What Next For London?

We spoke to Michele Pittini, Head of GLA Economics, and Graeme Smith and Lee Watson, Managing Directors, London at Alix Partners, on the current picture of London’s recovery, what new data sources are needed to make this more accurate, how the city’s businesses are responding to the unwinding of government support measures, the impact of disrupted supply chains and the importance of planning ahead now.

To mark 20 years of the leadership exchange, we are pleased to share this new podcast with Lord Davies and James Stokley, who were paired up via the scheme which brings business and public sector leaders together. Mervyn and James share what they’ve learnt in their very different successful careers, how they see leadership today and the value of grasping opportunities when they arise.

Lisa Mayhew is the co-chair of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP), an international law firm. She spoke to Mel Hobson and Laura Osborne about the need for consistent messages, the importance of the Government boosting confidence and what the future of work might look like, informed by lessons learnt over the last 18 months. Lisa reflects on the purpose of the office, what work is best done where and the role employers play in their local communities. Lisa also shares how the pandemic has shaped her personal approach to leadership and what she’s changed during that time.

DAC Beachcroft Senior Partner Virginia Clegg spoke to London First’s Mel Hobson and Laura Osborne on the difference between emerging short-term work patterns and the longer-term future of work and cities. Virginia shared her experience of leading an international firm through a pandemic, as well as explaining why the firm adopted its Flex Forward initiative. The future is flexible – Virginia gives her take on why.

Jane Grant, UK Head of Learning and Development for WSP, joins What next for London? for a special edition on diversity and inclusion (I&D). Jane spoke to Laura Osborne about how WSP has approached inclusion, including the publication of its first official I&D strategy earlier this year, and the importance of being able to bring your full authentic self to work in a truly inclusive culture.

Martin Tufft, Sales Director at BT, talks to Laura Osborne about the role of technology in accelerating recovery and the benefits greater connectivity can deliver for the capital’s businesses. Martin explains how 5G can support productivity, open up new technology and underpin smart cities, from enhanced clinical support for ambulance crews through to smart factories and organisational digital transformation.

We spoke to Jon Di Stefano, CEO of Telford Homes, about the impact of the pandemic on the capital, on the build-to-rent sector and on the future of international cities. Jon shared his thoughts on the future balance between commercial and residential properly in the centre of the city, as well as the potential for further regeneration in the outer boroughs.

MTVH’s CEO Geeta Nanda talks to Laura Osborne about the role housing associations have played in their communities over the last 18 months, the importance of housing in recovery and the focus of the G15 under her leadership.

This week we spoken to Julie Baddeley, Chair of Chapter Zero, and Paul King, Managing Director Sustainability & Social Impact (Europe) at Lendlease, about the scale and immediacy of the climate change challenge and how all businesses, including those yet to make a start, can take steps today that can set them on a path to net zero. Listen in to get a sense of the big picture, as well as the practical steps firms can take to make difference.

Our CEO John Dickie spoke to Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications, about Transport for London’s decision to award BAI the contract to deliver high-speed mobile coverage across London’s tube network, introducing uninterrupted 4G mobile coverage to ticket halls, platforms and tunnels on the London Underground network for the first time. Billy explains the difference this will make to productivity across the city and why it comes as such an important vote of confidence at this moment in the capital’s recovery.