March is MIPIM month – the world’s leading property market in Cannes. unLTD’s Jill Theobald caught up with the Sheffield City Region Executive Team before they swap South Yorkshire for the south of France to showcase the region on a global stage

MIPIM 2019 runs from Tuesday 12 March to Friday 15 March, and the world’s leading property market, held at Palais des Festivals, is set to welcome more than 26,000 participants from over 100 countries.

And jetting off to join them from Doncaster Sheffield Airport will be the Sheffield City Region delegation.

Established in 1990, MIPIM offers delegates the chance to meet the most influential players from all sectors of the international real estate industry, worldwide.

The 2019 Sheffield City Region delegation will be made up of private and public-sector businesses from across our region including Harworth, Scarborough Group, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Atkins, Finnegan’s, Strata, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield, Sheffield City Council, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Irwin Mitchell, BE Design, David Lake, Bond Bryan, Litton Properties, Verdion, IBI Group, ASK4, HLM Architects, and Arup.

MIPIM is billed as giving ‘unrivalled access to the greatest number of development projects and sources of capital worldwide’ and the SCR team will be hosting events across the four days, from their exhibition stand in the Palais and centrally-located apartment and HQ on Rue de Serbes. The SCR delegation will have plenty to showcase, too, not least SCR Mayor Dan Jarvis’ vision for a Global Innovation Corridor (GIC) which is set to be a major focus.

Sir Nigel Knowles, special advisor on international trade and investment to Mayor Jarvis, explains: “As we build our vision for a Global Innovation Corridor, connecting people, places and ideas, MIPIM provides an excellent opportunity to engage with international partners from the outset – and invite them to share in that vision.

“MIPIM provides an annual opportunity to pull the best of the private and public sectors in our region together and unite to show the world what makes us such an attractive place to live, work and invest in.”

Focused around the SCR’s research and design assets and cutting-edge partnerships with two world-leading universities, the GIC will be a global magnet for people, industry and innovators. It aims to grow the region’s advanced manufacturing, wellbeing and digital clusters, underpinned by reliable, green and highly-connected transport infrastructure, as laid out in Mayor Dan Jarvis’ transport vision.

The GIC will link assets such as the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the National College for High Speed Rail, Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre and Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Added Sir Nigel: “At MIPIM we have a packed programme of events lined up, headed by talented and inspirational speakers from the top of their respective industries.

“We will also be talking about SCR Investible Opportunities Portfolio that build upon our strong heritage of innovation-led manufacturing and engineering. With ambitious masterplans, concrete proposals and development finance in place across the whole city region, our message at MIPIM will be very much that now is the time to join us on our journey of transformation.”

 

SCR MIPIM key events – what’s on and who will be there?

Housing the Powerhouse, SCR Breakfast Event @SCR HQ. Tuesday 12th March 8.00-10.00

In an area of outstanding natural beauty with vibrant towns and cities and excellent transport connectivity, SCR offers a high quality of life and is attracting global manufacturers.

Chaired by Scott Cardwell, Assistant Director for Development at Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council.

Speakers:

  1. Ben Derbyshire, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
  2. David Cross, Chairman of Coda Studios
  3. Keith Sands, Client Director, Atkins
  4. Duncan Armstrong Payne, Associate Director Mayor Projects, Harworth
  5. Danielle Gillespie, General Manager, Homes England North

 

Discover SCRs Global Innovation Corridor @SCR HQ. Tuesday 12 March 12 -14.00, lunch event

A panel discussion showcasing the Mayor’s vision for the City Region and consider how you can be part of delivering the GIC.

Chaired by Sir Nigel Knowles, International Advisor, Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership.

  1. Alan Vallance, Chief Executive of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
  2. Victoria Merton, Director of Corporate Affairs, Peel Group
  3. Iain Thomson, Head of Communications & Investor Relations, Harworth Group
  4. Walter Boettcher, Chief Economist, Colliers International
  5. Roger Holman, Senior Regional Manager, Department for International Trade
  6. Professor Roger Eccleston, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Global Engagement, Sheffield Hallam University

 

Innovation led Growth Lunch Event @ SCR HQ. Invite by request. Wednesday 13 March 12-14.00.

University led research and collaboration has driven economic growth and development in the SCR. Join us to discuss future investment and collaboration opportunities between academic, public and private partnerships.

Chaired by Sir Nigel Knowles, International Advisor, Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership.

  1. To be co-hosted with Nick Shepherd, Operations Director, Kiers Northern
  2. Amy Casterton, Chief of Staff, Homes England
  3. Keith Lilley, Director of Estates & Facilities Management and IT, University of Sheffield
  4. Professor Roger Eccleston, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Global Engagement, Sheffield Hallam University

 

Unlocking Growth in the Northern Powerhouse Reception @ SCR HQ. Wednesday 13 March, 16.00-18.00.

Join the debate about the importance of transport infrastructure to unlock economic growth, jobs and investment in the North at a session focusing on driving economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse.

  1. Chaired by Victoria Merton, Director of Corporate Affairs, Peel Group
  2. Peter Henry, Regional Director, Yorkshire and Central, Harworth
  3. Chris Williamson, Weston Williamson, RIBA Vice President International
  4. Paul Kitson, General Manager, Homes England
  5. Anna Heaton, Addleshaw Goddard
  6. Rachel Fisher, Deputy Director for Regeneration and Infrastructure, Infrastructure Investment | Cities and Local Growth Unit

 

 

Over to just some of the SCR businesses who are involved this year tell unLTD why MIPIM is the place to be:

Harworth Group

Owen Michaelson, CEO at Harworth Group plc, said: “Land and property-related businesses in the region should not underestimate just how important MIPIM is in establishing and refining potential deals and cultivating new relationships. Being part of a wider delegation helps this process and we recommend others join us in sponsoring the region to promote its assets and expertise.”

Sheffield Hallam University

Daniel Ladbury, director of estates, said: “MIPIM provides us with an invaluable opportunity to showcase this work to a global audience and champion the Sheffield City Region as a strong proposition in which to live, work, learn and invest.”

Bond Bryan

Matt Hutton, associate director, said: “Property is a ‘people business’ and MIPIM offers the spontaneity of engaging in discussions, informal meetings and chance encounters in a relaxed atmosphere – with the added bonus of taking place in an incredible setting.  Overall there is a universal openness to new people and opportunities which is really refreshing and is reflective of the confidence within Sheffield at the moment – It’s a truly exciting time for the region.”

BE Design

Stephen Oakden, director of BE design, said: “MIPIM provides delegates with the chance to network with clients and partners, building new connections with a global outlook – as well as promote inward investment. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to showcase the expertise we have to offer and how this can further benefit Sheffield and the exciting work taking place here.”

Atkins (a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group)

Gary Ireland, client director, said: “In July last year, Atkins opened a new office in Sheffield and we’re now even better placed to deliver to clients across the region. Our new office is a global hub for engineering excellence at Sheffield’s digital campus and demonstrates our commitment to, and confidence in, the city and city region.”