The Game Changing theme carried on throughout Day 2 of MIPIM UK 2018. To be a game changer and make a difference, speaker after speaker talked about the importance of ‘partnership’, ‘collaboration’ and ‘connection’.
Changing the housing game
The continued shortage of housing in the UK was once again centre stage, with the first keynote address of the day by Nick Walkley, Chief Executive, Homes England, the non-departmental public body.
“Our ambition is to become a platform – a platform offering information, support and capacity” – Nick Walkley @HomesEngland @HomesNickW
— MIPIMWorld (@MIPIMWorld) October 18, 2018
Mr Walkley added that the UK would not hit its target of delivering 300,000 new homes a year “without significant disruption in the housing market”.
This opening session on housing led into further panels later in the day looking at affordability, senior living, co-living and the need for quality housing.
Generating growth in our cities
A particular highlight of MIPIM UK Day 2 was the keynote address by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.
Mr Street showcased over £10bn of investment opportunities in one of the UK’s most powerful economic regions – the West Midlands, home to the UK’s second city, Birmingham.
The conference room was bursting at the seams. Over the last five years, the West Midlands has benefitted from 38,000 new jobs as a result of foreign direct investment. Mr Street added: “We have opportunities for many, many more.”
Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands – “Let’s make transport data available to startups. Digital businesses will come up with better solutions – we’re trying to use this new way of thinking to solve a traditional infrastructure problem” #MIPIMUK #metromayors
— MIPIMWorld (@MIPIMWorld) October 18, 2018
A key theme in Mr Street’s address was the importance of leadership – of “being in charge of our destiny”. However, he added: “If you think you know the final destination you’re kidding yourself.”
Some of the most powerful names in the regions then took to the stage for a think tank, moderated by Alexandra Notay of PfP Capital, on how to generate growth in UK cities.
Sitting side by side on stage were: Tim Bowles, Mayor, West of England Combined Authority; Roger Marsh, Chair, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership; Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor, Liverpool City Region; and Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive, London First.
The skills shortage, digital connectivity, the importance of universities, sustainability and transport were just some of the topics covered. There was still much work to be done: travel time between Liverpool and Newcastle had not changed in 100 years, the audience were told.
There was also a call for the Government to “trust us” and to devolve more power to the regions.
“Devolution is a journey and we are nowhere near the destination of where we need to get to” – Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor Liverpool City Council #MIPIMUK @MetroMayorSteve
— MIPIMWorld (@MIPIMWorld) October 18, 2018
Investment opportunities
Day 2 was investment day, with sessions on global investment trends and on UK investment, with Brexit inevitably being a key topic. Here is what Anna Walker, Director, Control Risks, had to say:
Kicking off the discussion Anna Walker gives a presentation on #Brexit Uncertainty: “market size is crucial as well as quality of the assets, strong rule of law, all of which are favourable for the UK during departure from the EU” #MIPIMUK pic.twitter.com/wJowQdQbKz
— MIPIMWorld (@MIPIMWorld) October 18, 2018
In the session on UK investment, ‘Where there is change, there is opportunity’, co-organised with Estates Gazette, Simon Williams, Joint Head of National Markets, BNP Paribas Real Estate, the session’s partner, said: “You’re getting a good investment return in the UK. The changes that are happening create new opportunities. Some people think it is time to sell and others think it is time to buy.”
In the session on ‘How core cities develop their people and industrial strategy’, co-organised with Estates Gazette, Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer – Economic Development, Leeds City Council, the session’s partner, made the point: “The main challenge is around thinking about how we use our local knowledge to bring people in the most deprived areas into the bigger picture.”
How to become a game-changer
A star attraction of the day was a keynote address by Jean David, one of the pioneers of Le Cirque du Soleil, which catapulted to global fame at a time when the circus industry was in decline.
“The world is definitively changing out there, something never seen is happening, let’s lead the way” – Mr David encouraged the audience:
The secret to becoming a game-changer, he said, was to create a culture of innovation and creativity. He finished his captivating presentation with: “Creativity is an open door to the future! Are you ready to let the future come in?”
Closing the curtains on MIPIM UK 2018
Has MIPIM UK 2018 helped you to become a game changer? How will you be the innovator, and make the difference? Especially at this time of unprecedented social, economic and political change.
We hope you enjoyed MIPIM UK 2018. We certainly did! We look forward to seeing you at the Closing Cocktail – a night of anecdotes and comedy with Guy Pratt of one of the most game-changing, ground-breaking rock bands… Pink Floyd!
