Boris Johnson: Unleash the UK’s power via property

Whether it’s the houses and flats we call home, the workplaces in which we earn a crust, the shops and leisure facilities where we splash our hard-earned cash or the transport infrastructure that allows us to glide seamlessly between them all, the built environment is an inescapable and vital part of all our lives. That’s why MIPIM UK is such an important part of the British business calendar – bringing together the architects, developers, builders, financiers and policymakers who are shaping the world around us so that we can all benefit. Opportune time This year’s event – the sixth time the UK has hosted its very own MIPIM – comes at a particularly opportune time for the real estate industry. This is because, as we prepare to leave the European Union later this month, I want to unleash the productive power of every city, town, village and hamlet in the United Kingdom, and to do that I need your help. I need you to help us build homes, railways, stations, digital infrastructure and more besides, levelling up communities right across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, giving everyone in this country access to the kind of infrastructure they need in order to thrive and grow. This is why I’ve already pledged £3.6bn to support more than 100 towns across the country, confirmed that we will fund the Northern Powerhouse Rail link between Leeds and Manchester, and set out plans to bring gigabit broadband to homes across the land. As we embark upon our post-Brexit future, events like MIPIM have a huge role to play But it’s not enough to just provide funding. I also want these places to have more power for themselves in making important local decisions. That is why council leaders and communities will be given greater powers similar to those already enjoyed in London and Manchester. This gives you as investors and business leaders confidence that key decisions will not get held up at a national level – you can get to work with your local partners straight away. So, as we embark upon our post-Brexit future – a future bursting with potential – events like MIPIM have a huge role to play in showing investors from around the world the kind of exciting opportunities on offer here in the UK. Despite the naysayers, we are still the number one destination for investment in Europe, and there has never been a better time to join. We are ready to do business with you, and to build the future of the UK together. MIPIM UK takes place on 14-15 October at Old Billingsgate, EC3. For more information go to www.mipimuk.co.uk