We’ve just returned from four days in the sun soaked south of France attending MIPIM – the World’s premier property show and networking opportunity.
Myself, Ian and three members of the network Tim Downing of Pygott & Crone, Matt Nicol of Nicol & Co and Will Smith of Complete, spent the time meeting people and building new contacts right across the property spectrum.
A common misconception of MIPIM is that it’s a ‘jolly up’.
While there are plenty of drinks receptions and parties going on there is equally a lot of serious business conducted. And there were huge players in the industry there from the UK, Europe and further afield.
It was my first trip to MIPIM which has just celebrated its 29th year of attracting the most serious players in the industry.
For a strong leading estate agency with an interest in development, this really is a place to go, learn from leading industry figures, establish rapport with influential decision makers and extend your list of contacts.
Now whether you can justify the time out of your business next year to attend this or not, it did emphasise several points that I think the average agent overlooks.
Firstly, when was the last time you spoke to your local authority to become the agent of choice for your patch?
These authorities are selling land and surplus property all the time – are you on the list for the tender process? If not, it’s worth asking.
Secondly, Local Enterprise Partnerships – I was lucky enough to be invited to the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership brunch – our Land & New Homes Network members Pygott & Crone were the only partner agent. I was in awe at the level of networking those guys were doing at the event and just how valued they were by the other businesses and stakeholders there.
That’s an opportunity which exists in nearly every agent’s patch. Pygott & Crone are professional, proactive and hard-working enough to create that opportunity for their multi-award-winning agency.
Thirdly, collaboration – architects, planners, local authorities, funders were at MIPIM, as they are every year. And the good news is they are all keen to engage with market leading agents who can share their insights and expertise.
It has been one of my most worthwhile business trips in years and I am most definitely going back next year along with a proper plan in place to make the most of the 4 days.
We met with so many new contacts, one of whom has already given us an off-plan opportunity on 3 major sites in Manchester and with similar opportunities to be picked up on this week from others we met.
Watch out for a follow up article where Matt and Will share their experience at MIPIM and how they think it will benefit their respective agencies.
Here’s looking forward to MIPIM 2019.
Kevin Ellis