London First

Skip to main content Keeping London at the forefront of global business working with and for the whole UK Search Main navigation WHAT WE DO JOIN US EVENTS NEWS & INSIGHTS ABOUT US Breadcrumb Home About us Our Achievements London First was formed by a group of business leaders in the ​‘90s to provide strategic leadership for the capital at a time when it was severely needed. With the capital’s population reaching a historic low for modern times, London was at risk of being overshadowed by other European cities. Who are the London First founders? We were set up to create pragmatic solutions to London’s challenges by galvanising the business community, and have helped create some key changes over the years: 1992 London First is born 1994 Think London, now part of London and Partners, is established to promote London globally and encourage foreign direct investment 2000 London First is instrumental in creating the executive office of the Mayor of London, Transport for London and other Mayoral agencies. 2002 London schools benefit from the skills of hundreds of graduates placed by Teach First, incubated by London First and now one of the leading graduate schemes, operating nationally 2003 Congestion charging is introduced following our recommendations. Providing a funding stream for vital infrastructure investment whilst tackling central London congestion 2005 We galvanise business support for the successful Olympic and Paralymic Games bid, as a catalyst for regeneration in east London 2005 Skills London, the UK’s biggest jobs and careers event is established. The annual show continues to equip and inspire tens of thousands of young Londoners 2005 We launch what is now the New West End Company; UK’s largest retail Business Improvement District, developing and promoting Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street 2008 Having campaigned for Crossrail since we launched, government gives it the go ahead. 2012 The Chancellor reflects calls from our two year campaign by announcing a reduction in the top rate of income tax to 45% 2013 We create cross-business support for the Let Britain Fly campaign, pivotal in securing government backing for an extra Heathrow runway 2013 Our campaign for Crossrail 2 takes off with a proposed route agreed and backed by our business task force 2015 We work with the GLA on a business-led economic growth plan for London, following extensive consultation with more than 400 business leaders 2016 We campaign for a step change in housebuilding. Our work guides the Mayor’s new approach to housing through the Homes for Londoners board, and companies signing our Housing Pledges support over 120,000 employees. 2016 Night Tube launches, following continued calls and backing from London First 2017 We drive the appointment of two new roles in the GLA – the Night Czar and Chief Digital Officer, working closely with both on their visions for London 2018 Originated by London First, Resilience First launches. An initiative to improve urban resilience for business communities in the UK and beyond, backed by national and international corporations. 2018 Government takes on board recommendations from our Skills Commission by announcing Apprenticeship Levy reforms 2019 The Government reinstates the two-year post study visa after a sustained London First campaign 2020 #FullStrength coalition, led by London First, secures changes to the immigration salary threshold 2020 We join both Boards shaping the capital’s CV-19 recovery with the Mayor and Government Become a member Our members include over 200 of the capital’s leading employers across a wide range of sectors, with a common commitment to our capital. FIND OUT MORE Upcoming events Find out more about our upcoming events and reserve your place. OUR EVENTS Publications Read our latest publications READ MORE Share this page Skyline Footer Home Cookies & Privacy Contact Us Stay in the loop, join our mailing list Site credit London First, Middlesex House, 34-42 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JE 020 7665 1500 Registered company number: 2756521 We use cookies to offer a better website experience. I’M HAPPY WITH THIS Learn more