Bravery, optimism and evidence

MIPIM, that key litmus test for the year and for the market, is now just days away. 

It’s the biggest, broadest, investor-led event of the year. No other week reveals so much intent around asset classes, cities, product and risk appetite. 

As global communications partner to MIPIM, the ING team will be on the ground producing content and connecting journalists and delegates. We’ll be chairing sessions on everything from Middle East investment to tackling homelessness across Europe.

We’ll also be launching research on Europe’s most talked about cities. And once again will be producing the official UK guide to MIPIM, our Investing in UK Cities guide. In the guide, ING managing director Damian Wild says we should be brave enough to be optimistic.

“For an industry that leans towards positivity, at an event where delegates would no sooner arrive without optimism than we would without comfortable shoes, is such a reminder really necessary?”

Well, it might be, especially at a time when turning on the news can feel like an act of bravery. Optimism alone won’t solve the seemingly intractable problems that mean London is now building homes at a lower rate than any major city in the developed world. Nevertheless, optimism is where turning that around starts.

In truth, it’s why we’re here. First and foremost, the event is about connecting investment with investable opportunities. Bringing developers, cities and partners together. Unlocking, enabling and accelerating. Helping make the unviable viable. Committing acts of bravery, turning optimism into action.

For Liverpool, previous MIPIMs have brought together universities, local authorities and the private sector. For evidence of success, look no further than its Life Sciences Innovation Zone, where a shared vision for the future has unlocked a strategic development partnership. For the City of London, its City skyline visualisations, released ahead of last year’s event, were shaped by engagement with delegates at previous MIPIMs.

Or ask Glasgow about its successful £300m The Social Hub development at Candleriggs, a project developed thanks to contacts made at MIPIM back in 2019. No wonder, as Susan Aitken, leader of the city council, tells us: “Our developer community was clear that it was time to get back out there and sell the city, along with Scotland, at MIPIM.”

Of course, none of those who have experienced success at MIPIM have relied on optimism alone. Yes, few events can offer quite so many opportunities for an invaluable chance encounter. But it’s preparation that reaps most reward.

So do take this opportunity to take the case that more support is needed on, say, the viability of residential development in London, to the housing minister or to one of London’s three deputy mayors in Cannes this week. Use the UK Hub to engage and connect. And remind yourself – if you must – to be brave enough to be optimistic.