London

London is a city of contrasts. It has the UK’s highest productivity rate, the world’s 4th largest economy and a gross value added of over £160bn a year. Its global transport links are second to none, the skills and diversity of its people are world class, as are the educational institutions in the city. London’s economy is driven by its financial, business and creative industries. 25% of the world’s largest companies have their European headquarters in London.

A large and diverse ‘world’ capital city, 29% of residents are from minority ethnic groups, speaking more than 300 languages, while 30 million tourists visit the capital each year, contributing around £15bn to the UK economy.

London’s economic success is vital to the performance of the UK economy as a whole. London’s vibrancy, cultural diversity, heritage and dynamism are also vital factors in our global success story.

However, the region faces many challenges as well; population expansion, rising costs, housing shortages, insufficient and outdated transport infrastructure and high levels of deprivation and need – 35% of London’s children live in poverty, the highest proportion of any English region. There are high numbers of jobless people, and access to primary care is poor.