What Next For London?

Ed Fidoe, Chief Executive of the London Interdisciplinary School, discusses the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing global challenges like climate change and mental health. He highlights how innovative, multi-disciplinary degrees prepare students for real-world issues while fostering corporate responsibility. Fidoe also emphasizes the necessity of internships to bridge the gap between education and employment, and he explores the evolving communication skills needed in the workplace. His insights reflect the future of leadership and education in a post-pandemic world.

Dr Nicola Millard, BT’s Principal Innovation Partner, joined us to talk through her experience of the changing world of work and why we need to rethink the nature of work itself. She brought to life the consequence of rapidly accelerating trends, the opportunities to rethink business in a more sustainable way and the need for a new kind of leadership as we emerge from the pandemic.

We spoke to Caroline Artis, London Senior Partner, and David Storey, EMEIA Workforce Advisory Leader, about the significant research EY has been doing on the future of work. From where it will happen to the role of AI, we talked through people’s differing expectations, what is shaping them and how employers can respond.

We were joined by Lyn Garner, CEO of the London Legacy Development Corporation, to discuss lessons from long-term planning and regeneration, and how these can be applied to a post-pandemic London. Lyn is passionate about the ongoing potential of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to enhance the lives of those in the communities living in close proximity, will also harnessing its potential as a global destination for arts and culture.

Mount Anvil founder Killian Hurley spoke to Jonathan Seager and Laura Osborne about the lessons he has learned from 30 years at the helm of a partnership-focused property business. As we move towards recovery, Killian emphasised the importance of quality, of developing the skills needed for the next generation of construction leaders and the value of working with those whose values you share.

As eyes lift to the horizon with news of a vaccine on the way, we explore a critical element of recovery with PwC, what next for international trade? Beyond the immediate Brexit debate, we dig into the opportunities ahead for London and the whole of the UK, why we need to tell a new story about our place in the world and how we can make the most of the country’s soft power. Sophia Wolpers and Laura Osborne were joined by PwC partners Matt Alabaster and Claire Reid.

Zoe Haseman, Vice President Global Sustainability at Jacobs, talked to Laura Osborne and David Lutton about the shape of a green recovery for the capital, how we can accelerate the drive to Net Zero and the importance of a just transition that tackles inequality.

Laura Osborne spoke to Liam Harrison, Market Director at Atkins, about the future of devolution, funding infrastructure and the role of cities, as we look ahead to recovery. Liam shared his experiences and insights into decision making close to the community, and highlighted the need for a more rounded approach to procurement in the future.

London First’s Dr David Lutton speaks with  Claire Sherwin, the Global Head of Talent Acquisition, People Services and Technology at Finastra and Leslie Benson, the Senior Managing Director in the Strategic Communications group at FTI Consulting, on the future of work.

Sarah Bentley, new CEO of Thames Water, joins Laura Osborne and Daniel Mahoney to discuss the future of the sector, its response to CV-19 and why infrastructure is in Sarah’s DNA. From opening up wetlands to the public through to the balance of resilience and price rises, Sarah talks about the importance of putting customers front of mind.