Themes of the day - Future London 2026

FUTURE LONDON: FROM VISION TO ACTION  

London remains one of the world’s leading global cities – a powerful asset in an era of change. Its current political stability presents an opportune moment for progress: a practical window in which to accelerate delivery and move from vision to action.  

To seize this moment, the capital must project confidence – not through rhetoric, but through a clear commitment to making things happen. Business leaders are pivotal in driving this forward.  

Future London 2026 will focus on how business can harness London’s existing strengths and emerging opportunities to secure the capital’s competitive edge. We will explore how we can deliver the next phase of growth – reducing friction in the system and creating the conditions for institutional and private investment to confidently back major projects.  

The opportunity is clear: with aligned policy, strong leadership and collaboration, London can build the homes, infrastructure and innovation needed to drive long-term growth.  

Key themes for 2026 include: 

Politics and the city: Exploring what the local elections tell us about future direction 

Political change – locally and nationally – is potentially set to reshape how London is governed and how decisions will be made. Taking place soon after the borough elections, Future London offers a unique moment to reflect on the results – and what they signal for the relationships between borough leaders, City Hall, Whitehall, businesses and Londoners themselves.  

This session will examine how evolving political dynamics could influence priorities, partnerships and delivery – and what they may foreshadow for the next general election. 

Confidence and capital: Delivering our pitch to the world 

London should be recognised as one of the world’s most attractive destinations, not just for investment but for people. With a clear direction and stronger collaboration, the scale of the opportunity is vast. 

How do we cultivate confidence in the capital to secure the investment needed for growth? How do we demonstrate to global talent that London is a place they want to live, and ensure tourists and business visitors experience a safe, vibrant and world class city. 

We’ll look at how the capital can re-energise investor confidence, creating an environment where businesses and communities can prosper, and directing funding towards projects that deliver social as well as economic impact. 

Boosting productivity: Unlocking growth through innovation, skills and technology 

London is the UK’s economic engine – but its productivity growth has slowed, with the productivity gap between the capital and other major UK cities narrowing significantly in recent years. How can London unlock the next wave of growth and continue to work effectively for the rest of the UK? The answer lies in a powerful combination of people, technology and place. 

Future London will unpack how the capital can become a city powered by innovation, equipped with the right skills and supported by the physical and digital infrastructure needed to thrive. 

Thriving communities: Building a London where every community can live well, feel safe and thrive 

A successful London is inclusive, affordable and vibrant – a city where every community can flourish. 

The capital needs more affordable homes, better transport connections and infrastructure that supports health, wellbeing and sustainability.  

Thriving communities are cultural communities. London’s identity, nightlife, local high streets and public spaces are fundamental to quality of life and economic strength.  

We’ll explore how London can create thriving neighbourhoods that are not just built well but live well.