Local organisations join forces to champion growth in east London

Local businesses have united to form a new, independent group representing some of the largest voices driving growth in east London.

Launched today, the ‘East London Growth Potential’ group aims to support east London in becoming the best place to live, work and do business in the capital.

The group brings together leading businesses with associations across east London, including BusinessLDN, London City Airport and ExCeL London. It is welcomed by the Thames Estuary Growth Board, a private-sector led, Government-backed organisation partnering with businesses, investors, residents, and communities to deliver 1.3m new jobs, and an additional £190bn GVA by 2050 across the Thames Estuary.

The purpose of the new group is to highlight the significant development potential of east London and unite the business community to provide policy solutions for stakeholders and policymakers. By identifying and accelerating these solutions, the group aims to drive growth, complement public objectives, and create opportunities for increased private investment.

The project welcomes the London Growth Plan proposed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month.

A spokesperson for the project said: “East London has become a hotbed for high growth and innovation in the capital in recent years. However, we believe there is still so much more potential, that’s why it’s essential that business works with all levels of government to capitalise on the area’s  growth opportunities over the next decade and spearhead future economic development.”

As well as looking in-depth at the challenges the east London area faces to fulfil its potential, the project will also examine the key sectors that will help upskill and create jobs and opportunities for local people – such as life sciences and logistics – both of which have unique potential to build upon existing infrastructure.

The group is apolitical and will work with the Thames Estuary Growth Board, the Government, City Hall and all political parties, as well as civil service officials and industry groups to increase their understanding of the opportunities to seize east London’s growth potential and generate further investment in the region.

The project was welcomed by City Hall, with Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, saying: "I welcome this initiative by local champions for East London’s potential. From personal experience, I know the area has some of the most exciting and dynamic businesses in the country, so it is great to see organisations coming together to develop a vision for growth."

The Thames Estuary Growth Board is also a supporter of the campaign, with Kate Willard OBE, the Thames Estuary Envoy, commenting: “We welcome this new focus from the business community in east London. The Growth Potential initiative focuses on a key part of the Growth Board's wider vision for the Thames Estuary and we look forward to working with the group on the opportunities and policy solutions in this area and how this can drive fair, sustainable growth.”

John Dickie, Chief Executive of BusinessLDN, said: “This new initiative will identify exciting new development opportunities across East London, while also highlighting steps needed to encourage more investment. Business stands ready to work with the public sector to help the area fulfil its potential, which will boost growth across the capital and the UK.”

Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: “As one of the largest employers in the local area, we are committed to increasing the prosperity of the area. There are significant opportunities in east London that are waiting to be unlocked and we hope this group will be useful in highlighting the potential growth opportunities to further improve the area for east Londoners.”

Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExCeL London, said: “Having been a part of the East London business community for almost 25 years, we fully endorse the new Growth Potential initiative. This part of the capital is rapidly becoming one of the leading areas for investment, innovation, and opportunity and together we can help unlock a new era of sustainable growth.”