Pictured above: Brindleyplace - the Moorfield Hines deal
took place in 2010 and is an example of successful US investment in
Birmingham. In a deal worth just under £200m, Moorfield and
Hines Global REIT partnered to buy five buildings at Birmingham's
Brindleyplace office scheme
Business Birmingham is in New York this week as part of its
strategy to raise the city's international profile and attract
investors to Birmingham.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, which
operates Business Birmingham, and Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment
Director for Business Birmingham, are in New York from 7-9th March
to promote the city as a leading place to do business to US
companies looking for a European base.
The team will highlight the city's industry leading credentials
in financial services, shared services, digital media and clean
technology, including low carbon R&D and renewables, to
potential investors at a series of private meetings. Research
commissioned by Business Birmingham with IBM-PLI, the global
location specialists recently identified these sectors as areas of
investment opportunity for the city.
Neil Rami, said:
"The US is a major source of inward investment for the UK and
Birmingham's market leading credentials and critical mass in a
number of growing sectors provide a an opportunity to increase its
share.
"This visit will allow us to improve Birmingham's international
visibility and reputation by showcasing it strengths directly to US
investors. Financial services are a particular growth area for
Birmingham and with many organisations in the sector looking to
rebalance their geographical spread and develop more regional
bases, there is a opportunity for the city."
The US visit is the first in an international campaign by
Business Birmingham to promote the city, attract international
investment and create much needed new jobs.
Chris Loughran, Vice Chairman and Midlands Senior Partner for
Deloitte, said:
"Birmingham's financial services sector is strong and despite
recent challenges, is well placed for growth. The US market is
significant and as the economic climate takes its toll on other
traditional financial hubs, many investors are looking for new
areas for secure, but progressive investment.
"Awareness of Birmingham as a financial services hub on an
international level is limited. By showcasing its market
credentials directly to US investors, Business Birmingham is
building the city's profile and the foundations of relationships
that could bring real investment and jobs."
Business Birmingham's inward investment strategy is closely
linked to that of Marketing Birmingham's business and leisure
tourism campaigns, Meet Birmingham and Visit Birmingham.
Aligning its promotional strategies at an international level,
and viewing culture as an integral part of Birmingham and its
vibrancy as a business location, Business Birmingham is teaming up
with Ex Cathedra, one of Europe's leading choral ensembles, which
is based in the city.
Ex Cathedra is currently on tour in the US and will open
Business Birmingham's visit with a unique performance of Baroque
music from Latin America on Sunday 6th March. On Monday 7th March,
Neil Rami will host a Birmingham evening reception in association
with UKTI. Rami will be joined by Nick McInnes, Director, UKTI USA
& Deputy Consul-General, British Consulate-General, New
York.
Nick McInnes, Director, UK Trade & Investment USA, British
Consulate-General, New York, who is supporting Business
Birmingham's US visit, commented:
"In the current US marketplace there are opportunities for UK
cities which can demonstrate the capabilities needed to attract
inward investment. US investors are looking for new opportunities,
but many do not have sufficient awareness or knowledge of UK
regional cities to make a judgment about their potential.
This visit will provide an excellent opportunity for
Birmingham to showcase its investment credentials. .
"The US invested US$1.8 trillion in foreign markets at the end
of 2009, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. It is,
therefore, important for Birmingham to build that awareness and
develop the future relationships needed to attract an increasing
level of investment."
Business Birmingham will also be seeking US sales representation
while in New York as it looks to maintain the momentum of the visit
and capitalise on contacts made.