Posts
Which companies to watch? "The Think London 100 Companies"
For the first time we have compiled an exclusive list of 100 international companies who Think London has had the privilege of working with to help their global expansion plans become a reality.
Think London has worked with thousands of companies over the years and our ‘ 100 Companies to Watch’ is a highlight of those we think deserve particular recognition.
In our opinion, they are revolutionising the way things are done in the city and will help shape the capital’s economy for years to come. Whilst developing the 100 we were reminded me of the vast range of international companies who our London consultants have worked with over the last 15 years.
Whether big or small; setting up business in London or expanding business in London ; from creative industries, ICT, financial and environmental services; whether from India, the US, China, France, Australia or Japan; we have worked with them all.
Our clients and all overseas business development in London contribute £52 billion to the London economy yearly, their importance to this city should not be underestimated.
For more information about how your business can take advantage of all that London has to offer, contact us today.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Overseas businesses confirm: London is breeding ground for innovation
London has scored highly as a breeding ground for innovation, according to a recent independent survey of overseas businesses in the UK capital, commissioned by Think London, the foreign direct investment agency for London and conducted by international research firm Ipsos MORI.
The results from the 'Think London FDI Barometer’ coincided with the UK government’s plans to support a new technology cluster in east London, ‘East London Tech City’.
•Four in five senior executives from overseas companies with a London presence agree that London provides a particularly good environment for strongly innovative companies.
•Around nine in ten agree that London is helpful for business development and supply of talent.
The survey results also found that 95% of respondents are satisfied about doing and setting up business in London.
London’s success builds on the fact that it remains pre-eminent in the key components which drive a company’s growth. What this means for your business in London is…
You will deal in a global market place: Not only does London have the largest city economy in Europe, currently valued at around US$ 360 billion, but London is also home to more of the world’s largest companies than any other European city. London is the number one business location for European headquarters. The city has attracted three times more European HQs than any other city in Europe.
You will be able to access massive market opportunities: London is the largest consumer market in Europe; the city and its surrounding areas constitute the largest urban zone in the EU – a market of almost 12 million consumers. There is further access to the 500 million European consumers that are right on London’s doorstep.
This is set against the backdrop of London hosting the largest event in the world – the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Everything about the Games is on a large scale - from the 205 countries taking part to the 80,000 volunteers needed. The 2012 Games are generating tangible opportunities worth billions of dollars; $2.65 billion to be exact. The business development opportunities are across a broad range of sectors both within the Games, contracted directly with the Games organizers, but there are more opportunities spread out across London as well as the UK.
You will find an abundance of talent in London: London gives you access to world class talent, the number one resource for business success. You will also be able to access some of the best graduate talent in the world with the help of a team of London consultants .
From offering support for London recruitment, London commercial property, business development and all other aspects required when looking at setting up business in London, Think London is here to help throughout the process.
London has scored highly as a breeding ground for innovation, according to a recent independent survey of overseas businesses in the UK capital, commissioned by Think London, the foreign direct investment agency for London and conducted by international research firm Ipsos MORI.
The results from the 'Think London FDI Barometer’ coincided with the UK government’s plans to support a new technology cluster in east London, ‘East London Tech City’.
•Four in five senior executives from overseas companies with a London presence agree that London provides a particularly good environment for strongly innovative companies.
•Around nine in ten agree that London is helpful for business development and supply of talent.
The survey results also found that 95% of respondents are satisfied about doing and setting up business in London.
London’s success builds on the fact that it remains pre-eminent in the key components which drive a company’s growth. What this means for your business in London is…
You will deal in a global market place: Not only does London have the largest city economy in Europe, currently valued at around US$ 360 billion, but London is also home to more of the world’s largest companies than any other European city. London is the number one business location for European headquarters. The city has attracted three times more European HQs than any other city in Europe.
You will be able to access massive market opportunities: London is the largest consumer market in Europe; the city and its surrounding areas constitute the largest urban zone in the EU – a market of almost 12 million consumers. There is further access to the 500 million European consumers that are right on London’s doorstep.
