News

The Metropolitan Police and retail groups have written to government calling for criminal justice reforms to crackdown on prolific shoplifters, including fast-tracking court cases and stronger, more consistent enforcement of court orders.

Dee Corsi writes on LBC about the findings in ‘Unlocking the London Advantage’ – a new landmark report by New West End Company.

London emerges as the most consistently competitive city overall in new global city competitiveness index. Yet, the UK capital ranks last among peer cities for policy competitiveness, raising concerns that policy inertia could erode its tourism and growth advantages.

For the first time ever, New West End Company will be screening the full Wimbledon tennis tournament in Mayfair’s iconic Hanover Square.

Throughout May, we delivered essential services that underpin the district’s success – driving forward strategic partnerships, and representing our members’ interests at the highest levels.

A £23m private investment package has been unlocked to bolster security operations and infrastructure in the West End, London’s cultural, commercial and economic powerhouse.

King Charles III delivered the King’s Speech, marking the formal reopening of Parliament and setting out the Government’s legislative and policy priorities for the year ahead.

Below, you’ll find updates across our core pillars of Operations, Advocacy, Innovation and Experience, alongside the latest events and developments in the West End.

We welcome the Mayor’s ambition to modernise London’s licensing framework. A progressive, proportionate licensing regime is essential to keeping London competitive on the world stage.

In partnership with Westminster City Council, we brought together sustainability leaders driving positive change in the West End.

Mayor confirms next steps to make world-famous Oxford Street traffic-free by the end of this summer.

Following today’s Spring Statement (3 March) by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, our Chief Executive Dee Corsi shares her response to the updates.

February marked a pivotal moment for Oxford Street.

Westminster City Council, in partnership with The Crown Estate, has formally recommended that the Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus public realm programme progresses to the next stage of design, following a public consultation held last summer.

The start of 2026 has brought renewed focus and momentum for New West End Company.

December marked a pivotal moment for the West End.

This month has seen a number of key policy announcements.

Following the Autumn Budget earlier today (Wednesday 26 November), read our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi’s full statement below.

Eight-week consultation until 16 January 2026 allows those visiting, living and working in this iconic location to shape the future of Oxford Street.

New West End Company welcomes the opportunity to contribute to Westminster City Council’s ambition to create a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant city through its updated City Plan.

This week marks the launch of Operation West End, the biggest single private sector investment into enhanced security and policing in London’s West End.

Safety and security remain at the top of our agenda

An update from New West End Company on our ongoing work to restore tax-free shopping, under a new Labour National Government.

The Mayor’s landmark day pedestrianising Oxford Street significantly boosted footfall and sales, new data shows.

September marked the beginning of a new era for New West End Company

The proposals are part of New West End Company’s new business plan and vision for 2026-2031, titled “The Future is West End”

Oxford Street to go traffic-free to showcase transformative benefits of proposals to pedestrianise the iconic street.

We are exploring the creation of a digital platform for people who work in the West End.

This month, we were pleased to see some significant steps forward in the evolution of the West End.

New West End Company is proud to announce the opening of a new Metropolitan Police touchdown base in the West End, delivered in collaboration with The Crown Estate.

June marked an important milestone for Oxford Street and the wider West End, with the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan’s announcement that he is moving ahead with plans to revitalise Oxford Street through the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

New West End Company welcomes the opportunity to respond to Westminster After Dark.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today (17 June 2025) announced he will move ahead with bold plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area following overwhelming public and business support for his proposals.

Following Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s announcements today (11 June), read our Chief Executive Dee Corsi’s full statement in reaction to the measures below.

At New West End Company, everything we do is focused on supporting our members and strengthening the district.

For New West End Company, 1 April marked not only the start of a new BID year, but the beginning of the final year in our current five-year term.

Last week, all eyes were on the Chancellor as Rachel Reeves delivered the Spring Statement, outlining further plans for the UK economy in light of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s latest forecast.

Following Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s announcements today (26 March), read our Chief Executive Dee Corsi’s full statement in reaction to the measures below.

