London First, the campaigning business group, has today rebranded as BusinessLDN. The new name and brand were made public at the organisation’s Annual Conference, following six months of consultation with the group’s members, stakeholders and staff on its vision for the future.
After 30 years as London First, campaigning to make London the best city in the world in which to do business, the organisation’s milestone birthday offered a moment of reflection on what is needed to drive forward its mission for the next 30 years. The new name captures the purpose of the organisation as a campaigning business group, and its ongoing commitment to the capital as a city that supports businesses locally, nationally and globally.
As BusinessLDN, the campaigning business group will harness the strength and energy of its cross-sector membership to ensure it delivers for the whole country to support growth and opportunity. The pandemic has brought fresh challenges for the city and underlined some that already existed. While recovery is underway and commuting is back to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, there is much to do to harness the capital’s potential as one of the best cities in the world to work, live and play. The organisation will continue to bring businesses, educators and the third sector together with government at all levels to make the case for a step change in the approach to reskilling, the net-zero carbon transition, the delivery of digital and physical infrastructure, affordable housing and place-making in the city and beyond.
During its 30-year history, the campaigning business group has successfully made the case for the creation of the role of Mayor of London and Transport for London, for the innovative funding package that delivered the Elizabeth Line, it incubated Teach First, campaigned for the third runway at Heathrow and launched Skills London, the UK’s largest career and jobs fair for 14 – 24-year-olds, which returns to ExCel this November.
John Dickie, Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, said:
“London has changed dramatically in our 30-year history, and as we look ahead to the next 30, our name needs to capture our purpose in a 21st century world.
“As BusinessLDN, we are galvanising our members behind an agenda that will improve our city’s competitiveness and maintain our place as the world’s business capital while working with and for the whole UK.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:
“London is the business capital of Europe, and our start-up ecosystem is also one of the most diverse and vibrant in the world. To maintain this position, we must continue to innovate and look to the future.
“I welcome BusinessLDN’s rebrand. Over the last 30 years, they have helped shape our great city, most recently through their support with the Elizabeth Line, and it’s great to see that they are thinking about the next 30, and how we can build a better London for everyone.”
Minister for London Paul Scully MP, said:
“Levelling up is a plan for everyone – it will ensure all parts of the UK economy can grow and that we can flourish as a nation. This includes delivering for London and ensuring it benefits from Levelling Up too– which is why I look forward to continuing to work with BusinessLDN.
“Recovery from the pandemic has been strong in our capital, but we need to continue to work with groups like BusinessLDN to ensure no area is left behind – by boosting skills, improving infrastructure and creating new opportunities which have a lasting impact on people’s lives.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Contact: Josh McLean, Communications Manager josh.mclean@businessldn.co.uk / 07852 030 306
- BusinessLDN is the new name of London First.
- BusinessLDN is spoken as Business London.