Shows
What Next For London?What could 2026 hold for London? with the Times, GLA and BTBusinessLDN's Chief Executive John Dickie is joined by Andy Silvester, London Editor at the Times, Nicola Millard, Innovation Partner at BT and Adam Yousef, Head of Economics at the Greater London Authority to discuss what the next 12 months could have in store for the capital. The new year starts against a backdrop of stalling economic growth in the UK, uncertainty around the world, and rapid technological change, so how will London and its businesses fare in testing circumstances? Running order: The outlook for London's economy (1:16) How could different levels o...
2025-12-2935 minWhat Next For London?How will the Budget impact London? with Imperial, Lexington and LendleaseOur Chief Executive John Dickie is joined by Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President for Strategic Engagement at Imperial College London, Simon Burton, Senior Counsel at the consultancy Lexington, and Misa von Tunzelman, Executive Director for Corporate Affairs at Lendlease, to discuss what last week's Autumn Budget will mean for the capital. The group talk through the implications of major tax and infrastructure announcements from the Chancellor, including the backing of plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead and the introduction of a new levy on international students, as well as what the Government should do n...
2025-12-0133 min
True LondonSkills for a good growth city, with Muniya BaruaMuniya Barua is deputy chief executive of BusinessLDN, an organisation that represents many of the capital's biggest employers. She knows what she is talking about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-11-2118 minWhat Next For London?What could the Budget mean for London? with KPMG, the LSE and FieldIn the latest episode of the newly relaunched What Next for London? podcast, our Chief Executive, John Dickie is joined by Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG, Tony Travers, Director of LSE London, and Chris Rumfitt, Founder and Chief Executive of Field Consulting, to discuss what the Chancellor's upcoming Autumn Budget could mean for the capital. The group discuss how Rachel Reeves may seek to balance the books whilst protecting growth, the interventions that can get the economy firing on all cylinders again, and political considerations around tax and spend measures as 26 November nears. Follow u...
2025-11-0332 minWhat Next For London?Systems thinking for net zero with KPMGOur Director of Competitiveness Matthew Fell is joined by Janet Greenwood, Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure at KPMG, to explore how systems thinking can drive sustainable growth, crowd in private investment, and accelerate progress towards net zero. The pair also delve into how devolution can support the Government's mission-based approach to policy development and lessons that can be learned from the innovative financing models that have helped to deliver major projects across London and beyond. Follow us on X at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media.
2025-10-2916 minWhat Next For London?Delivering a digital future with VorbossThere's no doubting that the capital is a world leader when it comes to developing tech, digital innovations and emerging uses for AI, but is the city at risk of running before it can walk? Our Programme Director for Infrastructure John Kavanagh is joined by David Liu, Head of Infrastructure in the Digital & Innovation Service at Westminster City Council, Tim Creswick, CEO of Vorboss, and Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer at Roc Technologies, to discuss how the public and private sectors can work together to address the capital's not spots and fulfil its di...
2025-10-0240 minWhat Next For London?Where next for the UK economy? with the Bank of EnglandA few days on from the Bank of England's latest interest rate cut, our Director of Competitiveness, Matthew Fell, is joined by Lai Wah Co, Deputy Agent for London at the BoE, to discuss that finely balanced decision to bring borrowing costs down. The pair also talk through the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the jobs market, what global instability means for the UK economy, and how the Government's focus on regulatory reform, housebuilding and infrastructure investment could help drive growth. Follow us on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN and on Twitter at @_businessLDN. Music is prov...
2025-08-2916 minWhat Next For London?Planning for Growth with CarneySweeney A year on from the Government making planning reform a central pillar of its first 12 months in office, our Deputy Chief Executive Muniya Barua is joined by Paula Carney, Managing Director at CarneySweeney, and Harry Steele, Programme Director at BusinessLDN, to discuss the impact of its changes on London's built environment to date. The trio discuss interventions needed to make the capital's stretching 88,000 new homes target a reality, including pragmatic approaches to Section 106 agreements, effective implementation of measures contained in the Planning & Infrastructure Bill, a revamped and streamlined London plan, improving investment in lo...
2025-07-1020 minWhat Next For London?Tackling London's housing crisis with PeabodyOne week on from the Chancellor's Spending Review, our Programme Director Stephanie Pollitt is joined by Ian McDermott, Chief Executive of Peabody, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing housing providers in the capital and how the Government's stretching 1.5 million new homes target can be made a reality. The pair discuss all the latest on the Affordable Homes Programme, rent convergence, proposals to extend the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead and much else besides. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media.
2025-06-2016 minWhat Next For London?What next for the UK economy? with Deloitte Our Competitiveness Director Matthew Fell sits down with Debapratim De, Economic Research Director at Deloitte, to discuss why Spring has not yet sprung for the UK economy and the roles that public investment, consumer confidence and policy certainty can play in accelerating growth. The pair also talk through findings from Deloitte's Chief Financial Officer Survey, which details how corporations are responding to the current trading environment, and what the evolving landscape for global trade could mean for the UK's prospects. Follow us on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN and on Twitter at @_businessLDN. Music is provide...
2025-04-1016 minWhat Next For London?Transforming Transport through innovative funding, with TfL and WSPOur Programme Director for Infrastructure John Kavanagh is joined by Chris Whitehouse, Technical Director at WSP, and Anna Hart, Senior Corporate Finance Manager at Transport for London (TfL), to discuss how new financing models can support delivery of much-needed infrastructure projects across the capital. The trio cover lessons learned from the Northern Line extension to Battersea, as well as the Elizabeth Line, outlining how a new way of taxing properties which benefit from infrastructure investments could help fund extensions to the Bakerloo, DLR and Overground lines, unlocking thousands of new homes and jobs in the process.