Mayor begins consultation on the potential pedestrianisation of Oxford Street and proposals to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to super charge regenerationA revitalised Oxford Street would increase visitor numbers, create new jobs, and boost retail and growth for London and the whole UK economy The MDC would have specific planning powers to deliver a world-leading scheme that works for residents, visitors and businessesMayor encourages everyone to have their say on these proposals before 2 May 2025

As we gear up for the new financial year, New West End Company is preparing for the final 12 months of our current BID term, whilst developing our next five-year business plan.

Following the introduction of the new legislation today (25 February), read our Chief Executive Dee Corsi’s full statement in reaction to the measures below.

Lack of tax-free shopping cost West End retailers an estimated £640 million in international visitor revenue in 2024 – up from £400 million in 2023Muted festive growth highlights importance of realising untapped opportunities in the international visitor economyWest End retailers saw 0.25% YoY growth across November and December 2024During this period, domestic spend was down 2.2% YoY, reflecting ongoing domestic economic pressuresInternational spend, in turn, increased by 3.5%, bridging the gap for lost domestic spend, but remains below pre-pandemic levels, with a critical dip in December’s peak trading periodNew West End Company CEO calls for urgent reintroduction of tax-free shopping as growth driving measure, to support retail, leisure and hospitality sectors

New West End Company was delighted to welcome business members to the annual Insights Breakfast, at the Sanderson London on Thursday 6 February.

New West End Company has found that the proposed 10p increase in business rates multiplier would cost affected businesses up to £44.5 million extra a yearThe almost 20% increase in rates will add to already increasing store operating costs for retailers67% of New West End Company members – including businesses on Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street – would be hit, demonstrating the impact extends far beyond online warehouses

New West End Company is proud to be a founding member of High Streets UK – a pro-growth, nationwide partnership dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the UK’s flagship high streets and unlocking fresh opportunities for growth.

Following the Autumn Budget earlier today (Wednesday 30 October), read our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi’s full statement below.

It has been an exciting couple of months for New West End Company since I last sent an update, with a lot of activity to share.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, proposes to transform world-famous Oxford Street, in new plans backed by the GovernmentAt the heart of the Mayor’s plans is delivering proposals to pedestrianise the roadA revitalised, pedestrianised Oxford Street would increase visitor numbers, create new jobs and boost growth in London and across the UKSupported by the new Government, the pedestrianisation plans would be delivered through the designation of a new Mayoral Development Area.

“Anyone who knows Oxford Street isn’t worried about its future.” – Sarah Jaconelli, Director of Communications, New West End Company

We are now nearly four weeks into our first Labour Government in fourteen years and, already, a number of announcements have been made.

Following The King’s Speech at the Houses of Parliament earlier today (17 July), a statement from our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi below.

Following Sadiq Khan’s historic election as the Mayor of London for a third term, a statement from our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi below.

Following the results of the UK General Election, read our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi’s full reaction below.

It was fantastic to see so many of familiar and new faces join us at our Summer Social this month which, fittingly, took place just before the Summer Solstice and longest day of the year.

PROUD West End, an immersive, audio-visual art exhibition from New West End Company, returns to the West End for the second year running The gallery of ‘living portraits’ has been delivered in partnership with Grosvenor Property UK and curated by Heard Storytelling The free exhibition is a celebration of voice, representation and pride, sharing stories of 11 LGBTQIA+ individuals from across the West End Visitors can hear and watch the stories, located in Grosvenor Square, by scanning the QR codes accompanying each portrait

New West End Company, which represents over 600 UK and international firms, calls for ‘comprehensive’ reform to business rates to boost high streets across the country.New manifesto calls for reintroduction of tax-free shopping, a crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, and greater protection for retail workers.New West End Company also calls on party leaders to back more flexible planning laws to drive investment and job growth.

PROUD West End, an audio-visual art exhibition is returning on 11 June, launched by Oxford Street in collaboration with GrosvenorThe gallery of ‘living portraits’ is curated by Heard Storytelling and located in Grosvenor Square in the West EndThe free exhibition is a celebration of voice, representation and pride, sharing stories of 11 LGBTQIA+ individuals from across the West EndVisitors can hear and watch the stories by scanning QR codes accompanying each portrait

The London Mayoral election has been the subject of much conversation over the last few months, and with the capital set to go to the polls tomorrow, everyone is clear on what they believe the next Mayor’s priorities must be.

