OPERATIONS

This month, we announced a £23m investment package to strengthen security operations and infrastructure across the West End, as first reported by Retail Week.

The investment comes at a critical moment for London, with continued concern around crime and increasing recognition that the capital’s international reputation for safety must be addressed. That’s why, over the next five years, we will be investing over £4m a year into local security operations. The enhanced on-street security team announced in April is the first direct outcome of this commitment. Read more about it on our website.

On 8 May, our Acting Director of Security and Operations, Jamie Conroy, attended the quarterly meeting of the West End Strategic Taskforce. The group brings together representatives from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, the Metropolitan Police and West End Business Improvement Districts to work in partnership – beyond day-to-day operations – to tackle the underlying causes of crime and anti-social behaviour in the district. A key priority identified during the meeting was improving coordination between partners and the police and exploring ways in which we can work more effectively together – an area Jamie will now lead on over the coming months.

For several years, New West End Company has worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to build a case for targeted enforcement against the organised crime group, the “Spice Girls”. This has included the sharing of historic evidence packs, providing live on-street intelligence and working with members to effectively report incidences of retail crime perpetrated by the group.

We are pleased that, as a result of this long-term partnership working, one of the leading members of the group, Nadia Pecco, has now received a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from the district, alongside an 18-month community order. We will continue to work closely with members and the Metropolitan Police to take intelligence-led, coordinated action against organised crime groups, like the “Spice Girls”, who operate in our district.

We are also already seeing strong early results from the appointment of our new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) Officer, Mohammed Hussein. Across May, we have been able to:

• • Identify 14 suspected pickpockets operating across the West End, with intelligence on individuals and offending patterns shared directly with the Metropolitan Police Intelligence Team.
  • Link three separate shoplifting incidents connected to an organised crime group, and uncover social media content incriminating those involved. The intelligence was compiled into an evidence pack and shared with the police via the Command Fusion Cell.
  • Identify a prolific offender targeting stores on Regent Street by cross-referencing stock lists provided by impacted retailers. This led to the discovery of an online reseller account offering stolen goods for sale, resulting in the offender’s arrest and further intelligence being shared with police.

Following the recent change to the UK Terror Threat Level from Substantial to Severe, we are currently exploring a national Action Counters Terrorism product for Business Improvement Districts, through our work with High Streets UK. We will continue to keep members updated as discussions with Counter Terrorism Policing progress.

Our Operations team continues to engage with property owners and stakeholders across the district, to explore public realm improvements across the district and surrounding areas. These schemes will play an important role in ensuring the West End remains a vibrant, attractive and accessible destination to live, work and visit, while maintaining its world-class competitive position.

ADVOCACY

We are delighted to welcome Kate Boothman Meier to New West End Company as our new Director of Corporate Affairs. Kate will be working closely with our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi, to shape an ambitious corporate communications and public affairs programme for the West End. At a pivotal moment for the district, with plans for the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street and enhancement of Regent Street’s public realm underway, Kate joins as we continue to strengthen the West End’s position as the first choice for visitors, businesses and investors.

Oxford Street’s future was the focus of two important discussions this week, with New West End Company bringing together business leaders and stakeholders alongside the Oxford Street Development Corporation, and later giving evidence to the London Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee. Across both sessions, there was strong confidence in Oxford Street’s long-term prospects, with discussions highlighting the importance of investment, an enhanced public realm, and maintaining the street’s unique mix of retail, hospitality, culture and leisure.

This month’s local elections saw the Conservative Party regain control of Westminster City Council, securing 32 seats to Labour’s 22. Cllr Paul Swaddle OBE has been confirmed as Leader-Elect, while the West End ward will be represented by Cllr Tim Barnes, Cllr Paul Fisher and Cllr Elizabeth Amos. We have always worked constructively with the Council, regardless of political leadership. With a renewed five-year mandate and accompanying £60 million investment programme underway, we remain focused on delivering against the priorities that matter most to members and will continue to engage closely with the new administration on these issues.

Westminster City Council’s new Conservative administration, led by Councillolr Paul Swaddle OBE, has also now set out its position on the Oxford Street Development Corporation’s pedestrianisation plans. Following receipt of legal advice, and with the statutory window for filing a judicial review now closed, the administration has been advised that mounting a successful review is not viable. The Leader of Westminster City Council has formally written to Sir Sadiq Khan to discuss the plans for Oxford Street further.

Pedestrianisation of the street will now progress in line with the Oxford Street Development Corporation timelines. This means that the section of road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street will potentially traffic-free by the end of the summer. With a place on the Oxford Street Development Corporation Board, New West End Company is committed to work closely with the Corporation and Westminster City Council to ensure the interests of local businesses are represented throughout the process.

In preparation for works to remove traffic from Oxford Street, Transport for London has produced a survey to understand existing practices and opportunities to accommodate essential servicing, operations and deliveries. Businesses along the street will need to change the way they arrange deliveries, servicing and waste collections. Your participation will ensure that your requirements are fully understood and considered in planning the delivery of the pedestrianisation scheme and the future road layout. The survey should only take around 15 minutes to complete and closes at on 28 June. Take the survey.

On 13 May, King Charles III delivered the King’s Speech, formally reopening Parliament and setting out the Government’s legislative and policy agenda for the year ahead. While delivered against a backdrop of wider political uncertainty for the Labour Party, the programme included several measures with direct relevance to businesses across the West End.

