The agency charged with attracting businesses to Leicestershire says it is to unveil "a major investment opportunity" to the world's leading property developers.

David Hughes, chief executive of Prospect Leicestershire, is to attend the Mipim conference in Cannes, south of France, next month with Sue Tilley, the agency's head of inward investment.

The annual event – widely seen as the world's biggest property and investment trade fair – is attended by the industry's global big hitters.

Mr Hughes remained tight-lipped about the details of the announcement, saying he would only reveal more at the conference, which is due to take place between March 8-11.

"There will be a major investment opportunity which we will be announcing," he said.

The two Prospect Leicestershire representatives will be attending alongside Pick Everard, the architecture and civil engineering firm based in Leicester.

Partner Duncan Green is leading a three-strong delegation from the Charles Street firm. Other attendees include Kevin Harris, partner at business adviser Cooper Parry, in Leicester.

Leicestershire will have a much smaller representation this year compared to previous conferences because of the loss of funding from East Midlands Development Agency (Emda).

Mr Green said his company, which like other private firms has always financed its presence at the event itself, had a long-term commitment to Mipim.

He said: "Mipim is a very important vehicle for us. As a firm, we made a decision that we would be going to Mipim for five years and this is our fifth year. It has realised significant benefits to this firm in terms of the links it's provided to major investment that's coming into the UK.

"You have to remember that companies like Hammerson, which invested in Highcross, had the opportunity to invest throughout Europe. Cities that make it to Mipim show they are worthy players. Mipim remains the most important real estate conference for the UK.

"We are pleased that Prospect Leicestershire has been brave enough to make the decision to continue going when there's massive pressures on their funding."

Accommodation, travel and registration costs totalling £5,000 for Mr Hughes and Ms Tilley will be paid for by public funds.

This compares to £24,000 of public funding last year and £30,000 in 2009.

Prospect is to relocate from Leicester's Colton Square to Town Hall Square by April as part of a merger with tourism body Leicester Shire Promotions following cuts to both their funding.