Next Gen trailblazers from the Central South will be playing a pivotal role at the world’s leading real estate event in March.
Jakiat Jitu, Major Projects Support Officer at Southampton City Council and Georgia Turner, Assistant Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis will be travelling as part of the Central South contingent representing the region on a global stage at MIPIM in Cannes from 9th March to 13th March 2026.
Hundreds of applications were made from young professionals across the world for the coveted challenger places and they will be taking part in stage events and discussions.
Jakiat explained she was delighted to have been chosen to attend MIPIM as a Challenger.
“Hearing that I had actually been chosen was both humbling and energising. It signaled not only a personal achievement but also recognition of the work that our City Development team is delivering at such a crucial moment for Southampton. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who supported, encouraged, and guided me through the process. Their belief in me helped transform a hopeful nomination into a truly significant opportunity. Being named a MIPIM Challenger has strengthened my determination to represent our city with ambition, integrity, and enthusiasm,” she said.
Georgia emphasised she hoped to gain greater insight and broaden her strategic understanding of the global forces shaping the built environment.
“By attending MIPIM, I hope to deepen my insight into how we can support growth and regeneration across the South Coast. I also hope to strengthen existing relationships and use new connections and learnings to enhance the way I deliver projects, ensuring the work I lead continues to drive value, innovation, and positive outcomes for the communities we serve.
“In addition, I am passionate about widening access to the sector and championing early‑career talent. Participating in MIPIM will allow me to bring the voice of the next generation into global conversations and highlight the importance of creating an industry that is open, accessible, and exciting.”
And Jakiat added: “I am deeply committed to regeneration that is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in the identity of Southampton. I believe in development that creates opportunities for local people, strengthens skills and employment pathways, and builds a legacy that future generations can be proud of, principles enshrined in our new Growth and Prosperity Plan.
“The MIPIM Challenger programme offers a rare chance to amplify this message and to bring back new perspectives, bold ideas, and practical approaches that can support our ongoing work. Above all, I hope that my journey demonstrates what is possible when people work together with perseverance, passion, and a clear vision for the future of our city.”
A business-led consortium will be flying the flag for the Central South region at MIPIM and Fiona Gray, Director of Place, Welborne Garden Village will address an international audience on the UK stage this year.
Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Business South CEO, said: “It is important for our region to be part of MIPIM and our involvement in this international event has grown over the years. We will have a 30+ strong contingent representing the region in 2026 and our focus is to have meaningful conversations with investors who are keen to have a presence in the Central South.”
The MIPIM Challengers initiative creates space for the next generation of real estate professionals to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the industry, while promoting the values of diversity and inclusion.
Since 2024, MIPIM has seen 31 Challengers on stage in Cannes from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and other countries, selected through essay submission. For MIPIM 2026, the initiative is scaling up, with even more Challengers joining to build a stronger and more connected community of trailblazers.
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For more information on the Central South at MIPIM visit www.talkingcentralsouth.co.uk and to arrange interviews contact kate@businesssouth.org
