What Next For London?

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.

We spoke to Fujitsu’s head of international trade and customs, Frank Dunsmuir, and CEO of international trade law and economics consultancy, Competere, Shanker Singham, about implications of the GB EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the future opportunities in international trade and tackling the existing pain points. Brexit is a process, not an event, and in this episode, we dig into the latest insight into what support traders need to be able to navigate it. In the podcast, Shanker mentioned Digital Trader Services. With customs experts and practical guidance, it’s a first of its kind online portal for declarations management. Learn more here.

We spoke to Lucy D’Orsi, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, and Inga Beale, London First Board member and former CEO of Lloyd’s of London, about the value of good leadership, drawing on their experience of exchanging expertise across policing and business as part of London First’s Leadership Exchange. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Leadership Exchange matches leaders from different organisations and cultures to provide a confidential sounding board for exploring shared challenges. Lucy and Inga shared how working together has shaped their outlook and leadership style.

Sally Jones, EY’s Lead for Trade Strategy and Brexit and George Riddell, EY’s Director of Trade Strategy, talk to London First about the adjustments businesses have made – and continue to make – to adapt to the new trading environment. They share their hopes for the future and the issues that still need to be tackled to make the UK’s trading relationship with the EU smoother in the future.

If London is to remain the best capital city in which to do business, business leaders will need to continue to focus on their people and culture. With the continuing under-representation of Black executives and professionals in senior positions under the microscope, Harry Matovu, Founder of the Charter for Black Talent, spoke to London First’s Chairman Paul Drechsler on how the Charter can help businesses to make clear, data-led, measurable commitments to improve the recruitment and promotion of talented Black professionals.