2025-03-2521 minWhat Next For London?Connecting Londoners in every corner of the city with Boldyn NetworksOur Programme Director for Infrastructure John Kavanagh sits down with Daniel Kelly, Commercial Director for Public Sector and Next Generation Infrastructure at Boldyn Networks, to discuss how the company's neutral host model is helping to address the capital's connectivity challenges while significantly reducing the environmental impact, including through its planned £1bn investment programme via its partnership with Transport for London. The pair also talk through Boldyn's work in supporting Sunderland to become the smartest city in the UK, the importance of public-private collaboration, and how improved connectivity can drive local growth, attract inward investment and address social challenges and o...
2025-03-1323 minWhat Next For London?The case for new towns in London with Arup, DP9, Kanda & VolterraBusinessLDN's Policy Delivery Director Jonathan Seager unpacks findings and recommendations from our 'Case for a new town in London' report with Kathryn Firth, Director at Arup, Ellie Evans, Senior Partner at Volterra, Craig Tabb, Board Director at DP9, and Karen Alcock, Managing Director at Kanda. The group discuss key considerations for the Government's New Towns Taskforce as it formulates its recommendations and the challenges and opportunities that London holds as a place to build thousands of new homes. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media. ...
2025-01-3123 minWhat Next For London?The future of London's digital economy with BT WholesaleOur Programme Director for Infrastructure John Kavanagh sits down with BT Wholesale Directors Ian Cottingham and Steven Mitchell to discuss how the roll-out of 5G mobile networks, smaller, more localised data centres and enhanced cyber security measures are enabling London's businesses to embrace new innovations, including artificial intelligence. The trio also discuss the planning implications of the capital's digital transformation and what that transformation means for sustainability strategies Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media.
2024-12-1921 minWhat Next For London?How digital tools are transforming construction with Turner & TownsendOur Programme Director for Infrastructure John Kavanagh speaks to Martin Sudweeks, Managing Director for Cost Management at Turner Townsend, about what increased digitalisation means for delivery of major infrastructure and real estate projects, as well as sustainability strategies. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media.
2024-11-2624 minWhat Next For London?What does the Budget mean for buses? with StagecoachOur Programme Director for Transport Polyvios Polyviou sits down with Paul Lynch, Managing Director for Stagecoach in London, following the Chancellor's speech last week to discuss what the future holds for the capital's coach and bus networks. The pair talk through the implications of a new fare cap, an ongoing fuel duty freeze, measures needed to help fleets achieve net zero and the importance of government at all levels working collaboratively with transport bodies to drive progress. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media. ...
2024-11-0624 minWhat Next For London?How does London compare to other capitals? with ArcadisOur Chief Executive John Dickie is joined by Peter Hogg, UK Cities Director at Arcadis, to review findings from the group's new Sustainable Cities Index. The pair discuss what London can learn from other leading centres of commerce, and how thinking about cities as webs of interconnected systems can improve outcomes, in-line with the Government's new mission-based approach to policy. You can see the full findings of the index on the Arcadis website. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media.
2024-09-2625 minWhat Next For London?What next for the UK economy with the Bank of England and AlixPartnersOur Competitiveness Director Matthew Fell sits down with Lai Wah Co, the Bank of England's Deputy Agent for London, and James Worsnip, Managing Director at AlixPartners, to discuss implications of the Bank's decision to cut interest rates for the first time since 2020, the thinking behind the Bank's improved growth forecasts for the UK and what could lie ahead for the labour market. The trio also assess which sectors could be set to outperform in the coming months and what a period of political stability could mean for businesses. The discussion forms part of our quarterly economic insights seri...
2024-08-2716 minWhat Next For London?The what, where and why of carbon offsetting with ArupOur Programme Director for Sustainability Ioanna Mytilinaiou catches up with Stephen Thompson, UK Offsetting Lead and Associate at Arup, about latest developments in carbon offsetting: the means through which businesses reduce, remove and avoid harmful emissions which cause climate change. The pair also delve into key findings and recommendations from our recently published Blueprint for a UK Cabron Offsetting Fund: https://www.businessldn.co.uk/news-publications/news/uk-businesses-urged-to-join-forces-to-tackle-carbon-emissions. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN Music is provided by Coma-Media
2024-07-2917 minWhat Next For London?What To Expect from a Mission Led UK Government with John McTernanOur Chief Executive John Dickie sits down with John McTernan, former Director of Political Operations for Tony Blair, to discuss what the new Labour Government could mean for planning rules, public spending, private investment, cross-departmental working and much else besides. The pair also discuss the need to depoliticise devolution, deliver vital infrastructure projects, and reform a "ridiculous" system which sees local authorities forced to bid for funding from a patchwork of central government pots.
2024-07-2244 min
The StandardLondon devolution & James Bond spy tunnels planA business group representing 170 top London firms has issued its own manifesto of “quick win” measures and longer term reforms that it claims could turbo-charge the capital’s economic potential.BusinessLDN suggests post-General Election changes include increasing devolution for London, scrapping stamp duty on share trades and a controversial review of green belt development rules.It comes as plans are teased for a new underground museum that could see a James Bond exhibition hosted as one of its first attractions.The once secret Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, which run 40 metres under High Holborn, is planne...
