Research
London First undertakes research on a range of London issues, developing incisive analysis based on current data, to help shape policy affecting London business
Supporting UK growth while balancing the budget
Launched in Nov 2009, our new competitiveness report offers an approach to fiscal policy for the next Government which supports growth in London and the rest of the UK.
London First and City of London Corporation have been working with a steering group of business leaders, co-chaired by the City’s Policy and Resources Chairman, Stuart Fraser, and PwC Chairman Ian Powell. Drawing from an in depth economic research, commissioned from consultants LECG, the report considers how decisions on both spending cuts and taxation increases can be made with the least damage to London and the UK’s economic prospects. Find out more
Contact John Dickie
Infrastructure Commission
In January 2010 London First will launch an Infrastructure Commission to look at the challenges and opportunities surrounding the provision of strategic infrastructure in London. It will be chaired by Martin Stanley, Head of Macquarie Capital Funds Europe. A call for evidence will invite views from businesses and stakeholders offering both demand side and supply side perspectives, followed by a number of issue-specific hearings. Policy recommendations - for regulators, London and national government for the short, medium and longer terms - will be launched in autumn 2010. Find out more
Contact Claire Jenkins
Voice of London employers 2010
Our skills agenda focuses on jobs and employability, matching publicly-funded training to the needs of the London economy and its workforce. To inform this work, London First has commissioned Experian to conduct new employer research, with a particular focus on employers’ needs in the recession. Telephone surveys of 2000+ employers will take place from December 2009, with our conclusions published in March 2010.
Contact John Attree
Holding the line – The economic benefits of modernising the Tube
Failure to modernise the Tube would have dramatic consequences for both passengers and the economy. London First-commissioned research shows that the upgrade more than pays for itself, with fare revenues alone outweighing the combined cost of modernising and maintaining the Tube. The £11bn programme would generate an estimated £54bn of economic benefits. But the worst case scenario of no Crossrail and an unfinished Tube upgrade would result in half a million of rush hour commuters travelling under intolerable conditions, equivalent to four people squeezed into a telephone box. The report was launched at our event with Mayor Boris Johnson in Oct 2009.
Executive summary
For a copy of the full research report, please contact Rob Fox
Imagine a world class Heathrow
In recent years the poor quality of the passenger experience at Heathrow - London’s principal business airport - has posed a sustained threat to London, and the UK, as a fulcrum of the global economy.
A London First-commissioned study of the regulatory controls governing Heathrow airport identifies key symptoms of ‘Heathrow Hassle’ - flight delays, long and unreliable waiting times, deteriorating airport buildings and distorted economic incentives - and suggests potential short and medium term solutions to restore Heathrow to world class status. The report was carried out by London Economics and steered by a group of the capital's business leaders. We consulted widely with business, the aviation industry and other stakeholders on the issues we identified.
Report summary (June 2008)
Full research report (June 2008)
Final conclusions (November 2008)
Contact Rob Fox
Reinvigorating the High Street - Encouraging retail diversity and supporting town centres
London’s high streets need strong management, improved public spaces and accessibility, effective marketing, and the right mix of retail, leisure, housing and offices. These were some of the recommendations of the London First Retail Commission (chaired by Grosvenor’s Jeremy Newsum) which investigated ways to encourage a diverse retail sector in London. Launched in Oct 2009, our recommendations have been submitted to the London Assembly’s investigation into small shops and aim to influence the London Plan and borough policies.
Contact Kate Vandermeer
Retail Commission recommendations summary and final report
