BPF Spotlight Series: MIPIM 2025

British Property Federation Chief Executive Melanie Leech reflects on this year's MIPIM in Cannes, where a small team from the BPF and UKPA represented the UK property industry.

MIPIM combines an exhibition, conference, networking and awards, and brings together decision-makers to discuss the major issues facing real estate. Housing, infrastructure, sustainability and AI have become growing themes.

The BPF works with the organisers and government departments to ensure a strong UK presence. This year it supported a UK cities dinner and held an investor breakfast attended by more than 180 people. It also hosted an investor roundtable with mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, the Chief Executive of Homes England and senior MHCLG officials. Leech also took part in a debate on the importance of public-private partnerships.

She describes the mood as upbeat, especially among city regions and local authorities. The Government's planning reforms were widely welcomed, with the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill during the week adding to discussions. Investors and developers still raised concerns about regulation, timescales and viability, but Leech felt the public sector showed genuine willingness to listen and act. There was also strong investor interest in understanding the implications of the Government's devolution agenda.

The BPF's upcoming programme includes the Build More Homes summit with Inside Housing on 2 April, UKREiiF in May, Housing 2025 in June and its own Annual Conference on 8 July, alongside a range of member events.

Source: British Property Federation, original article (25 March 2025)