Reflections from a MIPIM first-timer
James joined Euan in MIPIM this month for his first experience of the international conference. We asked him to share his reflections on what stood out, and whether it was worth the trip.
Although I’ve been working in the built environment for over 17 years, this year was my first time on the ground in Cannes.
Fresh off the return flight, a few key themes stand out.
Greater Manchester feels more aligned, more collaborative and more forward-looking, even in difficult market conditions. The challenge now is whether that momentum carries back into day-to-day delivery.
A shared vision on display
A consistent theme across GM events was “Good Growth”. After a decade of profile-raising, skyline-changing development in the city core, the focus is shifting towards spreading that success more evenly across all ten boroughs.
This vision is shared not only by all ten local authorities, but between the public and private sectors, too.
Being in Cannes brings that into focus. Everyone is in the same place with the same intent. The strength of collaboration is much more visible as a result. Having now been part of these conversations first hand, it’s clear there’s a growing recognition that public and private partners aren’t opposing forces but are interdependent parts of the same system, each playing a role in unlocking growth. People are fully present, away from the distractions of day-to-day work, with the time and headspace to have better conversations. It’s difficult to recreate that environment elsewhere.
A valuable space for understanding the market
The concentration of people from across the industry makes MIPIM a powerful place to gather market intelligence. This year, data centres were a major talking point, driven by the rapid growth of AI and digital infrastructure.
MIPIM creates the conditions for the cross pollination of ideas and intelligence, whether planned business meetings or incidental conversations that prove just as valuable. Those interactions help build a clearer picture of which sectors are growing, where investment is flowing and how different parts of the industry are responding.
That sits alongside the relationship-building that MIPIM is known for. The real value isn’t just in deals being done on the Croisette, but in strengthening connections, broadening networks and spending time with the people shaping decisions across both the public and private sectors.
A market under pressure, but staying positive
There’s no getting away from the challenges facing the sector. The impact of the Building Safety Act, viability pressures, political uncertainty and construction costs are all being felt. Some sectors, such as Build to Rent and high-rise residential, are under significant strain.
But I saw no sense of paralysis or “throwing in” of the proverbial the towel. The overriding mood was one of determination, adaptation and pragmatism.
Developers are forming closer partnerships with Registered Providers and taking a more proactive approach to affordable housing. Local authorities, in turn, are showing greater commercial awareness in how schemes are brought forward.
Yes, the market is tough, but it’s adapting rather than stalling.
MIPIM brings us together
Stepping away from the day-to-day has a value in itself. MIPIM creates the space to think differently, to take stock of where the industry is heading and to reconnect with the bigger picture.
What it reinforces is simple. Across the public and private sectors, we’re all working towards the same goal. Delivering growth that works, for places and for people.
The real test is what happens next. If that mindset carries through beyond MIPIM, into the decisions, partnerships and projects that shape our towns and cities, then the impact of a few days in Cannes will last much longer than the event itself.