OPERATIONS
From April, we have significantly enhanced the size of our on-street security team – enabling us to better respond to the needs of an evolving West End, and part of a broader £5m package of investment into our security operations this year. To achieve this, we have appointed a new security partner, Carlisle Support Services, who have extensive, specialist expertise in managing public realm and high-footfall environments. Should you have any questions about these changes, please contact our Acting Director of Security and Operations, Jamie Conroy.
Following the appointment of our new Security Manager, Michael Wright, last month, we’re also pleased to welcome Mohammed Hussein as our new Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) Officer. Mohammed joins us after nearly three years on our on-street security team, during which he gained a strong understanding of both our members and the district’s security challenges. In his new role, he will lead the day-to-day activity under our BCRP accreditation, working closely with members to tackle prolific offending and reduce its impact across the district. We are proud to be the first BID in London to obtain a BCRP accreditation, and Mohammed’s hire will be fundamental in keeping our partnership standards.
Additionally, recruitment is underway for a Fusion Cell Intelligence Officer, who will work directly with the Metropolitan Police as part of the Command Fusion Cell. Recently announced by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) as a key element of a £4.5m investment, the Command Fusion Cell will focus on tackling crimes such as robbery, phone theft, and acquisitive crime in the West End. This role will strengthen real-time intelligence sharing and joint operations, helping us respond more proactively to crimes that impact our members and the district.
This month, we partnered with our local Safer Neighbourhood Policing team to host a Crime Prevention activation at 20 Air Street. It was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with local office workers – raising awareness of our services, sharing practical safety advice, and reinforcing our visible presence in the area. If you’d like to run a similar initiative at your workplace, please contact our Security Manager, Michael Wright, at [email protected].
On 16 April, Jamie Conroy attended the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Annual Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Dinner. Guest of Honour, Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes gave a keynote speech about the current threat landscape – touching on how the police is responding, and the importance of partnership working. He highlighted the significant work happening in the West End, and cited the Metropolitan Police Business Crime team as a best-practice example. Recognition like this reinforces the impact of our collaborative approach on behalf of members.
As part of London Business Networks for Resilience (a programme supported by the Greater London Authority’s London Resilience), Jamie spoke on a panel on 22 April exploring ‘Strengthening workforce resilience and physical security’. He was joined by Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon Business Improvement District; James Martin, Acting Inspector at the Metropolitan Police; and Rebecca Handley, Director of Place and Environment at Knightsbridge Partnership. The discussion focused on improving preparedness for emergencies and disruptions, and on building lasting cross-sector relationships. The themes offered an opportunity to draw on our Operations approach as a practical example of what can be delivered on the ground.
Jamie also attended “Safeguarding the Nation: The Role of Private Security in Policing” on 24 April. The conference explored how private security can help bridge gaps in frontline policing. The insights shared will play an important role as we continue to evolve and enhance our partnership working with the Metropolitan Police.
Activity by protest group ‘Take Back Power’ (TBP) may continue throughout April and into May, focusing on ‘Take Overs’: occupation of high-end stores – or similar venues – which the group perceive to be representative of wealth inequality. Our Operations team remain on hand to support you and will share relevant intelligence as it emerges. If you believe your business is experiencing live activity linked to TBP, please call 999 and reference Op Orix. This will allow the call handler to prioritise the response and deploy the appropriate police resources. For any urgent queries or further information, please contact Michael Wright, Security Manager, at [email protected].
ADVOCACY
As part of our advocacy work, we’re constantly exploring opportunities to promote the West End to international audiences – and to demonstrate the role New West End Company plays in shaping and supporting the district. This month, we hosted senior representatives from the French real estate sector, positioning the West End as a leading global destination for investment and development.
Presentations from our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi, and Acting Director of Security and Operations, Jamie Conroy, showcased the breadth of our work, from our involvement in the Mayor’s plans to transform and regenerate Oxford Street, to the tangible impact of our security operations in supporting businesses on the ground. Sessions like this help reinforce the West End’s global reputation while directly championing members’ interests to key international stakeholders.
We continue to work in partnership with Cadogan, Knightsbridge Partnership and Heathrow Airport on a renewed campaign to maximise the value of international tourism. As part of this, we are assessing the economic impact of our proposed alternative to the previous tax-free shopping scheme, alongside developing clear, targeted messaging. This work is focused on unlocking international spending and strengthening the West End’s competitive position globally.
With local elections approaching this May, New West End Company will continue to work closely with all parties to ensure strong, constructive relationships are maintained. The race is expected to be tightly contested, and we will keep members updated as soon as the final results are confirmed. If you have any questions, please contact our Head of Corporate Communications and External Affairs, Lorna Keegan, at [email protected].
