focus on west london


considered and that businesses are kept up-to-date on BID work being undertaken on their behalf.


“Although there has been a significant increase in commercial investment in Uxbridge, the BID recognises that life ‘in business’ in the town is not always stress free, which may impact on potential employees and visitors alike.


“Operating as a powerful voice of the business community, the Uxbridge BID will lobby all relevant parties on key areas affecting access, including commuter transport links and parking for businesses.”


Uxbridge-based Brunel University London promotes the development of strong local business-academic links. Its Brunel Business School also plays a key role in supporting the wider university, local community and global business community.


Dr Jane Hendy, recently appointed as the School’s head, revealed: “Brunel Business School actively supports the Co-Innovate project, funded equally by the university and the European Regional Development Fund. We work closely with more than 250 local SMEs, to promote innovation through collaborative student projects, workshops and academic expertise.


“We also run Business Life, an innovative programme that helps graduates find employment by translating their education into the employability skills local businesses want. Going forward, we aim to collaborate with local business to further support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.”


Every year, Brunel University London contributes more than £200m to the local economy and £500m GVA to the London economy. A recent report also found Brunel supports more than 2,500 jobs a year in the London Borough of Hillingdon and more than 5,000 jobs in London overall.


Dr Hendy summed up with an invitation: “Local business underpins our future. We encourage local businesses to come in and see how we can work together to grow their operations and the local economy.” (brunel.ac.uk/business/contact).


A thriving property sector ...


INDUSTRIAL: Cushman & Wakefield was the 2017 Thames Valley Property Awards, Industrial and Logistics Consultancy of the Year. Partner Karen Thomas leads her West London team from Stockley Park, well placed to serve “a large, mature and diverse industrial market, in which Heathrow has been a constant, providing underlying demand and resilience.


“Today, there are increasing pressures on industrial land, not only from alternative and higher value uses such as residential, but


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER 2017 businessmag.co.uk 11


Brunel University London’s Eastern Gateway Building, home to the Brunel Business School


also from significant infrastructure projects like Crossrail and HS2. Other businesses are also now considering West London locations due to lack of viable options.


“Most redevelopment is of older and/or smaller buildings, supporting good levels of interest in units up to 15,000 sq ft and stable interest outside that size range.


“The West London industrial market today is also at the forefront of the e-commerce explosion thanks to its inherent population density and demographics, plus proximity to Central London, making it a popular choice for last-mile and urban logistics.


“As we enter this fourth industrial revolution (4IR) we will see even more change than the past decade, but West London is well-placed to optimise the opportunities it will bring.”


Real estate analyst Chris Johns of CoStar Group UK, agreed: “The industrial sector is enjoying a real purple patch with online retailers and logistics firms continuing to drive demand for warehouse space. So with the UK increasingly becoming a nation of online shoppers, there are a number of indicators that suggest the warehouse sector is well positioned to weather any Brexit inspired headwinds.”


OFFICES: In September, JLL’s West London and Thames Valley (Western Corridor) seminar highlighted the strength of the region’s office market, hinting at opportunities for leasing growth and ‘a stellar investment year’ with £2b-plus in deals (60% involving overseas investors) already transacted.


continued overleaf ... The ‘B’ for business that is outer West London


West London legal specialists IBB Solicitors – and no doubt many organisations operating so successfully within the area – think outer West London doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as an economic powerhouse. Hence this IBB Solicitors supported feature.


With unrivalled international connections and good quality national rail and road links, West London has become the home for over 100,000 organisations including multinationals, UK limited companies, charities and SMEs.


In response to how its clients need to work, IBB Solicitors has developed skills to support relationships with international parent organisations, services to help its clients take advantage of the changing property market around Heathrow, and sector knowledge to give its clients a competitive edge in corporate and commercial deals.


IBB Solicitors managing partner, Joanna DeBiase, explains: “A lot of good things are happening in this area. I only have to step out of our front door to meet great people doing great work for their organisations, the thriving local and national economy, and the incredibly vibrant and diverse community we serve.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68