March marks the start of Spring and I – alongside the rest of the New West End Company team – have welcomed the longer days and the beginning of blooms across the West End.

A brand new report from New West End Company and Colliers outlines the key shifts taking place on Oxford Street as it redefines what it means to be a flagship retail and leisure destination,Fresh analysis finds that Oxford Street contributes the highest share of any component part of the West End – capturing an estimated £3.1 billion in sales in 2023 – at around 35% of total sales,Oxford Street’s appeal is underpinned by its evolution away from transactional retail to immersive retail, leisure and cultural experiences,These shifts are complemented by the £90 million Oxford Street Programme – set to deliver between 5% – 10% per annum in sales growth for Oxford Street alone upon completion.

Following the announcement earlier today (1 March), read our Chief Executive Dee Corsi’s full statement on the landmark decision below.

Like many of you, New West End Company is in the midst of our annual cycle of business planning, looking ahead to how we can continue to deliver for our members in 2024/2025.

£90 million Oxford Street Programme is forecast to deliver between 5% – 10% per annum in sales growth for Oxford Street, amounting to a potential benefit of £2.8bn in total additional sales in the programme’s first five years following completion.Delivery of programme coincides with the ongoing shift from transactional retail to immersive retail, cultural and leisure experiences.Growing consumer demand for a diverse mix on Oxford Street is already being met by influx of global brands, including IKEA, Moco Museum, Frameless and HMV.

New West End Company data reveals that a persistent ‘spending gap’ emerged in London’s West End across 2023, even as international visitors numbers soared;
Middle Eastern visitors represented the biggest unrealised opportunity for retailers, with the ‘spending gap’ widest for this affluent demographic;
Pressure on HM Treasury builds ahead of the Spring Budget, with promised OBR review cause for optimism amongst affected businesses.

Click below to read our 2023 West End Turnover Forecast and an in-depth West End Catchment Analysis, developed in partnership with Colliers Retail Strategy and Analytics team.

Happy New Year!

Our festive trading period proved that the West End remains resilient, even as national economic pressures dampened domestic consumer spending.

New West End Company data shows that footfall in the West End increased 3% in November and December, compared to the same period in 2022

Lower domestic spending acted as a drag on topline growth, underlining the importance of attracting international spendHigher visitor numbers do not match spend

which dropped 1% year-on-year

Boxing Day footfall across the West End up 5% on 2022 levels, and just below 2019 figures

Bond Street saw the most footfall growth, with Boxing Day footfall up 20% year-on-year and 34% compared to 2019

Early indications point to stronger consumer spending in December, primarily driven by international visitors

Black Friday weekend gets festive season off to roaring start: Saturday is busiest day of 2023, reaching 2019 footfall levelsMorning footfall surged on the Saturday of Black Friday weekend, as shoppers sought out early bird offers.In spite of lower temperatures, footfall also remained buoyant across the first weekend of December.Marking the start of December’s trading period, New West End Company celebrated the festive magic of the West End in partnership with one of the U.K.’s leading visitor attractions, Outernet.

The festive trading period is well underway, with dazzling lighting displays adorning key streets across the district, seasonal activations captivating shoppers in-store, and on-street entertainment ensuring that the festive magic is felt by one and all.

Read our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi’s comments following the Autumn Statement at the House of Commons earlier today (22 November).

The ‘Starlight Faerie’, commissioned by Veolia and New West End Company, will stand by Bond Street station from 16th November.The sculpture is made entirely from waste materials, which have been recovered from across Westminster and repurposed into an interactive piece of public art.In addition to inspiring passersby to take sustainable action, it will also act as an interactive donation point for children’s charity Starlight – the official charity partner of Oxford Street this Christmas.

New West End Company reveals a widening gap between the number of visitors coming to London and overall spend in the West End;

Chinese tourists are returning to London, but higher visitor numbers aren’t being accompanied by a comparable increase in spend;

Pressure on HM Treasury builds, as business calls to reinstate tax-free shopping grow louder.