2024-06-1012 minWhat Next For London?Our Blue Superhighway with Thames ClippersOur Programme Director for Transport Polyvios Polyviou speaks to Geoff Symonds, Chief Operating Officer at Thames Clippers, about the role of London's waterways in supporting passengers, unlocking development sites and transporting freight. Following the re-election of Sadiq Khan as Mayor, the pair also discuss what more City Hall could be doing to maximise the river's potential. Follow us on Twitter @_businessLDN or on LinkedIn @BusinessLDN
2024-06-0128 minWhat Next For London?The Value of Global Students to the Capital with London Metropolitan UniversityOur Policy Delivery Director Mark Hilton sits down with Deputy Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University Gary Davies to discuss the cultural, economic and educational contribution of international students to London. The pair discuss the Government's current approach to international education, how the UK's offering compares to other major economies and the potential implications of the Migration Advisory Committee's forthcoming report on the Graduate Visa.
2024-05-0825 minWhat Next For London?The future of Business Improvement Districts with PrimeraOur Programme Director Stephanie Pollitt sits down with Primera Chief Executive Ruth Duston OBE to discuss what the coming years hold for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the capital. Launched in the early 2000s, BIDs give businesses within a designated area the power to pool resources to enhance local communities, create opportunities and drive growth. They now cover 100,000 businesses and 800,000 employees across London. Follow us on Twitter @_businessLDN or on LinkedIn @BusinessLDN Music is provided by Coma-Media
2024-04-0319 min
AnalysisThe low pay puzzleFrom April, 2.7 million workers will get one of the biggest pay rises in UK history as the National Living Wage rises to £11.44 an hour. But will they feel better off?It's 25 years since the National Minimum Wage was introduced. During that time it's credited with putting billions of extra pounds in the pockets of low-paid workers. But, despite that, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, two thirds of households living in poverty have at least one adult in work. And, according to the Institute for Fiscal studies, far from cutting the annual benefits bill, the cost of b...
2024-03-2529 minWhat Next For London?Small cells and 5G technology with BTIn today's episode, we will be discussing small cells and 5G technology in the capital, with BT. Hosted by John Kavanagh, Programme Director for Infrastructure at BusinessLDN, we speak with Ali Akhtar, Head of Acquisitions and Contracts, and Ian Cottingham, Director of Mobile Network Operations and Digital Infrastructure, both from BT Wholesale, about small cells; what they are, how they work and how 5G can bridge the digital divide and drive social inclusion in London. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN or search on LinkedIn: BusinessLDN Music is provided by...
2024-03-0413 min
Fast Growth SecretsHow can fast growth tech businesses use ESG for competitive advantageHost Alison Ross Eckford, a partner in the commercial team at Mills & Reeve, and guests Matthew Fell, Director of Competitiveness at BusinessLDN and Dr Johannes Lenhard, Co-Founder and Co-Director of VentureESG and an affiliate lecturer and researcher at the University of Cambridge, discuss how fast growth tech businesses are in an ideal position to embed ESG into their culture and practices right from the start. What are the key drivers and benefits for businesses prioritising ESG? And what are some of the challenges business can face?
2024-02-1521 min
The Fair Society seriesThe Spirit Level revisited (with Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson)In their influential and award-winning 2009 book The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone, Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson argue that societies with the biggest gaps between the rich and the rest are bad for everyone, including those who are most well off. They contend that everything from life expectancy, mental illness and obesity to violence and illiteracy is affected not so much by the wealth of a society as by its level of inequality, and propose solutions to move towards a future that is both fairer and happier.As part of our Fair Society se...
2023-11-2857 minWhat Next For London?Gender Mainstreaming with TurleyIn today's episode, we will be discussing Gender Mainstreaming in the built environment with the planning and development consultancy Turley. Hosted by Matthew Fell, Director of Competitiveness at BusinessLDN, we speak with Lindsay Hart, Market Research Analyst, to learn more about how the safety and wellbeing of women and girls are key factors in planning and the built environment and understand how it is being adopted in businesses across the capital and UK. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN or search on LinkedIn: BusinessLDN Music is provided by Coma-Media
2023-11-0916 minWhat Next For London?Thames Super Sewer with TidewayIn today's episode, we will be discussing the Thames Tideway Tunnel, also known as the super sewer – an extensive £4.5bn upgrade to London's sewer system to meet the needs of a growing population, with a current estimated completion date of 2025. Hosted by John Kavanagh, Programme Director for Infrastructure at BusinessLDN, we speak with Andy Mitchelle CBE, Chief Executive at Tideway to explain how this vital project will transform London for the future. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN or search on LinkedIn: BusinessLDN Music is provided by Coma-Media
2023-10-0517 minWhat Next For London?Economic Briefing with the Bank of EnglandThis week we sat down with Lai Wah Co, Deputy Agent for Greater London at the Bank of England, for an exclusive podcast recording about the economic forecast for the capital. During the discussion, we asked Lai to share her insight on the economy, growth, employment and wages. She also looks at the long-term picture for the capital and what this means for businesses. Hosted by Matthew Fell, Director of Competitiveness at BusinessLDN, our latest episode explores the economic outlook to help the business community plan for the future. Follow us on...
2023-08-2418 minWhat Next For London?London Planning with our Building London Planning Award JudgesBusinessLDN advocates for a planning system in London that is pro-growth to support our mission and maintain London's reputation as a great place to work, live and play. The planning system in London is unique in many ways. We work with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Planning Officers Society London to ensure the business community's voice is heard in the planning policy debate and that any national reforms work for the capital. In today's episode, we will be discussing Planning in the capital as well as the winners of this year's B...
