Devolution, infrastructure and growth on the agenda at Green reception

BusinessLDN brought together business leaders and Green politicians in Brighton for a packed reception focused on London’s future.

Five months on from the Greens’ local election successes, their growing role in London politics was evident, with businesses keen to build relationships, exchange ideas and explore areas of common ground.

Opening the evening, BusinessLDN Deputy Chief Executive Muniya Barua reflected on the opportunity for all parties to help shape the capital’s future. From housing and transport to skills and infrastructure, tackling the challenges holding London back will require strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Our Chief Executive John Dickie congratulated Green representatives on their electoral successes before turning to one of the evening’s recurring themes: devolution.

John highlighted London’s unique position as both a major driver of national prosperity and a city facing significant pressures of its own. He made the case for a stronger devolution settlement that gives the capital the powers and resources to tackle those challenges, invest in its future and continue driving growth across the country.

He also stressed the importance of making progress on the infrastructure London needs now, pointing to the DLR extension to Thamesmead, West London Orbital and the Bakerloo line extension as projects that could help unlock new homes, jobs and growth.

Peter Hogg, UK & Ireland Country Director, Arcadis, picked up the theme of delivering a better-connected, more resilient London. Drawing on the company’s Dutch heritage and longstanding purpose of improving quality of life, he spoke about its work across water resilience, public transport, active travel and regeneration – and its ambition to continue working with London’s leaders and communities.

Kevin McKeever, Chief Executive of Lowick Hedry, reflected on the opportunities created by a changing political landscape. From warmer homes and active travel to cleaner air, safer streets and thriving high streets, he pointed to areas of alignment between business and Green priorities. His message to both was simple: start the conversation, build trust and engage early.

Bringing a local perspective, Nic Durston, Chief Executive of South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG), set out its work with businesses, boroughs and local partners around three priorities – place investment, inclusive growth and environmental sustainability – and the importance of ensuring investment delivers tangible benefits for London’s communities.

Cllr James McAsh, Leader of Southwark Council, rounded off the evening by setting out an approach combining the Green Party’s strong principles with pragmatism and a willingness to work together to get things done.

From finding workable solutions on development to creating better links between businesses, colleges and young Londoners, James set out the scope for collaboration. And, met with a cheer from the room, his clearest ask was to keep making the case for the Bakerloo line extension and the growth and opportunity it could unlock.

The conversations continued well beyond the speeches, a fitting reflection of the energy in the room and enthusiasm for continuing to build relationships between business and the Green Party.

South Bank BID
South Bank Business Improvement District (BID) supports and enhances the South Bank area in response to growing visitor numbers and reduced public funding. Representing more than 300 businesses, the BID delivers services including enhanced security, street cleaning and waste collection, while promoting South Bank as one of London’s leading cultural and visitor destinations.

South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG)
South Bank Employers’ Group brings together businesses and organisations across London’s South Bank to champion the area on behalf of employers, residents, students and visitors. Through collaboration, advocacy and targeted programmes, SBEG works to protect and enhance South Bank while driving positive change for the local community.

Arcadis
Arcadis is a leading global partner driving some of the most transformative projects of our time. Arcadis helps clients make sustainable choices by combining digital innovation, human expertise, and future-focused skills across environment, energy, water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Taking design, engineering, architecture and consultancy to the next level, Arcadis uses data-driven insights to co-create environments that reflect our clients’ business and stakeholder needs. With over 35,000 people, Arcadis unites global expertise to tackle challenges like climate resilience, energy security and diversification, and livable cities, improving quality of life through our presence in 30+ countries. In 2024, Arcadis achieved €5.0 billion in gross revenues.

Lowick Hedry
Lowick Hedry is a cross-party public affairs consultancy that helps organisations navigate political and policy challenges at the local, regional and national level. Combining strategic insight, political intelligence and commercial judgement, it supports clients in engaging effectively with decision-makers and stakeholders.