Key areas we are monitoring include:

• • National Security Bill: The Bill could introduce additional requirements around hostile vehicle mitigation, event licensing and coordination with Counter Terrorism Security Officers. We will continue to keep members updated as further detail emerges.
  • Police Reform Bill: This will be an important area for us to monitor, as changes could directly affect neighbourhood policing structures, anti-social behaviour powers and the framework governing Business Crime Reduction Partnerships.
  • Overnight Accommodation Levy: Attention has now shifted towards the design and implementation of the scheme, including the regulations that will determine its scope, the designation of eligible areas and how revenue can be used.

Read our full analysis on our website.

New West End Company continues to lead a coalition campaign calling for a new scheme to encourage international visitor spending in the UK. Rather than restoring the previous tax-free shopping model, our proposal has been developed as a new approach that reflects feedback from the Treasury, No.10 and former officials. Independent economic modelling, aligned with OBR assumptions, is being finalised in May and will provide the evidence base for future engagement with relevant stakeholders.

INNOVATION

In May, we hosted a roundtable with senior political and industry stakeholders for the pre-launch of ‘ Unlocking the London Advantage’ – our much-anticipated global benchmarking report examining London’s competitiveness against twelve leading global cities, including Paris, New York and Tokyo.

The report assesses the capital’s ability to attract investment, businesses and visitors, while identifying practical opportunities to support long-term economic growth. It also highlights the central role the West End plays in London’s success, bringing together many of the capital’s defining strengths in one destination.

At the roundtable, we were joined by Howard Dawber, OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, Cllr Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, Matt Twist KPM, Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police and Nabeel Khan, Chief Executive, Oxford Street Development Corporation among others.

The session was a valuable opportunity to align on a shared narrative around the capital and agree on collaborative ways of working to unlock the its full potential for growth. The report will be available on our website in early June.

We have now completed our analysis of the impact of the Middle East conflict on London tourism. Overall, GCC visitor demand is becoming increasingly volatile, though not uniformly weak. London continues to retain its appeal among Middle Eastern visitors, but the picture is becoming more nuanced by market. We will continue to assess the possible implications for our members. Members can access the full report on the Insights Portal.

EXPERIENCE

Over two consecutive Thursdays in May, we partnered with TEN Group to host two exclusive private client events, connecting Mayfair brands with the luxury concierge service’s top-tier clientele. Designed to offer intimate, behind-the-scenes access to some of the neighbourhood’s finest houses, each evening celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and exceptional hospitality.

On 7 May, guests began the evening with cocktails at The Beaumont Mayfair, before enjoying a jewellery masterclass at Bvlgari, concluding with an interactive watchmaking experience at the newly opened AP House.

A week later, on 14 May, we hosted a ‘Best of British’ themed evening. Guests started with cocktails and canapés at Sketch, followed by a champagne reception and introduction to Boodles’ jewellery heritage, before ending the night at Burberry on Bond Street with an archival deep-dive into the history of the iconic trench coat. Our ambition is to deliver a number of exceptional private client events throughout the year, so please do reach out to Francesca Thesen should you be interested in being involved: [email protected].

To coincide with London Craft Week, Bond Street’s website and Instagram channels highlighted a series of activations from our members, including Diptyque’s floral workshop and Sotheby’s special exhibition. With spring now in full swing, audiences can also discover a curated guide to the season’s must-see events and experiences across the district.

Meanwhile, Oxford Street’s digital channels are spotlighting family-friendly half-term activities, alongside the perfect holiday capsule wardrobe inspiration. Ahead of Father’s Day, visitors can also explore a curated gift guide featuring everything from tech and fashion to food and drink: all available both online and in stores across Oxford Street.

Since May, the West End Club has introduced a range of new offers for local workers across the district. New additions include 10% off at Kiss the Hippo – perfect for a mid-day coffee break – a complimentary croquette platter with a drink of choice at Aqua Nueva, ideal for after-work drinks, and 15% off memberships at Aligne Pilates Studio, showcasing the district’s growing wellness offering.

If you are a local business interested in featuring an offer through the West End Club, please get in touch with our Membership and Loyalty manager, Vanessa McAuliffe, at [email protected].

EVENTS

Throughout May, we hosted a series of complimentary Pilates and yoga classes in partnership with Third Space, reinforcing our commitment to connecting local businesses with the people who work in the West End every day. We also offered bouquet arranging workshops, in partnership with Lush, to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show. The hands-on sessions were specially designed for central London offices and West End Club members, where attendees learnt how to create bouquets using 100% British-grown, sustainable, and organic flowers.

Looking ahead, on 2 June we will be hosting a breakfast seminar in partnership with WPA to discuss the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). Representatives from the OSDC will provide an update on the delivery of Phase 1 of the pedestrianisation programme, as well as outlining future plans for the area. The session will conclude with a panel discussion chaired by WPA Board Member and New West End Company Chairman, Paul Williams. Members can register for the event via this link.

DISTRICT NEWS

The West End remains a world-leading destination for retail, with a number of brands choosing the district for UK debuts and flagship openings.

Italian tailoring brand Boglioli has chosen Bond Street for its first standalone UK store. The flagship, which opened in early May, brings the brand’s signature blend of Italian craftsmanship and understated luxury to the home of British luxury. Max&Co has also opened door to its first London flagship on Regent Street, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion strategy. Previously available only through department stores in Britain and Ireland, the new store signals continued confidence in the district as a retail destination.

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC has become the first Premier League club to open a dedicated retail presence on Oxford Street. The new store officially launched with an exclusive preview evening, supported by our Security team, on 14 May. giving invited guests early access to the space and its full product range.

Elsewhere on Oxford Street, IKEA celebrated one year since opening its highly anticipated city-centre store – a location that has already welcomed more than four million visitors since launch. To mark the anniversary, IKEA hosted a weekend of special in-store events and offers, including £1 delivery for Family members and the return of the popular Hus of FRAKTA activation, where customers could personalise their iconic blue bags.