Showcasing Shropshire to the world at real estate show
Last week (Thursday 15 March 2018), Shropshire was showcased to the world as part of the Midlands UK and Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) presence at global real estate show MIPIM 2018.
The Midlands UK Pavilion, which Shropshire was based in, welcomed more than 4,700 visitors, a 57% increase on 2017’s event, which attracted 3,000. Visitors to the Pavilion included potential investors, property agents, developers and the media from more than 100 countries.
Members of the team representing Shropshire at MIPIM. Left to right:
Ian Morrison, National Planning Director of Historic England;
Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth;
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council Deputy Leader; Robin Morris, Chair of Morris Property; Gemma Davies, Shropshire Council’s head of economic growth.
Shropshire took to the stage on Thursday with a presentation and short film (see www.investinshropshire.co.uk homepage for video) to showcase all that the county has to offer those looking to invest.
Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, who led the presentation, said:
“Our presentation and short film were extremely well received. It was different to the presentations we had seen all week which really made our county stand out from the crowd.
“We felt we really sold Shropshire as a strong place for investment with lots of opportunities and an excellent quality of life. There were a number of conversations afterwards with audience members and we have already started to follow these up.”
In addition to the presentation, the Shropshire delegates met with a number of influential companies – all of which have a keen interest in the county.
Shropshire also took the opportunity to meet with Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midland Engine; Simon Hall, Director Export and Investment Midlands Engine, Department for International Trade (DIT); and Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Investment at DIT, as well as leaders and cabinet members from other councils in the Midlands area.
Nic added:
“For our first time at MIPIM I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve made some excellent contacts and there seemed to be a real buzz around Shropshire as a place to invest.
“As we’ve said, we’re now busy following these contacts up and we’re excited about the future. All of this wouldn’t have been possible if we hadn’t taken this opportunity.
“Over the coming weeks and months we’ll continue to build on these relationships and we’ve invited various delegates to our county to really put it on the map.”
