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
London's current and future competitiveness: a review of city competitor data
This review of London’s competitiveness, as compared to other world cities, shows that London is a leading international business centre and, according to many reports, the leading international financial centre. However these same reports show that London’s lead over other global cities is diminishing. Emerging markets are improving fast and traditional rivals are regaining ground; in part because London’s long standing reputation for predictably and consistency has been eroded by a series of damaging policy changes.
Read the report
Contact Anna Ridler
A White Paper for Sustainable Economic Growth - Views of London business
Private sector growth is the best solution to addressing the UK’s fiscal deficit. Our White Paper for Sustainable Economic Growth identifies a number of areas which, if addressed, would help grow the UK economy and create jobs. Overseen by a steering group of business leaders, the paper makes 30 recommendations for Government which require neither spending increases or tax cuts.
Read the report
Contact Jane Archer
Supporting UK growth while balancing the budget
Launched in Nov 2009, our 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 worked 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
A balanced tax policy: Supporting UK growth
This research outlines what steps should be taken to ensure that London and the UK remain competitive, as the Government prepares to set out its plans to reduce the fiscal deficit. It argues that the UK needs a balanced tax policy, built on fairness, due process and competitiveness. Government must avoid knee-jerk tax rises which put the UK’s reputation at risk. A tax system which is competitive in terms of corporate and personal tax will ensure that the most talented individuals are attracted to London, while a sustainable and predictable approach to developing and implementing tax policy will restore confidence. Read the report
Contact Jane Archer
Greater returns: Transport priorities for economic growth
This report, underpinned by analysis commissioned from Deloitte and Peter Brett Associates, looks at the contribution of transport investment to growth and the way in which schemes should be prioritised by Government. The study concludes that there should be a credible, transparent and consistently applied framework for prioritising transport projects based on their long-term contribution to the wider economy.
Greater returns - executive summary
Greater returns - full analysis
Contact Rob Fox
Infrastructure Commission
The London Infrastructure Commission was set up to consider the challenges and opportunities involved in the provision of strategic infrastructure for London. In January, the Commission issued a Call for Evidence, inviting business leaders and stakeholders to make written submissions, based on their expertise and experience as well as wider observations on London’s long-term infrastructure needs. After the initial consultation period, the Commission invited experts to give oral evidence at individual hearings.
The Commission has developed recommendations for regulators, local government and national government for the short, medium and longer terms, drawing on both supply side and demand side perspectives.
World class infrastructure for a world city - executive summary
World class infrastructure for a world city - a report from the Infrastructure Commission
Contact David Leam
Road Sense: Balancing the costs and benefits of road works
London First conducted a study to examine ways to reduce congestion in the capital through the introduction of new practices in managing essential roadworks, including lane rental charging on the busiest roads. The project was steered by a group of London First’s business members and stakeholders, who commissioned an assessment of the costs to London business of disruption due to roadworks from transport consultants Colin Buchanan, with technical advice coming from a High Level Technical Group.
Our recommendations look at new financial incentives which properly reflect the impacts of roadworks on road users and the costs to utilities.
Road Sense: Balancing the costs and benefits of road works
Contact Rob Fox
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 commissioned Experian to conduct new employer research, with a particular focus on employers’ needs in the recession. Telephone surveys of 2000+ employers began in December 2009, with conclusions used to inform our policy development.
Vole report (May 2010)
A revision of the employment and skills landscape (June 2010) - A research report, commissioned by London First and conducted by Experian
A Job Worth Doing (June 2010) - A draft paper, setting out an approach to cutting public secto costs while retaining outcomes, with examples from the education and skills sector.
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. Retail Commission recommendations summary and final report
Contact Kate Vandermeer
