Rome to Rio de Janeiro – opportunities for North of England at MIPIM 2024

With the UK’s economic outlook set to improve as inflation falls, this year will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to capture investors’ attention. Each year MIPIM welcomes around 6,500 investors representing three-quarters of the world’s top 100 investment managers, advising on over €4tn of assets. 

Getting your message right will be crucial. Alongside the major European cities and regions, investors will be joined by delegations from the US, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong among others, making MIPIM a truly global event in 2024.

For the first time in MIPIM’s history, the event will have a dedicated ‘UK Cities Day’ on 13 March, offering investors an ideal opportunity to discover the potential and offerings of fast-growing places. A dozen cities and regions from across the country will be present, with the North well represented by Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, and Invest Newcastle. The Department for Business & Trade and Homes England will also spearhead the UK government, along with several local authorities. Together, they will all be looking to unveil their plans and demonstrate their attractiveness to do business, invest, and drive growth for their communities by creating great places. 

Spotlight on housing 

Our programme of events, talks, and networking is designed to stimulate new conversations and ideas that will support connections and collaborations between delegates.  

One such area is housing. Across Europe, the pace of population growth continues to outstrip housing supply, with the UK among those facing the most severe shortages in the region. Nearly all economies are grappling with the demand for new forms of housing across all tenures, spanning from social and affordable housing to private rental and ownership, as well as alternative living assets such as student and later living accommodation.

Consequently, MIPIM 2024 will host ‘Housing Matters’ on 11 March, a new half-day summit focusing on sustainable housing solutions including single-family housing, student accommodation, build-to-rent, later living, and other innovative solutions. 

Transformative change in the built environment

The built environment’s vital role in fighting climate change has taken centre stage at MIPIM. Last year, MIPIM launched a ‘Road to Zero’ area comprising 400 sq m of exhibition, networking, and conference space, with a focus on ground-breaking methods to decarbonise the property industry. 

This year we will be collaborating again with ULI, WBCSD, IIGCC and World Green Building Council to find international solutions through our ‘Road to Zero Program’, which includes high-profile businesses such as Bouygues & Schneider. 

MIPIM, as an event, has its role to play, with 2024 poised to be our most sustainable exhibition to date, distinguished by four commitments: making MIPIM cleaner, greener, more diverse, and increasing our positive social impact. 

We recognise that if we are serious about transforming property, we need to hear from new voices as well as industry leaders. This year, we have launched our inaugural MIPIM Challengers initiative, providing an opportunity for 16 young built environment professionals under the age of 30 from around the world to present their cases at MIPIM. Half of this year’s cohort has come from the UK, showcasing the sector’s strong focus on addressing the major challenges facing global urban development.

For all these reasons, MIPIM 2024 promises to be a crucial one for the UK. I look forward to welcoming Place North West’s readers to MIPIM in Cannes. Together we can drive the industry forward and deliver meaningful change.

• Nicolas Kozubek, managing director, MIPIM