Delegates from across the Sheffield City Region enjoyed a highly successful week of networking, events and meetings at MIPIM, the world’s largest property conference.
With expert panellists at the top of their respective fields joining our own delegates, the SCR programme was designed to explore, to innovate, and to showcase the region’s unique offer to the world.
During the week, the SCR spoke to many businesses and potential investment partners who hadn’t engaged with the region before. One to one meetings took place with more than 95 companies from across the world; something that is only possible at MIPIM, where businesses are all in one place at the same time.
At an awards ceremony that took place during MIPIM, the SCR also won two awards from FDI Magazine, for Advanced Manufacturing and for Aftercare, recognising the way the city region works with businesses who choose to invest here.
Sir Nigel Knowles, special advisor for trade and investment to Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “Mipim is always the most crucial event of the year in terms of making new connections and telling the world about what we do; and this year was no different.
“At MIPIM, we can take the stage alongside other forward-thinking regions from across the globe, demonstrating our ambition, our offer to investors, and our reputation for getting deals done in a straightforward and practical way.
“Delegates from across the globe demonstrated a real interest in our vision for a Global Innovation Corridor, sweeping through the heart of the Sheffield City Region connecting people, places and ideas. It was also testament to the strength of our offer that we had so many organisations that are integral to that vision joining us to tell that story at MIPIM.”
The SCR’s public and private sector delegation included representatives from organisations including the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Harworth Group, Scarborough Group, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Atkins, JF Finnegan, Strata, Irwin Mitchell, BE Design, Bond Bryan, Litton Properties, Verdion, IBI Group, Ask4, HLM Architects, David Lake Photography, Doncaster Council, Sheffield City Council and Arup.
Stephen Oakden, director at BE Design, said: “It was a huge honour to sponsor the Sheffield City Region for the first time this year at MIPIM.
” It is clear the region is thriving and attracting some fantastic inward investment. BE Design are thrilled to be playing a significant role in delivering a number of complex regeneration projects and look forward to continuing and growing its links with the region in the coming year.”
More than 230 people attended events run by the SCR at MIPIM, more than half of whom had never been to an SCR event before.
Highlights of the SCR’s programme included a “Housing the Powerhouse” event, focusing on urban regeneration opportunities across the region; a lunch event focused on discovering the SCR’s Global Innovation Corridor; a Sheffield City Council-hosted breakfast event at the SCR HQ; a session on “Innovation-led Growth”, focusing on the SCR’s unique strength in university and business collaborations; and a reception focusing on “Unlocking Growth in the Northern Powerhouse.”
Owen Michaelson, Chief Executive Officer at Harworth Group plc, said: “The region has a big story to sell in two respects; the quality of the assets it has at its disposal including the Advanced Manufacturing Park and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, alongside what it contributes to the quality of discussion and key policy matters such as placemaking and infrastructure.
“Land and property-related businesses in the region should therefore not underestimate just how important MIPIM is in establishing and refining potential deals and cultivating new relationships.”
Matt Hutton, associate director at Bond Bryan, said: “MIPIM is about being surrounding by like-minded professionals who strive to drive growth in our region; it’s invaluable to be able to get a wider perspective on where the market is heading and to build new and lasting relationships.
“Property is a ‘people business’ and MIPIM offers the spontaneity of engaging in discussions, informal meetings and chance encounters in a relaxed atmosphere. Overall there is a universal openness to new people and opportunities which is really refreshing and is reflective of the confidence within Sheffield City Region at the moment. It’s a truly exciting time for the region.”
