BUSINESSES and political leaders from across the East Midlands have joined forces to promote the region to international investors.
Representatives from Derby, Leicester and Nottingham are working together to promote the East Midlands at MIPIM, the international property investors’ conference, which runs until 14 March.
The annual four-day conference, in Cannes, regularly attracts more than 4,000 investors.
Delegates from the three East Midlands cities include political leaders, members of local economic partnerships, and local businesses.
Councillor Paul Bayliss, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derby has been to MIPIM for each of the last 10 years and we have been successful in attracting investments into our city as a result. We are pleased to be promoting alongside the other two cities because, to many overseas investors, boundaries are meaningless and the combined attraction of the three cities is a powerful message.
“The three cities are leading the economic revival in the East Midlands by investing our time, and funding, to attract business opportunities to the region and it is clear that this is starting to reap rewards, locally, nationally and internationally, which is why MIPIM is so important.”
Councillor Jon Collins, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re pleased to be taking part and showing an international audience what’s on offer here. We have a range of very strong sectors in the East Midlands including advanced engineering, automotive and space industries, life sciences, and digital media, so we have a good story to get across to potential investors.
“Our region is one of the best connected and most cost competitive, with highly skilled people and a very favourable climate for businesses. With the current investment climate and business finance becoming more readily available, now really is the time for us to get the message out that we’re poised and ready to support business growth and job creation.”
Leicester’s city mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The East Midlands is recognised as an area with enormous potential for future growth, and this is what we want to showcase at this year’s conference.
“The fact that Leicester, Nottingham and Derby are all exhibiting at MIPIM shows the value we all place on being part of the conference – because we know that being at MIPIM can bring major benefits for our region.
“It makes perfect sense for us to work together to demonstrate the excellent transport links, investment opportunities and workforce the East Midlands can offer. Working together in this way also shows potential investors that they would be coming to a region that is united in its commitment to economic growth.”