2023-07-1318 minWhat Next For London?The Place Commission with Grimshaw and ArupBusinessLDN's flagship Place Commission of cross-sector business leaders has set out a new vision for how the capital's places and spaces should evolve following the pandemic to enable people to thrive and businesses to succeed. Developed after a year of deliberations with the 20 senior businesses that form the commission and backed by in-depth research and analysis from Deloitte, it explores the evolution of the capital's urban environment through the lenses of people and spaces, sustainability and innovation. In today's episode, our Chief Executive, John Dickie, sits down with Commissioners Annelie Kvick-Thompson, Partner at Grimshaw and Kat...
2023-05-3125 minWhat Next For London?Build-to-Rent with Dataloft and Apo GroupBuild-to-Rent developments - high quality, professionally managed homes designed specifically for private rent - are now an integral part of London's housing mix. In today's episode, we are joined by Sandra Jones from Dataloft and Matthew Pullen at Apo Group to discuss the findings in our latest 'Who Lives in Build-to-Rent?' report and share their views on how Build-to-Rent is a vital piece of the housing crisis puzzle. Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN or search on LinkedIn: BusinessLDN Music is provided by Coma-Media
2023-05-1825 minWhat Next For London?London's built environment with DeloitteThe built environment is the backbone of our city and is vital to London's economic success and global competitiveness. In today's episode, we are joined by Simon Burnett and Hayley Parkinson-Roberts at Deloitte to share their views on the challenges and opportunities of the built environment through the lens of spaces and people, innovation and sustainability. Deloitte is BusinessLDN's research partner for the Place Commission, a group comprised of senior business leaders from across the capital to answer the question: 'how should London's built environment evolve to help people thrive and business to succeed?' Follow us on T...
2022-12-2223 minWhat Next For London?London's built environment with DeloitteThe built environment is the backbone of our city and is vital to London's economic success and global competitiveness. In today's episode, we are joined by Simon Burnett and Hayley Parkinson-Roberts at Deloitte to share their views on the challenges and opportunities of the built environment through the lens of spaces and people, innovation and sustainability. Deloitte is BusinessLDN's research partner for the Place Commission, a group comprised of senior business leaders from across the capital to answer the question: 'how should London's built environment evolve to help people thrive and business to succeed?' Follow us on T...
2022-12-2223 minWhat Next For London?London's Next Generation – Episode #2: Planning and ImpactIn our latest What Next for London? episode, we're focusing on the next generation of leaders in a new mini-series, sponsored by Ashurst, that explores the challenges the capital faces and the opportunities on offer from a fresh perspective. Joining us today is Christina Achkarian, Senior Associate at Ashurst and Michelle Letton, Project Director at Lendlease. They shared their views on the speed of planning and the impact this can have on the built environment, and how Gen Z and millennials want to see more action on critical issues such as sustainability.
2022-12-1127 minWhat Next For London?Retrofitting Rail Arches with The Arch CompanyRetrofitting rail arches with The Arch Company All across London, empty railway arches are vacant spaces that can meet a variety of business needs. Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive at The Arch Company, the UK's largest small business landlord, joins us on today's episode to explain how they transform these spaces to operate in a sustainable way that meets the needs of business and rail lines. We discuss the challenges facing retrofitting and what this means for the future of London. For more information, visit: https://www.Businessldn.co.uk Fol...
2022-12-0121 minWhat Next For London?Building a sustainable LondonIn the first episode of our new series, we speak with Peter Hogg, UK Cities Director, and Rebecca Harlow, Net Zero Carbon Proposition Lead from Arcadis, about sustainability in London. Our guests talk about the importance of sustainable travel in London, the challenges of retrofitting a city and reaching net zero and discussing London's global ranking in the Sustainable Cities Index and the lessons London can learn from higher-ranked capitals. For more information, visit: https://www.Businessldn.co.uk Follow us on Twitter at @_businessLDN or search on LinkedIn: BusinessLDN Music is...
2022-11-0927 minWhat Next For London?Social Impact in the CityIn our latest episode, we spoke to James Manning, Senior Transformation Manager in Sustainability and Innovation and Nicola Rochfort, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Grosvenor, about the launch of People Positive, their new social impact strategy. They shared insight into how they have developed an insight-led strategy to ensure they work closely with communities to maximise impact. They also shared how having social impact strategy-related personal goals across the organisation is vital to ensure the business moves forward as one.
2022-10-2026 minWhat Next For London?PwC Chairman shares view of the futureAhead of last week's mini-fiscal event, Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner at PwC, talked to BusinessLDN CEO John Dickie about how he sees the future of work, business priorities for the new government and the role of the capital as a global financial centre. Listen in for Kevin's take on the future of hybrid working, the skills challenge and recruiting at scale across the UK.
2022-10-0614 minWhat Next For London?London's Next Generation – Episode #1: Defining a Space - the Cultural and Social ElementsIn our latest What Next for London? episode, we're focusing on the next generation of leaders in a new mini-series, sponsored by Ashurst, that explores the challenges the capital faces and the opportunities on offer from a fresh perspective. In our studio today is Joanna Fox, Planning, Environment & Safety Associate at Ashurst and Andrew Fox, Institute of Classical Studies, School of Advanced Study. They spoke to us about the philosophy of placemaking, the importance of healthy living within a space and how we should consider green and energy-efficient spaces in the future.
2022-09-2920 minWhat Next For London?Keeping the capital at the top of its gameWe spoke to Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, to explore what makes the capital an international success and how it can build on that into the future. Laura shared her insights into making the city a magnet - for talent, investment and creativity - building on the discussion at our Work, Live, Play conference.
