New West End Company

Here in the West End, we have the privilege of officially launching the festive season in the capital each year with the switch-on of our iconic Christmas lights. 

These installations create a truly magical backdrop, attracting both international and domestic visitors to the West End during this critical festive trading period. I was delighted to discuss the district’s seasonal performance and what sets it apart from other flagship destinations in an interview with BBC London.

Following the Autumn Budget on 30 October, we have been actively raising awareness of how policy decisions are impacting the West End. Our Director of Communications and Campaigns, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt, joined representatives from His Majesty's Treasury at the CBI's recent Business Rates Working Group, highlighting the impact that the proposed Business Rates Bill, in particular, will have on the West End. We are set to publish research on the policy impact before year end, and are preparing to engage formally in the consultation process on behalf of our members. 

This month, we celebrated our milestones from the past year with members and local stakeholders at our annual Corporate Festive reception. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who joined, including Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Derwent London and Chairman of New West End Company, Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, and Chris Carter, Head of Partnership Development at Great Ormand Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity. GOSH Charity is our 2024 charity partner for Oxford Street. To support them continue their brilliant work, we organised a special raffle at the event, with some fantastic prizes to be won. A big thank you to The Portman Estate for hosting the event. 

To ensure the West End is ready to welcome visitors during this period of high footfall, Operation West End returned on 27 November, providing additional cleansing and security support. Further details about the programme and how you can get involved are available below.

I wish you all the very best for a successful festive season and look forward to sharing more updates with you before Christmas.

INSIGHTS

Black Friday continues to represent a key sales moment for retailers in the district. Our Festive Forecast shows that, similar to last year, the week following Black Friday will be the top-performing week for consumer electronics sales during the entire festive period.

Lucy Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer, and Paddy Gamble, Head of Insights, recently met with the Greater London Authority’s Regeneration and Growth Strategies team, alongside representatives from the High Streets Data Service, to walk them through the proprietary insights New West End Company has access to and how we have previously leveraged our data to forecast the positive impact of public realm schemes across the district.

On 27 November, the team from Singapore’s Orchard Street Business Alliance visited the West End to learn how New West End Company uses insights to promote the district to inward investors and attract both domestic and international visitors.

SECURITY & OPERATIONS

For the third consecutive year, Operation West End is in full swing, delivering enhanced security and cleaning measures throughout the festive season. For more information contact our Head of Security & Operations, Jamie Conroy on jamie.conroy@newwestend.com

As part of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Week, our Security team conducted a joint operation on 21 November with Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police Service. The operation focused on addressing ASB committed by known offenders, including individuals linked to organised crime groups. Multiple community protection warnings were issued during the operation.

Earlier this month, our Operations team was delighted to be invited to meet with both Hertfordshire Constabulary, and the Devon and Cornwall Police, accompanied by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall. Representatives from each force spoke with New West End Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Mitchell, and our Head of Security and Operations, Jamie Conroy, about the important role BIDs can play in facilitating closer working relationships between business and local police to tackle issues like anti-social behaviour and retail crime.

On 18 November, our Security team held a certified First Aid and CPR training session for members, hosted by an accredited training provider. Attendees from 13 retailers learned valuable lifesaving techniques, from how to use a defibrillator and put an individual into the recovery position, to managing a major trauma response. If you would like to attend this or similar training sessions in the future, please contact Akin Shodeinde, Security and Operations Coordinator, at akin.shodeinde@newwestend.com.

CAMPAIGNING AND ADVOCACY

New West End Company is actively advocating for policies that support the West End’s success as a premier retail and leisure destination.

We submitted a formal request to respond to the Government’s Business Rates consultation, raising concerns about the proposed multiplier increase for properties with a rateable value of £500,000 or more. Nathan Parsad-Wyatt presented our initial analysis of how this policy will impact the West End at the CBI’s Business Rates Working Group on 26 November, with members of HM Treasury present. We will publish our research in early December.

We are addressing local challenges, including Dockless Bikes and E-Scooters, with Westminster City Council. Dee Corsi and Nathan Parsad-Wyatt will meet with Councillor Dimoldenberg before the New Year to explore solutions for active travel while maintaining accessibility in the district.

We also submitted a response to Westminster City Council’s draft Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document, emphasising the importance of improving public spaces to enhance the West End’s appeal.

Looking ahead, we have invited Dame Diane Johnson DBE, Policing Minister, to visit the West End in early 2025 to discuss retail crime, organised crime, and anti-social behaviour challenges.

DESTINATION MARKETING

This festive season, the West End has been at the centre of London’s celebrations, creating magical experiences for visitors from near and far.

On 4 November, the Oxford Street Christmas lights were switched on at a private event featuring award-winning singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and Emily Mullen, a young girl who has benefited from the exceptional care of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH), our 2024 charity partner. The magical moment, illuminated by over 30,000 stars, was widely covered by BBC London, ITV London, and The Standard. We are proud to support GOSH in bringing joy to children with serious illnesses, and visitors can donate via the Oxford Street website.

