The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is to be showcased at MIPIM – the largest property exhibition in the world.
Led by its Business Council, members of the CCR and its ten local authorities will be promoting South East Wales in Cannes, France, next week (March 12-15).
Considered one of the leading global real estate events, ‘Marche International des Professionals d’Immobilier’ (MIPIM) attracts more than 26,000 participants each year, including 5,000 investors, 4,800 developers, and 500 journalists.
It has become a prominent event in the property and asset investment world, with representatives coming together for four days of networking, learning, and showcasing the skills and potential of their regions.
A number of UK regions have attended the event at MIPIM previously, attracting significant investment and opportunities for their regions, as well as developing new high-value connections and networks.
Kellie Beirne, Director of the CCR City Deal, said:
“Participating at MIPIM is a demonstration of our desire to develop our international credentials and take our region and Wales to the world.
“The days of City Deal funds and European grants are ending. We need to sell our competitive strengths on a global stage and seek out the investors, backers and markets that like our offer.
“Now is the time to show our readiness to be competitive, setting out our comparative advantages and our growing maturity as a city region.
“The Cardiff Capital Region is investable with many opportunities. It is home to the fastest growing UK capital city on several measures, and is one of the top 10 City Digital Start-up locations. It is time to take such messages out there.”
Attendees from the CCR will include local authority Leaders Huw Thomas (Cardiff), Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), David Poole (Caerphilly), Peter Fox (Monmouthshire), and Huw David (Bridgend) together with local authority chief executives Paul Orders (Cardiff Council), Christina Harrhy (Caerphilly Council), and Paul Matthews (Monmouthshire Council).
Frank Holmes, Partner at Gambit Corporate Finance and Chair of the CCR Economic Growth Partnership will also attend, together with officers from the CCR City Deal Office.
The delegation will use the event to showcase the recently launched CCR Industrial and Economic Growth Plan on Tuesday, March 12. The Plan is based on the region’s strengths and maximises its opportunities. It highlights how South East Wales is primed for investment. As the gateway to both Wales and England, it occupies a strategic vantage point and is a key connectivity hub for investment and the flow of goods, technologies, people and ideas.
Neil Brierley, Regional Managing Director for Currie & Brown, is Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Business Council, which is leading the MIPIM initiative on behalf of the CCR.
He said:
“Now that the Industrial and Economic Plan has been launched, identifying the regional investment and business priorities, it is our responsibility to articulate these and the opportunities they present to potential investors. I look forward to showcasing the City Region at MIPIM, and working with colleagues from the REGP and Regional Cabinet to ensure the Cardiff Capital Region shines brightly in the European investment market.”
Councillor Dave Poole, Leader of Caerphilly Council, said:
“This presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the Cardiff Capital Region to a global audience at a renowned industry event. We must be proactive in the way we market and promote the region in order to attract the jobs and investment that will transform South East Wales in the future.
“We look forward to being ambassadors for the region and we will be working hard to ensure that our attendance will bring tangible benefits for our communities.”