This is set against the backdrop of London hosting the largest event in the world – the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Everything about the Games is on a large scale - from the 205 countries taking part to the 80,000 volunteers needed. The 2012 Games are generating tangible opportunities worth billions of dollars; $2.65 billion to be exact. The business development opportunities are across a broad range of sectors both within the Games, contracted directly with the Games organizers, but there are more opportunities spread out across London as well as the UK.
You will find an abundance of talent in London: London gives you access to world class talent, the number one resource for business success. You will also be able to access some of the best graduate talent in the world with the help of a team of London consultants .
From offering support for London recruitment, London commercial property, business development and all other aspects required when looking at setting up business in London, Think London is here to help throughout the process.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Third Think London FDI Barometer Results coming soon
Using a location to optimise operational efficiencies has increased in importance amongst our 280 survey respondents, particularly for those companies that have set up in London in the last two years.
This is spot on with earlier research Think London have done on foreign direct investment in the post-recession era. It demonstrated that companies are predicted to focus on consolidation and optimisation as they reconfigure their global footprints to take advantage of lower operating costs.
This is good news for businesses who play with the thought of setting up business in London or who are already expanding business in London. Just find a multi-sector, multi-cultural, well connected, top talent and innovative hub that pulls together all your key success drivers in a better way than London does.
The FDI Barometer has also shown that the importance of London’s availability of talent has risen sharply up the rankings, with almost a third of large companies ranking it as the most unique factor of differentiation when compared with other major international cities. It has long been a fact that London recruitment pools top talent from all over the world, offering the largest regional workforce in Europe and a labour pool of over nine million people.
But now, more and more businesses realise how much London scores in this field. London’s resilience as a location for business development is now more certain than ever, with its reputation as a safe hub underlining the steady rise in confidence seen in Wave 2 of the Barometer. This is a trend that our London consultants at Think London expect to see continuing and we are already excited about the findings of Wave 3, which we will complete towards the end of this year.
Using a location to optimise operational efficiencies has increased in importance amongst our 280 survey respondents, particularly for those companies that have set up in London in the last two years.
This is spot on with earlier research Think London have done on foreign direct investment in the post-recession era. It demonstrated that companies are predicted to focus on consolidation and optimisation as they reconfigure their global footprints to take advantage of lower operating costs.
This is good news for businesses who play with the thought of setting up business in London or who are already expanding business in London. Just find a multi-sector, multi-cultural, well connected, top talent and innovative hub that pulls together all your key success drivers in a better way than London does.
The FDI Barometer has also shown that the importance of London’s availability of talent has risen sharply up the rankings, with almost a third of large companies ranking it as the most unique factor of differentiation when compared with other major international cities. It has long been a fact that London recruitment pools top talent from all over the world, offering the largest regional workforce in Europe and a labour pool of over nine million people.
But now, more and more businesses realise how much London scores in this field. London’s resilience as a location for business development is now more certain than ever, with its reputation as a safe hub underlining the steady rise in confidence seen in Wave 2 of the Barometer. This is a trend that our London consultants at Think London expect to see continuing and we are already excited about the findings of Wave 3, which we will complete towards the end of this year.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
London's 1000 most influential people 2010: Running London
Michael Charlton, Chief Executive, Think London has been ranked by the Evening Standard amongst its 1000 most influential people within the Running London category.
According to the Evening Standard's Geordie Greig: "London does seem to be more vibrant, creative, and compelling than any other place in the world. Zest for life, competitive spirit and funkapolitan style are all part of London's formula to be the greatest city in the world. Its influence stems from the extraordinary people who live and work here, so many being world-beaters in their field. And these achievers, from the worlds of finance and politics to the arts and sport, all form a part of the London Evening Standard's 1000 most influential people.
