Creative sector businesses continue to move to West London as it remains to be the destination of choice for leading global brands, for new start-up and scale-ups.
Recent figures show that West London has seen a 21 per cent increase in SME and multi-national businesses and the sub-region has the capacity to welcome many more. The Communications Store announced in October that it is moving its head office to White City Place joining a line of brands already in WestWorks that already include ITV Studios who have 350 staff located on-site, tech scaleups Attention Seekers and Arts Alliance Media.
Made up of a thriving and diverse mix of digital, biotech and creative enterprises, six flourishing universities and numerous colleges, all alongside an established entertainment and media hub, there is a lot on offer. The creative industries include a broad spectrum of individuals and businesses that are made up of artists, architectural practices, digital entrepreneurs, fashion brands, advertising, film and TV.
Across West London, the creative workforce is increasing and is due to rise further with the onset of new employment opportunities based on progressive regeneration programmes such as Brent Cross London and Old Oak Park Common and Park Royal.
The Capital West London Growth Summit 2019, which will be held at the Lyric Hammersmith, on 29 October will be focusing on West London’s world-class creative sector and looking closely at the themes of connectivity, housing and town centres.
Some of the world’s leading architects have designed schemes across West London, including White City Place, which is a well-known media hub, and is made up of a group of three buildings – WestWorks, MediaWorks and the Garden House that were designed by renowned architects Allies and Morrison. Recently, White City Place was the location for Burberry’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection for London Fashion Week.
The growing value of the creative sector will be showcased further with Yoo Capital’s £1bn development plans for Olympia London that will see the 133-year-old landmark, which is rich with history and heritage, turn into a destination for world-class events, creativity and entrepreneurship. The award-winning architectural and design practices Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC are leading on the project.
Lloyd Lee, Managing Partner at Yoo Capital, who will be speaking about ‘Investing in Creativity’ as a keynote said: “We are excited to be involved in the Capital West London Growth Summit to discuss further our ambitions for Olympia and its impact on the West London region. The event gives a great opportunity to find out about the potential for the region and we are delighted to be a part of it.”
The Creative Industries Federation, a membership body that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries has welcomed West London’s commitment to strengthen the sector.
Annie Lydford, Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The creative industries have the potential to drive growth in every region of the UK. Nurturing an area’s creative enterprises and creators generates clear social, reputational and economic benefits, and so Capital West London’s commitment to showcasing the strength of the sector and the value it brings to the UK is welcome.”
Ealing Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of the West London Economic Prosperity Board, who will be a keynote speaker at the Capital West London Growth Summit 2019, said: “Capital West London welcomes discussion with creative sector businesses who are based here or those who are looking to move here.
“West London is a top choice of destination for leaders in their field including Publics Media, ITV, BBC, Sky and Disney – just to name a few. Film and television studios find West London offers an excellent selection of commercial property options and filming locations.
“We have the best-connected region with immense opportunity for progress and growth, and as you will learn at the Capital West London Growth Summit, we have a dedicated and strong ethos to offer more and to do more.”
West London’s business leaders will come together for a creative sector round table discussion that will inform a sector manifesto for the sub-region. The creative sector manifesto will be launched at the Growth Summit on 29 October at the Lyric Hammersmith.
Capital West London Growth Summit 2019
Join us at the Capital West London Growth Summit 2019. More details about the conference can be found here.
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