Delegation heading off to Cannes property event

A private sector consortium of property developers, agents, architects and other development and construction-related professionals have joined forces to fund the activity.

Creative Sheffield said it was paying £1,000 to cover the cost of the flights and accommodation for its representative, Laura Sissons, to attend the event.

The other costs, including the events in Cannes, will be funded by the private sector.

The consortium consists of partners including Bond Bryan, British Land, Harworth Estates, HLM Architects, Lane Walker, Nabarro, Rider Levett Bucknall, Sheffield Business Park, Strategic Sites and 4 Urban.

MIPIM is a four-day event which brings together property professionals from all over the world in a bid to create and strengthen business relationships, connect with potential partners and look for new business opportunities.

Critics say the event is over-hyped and question its economic benefits.

But David Fletcher, director of business investment for Creativesheffield, said: “MIPIM is a unique opportunity to further develop Sheffield’s profile in the property sector.

“We need to ensure that property developers and investors are aware of the opportunities associated with the city’s continuing economic renaissance. We see it as a very positive sign that our private sector partners have stepped forward to ensure that Sheffield maintains its presence at MIPIM in 2011.”

One of the events planned under the Sheffield banner is an exclusive dinner for key clients and property developers, at which Simon Carr, managing director of Sheffield-based Henry Boot Construction, and a recently appointed board member of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, will update the guests on the vision for the city region from a development and regeneration perspective.