Hansom-Sur-Mer - Paying the price

Fancy seeing you here

One of the joys of Mipim is spotting people in unexpected networking situations, and then speculating about what’s going on behind the scenes – gossip can be almost as frenzied as when football manager Sven Goran Eriksson was allegedly spotted with Chelsea representatives while ostensibly still working for the England team. In this light, was there anything in property developer Tom Bloxham’s attendance at the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation’s Mipim lunch? Notable, as Urban Splash has never had any schemes in London. At least not yet …

Smashed!

You expect to see a bit of stumbling at Mipim. Usually down the Croisette at 2am though, and not on the way to important business meetings before midday. But this year, the London stand proved to be something of a health and safety hazard as the set of rickety steps leading into the pavilion sent several delegates flying. And the glass doors out onto the terrace at the back – perfect for letting in the Cannes sunshine – appeared deceptively absent for anyone not 100% on the ball. At least one person walked headfirst into them – on the occasion that I witnessed, at some speed and with an almighty crash (much to the shock, and then guilty amusement, of everyone present). I understand he was fine by the way, nothing a large glass of wine couldn’t fix, even if it was before noon.

MIPIM: Keep out!

The lengths to which Mipim organiser Reed Midem was going to ensure every single visitor to Cannes paid full price was a major talking point again this year. Bear in mind that Reed won about £90,000 from agent Drivers Jonas this month after suing it for setting up stall in a cafe down the road, rather than taking a paid-for stand in the bunker. Many were grumbling that the Cannes seafront had effectively become a no-go zone for non-badge wearers during the week. It is understandable that it frustrates the organisers to see others taking a free ride on the event they’ve spent years creating, but, really, it’s time to lighten up. Half of the 83 people who had spent a week raising £150,000 for charity on the Aedas Cycle to Cannes were denied their chance to hear Boris Johnson’s official welcome speech at the London stand because they hadn’t bought tickets.

Like a Redrow to a bull

Also in attendance at the property event was Steve Morgan of Redrow. However, it was probably a good job he wasn’t around the next day at the London stand or his mood might have taken a beating. I couldn’t help but overhear a couple of agents discuss just what they thought about his return to Redrow and, more specifically, his recently launched New Heritage Collection. “He’s gone in like a bull in a china shop there with that new collection. Have you seen it?” said one, barely suppressing a grimace. “Talk about reverting to type. I think it’s bloody awful.” And who said it’s women who like a good old bitch …

Sailing by

Questions were being asked under the trade descriptions act last week by guests attending law firm Lovells’ boat party. In actual fact it was a party on the quayside near a boat, which nobody was allowed on. And very nice it was too. Nevertheless, some were disappointed about the lack of access. Well you can’t please everybody. Maybe Lovells are still smarting from the time five years ago when their boat was raided by French police after they failed to pay the Reed Midem tax for being part of the show?