02 Mar West London’s business leaders come together to help drive area’s economic recovery
The Capital West London Growth Summit on 2nd March 2022 sees the launch of a major collaboration between some of the area’s key business leaders to contribute to West London’s recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic.
West London is an important driver of the UK economy, with the region’s pre-Covid economy valued at £80bn, bigger than Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff combined) and home to world-leading businesses, universities, and to Heathrow – as well as having good proximity to Central London.
The area’s economy has, however, been amongst those hardest hit by the impact of the pandemic, seeing a contraction of nearly 11% in 2020, and with unemployment levels still nearly double pre-pandemic levels.
The business collaboration was inspired by discussions at the West London Economic Recovery Task Force, set up by West London Alliance – a partnership of seven local authorities – to inform delivery of its Build & Recover Plan.
Convened by John Holland-Kaye (CEO, Heathrow Airport Ltd), this new group of corporate leaders first came together in June 2021 to formulate business-led action to respond to the significant economic contraction West London faced as a result of the pandemic, aligning with and complementing the work driven by local authorities and other partners across the sub-region.
The initiative has been coordinated by West London Business and supported by West London Alliance.
The corporate leaders have established four workstreams to steer their focus:
• Skills
• Net zero and infrastructure
• Business growth and innovation
• Sense of place and identity
The group’s founding participants are: Accor, APCOA, Avado / Blenheim Chalcot, BSI, Dell, Fujitsu, Heathrow, JCDecaux, SAP, SEGRO, Thames Water, Yoo Capital and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport Ltd said:
“West London’s recovery must go hand in hand with our ambitions to build back better from the pandemic. In the coming months there will be more than 12,000 skilled job opportunities at the airport, and we want to help local people fulfil their potential with us. Last year alone saw 800 colleague promotions and career moves internally as we helped colleagues develop. By working with businesses and leaders across West London our corner of the capital can remain a vibrant and rewarding place for everyone who lives and works here – a place where a kid from a local school can one day become CEO at Heathrow.”
Andrew Dakers, CEO, West London Business said:
“The group came together at the height of the pandemic determined to achieve more by working collaboratively to support West London’s recovery. What quickly became clear, from net zero to skills and innovation, was the positive impact that collective voice, problem-solving and delivery of practical solutions might have for the local community. The group is just setting out, but after just seven months can point to some tangible results.”
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and Chair of the West London Economic Prosperity Board and Economic Recovery Taskforce said:
“Close working between the public sector and the business community is essential as we look to rebuild West London’s economy from the impact of the pandemic, ensuring businesses thrive and grow in the area and provide opportunities for good jobs for our residents. We are pleased to be working with and supporting the group of corporate leaders committing time and energy to playing their part in securing a solid and inclusive economic recovery for West London.”
Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of the London Borough of Hounslow and Chair of the West London Skills & Employment Board said:
“In securing good work in high-skilled, resilient sectors for our residents as we recover from the economic blow dealt to West London by the pandemic, we need to work closely with our business community. It’s great to see the commitment to this shown by so many high-profile businesses with a footprint in West London”.
Other corporates with a significant north-west London footprint are invited to e-mail andrew.dakers@westlondon.com to discuss joining the initiative, following its formal launch on Wednesday 2 March.