Changing Times, Changing Cities

Guest Blog by Jessica Bowles, Director of Strategy at Bruntwood

MIPIM helps us tell the story of how Manchester, the original modern city, remains a dynamic, global destination which is open for business, new ideas and partnerships.

Few who experienced how the city presented itself at MIPIM in 2017 – future-facing, welcoming and united – would quibble with the idea that the week was an outstanding success. The challenge for 2018 is to build on the impressive work that attracted some 10,000 people to the beautiful new Manchester Pavilion.

This year Bruntwood, together with our partners, is squarely focused on areas where we know Manchester helps give UK plc a competitive edge. The ability of med tech and digital businesses to drive growth is a particular focus; whilst masterplanning the vision for the regeneration of the Trafford Civic Quarter and our relentless focus on the creation of new green spaces for the city are evident through just some of the sessions we will be involved in.

These themes all resonate with ‘urbanity’, the overall concept for MIPIM 2018 and to our over-riding purpose as a business, which is to make our great cities the best they can be. The organisers’ choice is timely. The question of how cities evolve to meet rising expectations of all the people who live and work in themes very much to the fore in Manchester. Questions about how cities, including Manchester, tackle issues about equity and community, air quality and pollution, an ageing population and the changing aspirations of a younger generation are all vitally important. The impact on cities of advances in technology, both societal and environmental, are profound, exciting and a challenge to us all.

Manchester’s programme reflects a willingness to drive the agenda on these issues and Bruntwood together with our partners is proud to support them. We look forward to seeing you at MIPIM.