Football legend to school industry elite

A football legend-turned-property developer is set to star at a prestigious property event next week…

Former Manchester United footballer, Gary Neville, is set to speak at the property event MIPIM, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary next week.

He is set to deliver a keynote speech on behalf of Greater Manchester’s property professionals at this year’s MIPIM.

Neville, who recently linked up with ex-Manchester United team mate, Ryan Giggs on a variety of property-based projects, will be based at one of the six Manchester stands at the event.

His speech will orbit around the pair’s joint property venture, Hotel Football.

Andrew Stokes, Chief Executive of Marketing Manchester, the agency leading the City’s presence at MIPIM, said: “Gary Neville is a fantastic ambassador for Manchester and a welcome addition to the series of Manchester at MIPIM Partnership events.

“Gary’s involvement with our activity this year exemplifies the city’s spirit of collaboration and connectivity.  With the support of 59 partners and a lively and engaging week of activity planned, Manchester will once again be a significant focal point for the international property community this March.“       

MIPIM, based in Cannes, spans from the 11th to the 14th and is set to host 1,863 exhibiting firms from 83 different countries.

Hotel Football is the newest addition to Neville’s company, GG Hospitality.

With a set opening date of autumn 2014, the new project will face his former team’s home ground, Old Trafford.

Leading hotelier Stuart Procter is also a co-founder of the 139 bedroom hotel which is set to boast a football pitch on its roof.

The Manchester stand sessions take place at 10:30 and 15:45 (9:30 and 14:45 GMT) each day.