Les Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations at Jaguar Land Rover and Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Place Board.
Each MIPIM differs slightly as certain countries and cities mount concerted marketing pushes.
Russia was everywhere at the show a few years ago when it was looking to attract international investment around its hosting of the Winter Olympics, whereas last year Turkey was pushing hard because of its desire to join the EU.
At the same time, British cities are always prominent and I believe that Coventry and Warwickshire has a very strong offer at the show again this year.
The strength of the partnership has always been its ability to punch above its weight because of the very positive collective attitude. Partners pitch in knowing that on its own Coventry and Warwickshire could not match some of the larger cities and areas, but by pooling resources we can more than hold our own.
I believe that this year we have a very strong presence and our larger stand will allow us to really convey our messages around our ability to deliver for investors and developers.
The Fast Track theme reflects that – whether it is a fast track to investment, fast track to graduates or a fast track to planning – and it will be very strongly portrayed through our stand.
The support of Wasps, who are sending out Joe Launchbury and Chris Bell, will also underline that message. The club has invested in our area, and are already reaping very tangible rewards.
We have partnered with Birmingham and the Black Country for two key events around automotive and HS2, and we are hosting a high-level investment forum and a Key Cities seminar – all of which will emphasise the opportunities we have to offer.
My role as chair of the Place Board is helping to ensure the message of what is happening in Coventry and Warwickshire reaches a wide audience, and MIPIM is key to that. It is the major global property event of the year, but it is also crucial in showing the strength of cities and regions.
It is one thing “making a noise” at MIPIM, but you have to be able to back that up in very tangible ways and I firmly believe we are better placed than ever to do that.
The success of our industry – from manufacturing and engineering through to gaming – the record and standing of our two universities and the quality and variety of our cultural offer make a powerful combination to anyone considering investing or developing in the UK.