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 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
In January 2010 London First launched an Infrastructure Commission to look at the challenges and opportunities surrounding the provision of strategic infrastructure in London. It is chaired by Martin Stanley, Head of Macquarie Capital Funds Europe. A call for evidence invited views from businesses and stakeholders offering both demand side and supply side perspectives, and has been 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 Perks
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
