20 Mar West London: The Key to Unlocking London’s Economic Potential
Press Release
West London, 12 March 2025 – In the wake of the launch of the London Growth Plan, new analysis reveals West London as the linchpin for boosting London’s productivity and economic growth. Key findings from the report include:
- West London is poised to be the driving force behind London’s productivity and economic growth, if its high-skilled workforce, leading industry clusters, and unparalleled global connectivity can be leveraged.
- Key enablers for growth include digital and clean energy infrastructure, improved orbital transport, support for high-value industries, and stronger local powers for future skills development.
- Targeted investments in skills, infrastructure, and innovation are crucial to transforming West London’s productivity landscape.
- Addressing these growth enablers will help West London provide the competitive edge London needs to maintain its global economic leadership.
Aligning the region’s industries with the London sector average could add £7.3 billion in GVA annually— to put this in context, Cambridge’s economy is estimated to be £8.4 billion in 2024.
“West London has a hugely influential economy, with key initiatives like the Brent Cross and Cricklewood regeneration, the transformative projects at Staples Corner, and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development. The Golden Mile and the WestTech Corridor are further testament to our region’s potential to lead in high-value industries,” said Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council and Chair of the Economic Prosperity Board. “By investing strategically in these areas, we can ensure that West London remains a vital engine for London’s productivity and the UK’s prosperity.”
Home to Heathrow Airport, world-leading institutions such as Imperial College London, and major industrial and creative hubs, West London has always played a crucial role in the capital’s success. But while London has historically been the engine of the UK economy, recent trends show a slowdown. Ensuring that West London reaches its full potential is essential to reversing this trend and sustaining long-term national prosperity.
Aligning the region’s industries with the London sector average could add £7.3 billion in GVA annually— to put this in context, Cambridge’s economy is estimated to be £8.4 billion in 2024.
The report, entitled ‘An Economic Analysis of the West London Economy’, was commissioned by West London Alliance and produced by Oxford Economics. It identifies key enablers for growth, including investment in digital and clean energy infrastructure; improvements to orbital transport, such as the proposed West London Orbital railway and improved bus links; greater support for high-value industries; and stronger local powers to equip West Londoners with future skills.
With these growth enablers addressed, West London can provide the competitive edge London needs to maintain its global economic leadership, as outlined in the Government’s new industrial strategy – Invest 2035.
“West London is a £70 billion economy, larger than the combined GVA of Manchester and Leeds. However, our productivity growth is currently lagging behind London as a whole, which in turn is lagging behind the rest of the country and competitor global cities,” said David Francis, Director of West London Alliance. “We have the potential to significantly improve through strategic investments in skills, infrastructure, and innovation. By raising the productivity of West London’s sectors to their respective London averages, the gains would be substantial, unlocking an additional £7.3 billion annually for the UK economy. This investment is not just about economic growth; it’s about ensuring a prosperous future for our communities.”
This new research reinforces the recently published report by Centre for London, initiated by Ealing Council and supported by WLA and Imperial, entitled ‘West London’s Growth Potential’, which emphasises the crucial role of London’s sub-regional economies in driving the city’s overall economic growth and reveals how the capital is becoming more polycentric.
An Opportunity for Growth
The economic fundamentals of West London are strong. It boasts one of the UK’s highest-skilled workforces, leading clusters in life sciences, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing, and unparalleled global connectivity. The opportunities for growth held by this region are exemplified by the WestTech Corridor, which recently featured prominently in the London Growth Plan. West London is primed to support London’s productivity resurgence—but strategic action is needed to unlock its full contribution.
For London to thrive, West London must thrive. The answer to the capital’s productivity challenge lies in unlocking the full potential of this vital economic region.
ENDS