Non-profit membership organization for conducting business campaigning
BusinessLDN (spoken as Business London[1]) is a not for profit[2] advocacy group with a membership composed of leaders of businesses in London, United Kingdom.[3][4][5]
As of 2022[update], it represented around 175 London based businesses.[6] [7]
Its stated aim is "to make London the best city in the world in which to do business".[8]
History
London First was established in 1992 to meet a perceived lack of a unitary body to promote London after the dissolution of the Greater London Council. Its first chair was Allen Sheppard, Baron Sheppard of Didgemere.[9]
London First has supported plans to provide roofing over major roads in London amongst other transport infrastructure developments, a proposal that was under consideration by then London mayor Boris Johnson.[4] It has criticised the Cameron ministry's proposal to require a bond of £ 3 000 for some visitors to the UK.[5]
London First was a partner in the 2014 "Wikimania".[10]
London First was given its present name in July 2022 [11]
Leadership
John Dickie was appointed chief executive in May 2021.[12]
Its former chief executives were Jasmine Whitbread[13][14] and Baroness Jo Valentine.[4][5]
Leadership Team
Sources:[15] [16]
- John Dickie - Chief Executive
- Muniya Barua - Deputy Chief Executive
- Dimitra Christakou - Chief Operating Officer
Board
Sir Kenneth Olisa succeeded Paul Drechsler CBE as Chair in 2023.[17][18]
Policy Response
In July 2021, London First urged firms to return to the office, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced an increase in remote work.[19]
Rebranding
On 12 July 2022, London First renamed as BusinessLDN (spoken as Business London).[20]
References
External links