Competitiveness

Competitiveness

Tackling barriers to investment and growth to strengthen London’s offer

London is an engine of growth for the whole UK, delivering a £44bn net tax surplus for the country each year. The capital’s success owes much to its marketplace – an ecosystem underpinned by world-leading economic clusters, renowned arts and culture, and its status as a magnet for skilled workers from across the globe.  

In a world of seemingly ever-increasing political and economic uncertainty, London has a huge opportunity to build on its existing strengths and leverage its relative stability. Our focus is on ensuring the capital seizes the moment, highlighting barriers to achieving this and identifying practical solutions. This approach will frame our agenda for the year ahead with a view to increasing our share of private investment amid fierce global competition. 

Commuters and red buses crossing London Bridge during rush hour

What we do 

We advocate for London’s competitiveness, convening business, all levels of government, the Bank of England, regulators, and other key stakeholders. We campaign to: 

  • Make London more attractive to investors, through targeted advocacy shaped by investor insights. 
  • Boost short-term growth, pushing for measures like VAT-free shopping and scrapping stamp duty on shares. 
  • Strengthen the case for devolution, calling for greater powers and resources for London and other city regions. 
  • Unlock private investment in infrastructure, promoting proven and new funding models. 

Working for London  

To keep London competitive and attractive to talent, we’re working to: 

  • Strengthen London’s pitch to the world amid geopolitical uncertainty (selling to showcasing the city’s breadth and depth as a marketplace, its appeal to investors and visitors, and its reputation as a great place to live, work, and play. 

  • Get London growing again – restoring productivity, boosting inclusive growth, positioning London as a global leader, and ensuring the Mayor’s Growth Plan delivers for the capital. 
  • Champion a vibrant cultural sector that drives job creation, attracts international tourism, and strengthens London’s global reputation as a dynamic, inclusive city. 

  • Develop innovative funding and finance models to accelerate private sector investment into the infrastructure the capital needs. 

  • Press for stronger digital connectivity across the capital to underpin business and innovation. 
  • Maintain active engagement with telecommunications and 5G stakeholders through the Gigabit Connectivity Working Group. 

Briefings, networking, and working groups 

  • Economic insights briefing with the Bank of England – building senior business relationships and gathering cross-sector economic intelligence with the Bank of England’s London team every quarter. 

  • Tax and regulation – sharing tax and regulatory ideas to boost growth for inclusion in our submissions to the Chancellor ahead of all the major fiscal events and specific consultations, such as business rates, all of which will inform our ongoing political engagement and campaigning activity.
  • Infrastructure Group – advocating for innovative funding solutions with speakers from the National Infrastructure Commission and roundtables with the UK Infrastructure Bank on London’s investment challenges. 

  • Data Working Group – putting data at the heart of London policymaking, strengthening public-private sharing, and creating pilots to tackle city-wide challenges with the GLA at our quarterly working group. 

  • Gigabit Connectivity Network for London – transforming London into a smart-city leader through full fibre and 5G rollout, and offering the opportunity to connect with leading operators and key representatives from the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Councils, and boroughs.
  • Culture Council – championing culture’s contribution to London’s jobs, growth, tourism, and soft power through our new network of iconic institutions. 

Recent Achievements  

  • Secured a number of ​‘wins’ in the 2025 Autumn Budget: including infrastructure funding, a stamp duty holiday for newly listed firms, and heading off some damaging proposals for the financial and professional services sector.  
  • Shaped the Mayor’s London Growth Plan: Played a pivotal role in ensuring the plan reflects business priorities and supports growth sectors. 
  • Launched the Culture Council: Established a new network to champion the economic and social contribution of London’s cultural sector. 
  • Secured an integrated financial settlement for London: Successfully advocated for a multi-year funding deal, confirmed by the Government for 2026/27. 
  • The London Data Charter, developed by the London Data Commission and launched by London First, which set out seven principles to guide responsible data sharing between businesses and public-sector organisations. It aims to unlock the potential of London’s vast but fragmented data to tackle major challenges such as digital exclusion and achieving net-zero goals.