MIPIM 2016: The appetite from investors for the UK’s core cities is a strong as ever – that was the message from Sir Michael Bear, chair of UKTI Real Estate Investment Organisation.
Speaking as part of a panel at UK Core Cities: Where best to invest debate, he said strong leadership and getting investors in front of the right projects is key.
In a discussion that covered the impact of devolution, UK plc vs the regions, Brexit and the Budget, the rising interest in specific sectors rather than specific regions was raised.
“Investors always look at areas of good infrastructure and good employment opportunities and strong local leaders. They want to go to areas where there is strong political support for good projects… There is a real appetite for UK risk,” said Bear.
Speaking after the debate, fellow panellist Roger Marsh, chair of Leeds Local Enterprise Partnership, emphasised the need for the UK to work collaboratively and recognise eachother’s specialisms.
“It is about complementarity. For example, from an automotive perspective we [Leeds city region] do not make cars but we make two-thirds of the world’s diesel turbo chargers. Birmingham and the West Midlands knowing that and showcasing that as a car manufacturing region is complimentary rather than it being unhealthy competition.”
• The full debate is now available as a podcast below. Click on the player below for a video of the highlights.
To send feedback, e-mail stacey.meadwell@estatesgazette.com or tweet @EGStaceyM or @estatesgazette