INNOVATION
Many of our members have been closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East and considering its potential impact on their businesses, both in the short and longer term. To support their understanding, we are currently analysing recent data on London tourism and consumer behaviour from GCC markets. This includes international passenger volumes, booking lead times, lenght of stay and spend. The analysis will be shared in due course. If you’re a member and would like to receive it, please contact our Insights Analyst, Fergus Connor, at [email protected].
On 21 April we hosted Property members at CBRE’s offices for our bi-annual Agents Breakfast. The session started with an update from our Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Mitchell, on pedestrianisation plans for Oxford Street and news from our Operations department. Following, our Associate Director of Marketing and Insights Rachel McCulloch shared key insights from our latest West End visitor survey, alongside highlights from the 2025 Turnover Report. Explore our latest insights on our Member Insights Portal.
EXPERIENCE
As the organisation dedicated to keeping the West End thriving, a key part of our role is to showcase the very best the district has to offer. This month, we welcomed the Evening Standard’s Shopping Editor, Abha Shah, for
a curated press tour of Oxford Street. Organised by our Destination Marketing Manager, Ellie Keswick, the visit highlighted standout places to stay, shop and dine, helping generate high-quality editorial coverage and reinforce the area’s appeal to key audiences..
Every Easter, our members create memorable experiences for customers – and this year was no exception. Across our Oxford Street and Bond Street websites and Instagram channels, we showcased a curated programme of seasonal offers and events. From Easter eggs at M&S, Waitrose and Selfridges, to Claridge’s bakery hot cross buns, Il Gattopardo’s special menu and Treehouse Hotel’s “Egg-cellent” event series, our campaigns brought together the best offers and experiences in the district.
With spring now in full swing, our latest digital content features curated edits of new-season fashion and dining: from the launch of John Lewis’ new fashion floors to Heddon Street Kitchen’s spring menu.
Beyond seasonal events, we are committed to highlighting cultural and brand-led experiences in the district. In April, this included promoting the opening of the Louis Vuitton Hotel – a first for the brand, and a unique immersive experience celebrating 130 years of the iconic monogram. We are also supporting and amplifying activity around London Craft Week, working with partners including Sotheby’s and Diptyque to highlight a programme of events, from exhibitions and workshops to talks and auctions.
Offers added to the West End Club this month continue to strengthen the connection between the local workforce and our retail, leisure and hospitality members. Highlights include the Aqua Kyoto x Barry’s rooftop workout and brunch experience, a complimentary Member Experience Day at Third Space Mayfair, 20% off at The Parlour at Sketch, and 15% off Abercrombie & Fitch.
If you’re a member and would like to feature an offer, please contact our Business Engagement Manager, Vanessa McAuliffe, at [email protected].
EVENTS
New West End Company has partnered with WPA to co-host, on Thursday 2 June, a breakfast seminar to discuss the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), as the organisation formally assumes planning powers for the nation’s high street.
OSDC representatives will provide an update on the delivery of Phase 1 of the pedestrianisation programme, alongside future plans, followed by a panel discussion, chaired by WPA Board Member and New West End Company’s Chairman, Paul Williams. Make sure to register to the event at this link.
DISTRICT NEWS
West End visitors are increasingly seeking immersive experiences to spend time in the district, with ‘Culture and Leisure’ consistently mentioned as the second primary reason for visitation in our Visitor Insights surveys. Our members, informed by these insights, are moving quickly to respond and stay relevant.
At John Lewis Oxford Street, the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen has reopened for the summer season, offering an al fresco dining and drinking destination complete with private greenhouses, an open-air terrace, and panoramic views across the capital’s skyline.
Meanwhile, Selfridges has unveiled 40 Duke – an exclusive 25,000 sq ft space that blurs the lines between members’ club, hospitality venue, cultural arena and private shopping salon. Designed as an immersive, experience-led environment, it reflects a broader shift towards engaging visitors in ways that extend well beyond traditional retail.
Louis Vuitton is celebrating 130 years of its iconic monogram with a pop-up hotel on Berkely Square. Open until 21 June, the hotel will feature immersive rooms dedicated to Louis Vuitton’s most recognisable bag styles. At the heart of it is ‘Café Alma,’ which has been designed to bring a touch of “Parisian allure” to London. An intimate champagne and cocktail bar transforms into a vibrant Mayfair destination in the evenings, with curated DJs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
.jpeg?upscale=true&width=800&upscale=true&name=LOUIS-VUITTON-HOTEL-LONDON-1920-X-1080%20(1).jpeg)
Grosvenor is providing retail, F&B and hospitality customers free training in how to provide inclusive customer experiences. The training is designed to help customer-facing teams create more welcoming and accessible experiences for everyone. It will be delivered by founder of CrystalEyes, Callum Russell, who is a highly experienced disability consultant, specialising in accessibility and inclusion. Book your place for the session on 6 May here.
