Over 20,000 delegates representing 90 countries gathered in Cannes for the 35th edition of MIPIM, the global urban festival where investors evaluate opportunities, political leaders showcase sustainable urban projects, and industry leaders address market revival amid changing global demands.
Downtown in Business hosted four events in the South of France, with a focus on England’s cities and regions.
Almost 200 people attended the DIB MIPIM programme. Among the many high profile speakers at the events were Joanne Roney (MD Birmingham City Council), Julie Nugent (CEO Coventry City Council), Pam Smith (CEO Newcastle City Council), Mayor Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region), Cllr Liam Robinson (Leader Liverpool City Council), Tom Stannard (CEO Manchester City Council), John Chesworth (Preston Partnership), Nick Gerrard (Blackpool Council), and Bill Addy (CEO Liverpool BID Company).
DIB Group chair and chief executive Frank McKenna said:
“Despite the unusually inclement weather, the week was hugely successful for DIB, and the city regions where we work. There was a particular focus on the regeneration opportunities around football stadia this year, with Everton announcing plans to acquire further sites around their new development and Birmingham City, Newcastle United, and Manchester United all presenting plans for new stadiums moving forward.
“We also hosted a fascinating discussion with Business Improvement Districts from across the country about the future of high streets, and it was great to hear from the ambitious plans for growth in Lancashire from Blackpool and Preston.
“We will be picking up many of these conversations at our property club events, UKREiiF, and our property conference in September.”
The DIB MIPIM delegation was made up of the Liverpool BID Company, Bruntwood SciTech, DB3 Group, Enviro Build, Nugent, Starship, Steven Hunt & Associates, Sutcliffe, and United Wolves Productions.
