There really is nothing like EXPO REAL (Messe München) and being part of a fantastic City delegation, expertly led by Tom Sleigh, Paul Wilkinson Robert Murphy QVRM TD Annabel Singh and Mark Mistry. Nearly 40 meetings with dozens of industry figures from around the world in two days as we flew the flag for investment into the City of London Corporation and the UK. And what did we learn from as many of the 40,000 attendees as we could meet? The City, London, and the UK are brilliant. And we need to say that as often and loudly as possible. I met with people both private and public from across the UK who are passionate about driving investment, growth and opportunity into their cities and regions, talking with one voice as Britain. The City is of course a unique place with unique global investment potential to drive it's world class services: 1.2 million square metres of offices to meet insatiable demand needed by 2040, a stable proactive political environment with a clear vision of Destination City, a planning team that leads and engages to deliver growth, record rents for iconic buildings hosting world class companies. But we are also proud of our role in being able to work in partnership here with all our colleagues atUK Cities & Partners to support growth across the UK. Raj Singhal Jon Lister Bonnie Ross Katharine Glass Claudia Boymanns Jace Tyrrell Yasmin Malik Matt Allen MBA Richard Todd Pierre Wassenaar Laura Cassullo Pam Smith Prof Greg Clark CBE FAcSS Nick McKeogh Hon FRIBA Patrick Mckeogh Stewart Bailey Katie Stewart
Really enjoyed our various round tables Peter Wilson
Great to meet properly at Expo Peter Wilson and we look forward to catching up over the months ahead
It was my pleasure to support the City of London Corporation team at EXPO REAL (Messe München) and absorb real enthusiasm about the UK as a place to invest, specifically within the Square Mile. As Tom Sleigh expertly explained across numerous platforms, the fundamentals of investing in the UK remain rock solid. Our time zone, rule of law, proportionate yet robust regulation and language make the UK a safe haven for international investors amid continuing global uncertainty. Moreover, the recently launched City Business Investment Unit (CBIU) is making it even easier for firms to locate within the Square Mile, and many have already voted with their feet so far this year. The CBIU complements efforts already underway between City of London Corporation & HM Treasury through the Office for Investment: financial services, an initiative led by our Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward. Combined, these efforts will allow the City of London to continue making a significant contribution to the UK economy. All told, there's a terrific amount of work underway to maintain the City of London's status as a global financial centre and the number one destination for people to live, work, learn and explore.
Urbanist & Writer. Board Chair. Senior Advisor. Speaker, Conf Host, & Podcaster.
1wIt was great to see The City and the UK there in force!