More than £1 billion of investment opportunities across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland are set to be showcased at the national UKREiiF investor forum in Leeds.
Representatives from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and the Team Lincolnshire public and private sector group of ambassadors will be attending the event which runs from Tuesday May 16 to May18.
Now in its second year UKREiiF – billed by some as the UK’s answer to MIPIM in France – is set to attract more than 6,000 delegates from the property industry, with more than 250 UK councils attending.
A spokeswoman for the East Midlands contingent said: “The Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland inward investment team has ambitious plans for the region and will be sharing investment prospects across its 10-strong sector proposition, including advanced engineering and manufacturing, visitor economy, defence, health and life sciences, digital tech, commercial and residential development, and a particular focus on agri-food, low carbon energy and logistics.
“Investment opportunities across the region include the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, Humber Freeport, hotel sites ready for development, land earmarked for housing, multiple business centres and commercial space and more.”
Andy Gutherson, executive director of place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We saw great value from our attendance at UKREiiF last year and with the event set to be even bigger this year, we need to seize the opportunity to champion our region on a national stage once again.
“We are focussed on targeting investors, developers and organisations that can help drive forward our key sectors and our work at the event will contribute towards growing our Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland economy and to create new jobs.”
Tony Reynolds, inward investment manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “UKREiiF is a fantastic platform for LCC, GLLEP, Team Lincolnshire and our local district councils to speak directly to investors about the unique opportunities we have to offer.
“Conversations had and connections made at these events are incredibly valuable and make a positive and far-reaching impact on our local economy.
“Collaboratively, and as part of Midlands Engine, we will be flying the flag for the region as the place to live, learn, work and invest in and with a busy diary of meets, I’m looking forward to what the team and I can cultivate for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.”
Lincolnshire is a UK leader in food processing and agri-tech and was chosen as one of the Government’s manufacturing zones, following growth deal grants of £18 million, including £5.1 million for South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and £2.4 million for University of Lincoln’s Centre of Excellence in Agri-food and Technology at Holbeach.
Simon Wright, regeneration and portfolio manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland is a place of space and ambition and we’re looking forward to presenting a number of transformational opportunities to investors at UKREiiF, including our South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone.
“This state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the UK Food Valley provides work space, connections and support for SMEs in the food manufacturing and agri-food tech sectors, to enable growth, innovation and collaboration. This scheme alone provides multiple impressive real estate opportunities for investors”.
During UKREiiF, Team Lincolnshire, Knights and Lindum will be co-hosting a reception for ambassadors and guests on May 17, with over 100 attendees expected. Anyone interested can e-mail teamlincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
