Member Article

Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM partnership hits 20

Coventry and Warwickshire will have its strongest ever presence at the world’s largest commercial property show next month.

Twenty companies and organisations have signed up to represent the city and county at MIPIM, which attracts around 30,000 delegates a year.

The firms have contributed to the high-profile presence designed to attract development to the area, as well as raise the profile of investment opportunities.

It will be the 20th year in succession that Coventry has been represented at the show in France, and the way the partnership is financed means that there will be no direct cost to the city.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Coventry’s Cabinet Member for City Development, said: “MIPIM is the most significant commercial property event of the year and a host of UK and international cities highlight development and investment opportunities.

“The partnership we have allows Coventry and Warwickshire to punch well above its weight on the international stage, and shows not only the potential we have in this area, but also the strength of the working relationships.

“We have a common aim – to bring investment to help Coventry and Warwickshire achieve its potential. We know that a presence at MIPIM can yield very real and tangible results and we know that it is also very valuable in underlining our ambitions to a very wide audience.”

The partnership has several events planned for week including a joint presentation with Birmingham Airport and Business Birmingham.

Henry Bellfield, of Barberry Developments the company behind the Bishop Gate development in Coventry, said: “We had never met Coventry or developed in the city at all until we were introduced at MIPIM a few years ago.

“We were impressed by the city’s ambition and some clear opportunities, and our scheme is the result. There is no question that the city has carved a very good reputation at MIPIM and is extremely visible during the show.”

Picture

Left row from rear: Bob Wilson (University of Warwick), Clive Read (SGH Martineau), John Mutton (Coventry City Council) Mar tin Reeves (Coventry City Council), Kieran Leahy (Study Inn), Les Ratcliffe (Jaguar Land Rover and Place Board).

Right row from rear: Henry Bellfield (Barberry Developments), David Cockroft (Coventry City Council) Mike O’Sullivan (MCD Developments), Sam Jefferson (Study Inn), David Wheeler (McLaren Construction), Lynnette Kelly (Coventry City Council), Jo Dobson, Paul Deas (Coventry and Warwickshire LEP).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pete Squires .