Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram will head the city’s biggest-ever private sector mission to the global expo in Cannes in March. Tony McDonough reports

A record 42 public sector partners will join the Liverpool delegation to MIPIM, one of the world’s biggest annual property and investment expos, taking place in Cannes in March.

And, helping to launch this year’s programme, the private sector head of the mission, Sean Beech, urged business and political leaders to “work harder” to increase business activity across Merseyside.

Global event

MIPIM sees more than 24,000 developers, investors, professionals and members of city delegations, including politicians and private sector representatives descend on the Frech Riviera for the four day event which this year takes place from March 12 to 15.

Heading up the Liverpool delegation, organised by Marketing Liverpool, will be Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool stand, which will host 18 events across the three days, has been designed by K2 Architects.

There will be a number of panel events and discussions on topics such as investment opportunities in the Liverpool city region, transport in the North of England and the impact of Government policies on the North West.

Other organisations and companies attending include the LCR Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Peel Land & Property and Downtown in Business, represented by its chief executive Frank McKenna.

Fierce advocate

Liverpool has been a regular attender of MIPIM for more than two decades and, for the last few years, the private sector delegation has been headed by Sean Beech, Liverpool partner at accountancy firm Deloitte.

Although a native of Manchester, Mr Beech has long been a fierce advocate of the Liverpool city region economy. He said: “Each year the strength and breadth of the Liverpool delegation increases, and this is reflected in the schedule.

“Our new 12-month programme, encompassing both MIPIM UK and MIPIM Cannes together with our regular events programme in Liverpool, has proven very popular with our partners and associates, and, I believe, has helped to reinforce the real sense of collaboration and teamwork across the delegation.

“As is clear when we are in Cannes, the Liverpool brand needs no introduction on the global stage.

‘Work harder’

“However, we do need to work harder to drive greater business activity in our city region – and as the private sector, we can help by talking with confidence about our welcoming talent pool, the strength of our local transport connections, our excellent learning institutions and research facilities, and our wonderful cultural heritage.”

Steve Rotheram added: “The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is delivering the transport, digital, skills, housing and energy infrastructure we need to help drive inclusive economic growth and our attendance will pay dividends with increased economic development.”