Read our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi’s comments following The King’s Speech at the Houses of Parliament earlier today (7 November).

Skate West End will open at Hanover Square this festive season. Every ticket sold will raise vital fund’s for Great Ormond Street hospital children’s charity.

On Thursday 2 November 2023, Oxford Street was the first to switch on its world-famous Christmas lights in the capital, kick-starting the festive season in LondonMillie Bright, captain of the Lionesses and Chelsea Football Club celebrated the switch on of the iconic Christmas lights and launched the ‘Stars for Starlight’ initiativeMembers of the public are invited to sponsor an Oxford Street star to support children in hospital this Christmas

The West End festive season is truly upon us. With the switch on of the district’s Christmas lights imminent, and members preparing to dazzle and delight visitors to the area, it is safe to say that anticipation of this all-important trading period is building.

• New West End Company forecasts up to £1.64 billion is set to be spent in the West End over the Christmas trading period.
• Returning international visitors will provide a significant boost to overall spend year-on-year, as domestic shoppers remain cautious.
• Against this backdrop, calls for the Government to reintroduce tax-free shopping and safeguard capital’s international appeal continue.

Following a busy summer trading period, and a pause in the newsletter over August, there is a significant amount of activity to share with you.

The Parliamentary debate to put to case the reinstatement of tax-free shopping to the Treasury is taking place today, Thursday 7 September at 3pm. The 90-minute debate will be held in Westminster Hall and opened by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP.

• Nine in ten West End businesses say they have been hit by the absence of tax-free shopping
• In comparison, just over half say they have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis
• Majority of those surveyed say they are reviewing U.K. investment and staffing requirements as a result
• Findings come ahead of Parliamentary debate on Thursday 7 Sept, as calls for Treasury to reinstate tax-free shopping grow louder

A radical change in the British retail environment requires a radical response – and that is what we can see on Oxford Street today, according to the New West End Company’s Chief Executive, Dee Corsi, writing in City AM.

Figures released by New West End Company have revealed the stark impact that the absence of tax-free shopping is having on overseas visitor spend. Despite tourist numbers continuing to recover in 2023, the spending gap has widened compared to pre-pandemic levels.

As we move into the summer months, activity across the district shows no sign of abating. News that we have secured a Parliamentary debate on reinstating tax-free shopping on 7 September is a milestone, not only for the New West End Company and our members, but for the entire tourism ecosystem.

British brands no longer benefit from home advantage on our high streets, according to Chief Executive of the New West End Company, Dee Corsi’s latest piece in City A.M.

June has seen several significant milestones for NWEC and the wider West End Community, in addition to the daily activity we undertake on members’ behalf to ensure the district’s continued reputation as an iconic retail and leisure destination.

The West End is making a comeback to its pre-pandemic glory, according to data published in the Evening Standard.

Art in Mayfair 2023 saw the brands of Bond Street and Mayfair come together with the Royal Academy of Arts for a month of art and culture.

We have been extremely busy in the West End over the last month; from co-ordinating regal celebrations for the King’s Coronation, to campaigning on the issue of tax-free shopping which is now gathering noticeable momentum and support across the industry and press.

A Series of Unmissable Coronation Experiences, Offers and Events from 6-8 May 2023

We are delighted to share our refreshed Business Plan for 2023-2026, which supports and enables the West End to remain on track to deliver our original business plan goal of £10 billion district turnover by the end of 2025.

The bank holiday weekend is forecast to generate up to £50 million in London’s West End, with retail and hospitality businesses optimistic that the historic occasion will provide a welcomed uplift.

Major new work by Sean Scully unveiled to mark the formal completion of Hanover Square

Earlier this month we announced that the West End is on track to return to its historic annual turnover of £10 billion by the end of 2025, despite the economic uncertainty of the last quarter.

To mark International Woman’s Day, this week we wanted to shine a light on our female security & cleansing team members. These ladies certainly show us how it is done in keeping the West End clean, safe and healthy!

London’s West End is forecast to achieve £10 billion turnover by 2025, despite recovery slowing over the next two years, according to our latest research report.

