London Wire

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.