"They don't just lead in their field, they change it. They are pioneering and bold. And they are too eclectic to pigeon-hole. There are entrepreneurs and eccentrics, sports heroes and moneymen, poets and rock stars. Many are not only influential in Britain but also have global reputations.
"We are very proud of our list of the 1000 people who influence London life and beyond because they make our capital a more interesting place. I very much hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did compiling it."
Michael Charlton has been Chief Executive of Think London for nearly ten years. Over his time he has seen hundreds of companies successfully set up business in London. Michael has led a team of experienced London consultants to work with a wide range of overseas companies to see their international business development strategies come to fruition. From the 2012 Games to the raft of other business opportunities available in London, Think London has ensured their clients expand in London and succeed.
From offering support for London recruitment, London commercial property, business development and all other aspects required when looking at setting up business in London, Think London is here to help throughout the process.
Don't just take our word for it, hear what our clients have to say, including Alibaba.com, Closed Loop London, Microsoft Search Technology Centre, Prime Focus, Costco Wholesale and many more on our Think London YouTube channel
According to the Evening Standard's Geordie Greig: "London does seem to be more vibrant, creative, and compelling than any other place in the world. Zest for life, competitive spirit and funkapolitan style are all part of London's formula to be the greatest city in the world. Its influence stems from the extraordinary people who live and work here, so many being world-beaters in their field. And these achievers, from the worlds of finance and politics to the arts and sport, all form a part of the London Evening Standard's 1000 most influential people.
"They don't just lead in their field, they change it. They are pioneering and bold. And they are too eclectic to pigeon-hole. There are entrepreneurs and eccentrics, sports heroes and moneymen, poets and rock stars. Many are not only influential in Britain but also have global reputations.
"We are very proud of our list of the 1000 people who influence London life and beyond because they make our capital a more interesting place. I very much hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did compiling it."
Michael Charlton has been Chief Executive of Think London for nearly ten years. Over his time he has seen hundreds of companies successfully set up business in London. Michael has led a team of experienced London consultants to work with a wide range of overseas companies to see their international business development strategies come to fruition. From the 2012 Games to the raft of other business opportunities available in London, Think London has ensured their clients expand in London and succeed.
From offering support for London recruitment, London commercial property, business development and all other aspects required when looking at setting up business in London, Think London is here to help throughout the process.
Don't just take our word for it, hear what our clients have to say, including Alibaba.com, Closed Loop London, Microsoft Search Technology Centre, Prime Focus, Costco Wholesale and many more on our Think London YouTube channel
Friday, 29 October 2010
Setting up business in London is the number 1 choice
As the official foreign direct investment agency for London it is our mission to promote London as the world capital of business.
But why take our word for it …. we were very pleased to see that London has been officially ranked, yet again, by a number of sources as the number one city destination for business.
As we recently announced, Cushman & Wakefield ranked London number one for business. But also IBM's 2010 Global Location Trends report has ranked London as the number one location based on the number of investment projects.
London’s strengths as a business development hub have been highlighted as access to markets, customers and clients; availability of qualified staff and languages spoken and much more.
When looking for business development opportunities, whether from a high profile event such as the London 2012 Games with still over £1.5 billion worth of contracts available, or within certain key London sectors such as ICT, creative, environmental or financial, our clients tell us they set up business in London due to many reasons including those highlighted in these reports.
Our clients also highlight areas such as seeking efficiencies and innovation as key factors when considering globalization and London is top of their considerations for these areas.
The current economic climate has made business cautious and business expansion has not been top of the agenda for many companies, but those who have taken the leap and been able to grow tell us that when choosing a location for growth it must be a city that ticks all the boxes and will support the company and allow it to adapt.
In the last financial year foreign direct investment into Europe has contracted but London has bucked the trend, not only in terms of the traditional business and financial services sectors but also with a substantial rise in investment from the emerging markets, particularly China. These results not only show that businesses are still looking at growth, but also that London is the city that can support them and help them succeed.