2022-09-0816 minWhat Next For London?Leadership lessons from the 2012 OlympicsJan Walstrom, SVP, Office of Global Climate Response & ESG at Jacobs joins us the day after our celebratory Olympics event to discuss what working on the 2012 Olympic games meant for major projects of the future, for the development of ESG metrics and for her career.
2022-07-1415 minWhat Next For London?Place Commission special: What next for London? with BallymoreThis episode is our first Place Commission special, talking to John Mulryan, Group Managing Director of Ballymore and a Place Commissioner, about how he sees the future evolution of the capital's built environment as we look ahead to the future. Listen in for his take on what changing patterns of work, travel and social activity might mean for the city.
2022-07-1115 minWhat Next For London?What is the data telling us?Virginia Blackman, national head of Avison Young's Site Assembly and Compulsory Purchase team, talks to us about Avison Young's Cities Recovery Index and what it is telling us just over two years on from the first lockdown. Taking a look at retail, leisure, footfall and office occupancy trends, Virginia shares what this emerging picture might mean for how we live and work in the city in the future.
2022-05-1817 minWhat Next For London?Shopping our way to recoveryWe spoke to Paul Barnes, CEO of the Association for International Retail, about the sector's potential to play a major role in the capital and the UK's recovery. We touched on what needs to happen now to make that possible, from reinstating tax free shopping for international visitors, to putting shopping into the country's tourism strategy.
2022-03-0721 minWhat Next For London?Levelling up, London and recovery London First CEO John Dickie and CEO of Grosvenor Property UK James Raynor discuss the role of the capital in the country's future success, the role for the built environment in recovery and the future of work.
2022-02-0221 minWhat Next For London?London Alive – public realm and recoveryWe spoke to Arup's Richard de Cani and Cathy Li about the new report, London Alive, and how the capital's public spaces could be reimagined for a post-pandemic future. We were joined by the Northbank BID's Alison Gregory, who shared her perspective on the evolution of Waterloo Bridge and Charing Cross, as well as the wider role of the Northbank in the city's renewal.
2022-01-0617 minWhat Next For London?Inside the Londoner, Leicester SquareLaura Osborne and Mark Hilton spoke to Charles Oak, Hotel Director of the Londoner, a new super-boutique hotel in the heart of the capital. From opening a new 16-storey hotel in uncertain times, through to the importance of its art collection and cultural contribution, Charles shares the highs and lows of bringing this new iconic destination to the capital.
2021-12-0217 minWhat Next For London?Getting the capital back on track – what is the data telling us?We spoke to Michele Pittini, Head of GLA Economics, and Graeme Smith and Lee Watson, Managing Directors, London at Alix Partners, on the current picture of London's recovery, what new data sources are needed to make this more accurate, how the city's businesses are responding to the unwinding of government support measures, the impact of disrupted supply chains and the importance of planning ahead now.
2021-11-2422 minWhat Next For London?Lessons in leadershipTo mark 20 years of the leadership exchange, we are pleased to share this new podcast with Lord Davies and James Stokley, who were paired up via the scheme which brings business and public sector leaders together. Mervyn and James share what they've learnt in their very different successful careers, how they see leadership today and the value of grasping opportunities when they arise.
2021-11-1734 minWhat Next For London?Navigating the pandemic as a global leaderLisa Mayhew is the co-chair of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP), an international law firm. She spoke to Mel Hobson and Laura Osborne about the need for consistent messages, the importance of the Government boosting confidence and what the future of work might look like, informed by lessons learnt over the last 18 months. Lisa reflects on the purpose of the office, what work is best done where and the role employers play in their local communities. Lisa also shares how the pandemic has shaped her personal approach to leadership and what she's changed during that time.
2021-10-0617 minWhat Next For London?The flexible future of work with DAC BeachcroftDAC Beachcroft Senior Partner Virginia Clegg spoke to London First's Mel Hobson and Laura Osborne on the difference between emerging short-term work patterns and the longer-term future of work and cities. Virginia shared her experience of leading an international firm through a pandemic, as well as explaining why the firm adopted its Flex Forward initiative. The future is flexible – Virginia gives her take on why.
2021-09-2319 minWhat Next For London?Creating a truly inclusive cultureJane Grant, UK Head of Learning and Development for WSP, joins What next for London? for a special edition on diversity and inclusion (I&D). Jane spoke to Laura Osborne about how WSP has approached inclusion, including the publication of its first official I&D strategy earlier this year, and the importance of being able to bring your full authentic self to work in a truly inclusive culture.
2021-08-1024 minWhat Next For London?Digital fabrics and connected communitiesMartin Tufft, Sales Director at BT, talks to Laura Osborne about the role of technology in accelerating recovery and the benefits greater connectivity can deliver for the capital's businesses. Martin explains how 5G can support productivity, open up new technology and underpin smart cities, from enhanced clinical support for ambulance crews through to smart factories and organisational digital transformation.
2021-08-0915 minWhat Next For London?Build to rent – and to recoverWe spoke to Jon Di Stefano, CEO of Telford Homes, about the impact of the pandemic on the capital, on the build-to-rent sector and on the future of international cities. Jon shared his thoughts on the future balance between commercial and residential properly in the centre of the city, as well as the potential for further regeneration in the outer boroughs.
2021-07-2217 minWhat Next For London?The role of housing in recoveryMTVH's CEO Geeta Nanda talks to Laura Osborne about the role housing associations have played in their communities over the last 18 months, the importance of housing in recovery and the focus of the G15 under her leadership.
