Partnership to build on Cannes appearance to draw more investors to region

The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership wants to build on the success of MIPIM 2015 in Cannes, which generated more than 100 investment, development and occupier leads over four days. It hopes to mirror that success at the annual MIPIM UK property forum in October.

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the LEP, said: “I attended my first MIPIM this year and I was enthused and inspired by how we might use such a high profile international platform to accelerate the economic growth of Leeds City Region.

“Since taking up my position as LEP chair two years ago I’ve made no secret about my desire to transform Leeds City Region and deliver the exceptional growth which we are capable of and in order to do this we must ensure we have a visibility on the grandest national and international stages, which includes MIPIM.

“2015 has been a fantastic year for the region so far with John Lewis and FedEx both heading to Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone, and the success looks set to continue, with the opening of The Broadway Bradford by Westfield, work moving forward in Wakefield with announcements including a 524,000 sq ft Poundworld distribution centre, and the launch of new train stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge.

“We must not however rest on our laurels and that’s why I’m excited to set out the City Region’s ambition for MIPIM UK in October.”

The enterprise partnership’s chairman added: “It is with this ambition in mind, that I am pleased to confirm that myself and senior representatives from local authorities across the city region will be attending MIPIM UK in London and I would like to invite the city region’s property sector to join our delegation.

“Together we can showcase the strength and ambition of the UK’s largest city region outside of London, to developers, investors and occupiers and ensure that Leeds City Region cements its position at the heart of the Northern 
Powerhouse as a thriving and attractive investment ready location.”

His comments come as the organisation announces the first wave of city region sponsors. Commercial Estates Group (CEG), the developer behind Kirkstall Forge, has once again pledged its support of the city region, with further private sector support from Shulmans, GVA, Town Centre Securities, EC Harris and HD One in Huddersfield, also secured.