 |
SELLING OUR THRIVING CITY ON WORLD STAGE
26 February 2008
Developers and business leaders are gearing up to tell the world about Derby's regeneration success story - and persuade investors to become a part of it.
In two weeks' time, a delegation from Derbyshire will be in Cannes, France, for the world property show - commonly known as MIPIM (Marche International des Professionnels d'Immobilier).
MIPIM, which takes place in the Palais des Festivals, from Tuesday, March 11, to Friday, March 14, is widely regarded as a crucial event in terms of attracting interest from global investors.
It is seen as the world's top real-estate summit, bringing together some of the most influential decision-makers in the market.
Derby, as well as the county as a whole, will be vying with other cities from throughout the world, in trying to catch their attention. And according to members of the delegation who will be helping to put Derby's best foot forward, the city has plenty of projects which should tempt them to invest in its regeneration.
As well as Marketing Derby, a public/private sector organisation set up to promote the city as a place to live, work and invest, and urban regeneration company Derby Cityscape, representatives from some of the region's leading developers and commercial property agents will be among Derbyshire's delegation.
These include Blueprint, Cedar House Investments, Henry Boot, Innes England, Rigby and Co, Morgan Tucker and Bolsterstone.
Chris Carlisle, managing director of Cedar House, based at Pride Park, said: "MIPIM is an excellent opportunity to meet with some of the industry's key players and keep pace with market news and developments. Being a part of the Derby delegation enables us to promote the region as a business location on the international property stage."
Russell Rigby, managing director of commercial property agent Rigby and Co, which is also based at Pride Park, said: "For me, MIPIM is all about trying to influence and change people's perceptions about Derby. It's a great opportunity to really 'sell' the city."
At MIPIM, Derby Cityscape and Marketing Derby will be strengthening the city's case by launching two reports.
The first is a hotel prospectus, which will outline existing accommodation and the number of hotels which are set to be built in the city over the next few years. The other will be the Derby Market Activity Report, which will highlight the city's economic diversity and strength, with data on supply, demand, developments and employment growth trends.
During MIPIM, Derbyshire's representatives will also stage two breakfast events. Both will feature talks by key speakers, focusing on development and investment in the city and the region.
Derby's delegation will also include top brass from some of the city's best companies. Among them will be Bob Betts, managing director of Alfreton Road firm Smith of Derby, which makes clocks and architectural features and has customers all over the world.
He said: "The work already started by Marketing Derby and Derby Cityscape is now establishing Derby as a world-class city and we are going to MIPIM as a world class delegation. The best of our city's property and public realm-related companies will attend and Smith of Derby is proud to be a part of that team.
"We are all committed to showcasing our vibrant city, its energy, its diversity and its thriving spirit. Derby's future is incredibly exciting."
Aricle Courtesy of ROBIN JOHNSON Derby Evening Telegraph