Shropshire investment opportunities featured on world stage

Sites ready for development in both the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Council areas are being promoted as part of the Midlands UK delegation at MIPIM, which takes places in Cannes, France, in March.

Sir John Peace, chair of the Midlands Engine, will be joined by a range of senior keynote speakers who will be addressing the global investment community during 40 events over the four days of the show.

“MIPIM provides a platform from which we can showcase the many strengths of the Midlands to a wide audience. Our economy, which has remained strong and resilient, presents a compelling offer to potential investors,” said Sir John.

Graham Wynn OBE, chairman of the Marches LEP, said: “We have fantastic investment opportunities in our region, one of the most attractive locations in the UK to live and work.

“Global players including BAE Systems, Caterpillar, and Heineken have already chosen to base their operations here, where we offer a first-class business landscape and an outstanding quality of life.

“MIPIM gives us the chance to showcase what Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford has to offer investors looking to locate in one of the fastest growing areas of the Midlands."

Opportunities

Shropshire will hold two events during MIPIM. 'Shrewsbury: The Big Connection' will tell investors the story of how the birthplace of Charles Darwin is evolving, where new buildings rub shoulders with re-used older buildings including the Flaxmill Maltings – the grandfather of all skyscrapers.

'Shropshire: Rooted in Heritage, Developing for the Future' will highlight the county’s countryside, vibrant market towns and strategic central base within the UK, unlocking key development opportunities through infrastructure investment including the Ironbridge Power Station site and on growth corridors such as the M54.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s event will focus on its partnership with Harper Adams University to create a cluster of excellence in agri-tech innovation at the heart of which will be a new 25 acre science and innovation park. Ni.Park is being promoted globally by the UK’s Department for International Trade as world-leading in the development of new agri-technology solutions.

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for economic growth, said: “Last year was our first year at MIPIM and we’re excited to be returning. We were bowled over by the interest we received in our county as a place in which to invest.

“MIPIM gives us access to developers, agents, investors and intermediaries from across the UK and overseas, all in one place. The bonus is that they’re there to do business.”

The Midlands UK Pavilion welcomed more than 4,700 delegates at MIPIM 2018, who attended a series of presentations, debates and receptions.