Derby backs Mayor at MIPIM putting region on the global map

Derby has been backing the Mayor of the East Midlands at this year’s MIPIM to put the region on the global investment map.

Last week, a delegation from Derby joined with the East Midlands Combined County Authority in Cannes, along with other representatives from across the region, to pitch investment opportunities to an international audience.

Regarded as the world’s leading real estate investment event, more than 25,000 delegates from across the globe descended on the French Riviera.

Derby’s delegation included Derby City Council, Marketing Derby’s investment team, as well as business leaders, who held a number of positive and productive meetings with investors throughout the week.

They also helped back schemes being promoted by the Mayor, including the Trent Arc.

Spanning the Derby-Nottingham corridor – and including Infinity Park Derby – it was pitched as a prime location for advanced manufacturing, AI and energy transition investment.

The development could deliver 30,000 homes, 40,000 jobs and 2.7 million sq ft of commercial space, generating £2.4 billion in regional growth.

The Trent Arc also covers Derby city centre, which has already seen a number of significant multi-million-pound investments land, particularly last year when it saw the opening of the £45.8 million Vaillant Live performance venue, Derby Market Hall, following a £35.1 million facelift and the University of Derby’s £75 million Cavendish Building.

At this year’s MIPIM, Mayor Claire led a flagship breakfast event called ‘The East Midlands: Irresistible to Investment. Ready for growth’, where she outlined her strategic ambition.

She also delivered a range of keynote speeches and roundtables and met with investors and developers.

Mayor Claire said: “This was my and the East Midlands’ first year at MIPIM and I took the opportunity to make a clear statement about the East Midlands.

“We are one of the UK’s most powerful investment regions – central, connected and globally competitive – and it’s time the global market recognised the scale of what we offer.”

At the breakfast event, following a keynote speech from the Mayor, delegates heard from Rob Tincknell, founder and chief executive of Areli Developments, who talked about the region’s ambitious plans, unique assets and collaborative approach.

Amy Harhoff,  EMCCA’s chief executive, then focused on the Trent Arc growth cluster, the largest concentration of assets in the region connecting Derby and Nottingham in her keynote.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, then chaired a panel discussion with Rob, EMCCA business advisory board chair David Williams and Vicky Evans, director at global consultancy ARUP.

The panellists conveyed their passion and enthusiasm for the region and gave compelling insights on their work with the East Midlands and ambitions for the future.

Mayor Claire said: “Under my leadership, the East Midlands Combined County Authority now has the powers and the mandate to convene partners at pace and at scale.

“We bring clarity, confidence and coordination to a region that is ready for serious investment.

“I’ve demonstrated the scale of our ambition, showcased our growth plans and opportunities, and taken the time to build relationships to match our ambition. I’ve put the East Midlands firmly on the global map.”