It is an exciting couple of years for London with the 2012 Games around the corner and a wealth of business development opportunities for those looking at relocation in London. Our London consultants talk to hundreds of businesses and help one company every three days successfully set up business in London. If your company is interested in business expansion into London, contact us.
We have recently helped Adstream, Australian provider of digital advertising workflow services; Sentilla, a US-based IT energy management company and US altPOWER which develops, designs and installs renewable energy systems all set up business in London.
We are here to help and answer any questions you may have.
But why take our word for it …. we were very pleased to see that London has been officially ranked, yet again, by a number of sources as the number one city destination for business.
As we recently announced, Cushman & Wakefield ranked London number one for business. But also IBM's 2010 Global Location Trends report has ranked London as the number one location based on the number of investment projects.
London’s strengths as a business development hub have been highlighted as access to markets, customers and clients; availability of qualified staff and languages spoken and much more.
When looking for business development opportunities, whether from a high profile event such as the London 2012 Games with still over £1.5 billion worth of contracts available, or within certain key London sectors such as ICT, creative, environmental or financial, our clients tell us they set up business in London due to many reasons including those highlighted in these reports.
Our clients also highlight areas such as seeking efficiencies and innovation as key factors when considering globalization and London is top of their considerations for these areas.
The current economic climate has made business cautious and business expansion has not been top of the agenda for many companies, but those who have taken the leap and been able to grow tell us that when choosing a location for growth it must be a city that ticks all the boxes and will support the company and allow it to adapt.
In the last financial year foreign direct investment into Europe has contracted but London has bucked the trend, not only in terms of the traditional business and financial services sectors but also with a substantial rise in investment from the emerging markets, particularly China. These results not only show that businesses are still looking at growth, but also that London is the city that can support them and help them succeed.
It is an exciting couple of years for London with the 2012 Games around the corner and a wealth of business development opportunities for those looking at relocation in London. Our London consultants talk to hundreds of businesses and help one company every three days successfully set up business in London. If your company is interested in business expansion into London, contact us.
We have recently helped Adstream, Australian provider of digital advertising workflow services; Sentilla, a US-based IT energy management company and US altPOWER which develops, designs and installs renewable energy systems all set up business in London.
We are here to help and answer any questions you may have.
Friday, 15 October 2010
London retains number one position for best business city in Europe overall
The latest European Cities Monitor 2010 has ranked London for the 21st consecutive year as the number one European city for business development.
London is positioned as the number one city in six of the 12 major rankings including:
•access to markets, customers and clients
•availability of qualified staff
•quality of telecommunications
•languages spoken
•international transport links
•and internal transport links
London, Paris and Frankfurt remain the top three European locations sitting comfortably ahead of all other challengers. London jumped from fourth to second in the category of ‘best cities in terms of the climate governments create for businesses’ through tax policies and availability of financial incentives.
That is why we must push ahead ahead with investment in improving the capital's infrastructure. It is projects such as Crossrail, the Tube upgrades and the London 2012 Games that will secure a bright future for our city and strengthen its reputation as a Europe's business headquarters and the premiere destination for business development.
Setting us business in London in this decade will be driven by the need to find operational efficiencies. Many of the companies that our London consultants assist with are setting up business in London or expanding business in London here are increasingly looking to rationalise bases and consolidate activities. This trend has lately been confirmed by the Think London FDI Barometer survey.
The European Cities Monitor (ECM) is the annual location survey of Europe’s leading companies carried out by global real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield.
London is positioned as the number one city in six of the 12 major rankings including:
•access to markets, customers and clients
•availability of qualified staff
•quality of telecommunications
•languages spoken
•international transport links
•and internal transport links
London, Paris and Frankfurt remain the top three European locations sitting comfortably ahead of all other challengers. London jumped from fourth to second in the category of ‘best cities in terms of the climate governments create for businesses’ through tax policies and availability of financial incentives.
