidence and a clear narrative around growth, innovation, and collaboration, Liverpool’s performance at MIPIM 2026 marks a significant step forward in positioning the city region as one of the UK’s leading destinations for investment.
The Downtown in Business MIPIM delegation included :The Liverpool Business Improvement District, the City of Liverpool College, DB3 Group, Krol Corlett, Nugent, Starship, Sutcliffe, and Steven Hunt Associates, and supported by Invest Liverpool City Region, Atkins Realis, Avison Young, Laing O Rourke, Kier, Bruntwood, Causeway Technologies, Mindflow, Poke Marketing, Printroom UK, and United Wolves Productions.