2021-07-1425 minWhat Next For London?London Climate Action Week – the Race to ZeroThis week we spoken to Julie Baddeley, Chair of Chapter Zero, and Paul King, Managing Director Sustainability & Social Impact (Europe) at Lendlease, about the scale and immediacy of the climate change challenge and how all businesses, including those yet to make a start, can take steps today that can set them on a path to net zero. Listen in to get a sense of the big picture, as well as the practical steps firms can take to make difference.
2021-06-2920 minWhat Next For London?Bringing a full fibre backbone to the capitalOur CEO John Dickie spoke to Billy D'Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications, about Transport for London's decision to award BAI the contract to deliver high-speed mobile coverage across London's tube network, introducing uninterrupted 4G mobile coverage to ticket halls, platforms and tunnels on the London Underground network for the first time. Billy explains the difference this will make to productivity across the city and why it comes as such an important vote of confidence at this moment in the capital's recovery.
2021-06-2217 minWhat Next For London?Brexit is a process, not an eventWe spoke to Fujitsu's head of international trade and customs, Frank Dunsmuir, and CEO of international trade law and economics consultancy, Competere, Shanker Singham, about implications of the GB EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the future opportunities in international trade and tackling the existing pain points. Brexit is a process, not an event, and in this episode, we dig into the latest insight into what support traders need to be able to navigate it. In the podcast, Shanker mentioned Digital Trader Services. With customs experts and practical guidance, it's a first of its kind online portal for...
2021-06-2137 minWhat Next For London?Leadership lessons from the public and private sectorWe spoke to Lucy D'Orsi, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, and Inga Beale, London First Board member and former CEO of Lloyd's of London, about the value of good leadership, drawing on their experience of exchanging expertise across policing and business as part of London First's Leadership Exchange. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Leadership Exchange matches leaders from different organisations and cultures to provide a confidential sounding board for exploring shared challenges. Lucy and Inga shared how working together has shaped their outlook and leadership style.
2021-05-0732 minWhat Next For London?Trade after Brexit – in conversation with EYSally Jones, EY's Lead for Trade Strategy and Brexit and George Riddell, EY's Director of Trade Strategy, talk to London First about the adjustments businesses have made – and continue to make – to adapt to the new trading environment. They share their hopes for the future and the issues that still need to be tackled to make the UK's trading relationship with the EU smoother in the future.
2021-05-0626 minWhat Next For London?Black Talent – A ConversationIf London is to remain the best capital city in which to do business, business leaders will need to continue to focus on their people and culture. With the continuing under-representation of Black executives and professionals in senior positions under the microscope, Harry Matovu, Founder of the Charter for Black Talent, spoke to London First's Chairman Paul Drechsler on how the Charter can help businesses to make clear, data-led, measurable commitments to improve the recruitment and promotion of talented Black professionals.
2021-04-2831 minWhat Next For London?Recovery in the Central Activity ZoneThis week, we interview Matt Dillion (Arup), Annette Mees (Royal Opera House) and Hari Sothinathan (Gerald Eve) about the challenges and opportunities for the very centre of London as unlocking progresses and recovery begins. From their different professional perspectives, they share insights into what will help the heart of London rebound better than ever.
2021-04-2223 minWhat Next For London?Harnessing data to better plan the future of LondonPinsent Mason's Sue Chadwick (Strategic Planning Advisor) and Nicholle Kingsley (Partner) spoke to Laura Osborne and Sophia Wolpers about taking a holistic approach to recovery, particularly in planning terms. They dug into the future of smart cities, the London Data Charter, the politics of London recovery and the crossover of planning and data when it comes to safety in the city.
2021-04-0824 minWhat Next For London?Central London's role in recoveryLondon First's Laura Osborne and John Dickie spoke to Alexander Jan, Midtown BID Chairman and former Arup Chief Economist, about the role of London in the UK's post-pandemic recovery, levelling up between people not just regions, and how central London can support getting the city back to growth.
2021-03-1724 minWhat Next For London?The opportunity for a Just TransitionLSE Professor in Practice Nick Robins and Natwest's Head of Sustainable Finance and Just Transition Rishi Madlani talk to Laura Osborne and Victoria Poku-Amanfo about why climate change action needs to drive greater equality. They explain the thinking behind and benefits of a Just Transition, the opportunities it presents and why, in this year of COP26, it is the moment to accelerate change.
2021-03-0425 minWhat Next For London?Planning now for future successAlix Partners Managing Directors Jeff Drake and Glen Fietta talk to Laura Osborne and David Lutton about the critical importance of planning ahead, as leaders transition away from survival to focus on value protection and generation. They outline the model of scenario planning they use to help clients look ahead and plan for the future.
2021-03-0320 minWhat Next For London?The future of tech-enabled legal servicesAfter a year of lockdowns and restrictions, London's organisations are entering Brexit Britain and 2021 with a new set of regulatory and financial challenges. We talk to two representatives from organisations that are responding to this challenge by transforming legal services with technology: Emily Foges and Luminance's Clementine Fox.
2021-02-1823 minWhat Next For London?Taking an interdisciplinary approachThe London Interdisciplinary School is a new university aiming to give students the knowledge and skills needed to address social and global problems in an increasingly complex world. We spoke to Chief Executive Ed Fidoe to get his take on why interdisciplinary thinking matters, its relevance to recovery and the importance of developing the future skill sets businesses need.
