Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, was among representatives of UK local authorities and development agencies determined to promote their projects this week to international investors, despite the downturn.
The mayor addressed investors at the property and regeneration show MIPIM, held annually in Cannes, France, to promote the 2012 Olympics, Crossrail and other major projects. He also officially opened the London stand, traditionally the largest exhibitor, together with Paris, and hosted a London reception on Tuesday evening.
It was his first visit as mayor to the 20-year old event, one of the largest property shows in the world, which is also well attended by larger UK councils, such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Derby and, RDAs and private developers.
But the downturn has seen attendance down from 29,000 in 2008 to 20,000 this year. UK councils attending the event included Bath & North East Somerset Council, Belfast City, Coventry, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Gateshead, Newcastle and Liverpool city councils, as well as five London boroughs and the CLG. There was also a strong contingent from European cities and mayors.
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