Dav Bansal, partner at Howells, reflects on the value of MIPIM for strengthening relationships, supporting Birmingham, and gaining insights into the year ahead. He highlights the importance of learning from peers and clients, as well as mentoring colleagues experiencing the event for the first time.
How are you enjoying MIPIM?
Meeting up and spending time with friends from the industry to discuss the year ahead and learn from the challenges we have all faced. Conversations from business structure/ skill gaps to emerging sectors and funding market. There is an air of optimism but with caution for the year ahead.
What do you hope to achieve by coming here?
Strengthening existing relationships through supporting my city of Birmingham and discussing future plans with our clients as well as making new connections.
And is it working out?
Yes, having spent time listening to our peers and clients, there is much to learn from their experiences and a better understanding of the opportunities that can shape our industry and the UK, in particular for the regions.
What’s been the highlight for you?
Bringing two of my colleagues who have both enjoyed the experience and seeing them excel in meeting people to discuss opportunities. It reminded me of my early visits to MIPIM back in 2010.
If you could change one thing about MIPIM what would it be?
There is a lack of ministerial and senior civil servants from the UK to support and convey our messages to investors about UK Plc. We need to change this.
What are you working on at the moment?
Transforming city/ town centres to bring residential into the mix of cultural, leisure and retail uses to reshape sustainable/ healthy neighbourhoods.
What keeps you awake at night?
Impact on funding and viability of projects due to lack of government’s understanding of resourcing the building safety gateway process.