2021-02-1129 minWhat Next For London?The future of work and avoiding a horrible hybridDr Nicola Millard, BT's Principal Innovation Partner, joined us to talk through her experience of the changing world of work and why we need to rethink the nature of work itself. She brought to life the consequence of rapidly accelerating trends, the opportunities to rethink business in a more sustainable way and the need for a new kind of leadership as we emerge from the pandemic.
2021-02-0931 minWhat Next For London?The future of work, not just the office, with EYWe spoke to Caroline Artis, London Senior Partner, and David Storey, EMEIA Workforce Advisory Leader, about the significant research EY has been doing on the future of work. From where it will happen to the role of AI, we talked through people's differing expectations, what is shaping them and how employers can respond.
2021-02-0337 minWhat Next For London?East London as a global destinationWe were joined by Lyn Garner, CEO of the London Legacy Development Corporation, to discuss lessons from long-term planning and regeneration, and how these can be applied to a post-pandemic London. Lyn is passionate about the ongoing potential of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to enhance the lives of those in the communities living in close proximity, will also harnessing its potential as a global destination for arts and culture.
2021-01-2032 minWhat Next For London?Working together to build London's futureMount Anvil founder Killian Hurley spoke to Jonathan Seager and Laura Osborne about the lessons he has learned from 30 years at the helm of a partnership-focused property business. As we move towards recovery, Killian emphasised the importance of quality, of developing the skills needed for the next generation of construction leaders and the value of working with those whose values you share.
2020-12-1522 minWhat Next For London?A new story for London and the UKAs eyes lift to the horizon with news of a vaccine on the way, we explore a critical element of recovery with PwC, what next for international trade? Beyond the immediate Brexit debate, we dig into the opportunities ahead for London and the whole of the UK, why we need to tell a new story about our place in the world and how we can make the most of the country's soft power. Sophia Wolpers and Laura Osborne were joined by PwC partners Matt Alabaster and Claire Reid.
2020-12-0927 minWhat Next For London?The circular economy: looking to the future with Zoe HasemanZoe Haseman, Vice President Global Sustainability at Jacobs, talked to Laura Osborne and David Lutton about the shape of a green recovery for the capital, how we can accelerate the drive to Net Zero and the importance of a just transition that tackles inequality.
2020-11-2517 minWhat Next For London?The future of devolution, with AtkinsLaura Osborne spoke to Liam Harrison, Market Director at Atkins, about the future of devolution, funding infrastructure and the role of cities, as we look ahead to recovery. Liam shared his experiences and insights into decision making close to the community, and highlighted the need for a more rounded approach to procurement in the future.
2020-11-1328 minWhat Next For London?Leading in a pandemicLondon First's Dr David Lutton speaks with Claire Sherwin, the Global Head of Talent Acquisition, People Services and Technology at Finastra and Leslie Benson, the Senior Managing Director in the Strategic Communications group at FTI Consulting, on the future of work.
2020-10-3033 minWhat Next For London?Investing for the future with Sarah Bentley Sarah Bentley, new CEO of Thames Water, joins Laura Osborne and Daniel Mahoney to discuss the future of the sector, its response to CV-19 and why infrastructure is in Sarah's DNA. From opening up wetlands to the public through to the balance of resilience and price rises, Sarah talks about the importance of putting customers front of mind.
2020-10-2323 minWhat Next For London?Taking the long view with Deloitte's Chief EconomistWe interviewed Ian Stewart, Deloitte's Chief Economist, on the UK's economic prospects, where to find the light at the end of the tunnel and the approach we should take to recovery. From the lessons of the Thatcher years, through to the prospect of higher rates of unemployment via the balance between austerity and tax rises, we covered a lot of ground.
2020-10-1532 minWhat Next For London?Inventing the future with Robin Mills, MD Compass Group UK & IrelandLaura Osborne and David Lutton spoke to Robin about his experience leading 50,000 staff through the pandemic and what it has taught him about innovation, motivation and dynamism. He shares the different experiences of his customers across sectors, his take on recovery and what we can learn from the approaches taken in other global cities.
2020-10-0825 minWhat Next For London?Taking a Global View of City Recovery We spoke to John Batten, Global Cities Director at Arcadis, to get his take on the future of major global capitals, how they've responded to the pandemic and the new opportunities to live and work differently that are emerging. He joined us from Lisbon but with insights from Milan, New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam and more. From road pricing to vertical forests, we covered a lot of extremely topical ground.
2020-10-0132 minWhat Next For London?Reaching for the skies: the role airspace development plays in tackling London's housing crisisApex Airspace CEO Ash Bhatti and London First CEO Jasmine Whitbread talk about the role of innovation in solving London's housing crisis, how airspace development can help the capital's councils make the most of their estates and why the next Mayor needs to keep housing delivery front of mind during the CV-19 recovery.
2020-09-2427 minWhat Next For London?Tackling the Global Digital Skills ChallengeThis week, we are joined by Sir Charles Bowman and Sunil Patel, both partners at PwC, to talk about the urgent need to focus on reskilling and upskilling, which has been made even more urgent in the COVID-19 context. They share lessons from around the globe with Mark Hilton and Laura Osborne, making a clear case for a skills-led recovery across the UK.
2020-07-1630 minWhat Next For London?The Future of the OfficeZoe Humphries, Director at AECOM, and Mathieu Proust, General Manager at WeWork, talk to David Lutton and Laura Osborne about the future of office. From interactive studio space, through to the value of a human connection, they discuss why rumours that the office is dead are premature and what the future of office design needs to look like to bring people back to physical collaboration spaces.
