Page 13 - Informed 2018 Issue 2

EXPERT VIEW
An ICSC insider in Brussels
Joost Koomen
European policy-making is increasingly important for the retail real estate sector. On the eve of important political change in Europe with both the EU elections as well as Brexit taking place in
the first of half of 2019, the ICSC
has decided to beef up its presence in Brussels. As ICSC’s Head of European Public Affairs since
3 September, I will advocate for
its policy agenda in Europe and engage with European stakeholders on important policy issues.
ICSC has of course engaged with the EU on topics such as the
Services Directive or the Energy Performance of Building Directive in the past. However, the public affairs arena has become as much about the ability to communicate your value proposition to
external stakeholders as about advocating specific policy positions. A permanent presence in Brussels will provide ICSC and its members with a seat at the table to explain the important role the sector
has to play in Europe’s societies and economies to European stakeholders on a daily basis. Let’s face it, if you are not at the table, you’re on the menu!
Joost Koomen
ICSC’s Head of European Public Affairs
ICSC INFORMED | NOVEMBER 2018 | 13
Minister of Foreig
Didier Reynders n Affairs, Belgium
ways to improve perception and position,’ Saletti told Informed.
‘It’s very rare to have people at such senior level from operators, developers, banks, and investors openly discuss strategic topics in the sector. This allows us to analyse market dynamics from different perspectives and emerge with innovative ideas and actions.’
Jean- Christophe Bretxa, CEO of Metro Properties, who was attending the forum for the first time, said that he encountered a ‘unique and constructive’ event.
‘I had the feeling of being in a neutral space,’ Bretxa told Informed, ‘where there is no competition, but really a sense of shaping the future together. That also re- flected the talent of Peter Wilhelm as chair.’ While discussions about the future and the industry’s direction also impressed Brexta, ‘equally important was listening
to colleagues from various countries talking about their thoughts on the role
of leisure in our business,’ he added. ‘Topics such as the food & beverage (F&B) share and healthcare firms as potential
Sheila King, Founder and CEO, Sheila King International
tenants were extremely thought-pro- voking. On the other hand, there was
a sense of urgency to prepare for the future as everyone around the table was convinced that shopping centres will not stay as they are today in the coming decades.’
For Saletti, it was a unique way to plug into the most important industry trends. ‘I’d say that the key issues at the moment are internet distribution, regulation
for distribution and development, plus retail brands’ strategic plans and growth paths in a changing environment.
The availability of financing for new development projects and listed sector REITs trading below NAV are also considerations,’ he noted.
Brexta said that CEO Forum differed
from other similar industry meetings by offering a cultural programme which stimulated creativity.
‘I wasn’t anticipating that art would play a role in the event, but there was music and a visit to the Magritte museum which I enjoyed immensely,’ he said. ‘At first I thought it was unusual, but I think at the end of the day that combining culture and business is an incredible way to stimulate innovation.’