As part of this year’s celebrations, Oxford Street will host the Big Day of JOY on 7 December, transforming the area into a vibrant hub of festive activity. Visitors can enjoy street performances, in-store activations, and a variety of festive experiences, all in support of GOSH.

On 14 November, Bond Street joined the festivities with its iconic lighting display, featuring a dazzling installation by CHANEL Fragrance & Beauty that celebrated the brand’s historic ties to Mayfair. The evening also marked the return of Ralph Lauren’s ‘Giving Tree’ in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, with a heartwarming children’s choir performance. Looking ahead, Bond Street will host an evening of festive entertainment on 4 December from 4pm to 7pm, including carol singers, gospel choirs, and quintessential Christmas performances, offering the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its world-famous displays.

Regent Street’s beloved ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lights returned on 7 November, casting a golden glow over the area thanks to The Crown Estate. This year, Regent Street also welcomed the Choose Love pop-up store for the first time. This unique shopping experience allows visitors to purchase meaningful gifts like winter coats, hot meals, or life-changing bundles, including emergency housing or mental health support, for refugees and displaced people worldwide. Whether in-store or online, every purchase directly supports vulnerable communities, spreading hope and joy during the holidays.

As part of our Oxford Street festive marketing campaign, we partnered with three family-focused influencers in November to showcase the area’s festive activities, family-friendly offerings, and exciting new openings. The campaign highlighted member brands such as John Lewis, Amalfi Ristorante, Microsoft, and Swingers West End, inspiring visitors to plan their perfect Christmas outings.

Finally, we’re thrilled to have collaborated with Outernet for the Oxford Street Christmas advert. The campaign, celebrating everything Oxford Street has to offer this season, will be featured on Outernet’s iconic LED screens from 3 December, adding to the festive spirit in the heart of the capital.

EVENTS

On 21 November, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt, Director of Communications and Campaigns, joined Alex Williams, Transport for London’s Chief Customer and Strategy officer at BusinessLDN’s roundtable discussion on ‘Transport and Productivity’. The engaging conversation explored how increased investment in the transport network could drive the economic growth the Mayor is prioritising by enhancing the capital’s productivity.

New West End Company’s Chief Executive, Dee Corsi, was delighted to accompany Paul Williams, our Chairman, to the 36th Annual Westminster Property Association (WPA) Lunch on 12 November. WPA Chair Marcus Geddes delivered a compelling speech on the success that public-private partnerships can achieve – particularly their ability to drive growth in the West End and beyond. The event also highlighted the exceptional work of WPA’s charity partner, the Young Westminster Foundation. Attendees were treated to insightful commentary from BBC journalist Clive Myrie, who shared perspectives on recent elections in the UK and the US.

At the end of November, our Head of Partnerships, Danielle Purnell, attended MAPIC – an annual international conference which gathers retail, property, food and leisure leaders from over 75 countries. Over the course of three days, she heard from industry experts on some of the key trends shaping the sectors relevant to our members – from an increasing focus on omnichannel strategies and unique in-store experiences to a growing number of mixed-use developments for retail, leisure, office and residential.

Dee Corsi was delighted to attend Walpole's British Luxury Awards on 18 November – an exceptional celebration of the world-leading creativity, design, innovation, talent and craftsmanship happening right here in the UK. 

This month, New West End Company attended both the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum and the Soho Forum Steering Group, hearing from members of our West End community about the issues which matter most to them, and how we, as a BID, can facilitate closer working relationships with businesses in the area.

We were thrilled to welcome members and local stakeholders to our annual Corporate Christmas Reception at The Orchard, One Great Cumberland Place. A big thank you to The Portman Estate for hosting the event and to The BoTree, Liberty, John Lewis, Lavo, and Fortnum & Mason for their generous raffle prize donations.

IN THE DISTRICT

Visitors to Oxford Street can now experience the ‘Hus of FRAKTA’; a unique pop-up experience from IKEA, dedicated to the iconic blue bag. The pop-up, located next to the upcoming Oxford Street store, aims to play tribute to the household favourite, and bring IKEA a little closer to its customers before the brand’s flagship city centre story opens its doors in Spring 2025.

Jacquemus has brought the warm glow of a Mediterranean summer to New Bond Street with his serene new four-storey store. More than just menswear and womenswear, the store also serves as a gallery-like space for Jacquemus to display his growing collection of art. Close to 50 works by art and design icons adorn the space, including a still life by Wolfgang Tillmans, a Raoul Dufy nude and Astier de Villatte ceramics.

Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a new boutique on New Bond Street, across the road from its existing store, which was established in 2001. Echoing Van Cleef & Arpels’ values of transmission and education, the boutique will host a series of workshops and events – from thematic celebrations to kids workshops and panel discussions, the new space will have an experience for everyone.

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s creative spirit, Diptyque has partnered with Lucy Sparrow for its holiday collection. The collaboration is an exuberant reinvention of the symbols of wintertime and the icons of the Diptyque Maison, in the context of Sparrow’s craft-based pop aesthetic.