Insider Media Limited

Business Birmingham will lead the city’s bid for investment at the MIPIM conference in Cannes next month, it has been revealed. The organisation will be joined by the city council and 19 private sector partners at the week-long property show. Business Birmingham’s commercial director, Ian Taylor, told Insider that the event would allow potential patrons to see Birmingham as “one of the key European cities to invest in”.

This is the first time Business Birmingham, the city’s new inward investment programme, will manage the presence at MIPIM.

Taylor said that the event would allow investors in both retail and property sectors to witness Birmingham’s regeneration and development plans.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity to develop relationships and profile existing projects that are taking place across the city.

“But it’s also an opportunity to show what the city can become – the kinds of schemes that we’re capable of hosting, and the sustainable, environmentally friendly plans we have in place for the future. Birmingham is one of Europe's key cities to invest in, and this event will help to realise its potential.”

The organisation and the city council will be joined by 19 private sector companies. Among these are names including Savills, Jaguar Landrover, McLaren Construction, Rider Levett Bucknall and Willmott Dixon Construction.

Also joining the Birmingham team in France is developer Bruntwood.

Peter Crowther, development director at the company, said: “Bruntwood is delighted to work in partnership with Team Birmingham. The city has a great deal to offer and the ability to concisely communicate the business benefits of locating in Birmingham is crucial to the continued growth and vibrancy of the city. Team Birmingham understand this and provide a message that Bruntwood fully endorse.”

Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Building on Team Birmingham’s successful presence at MIPIM since 2005, this year’s delegation will demonstrate how the city’s public and private sectors are working together to blaze a trail for the city and its reputation.

“I am delighted that this year will see our most interactive stand ever, which will be enjoyed by thousands of potential investors, developers and financiers as part of a targeted programme to showcase the city, our Big City Plan and our sustainable vision for the future.”