Think London takes to the US East Coast

This month Think London takes in the East Coast of America as part of its latest business roadshow

Think London’s recent trip to North America, headed up by Chief Executive Michael Charlton, took in the US East Coast, with stops in Atlanta, New York, Boston and Washington DC to address audiences and individual companies, particularly those in the sustainable and digital / creative industries, about the opportunities available in London in the lead up to and beyond the London 2012 Games.

What became most clear is that, despite the recession, London continues to be the destination of choice for North American businesses that are looking for opportunities for expansion or relocation in London. This has been backed by the recent Ernst & Young European Attractiveness Survey, which identified the US as the largest single investor into London. The UK capital has retained this prestigious ranking not only through an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), but also thanks to its strength as a business and financial services centre.

Expanding overseas might not seem like the most appropriate action for businesses at this stage of the economic cycle, but London offers a huge number of unique market opportunities for US companies. Most importantly its business environment is ideal for helping firms maximise growth, contain costs and manage risk, which is why Think London works so closely with international investors to help them maximise their business development opportunities.

The first-ever ‘Digital Games’ will be quickly upon us and this bodes well for companies in the digital and creative sector, as there are 30 product streams that require digital media suppliers. This includes plans that will enable viewers to track results in “real-time” through clickable ‘geo maps’. The objective of the “Digital Games” is to create a democratic environment that takes advantage of interactive technology and social networking, so spectators and residents feel able to contribute, should they so wish.

There are three things that US digital and creative firms will find in London; critical mass, market leadership and tangible opportunities, and long term market momentum. London is a global centre of convergence for the technology and creative industries, with creativity accounting for £21 billion, or 16%, of London’s annual Gross Value Added (GVA), and at Think London we can provide access to our London consultants, who can offer specific market advice which help foreign firms establish and grow in the capital.

Not only will the 2012 Games be the first digital event, but it is also aiming to be the first ever sustainable games in history. The UK environmental technology industry is the world’s fifth largest and comprises of more than 17,000 companies and 400,000 workers. Furthermore, sustainability is at the heart of everything that London 2012 does, through the use of sustainable construction materials and transport to the restoration of waterways and habitats. London offers great opportunities for renewable energy companies, and at Think London we can utilise our extensive networks to support businesses in this sector.