With more than 50 speakers across 14 sessions, the conference programme for The London Stand at MIPIM offered passionate and expert discussions on delivering a sustainable and inclusive future for the capital.
With an ever-growing reputation for conferences and real estate sector knowledge, White Label was invited by The London Stand organiser, RX Global, to lead the content programme at the event in Cannes, in March.
From sustainability and longevity of buildings, to quotes from Paddington Bear, attendees to the three-day event were left with much to consider post-conference.
Natasha Cobley, Head of Communications, White Label said: “It was great to lead the conference programme for The London Stand at MIPIM. There was plenty of discussion to help delegates understand where London is placed, where it’s going and the opportunities that lie ahead. My five key takeaways were:
1. Sustainability is a priority – from investor through to the occupier – and so it will continue to be a market driver.
2. Longevity is crucial. Real estate cannot think of creating buildings to last for a few decades but should be thinking about centuries, and the flexibility needed to ensure buildings last.
3. To encourage innovation and enable you to look further ahead, you need younger voices round the table, so you hear from those who will be impacted.
4. Those who are willing to take the risk and support innovation and change will be able to maximise on the opportunity the current market conditions present.
5. There has never been a stronger desire to collaborate across the different sectors within real estate, with investors wanting to be more involved in decisions and development to deliver not only the profitability they need for investors but also the ESG credentials that many are now demanding.”
For White Label Associate Director, Bonnie Stephensmith, the discussion around “what to do with Fridays” was also of interest.
“The conversation around how we could encourage footfall to Central Business Districts and support employee wellbeing by considering four-day weeks and/or enabling staff to use Fridays to engage in cultural activities was thought-provoking, and a debate that continued hours after the session ended amongst delegates who attended,” she said.
“There were also several conversations about how you measure human interaction in terms of both social value and attending place-marketing exhibitions. I returned with a very full brain!”
Further session topics at The London Stand at MIPIM included ‘Investment opportunities in London’s life sciences sector,’ ‘Financing London’s decarbonisation,’ ‘Driving infrastructure investment,’ ‘London’s affordable housing market,’ and ‘Reaching net zero in global cities’.
Speakers included; Alexander Nuyken, Head of Life Sciences EMEA, JLL; Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman, City of London; Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation; Luke Le Brun, Director, PATRIZIA; Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils (Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing and Planning); Donald Choi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chinachem; Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, WMCA; Robin Woodbridge, UK Head of Capital
Deployment & Leasing, Prologis; Alex Notay, Placemaking and Investment Director, PfP Capital; Rob Perrins, Chief Executive, Berkeley Group; Neil Slater, Global Head of Assets, Abrdn; Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor Planning, Regeneration & Skills, GLA; Jose Pellicer, Global Head of Investment Strategy, M&G Real Estate; Laura Citron, CEO, London & Partners; Kat Hanna, Director, Avison Young and many more.
Bonnie’s favourite keynote, “What is the money doing?” looked at global capital flows and the impact of trends on London’s real estate sector, with Vicky Stanley, Investment Director at AustralianSuper.
Bonnie said: “The highlight of Vicky’s keynote was the Paddington Bear quote, ‘In London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in,’ which was a fantastic summary of London’s welcoming message throughout the week.”
