Driving a deal
Want tips on how to attract investors to your stand at next year’s MIPIM UK? You could do worse than take a look at Worcestershire’s strategy. Local car manufacturer Morgan supplied the local authority with one of its sleek two-seaters complete with bespoke designer interior, which got a lot of attention, particularly from one of the Chinese investors visiting the show. By 10am on day one said investor had bought the car – basic models start at £31,000. Presumably that ticks both inward investment and export boxes.
Lenny levies quick exit in Leeds
Comedian Lenny Henry made an unexpected appearance at a British Property Federation seminar with planning consultancy Quod on the community infrastructure levy in Leeds’ Everyman Cinema earlier this month. The comedian strode into the room during networking drinks and stood looking baffled for about 30 seconds before leaving – sadly missing out on hearing about the progress Leeds city council is making on its CIL charging schedule.
Scarborough’s powerhouse
Scarborough boss Kevin McCabe is fond of banging the drum for the northern powerhouse – and with good reason. The Sheffield United owner has attracted investment from Chinese group Hualing into three of his firm’s northern schemes. In fact, he has become such an advocate for the concept that his new jv partners have given him a nickname of the their own – the northern powerhouse.
Slade slap for Wild jibe
It may no longer be acceptable to give a child a clip round the ear, but it seems journalists are still fair game. Chairing a MIPIM UK session on London offices, EG editor Damian Wild asked Helical Bar chief executive Mike Slade (above) whether a shifting tenant mix meant the likes of Helical now followed occupiers to wherever they wanted to go. “Follow?” thundered Slade. “We lead!” And with that he brandished a sheaf of papers and whacked Wild around the head.
Punk and protestors
The housing protestors, fewer in number than last year, were the topic of many a conversation on the first day of MIPIM UK, not least with Urban Splash’s Tom Bloxham. It seems they remind him of times long past. Chatting before appearing on a panel on the RIO stand, he said: “The last time I was spat on was at a Clash concert in 1976.”
