The MIPIM mood was almost back to its pre-2007 heights, although with the more cautionary note that is distinguishing the post-recession market. Likewise, the Brits were nearly back to full capacity and certainly taking on their French counterparts in terms of numbers, while the Russians seemed more than slightly depleted.
PRS was grabbing the headlines this year with many UK funds and institutional investors having recently entered the market or making future intentions clear. There was also a strong flow of news outputs from the UK regions with Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds all making significant development announcements from their respective stands.
Flitting between the London Stand, la Croissette, the bunker and Café Roma, the Redwood team were fortunate to see a number of our UK and international clients speaking at the event, including Karolin Forsling of AMF Fastigheter discussing opportunities in the Swedish market; Chris Darroch of Hermes Real Estate talking about the future of Tottenham, following the announcement last week of Hermes and Argent’s JV with Haringey Council; and Alex Greaves of M&G Real Estate at the PRS Seminar.
The London Stand was particularly buzzing this year, with NLA’s London model taking pride of place in the centre. Our own Sophie Elliott was also a somewhat constant feature in the London marquee, gracefully hosting the Ruskin Square, Croydon stand. The team also caught up with a number of other Redwood clients and friends including Leslie Jones Architecture, Iceni Projects, Aston Rose, NorthHill, Henley, Trowers & Hamlin, Capital & Regional, Hammerson, and Pinsent Masons.
And with all that running around we almost didn’t have time for a glass of vino on the beach, well almost.