London First achievements

London First gets results

Our track record demonstrates the importance we place on getting results - here we give a flavour of our successes

Devolution for London - As part of our work to ensure the capital has the tools to manage itself effectively as a world city, our lobbying was influential in creating the Greater London Authority and office of Mayor of London in 2000

We produced a transport strategy for London and a five year forward programme, delivered to the new Mayor on his first day in office. Our strategy formed the basis for the Mayor’s bid for transport funding following his election.

Tackling central London gridlock - London First proposed Congestion Charging as a means of tackling central London congestion and as an alternative funding stream to deliver vital investment in the capital’s transport system. Congestion Charging was introduced in 2003. We have since persuaded the Mayor to make the original scheme more user-friendly, including introducing next day payment, extra pay points and a 6pm finish.

Our Tube User Forum secured changes to the programme of closures for maintenance work on the Underground network to avoid sensitive periods for business in London

Teach First - London’s schools have benefited from the teaching skills of 800 exceptional graduates, placed by Teach First, a scheme pioneered by London First and BITC in 2001

SkillCity - The largest ever vocational careers fair in London attracted 160 exhibitors and 26,000 visitors. Run by London First, SkillCity 2005 is the first of several such events planned up to 2011.

Skills for jobs - London First advocated a single London body to address the urgent skills needs of businesses in the capital. The London Skills and Employment Board was established by Government in late 2006, with London First Chairman Harvey McGrath appointed as its vice-chair.

Safer business – In partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, we have developed booklets on business continuity and counter terrorism, endorsed by government and now distributed by local authorities UK-wide. Thanks to London First, working with the Metropolitan Police, over 500 businesses have benefited from business continuity training.

Over 250 partnerships between senior police personnel and business leaders have arisen from London First’s much praised Leadership Exchange programme, which encourages the sharing of leadership and management expertise to improve operational effectiveness of London’s police services

Medal-winning - London First galvanised business support for London’s successful Olympic Bid, as a catalyst for regeneration

In 1995 we established Think London to promote London to business audiences worldwide and encourages foreign direct investment to London. In 12 years, our sister organisation has helped over 1000 companies from 36 countries to expand into London.

London First’s proposal for a Local Tax Re-investment Programme, based on our study in Barking and Dagenham, was influential in the creation of the current Local Authority Business Growth Incentive schemes

We also developed the New West End Company, the Business Improvement District which manages the improvement and promotion of the West End