Caroline Simpson, CEO of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, says Manchester needs to promote itself on the world stage

Greater Manchester leaders will be out in force at MIPIM this week as the city region showcases its billion-pound growth fund and other major regeneration announcements.

The global property showcase at Cannes on the French Riviera is always a key focus for the city region as it looks to continue its track record of winning global investment. Some 60 private sector partners are backing the city’s MIPIM presence this year, alongside representatives from all ten local authorities.

Speakers supporting the delegation are set to include include Mayor Andy Burnham, Manchester City Council leader Cllr Bev Craig, and Steve Coogan and Rose Marley, co-chairs of Middleton’s Mayoral Development Corporation.

Here Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, explains why it’s so important for Greater Manchester to be so strongly represented at MIPIM.

Why are you attending MIPIM this year?

Attending MIPIM 2026 is an important signal of Manchester’s ambition. For us, it’s not just about doing business; it’s also about telling our story clearly and confidently. We want to demonstrate the scale of opportunity across our region and show that we have a consistent, long-term plan for growth.

What are the main opportunities or projects you’re planning to promote?

We’ll be talking about our vision for the next decade of Good Growth and presenting our 10-year integrated development pipeline which is backed by our £1bn ‘Good Growth Fund’. This will help us deliver thousands of new homes, revitalised town centres, and major employment and innovation sites. Our aim is to target funding and effort at projects that will have the most impact for our economy and communities.

Are you looking for any particular type of investment or support?

We already have a strong pipeline and compelling proposition, so we’re looking to work with institutional and private equity investors who believe in our places as much as we do and want to back them for the long-term. What matters most is that partners share our ambition and are committed to delivering real benefits for our region and its people.

Do you have any activities or special events planned for this year’s event?

As always, the Manchester stand will host a programme of activity highlighting our priorities and some of our landmark schemes. We’ll also be launching our Investment Opportunities.

Why do you think MIPIM remains relevant?

MIPIM brings together a mix of global investors, developers and specialists. With the scale of projects across Greater Manchester, having the chance to present on a world stage is important, as is having focused conversations with people who can help us move things forward.