2020-07-0833 minWhat Next For London?The Value of Transferable SkillsWith the shape of the economic recovery still subject to debate, Mark Hilton (London First ED for People) spoke to Ant Mazen (Head of Skills and Capabilities at Lloyds Bank) about the pragmatic changes needed to support the capital's workforce now and into the future. Following the release of the Skilling London report, they talked about the need for reskilling to be made easier, for deepening expertise to be accompanied by a focus on "soft skills" and for this to be embedded into the education system, supported by business.
2020-07-0136 minWhat Next For London?Bringing Londoners back into the cityLaura Citron, CEO of London & Partners (L&P), and Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, join London First CEO Jasmine Whitbread to discuss rebuilding confidence and returning to growth. From making space for cyclists, to a shift to risk-based international travel, via the return to the office, they discussed the decisions that must be made urgently for the capital to unlock, recover and grow again.
2020-06-2431 minWhat Next For London?An Inclusive Return to GrowthKate Kenny, Jacobs' VP and Head of Sector for Cities and Places (Europe) talked to Laura Osborne and David Lutton about the choices that need to be made as we seek to build back better and why inclusive growth should be at the heart of those plans. They discussed levelling up in the UK and across London, addressing inequality in all its forms and the many benefits of more inclusive design.
2020-06-1829 minWhat Next For London?A Night-Time RecoveryLaura Osborne and David Lutton talk to London Night Czar, BBC Radio 6 broadcaster and author Amy Lamé about the recovery of the night-time economy in the capital. From planning and licensing reform, through the night tube and the future of cultural venues across the city, Amy makes the case for why we need to think about all 24 hours in the day when we plan for recovery.
2020-06-1829 minWhat Next For London?Apprenticeships Need Urgent AttentionApprenticeship starts have been hard hit over the last few months: Sandy Lindsay MBE, North West Business Leadership Team, and London First's Mark Hilton discuss what's needed to get the system back on its feet and ensure that the apprenticeship "brand" bounces back. From innovative ways of using the apprenticeship levy to making the system easier for SMEs to use, now is the time for Government to make a real difference
2020-06-1022 minWhat Next For London?Artificial Intelligence's Role in RecoveryDr Mike Lynch, founder of Invoke Capital and artificial intelligence pioneer, joined John Dickie and Laura Osborne to explore the role of AI in London's recovery. From remote working technology, through to the jobs of the future, this episode digs into what new normal could look like and why there could be less to fear than we might think.
2020-06-0338 minWhat Next For London?Connecting the CapitalCaroline Artis, Senior Partner for the London Markets at EY and Neil Aitken, London and Southeast Lead at BT Group join Laura Osborne and David Lutton to talk about the future of doing business in London and what this means for digital connectivity and skills, as well as the traditional office. While things will no doubt be different in the future, there remains a core component of staff desperate to get back to their desks.
2020-05-2737 minWhat Next For London?What Next for London? Looking at the Big Picture Trends Shaping its FutureMark Essex, Public Policy Director at KPMG, spoke to David Lutton and Laura Osborne about the trends shaping the capital's recovery – which ones are likely to be accelerated and which are too early to call. From how you harness the benefits of in person collaboration in a more online world, through to what next on Brexit, Mark gives us a tour of his current thinking on the city's big issues.
2020-05-1935 minWhat Next For London?What's Next for Construction in London?Mark Reynolds is the Group CEO of Mace and a London First Board member. In conversation with Jasmine Whitbread, London First's CEO, he shared his thoughts on the role of the construction industry in the COVID-19 recovery, what the crisis has meant for his business and the cross-sectoral lessons that we can all learn, as we chart the path back to growth.
2020-05-1436 minWhat Next For London?What Next for London's Events Industry?The events industry was hit hard and fast by the COVID-19 crisis and has had to rapidly transform how it operates. Our guest, Elizabeth Forrester, has led events teams for many years and is currently the Head of Events at London First. She shares her take on how events will evolve, the lessons from virtual engagement and why the future of the events industry is so closely connected with the future of work.
2020-05-0726 minWhat Next For London?What Next for London? Reflections from being on the ground at NHS NightingalePhil Baker is usually London First's interim head of strategic communications but for two weeks earlier this month he was seconded to help set up NHS Nightingale's comms function. Phil shares his experience of this crisis, talks about how it shaped his view of the recovery ahead and ends on the need for someone to invent a much better virtual whiteboard.
2020-04-2916 minWhat Next For London?What Next for London's Housing Agenda?Brendan Sarsfield, CEO of Peabody Group, gives his view on some key lessons from the COVID-19 crisis, from tackling pre-existing issues with Universal Credit, to the desperate need to make home ownership a reality for the next generation of Londoners. He sets out some of the choices we must make now if we are to have a strong recovery.
2020-04-2326 minWhat Next For London?What Next for London's Coordinated Response?London First's Director of Strategy and Policy, John Dickie, shares his reflections on the initial response to Covid-19 across the capital and what must happen next to set us on the road to recovery.
2020-04-1530 min
What Next For London?What Next For London's Infrastructure?What has the initial response to Covid-19 highlighted about London's infrastructure, both physical and digital, and how it will need to evolve in the future? The pilot episode of London First's new podcast, What next for London?, asks in-house infrastructure expert Daniel Mahoney to share his thoughts on how the city should to evolve as the result of the current crisis. London has emerged as the initial epicentre of the virus in the UK and had already started to change ways unforeseen ahead of the lockdown. A few weeks in, we start to look at...
2020-04-0617 min