That is why we must push ahead ahead with investment in improving the capital's infrastructure. It is projects such as Crossrail, the Tube upgrades and the London 2012 Games that will secure a bright future for our city and strengthen its reputation as a Europe's business headquarters and the premiere destination for business development.
Setting us business in London in this decade will be driven by the need to find operational efficiencies. Many of the companies that our London consultants assist with are setting up business in London or expanding business in London here are increasingly looking to rationalise bases and consolidate activities. This trend has lately been confirmed by the Think London FDI Barometer survey.
The European Cities Monitor (ECM) is the annual location survey of Europe’s leading companies carried out by global real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Why tapping the green market makes perfect investment sense
Remember when the financial markets crashed in 2007 and many thought it would herald the beginning of the end for the green revolution. Surely the eco-agenda would slip dramatically down the list of corporate concerns in the wake of the wider crisis facing the global economy?
Fortunately, this couldn’t have been further from the truth.
The latest proof: Siemens is set to build a $47 million landmark sustainability centre in east London. The new centre will be a flagship for east London’s Green Enterprise District. Set to open in time for the 2012 Games, it will showcase new technology from around the world and new ways of living and working in a sustainable city like London.
The economic potential inherent in the ‘green market’ has been recognised as a massive business development opportunity for London. Already the London Stock Exchange is home to over 100 cleantech firms, all of whom recognise the business potential that exists in London’s environmental and renewable energy markets. This is partly why Think London was so pleased to hear about the launch of The Capital Markets Climate Initiative (CMCI) last month.
CMCI’s remit is to link City investors with international financiers and policy makers to unlock private sector investment and help propel London towards becoming a global hub for green business. With the worldwide market for environmental goods and services expected to grow by a massive 45% between 2005 and 2015, London can – and should - be at the centre of this upward global trajectory.
The Mayor of London is calling for London to become the Low Carbon Capital of the World. By 2025, London is aiming to reduce its emissions by 60%. This is three times more than the EU’s targets to reduce emissions by 20% below 1990 levels. The renewable energy sector will be key to this. At the moment the UK generates just 2.5% of its electricity from renewable energy, but in just five years we are aiming to generate 15% from renewables, and at least 20% in the longer term.
For companies operating in the environmental field, this offers fantastic new business potential.
At Think London our London consultants are in the best possible position to help companies take advantage of this commercial opportunity, whether that be for new companies considering setting up business in London or for those of you that are already here, looking at expanding business in London.
Fortunately, this couldn’t have been further from the truth.
The latest proof: Siemens is set to build a $47 million landmark sustainability centre in east London. The new centre will be a flagship for east London’s Green Enterprise District. Set to open in time for the 2012 Games, it will showcase new technology from around the world and new ways of living and working in a sustainable city like London.
The economic potential inherent in the ‘green market’ has been recognised as a massive business development opportunity for London. Already the London Stock Exchange is home to over 100 cleantech firms, all of whom recognise the business potential that exists in London’s environmental and renewable energy markets. This is partly why Think London was so pleased to hear about the launch of The Capital Markets Climate Initiative (CMCI) last month.
CMCI’s remit is to link City investors with international financiers and policy makers to unlock private sector investment and help propel London towards becoming a global hub for green business. With the worldwide market for environmental goods and services expected to grow by a massive 45% between 2005 and 2015, London can – and should - be at the centre of this upward global trajectory.
The Mayor of London is calling for London to become the Low Carbon Capital of the World. By 2025, London is aiming to reduce its emissions by 60%. This is three times more than the EU’s targets to reduce emissions by 20% below 1990 levels. The renewable energy sector will be key to this. At the moment the UK generates just 2.5% of its electricity from renewable energy, but in just five years we are aiming to generate 15% from renewables, and at least 20% in the longer term.
For companies operating in the environmental field, this offers fantastic new business potential.
At Think London our London consultants are in the best possible position to help companies take advantage of this commercial opportunity, whether that be for new companies considering setting up business in London or for those of you that are already here, looking at expanding business in London.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)