The West End has enjoyed a strong start to 2023, with January spend outperforming pre-pandemic levels. This marked the first time that international visitors drove monthly spending that was higher than 2019.

Prepare your business for the new business recycling Regulations

Last week we hosted a special breakfast briefing for our members with an expert panel of speakers from PwC, who gave us some exclusive insights from the festive trading period and a detailed look at the consumer outlook for the West End in the coming months.

We are nearly a month into 2023, and optimism remains high across the West End as we look to build on a successful Christmas trading period that saw strong numbers of shoppers across the district.

As we approach the end of 2022, it’s time to look back and reflect on what we’ve collectively achieved over the last 12 months, building on our recovery since the pandemic and looking ahead to what the new year will bring.

The festive season is well and truly underway in the West End, as November saw the launch of the iconic Christmas lights across Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street.

COP27 finally concluded yesterday after two weeks of talks, announcements and events, and two days of overtime filled with fraught negotiations. Read on for a full round-up from our environmental consultancy, Bioregional.

What it means for West End businesses

£1.55 billion is forecast to be spent over the 8-week Christmas trading period, up a quarter (24%) from 2021 but still down 28% on 2019 figures.

Westminster City Council and the Westminster Property Association launched Westminster’s first Sustainable City Charter in November 2022, which encourages Westminster businesses of any shape or size to act to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and therefore ensure businesses and buildings are resilient to the impact of climate change, now and in the future.

It certainly has been a busy few weeks for me since taking over the helm as interim CEO last month, and as we enter our peak trading period and gear up for Christmas, it doesn’t look like it will be quietening down any time soon!

A significant part of our turnover growth is being driven by the opening of the Elizabeth Line, which is expected to be the main mode of transport for 13% of visitors into the district by 2023.

Despite a slowing rate of recovery, London’s West End is forecast to return to its historic annual turnover of over £10 billion by 2025, according to an updated report from global property consultancy, Colliers.

London’s West End looks set to reach its historical annual turnover of £10 billion by 2025, according to our latest research released today.

On behalf of Her Majesty, the Prince of Wales has set out the Government’s priorities at the State Opening of Parliament, signalling the start of a new Parliamentary session.

It is with deep sadness that we hear of the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. Our condolences are with the Prince of Wales and all members of the Royal Family.

Earlier today Liz Truss was elected Leader of the Conservative Party, winning by 57% to 43% over Rishi Sunak. She will travel to Balmoral tomorrow to be appointed Prime Minister by the Queen.

As Head of Sustainability at New West End Company, and its my role to ensure that we, as a district are doing all we can to develop, practise and promote a sustainable future.

A new aerial art installation has taken over London’s famous Oxford Street to encourage action on the transition to a low carbon future, helping to fund community rooftop solar energy and the planting of woodland in the capital.

Summer is well and truly underway and it has been wonderful to see so many people coming back to our District to enjoy the summer offerings of our West End businesses.

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Secretary of State
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

There is nothing like a Royal occassion to bring our cities and communities together and in London’s West End, it was no exception.

Last week we welcomed members to our Annual Review, looking back at our results & achievements from the past 12 months and delving into our priorities for the year ahead. In case you missed it, watch the full presentation from the New West End Company team below.

Join more than 22,363 UK businesses selling their unsold food surplus items, instead of throwing them away or having them incinerated or sent to landfill.

The latest figures from New West End Company, which represents 600 retail, restaurant, hotel and property owners across Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Mayfair, forecast that sales over the Jubilee weekend (2nd – 5th June) will hit £80 million.

London’s West End is hosting a summer like no other, with the 50 most exciting and thrilling experiences that can only be discovered in the West End.

The 27^th Conference of the Parties (COP27) is taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, from 6-18 November 2022.

New West End Company Chief Executive, Jace Tyrrell, is leaving the central London Business Improvement District (BID) after six years at the helm.

After six years as Chief Executive of New West End Company, I’m turning to a new chapter with a unique and compelling offer to move back down under to head up Australia’s first BID at the New Sydney Waterfront Company from 1 October this year.

