East Midlands Mayor puts the region on the map at MIPIM 2026

The Mayor of the East Midlands, has led a small regional delegation at MIPIM in France this week.

MIPIM is the world’s largest real estate and investment event, attracting more than 25,000 delegates, C-suite leaders and about 6,500 investors and developers each year.

Presenting the East Midlands as ‘Irresistible to Investment. Ready for growth’, Mayor Claire Ward showcased the region’s strategic growth clusters, the Trent Arc and Supercluster, led a flagship event, delivered a range of keynote speeches and roundtables and met with investors and developers.

The Mayor’s flagship breakfast event outlined Mayor Claire’s strategic ambition, the region’s investable propositions and the strength of the East Midlands Combined County Authority‘s (EMCCA’s) collaboration across the public and private sector.

Mayor Claire said: “This was my and the East Midlands’ first year at MIPIM and I took the opportunity to make a clear statement about the East Midlands. We are one of the UK’s most powerful investment regions – central, connected and globally competitive – and it’s time the global market recognised the scale of what we offer.”

Following a keynote speech from the Mayor, delegates heard from Rob Tincknell, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Areli Developments, who talked about the region’s ambitious plans, unique assets and collaborative approach to get things done.

Amy Harhoff,  EMCCA CEO, then focused on the Trent Arc growth cluster, the largest concentration of assets in the region connecting Derby and Nottingham in her keynote.

Highlighting the East Midlands at MIPIM

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, then chaired a panel discussion with Rob, EMCCA business advisory board chair David Williams and Vicky Evans, director at global consultancy ARUP.

The panellists conveyed their passion and enthusiasm for the region and gave compelling insights on their work with the East Midlands and ambitions for the future.

The event closed with open question-and-answer session with the Mayor, followed by an opportunity for networking.

Mayor Claire said: “Under my leadership, the East Midlands Combined County Authority now has the powers and the mandate to convene partners at pace and at scale. We bring clarity, confidence and coordination to a region that is ready for serious investment.

“I’ve demonstrated the scale of our ambition, showcased our growth plans and opportunities, and taken the time to build relationships to match our ambition. I’ve put the East Midlands firmly on the global map.”