Leeds City Region set to take MIPIM programme to new heights

Leeds City Region is looking to build on the momentum of recent investment announcements as it prepares for the world�s leading property investment and development conference with the launch of its sponsorship drive for the MIPIM 17/18 season.

Outlining its plans for both MIPIM UK 2017 and MIPIM 2018, the City Region aims to capitalise on the region�s recent successes, which have included being named the leading location in the Northern Powerhouse for FDI by EY in its recent UK Attractiveness Survey; and being selected by global firms such as Burberry and Covance as a location for major new investment.

The conference programme is being designed in collaboration with public and private sector partners in order to demonstrate the key drivers behind investors and occupiers selecting Leeds City Region, including its dynamic and vibrant economy worth �64.6 bn, strong talent pipeline of 38,900 graduates a year and world class research capabilities at its nine universities.

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership said, �We are part of a global economy and looking to the future it�s clear that the importance of overseas markets to our economy is only growing. Therefore, it�s crucial we take advantage of the opportunities which both MIPIM UK 2017 and MIPIM 2018 provide for us highlight the strengths of our City Region to an international investment audience.

�As the largest City Region outside London and the South East we are not simply committed to attending this significant property and economic development conference but to growing our presence and making an impact on an international platform, in order to benefit not just local businesses but also the people who live, work and study here.�

David Aspin, Founder of Munroe K owner of White Rose Office Park, which recently re-confirmed its support for Leeds City Region�s attendance at MIPIM UK and MIPIM 2018 commented:

�I�ve attended MIPIM since it began 25 years ago and it�s clear that there is now a real momentum behind the Leeds City Region�s increasing presence. We have seen our region�s confidence and approach rewarded over recent months with a number of international businesses investing in the region including HSBC, engineering consulting firm WSP and Capita at White Rose Office Park.

�As a major developer, I work closely with businesses and the public sector and recognise the value of working in partnership if we want to achieve bigger ambitions for our region, and that�s why I didn�t hesitate to renew my sponsorship.�

Leeds City Region has also confirmed its delegation will once again benefit from a direct flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to the conference, thanks to Jet2.com. The locally headquartered airline has once again offered a preferential rate to City Region delegates in order to support the campaign, which highlights the importance of the conference to whole business community not just those engaged directly with the property industry.

Phil Ward, MD at Jet2.com commented, �As the leading airline in Yorkshire and the North of England we are delighted to once again support Leeds City Region�s attendance at MIPIM by enabling the delegation to fly directly from Leeds Bradford Airport to Nice with Jet2.com. As well as supporting local businesses, this means we are also giving more people the opportunity to experience the magic of the French Riviera.�

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said;

�We have a great story to tell about Leeds and the Leeds City Region; and one that we�re proud to share on an international stage.

�Leeds is rightly recognised as a leading financial centre, a significant manufacturing base and an innovator in healthcare, and the city has a strong tradition of enterprise and innovation. Our population is young and getting younger.

�There is enormous potential here, and we�re really keen to work with developers and investors to make a real difference for everyone who lives and works in Leeds and the wider city region.�

To find out more information about Leeds City Region�s Presence at MIPIM UK 2017 and MIPIM 2018 please email Katie Paterson at Katie.paterson@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.