As we mark Earth Day here in the West End, I wanted to reflect on how far we, as a District, have come on our path to becoming a more sustainable destination.

• Eight in ten consumers say their day-to-day cost of living has gone up, with over half (51%) saying they’re already buying less goods and services.
• The cost of products and services are now the top considerations for shoppers, with three fifths (60%) more people prioritising value for money over environmental impact
• Money saving green habits such as buying second hand clothes and taking public transport remain popular, with two thirds (65%) thinking retailers should be doing more to support sustainable shopping behaviours
• New West End Company has today launched its West End Road To Zero Action Plan, a blueprint for retail & leisure destinations to collaborate to tackle the climate emergency.

Globally, we face unparalleled challenges due to the climate and ecological emergency and the need to take action to limit global warming to 1.5°C has never been greater.

Our West End Spotlight is a bi-annual snapshot of the state of London’s West End. Comprised of key 6 month trends such as spend, footfall, demographics and new and upcoming openings, this is a one stop shop for those looking to do business in our District.

On 23 March, the Chancellor delivered his Spring Statement against a backdrop of increasingly rising living costs. The statement focussed on two key areas: foreign policy security and economic security.

We are almost two months into 2022 and this year is already looking up. Restrictions have been removed, colleagues are flocking back to the office, our annual plans have been finalised and our great recovery year is fully underway.

Firstly, I want to wish you a very happy new year. We enter 2022 with optimism and confidence that our District will continue to bounce back strongly from the ongoing – and seemingly never ending – pandemic.

Due to the impact that the spread of the Omicron variant and Plan B restrictions have had on many businesses across the UK, specifically in city centres, The Chancellor has today announced new support measures for those businesses most impacted.

Another year is almost at a close, and it’s time to reflect on what we as a partnership and as a District have achieved together as we continue our West End recovery.

Due to concerns about the Omicron variant, the Goverment introduced new measures from 04:00 on Tuesday 30 November to ensure the continued safety of the public and to reduce the impact of the emerging variant.

The Grosvenor Chapel has organised an unusual Carol Singing Adventure for Wednesday, 1st December from 6pm in the West End.

RMT are expected to begin strike action tomorrow, Friday 26 November

London’s West End didn’t wait for the shock of Covid to begin its to begin its conversion, as customers are increasingly demanding that shopping is an experience.

Last week we rung in the festive season with a brilliant evening at Fenwick to thank our community partners for all their support over the past year.

On Friday for the first time ever, London’s West End hosted our biggest Christmas Lights Switch On, including our brand new scheme on Oxford Street, in partnership with The Crown Estate, Grosvenor Great Britain & Ireland and Heart of London Business Alliance.

As we kick off the festive season, take a look below to see how New West End Company is supporting you during this peak trading period.

While much of the media noise surrounding COP26 has focussed on the struggle of state negotiations and lack of cohesive agreements, we were pleased to see this week in Glasgow that this does not represent the wider conversations and atmosphere in and around the conference.

How we respond to the climate emergency is the greatest issue of our generation, and one that we, rightly, will be held accountable for.

As Christmas draws closer, businesses and the local community are preparing to spread holiday cheer this festive season.

Today, the Chancellor set out the UK’s economic recovery from Covid-19 in the Autumn Budget.

Forecast from New West End Company predicts that sales in the district, across November and December, are expected to grow by 3.2% compared to last year.While domestic shoppers remain cautious, with modest spend growth of 1.6%, an influx of international tourists to London means international spend is forecast to rise by 5.8%.Weekend of 7/8 December is forecast to be the biggest spending moment pre-Christmas, with consumers estimated to spend between £40-50 million in the district.

This week we finally celebrated the official opening of Burlington Gardens with Westminster City Council, the Lord Mayor of Westminster Andrew Smith and the Royal Academy of Arts.

Art in Mayfair, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Art launched on 2 Septmber in celebration of the 253rd Summer Exhibition and is continuing until 17 October.

September was a busy month in London’s West End, not only welcoming back many valued office workers and customers, but also welcoming back physical campaigns and initiatives to our district that have been much missed over the past 18 months.