Business and property figures from Coventry and Warwickshire believe the area could continue its run of impressive results in attracting inward investment.
Recent figures released by UK Trade and Investment revealed that Coventry and Warwickshire was the most successful area outside London in attracting inward investment.
And the city and county exhibited more opportunities at a major new property and investment show in London last week – and experienced “a really encouraging level of interest” in the area.
MIPIM UK was the first domestic version of the world’s foremost commercial property show which is held in France every spring, and Coventry and Warwickshire were among the regions pushing for business.
Les Ratcliffe, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Place Board which helps promote the area, said its reputation for recent success had clearly been broadcast.
“Not only was the footfall very strong and varied at the show, but there is no question that our positive reputation now goes before us,” he said.
“Property and investment are tight knit industries and the evidence is that the success we have achieved in recent years – both economically and in terms of attracting new investment – has spread throughout those two sectors.
“People are aware that we have a very good offer and that we are achieving very tangible results. That is down to the work of the CWLEP and the local authorities – the private and public sectors working together – in presenting a positive and coherent message that this is a place where you can do business.
“A string of high level announcements, the success of several of our key companies and the accolades recently won by our two universities add up to a very clear picture of an area with massive potential.”
Cities minister Greg Clark visited the stand to see the Coventry and Warwickshire offer just weeks after signing off a Government Growth Deal which could lead to around £100million of investment.
Coventry Councillor Kevin Maton, cabinet member for business, enterprise and employment and a LEP board member, said: “At the show we were able to highlight the dynamism and drive of Coventry and Warwickshire and the level of investment already taking place.
“Many other leading development areas of the UK were represented and it was important that we were flying the flag for our region.
“The combination of our location, environment and skilled workforce is a powerful hook for companies wishing to relocate or expand within the UK, or for those looking to move here from abroad.
“I was impressed by the level of interest in our area and there is no doubt in my mind that Coventry and Warwickshire needs to strongly represented at events like this so we stand the best chance of securing future new investment right here.”
Teams from both the county and the city together attended the show at Olympia over the three days.
John Harmon, of Warwickshire County Council, said: “While attracting good numbers is important, it is the quality which really counts and we were just struck by the wide variety of enquiries we had.
“The hard work now comes in following up the enquiries and endeavouring to convert them.
“The UKTI figures show that we are offering a combination of factors which companies look for when making investment decisions, and we have to continue to drive that home to all business sectors.”