The WLA aims to lobby for the interests of West London and to promote its economic vitality. In order to achieve its objectives, the WLA works closely with its partners in the West London Partnership (WLP) and particularly with West London Business.

The six boroughs that make up West London are home to 1.4 million people, its population greater than the UK’s second city, Birmingham. On an international scale, West London’s economy is larger than Frankfurt. It has the world’s busiest international airport at Heathrow; 67,000 businesses; 750,000 jobs; and the UK’s biggest industrial estate at Park Royal. Overall, West London contributes some £27 billion a year to the UK economy.

The WLA and its partners in the WLP believe that an economy of this scale and importance needs appropriate investment and favourable policies if its contribution to the London and national economy is to be maintained and enhanced and the needs of West London residents and businesses are to be met.

For this reason, the WLP has produced an economic development strategy and associated implementation plan for West London. The Strategy was completed in 2004 and the Implementation Plan in 2005. The London Development Agency has provided support for the development of the strategy which was based on an analysis of the sub-region’s economy and extensive consultation with partners.

The Strategy deals with a broad range of issues which will underpin economic success in West London –

Skills for Growth
Business Competitiveness
Land and Property
Housing –
Transport
Environment and the Quality of Life

A summary of the Strategy and Implementation Plan can be viewed here.

The WLA boroughs support a range of economic development and regeneration initiatives in West London, working in partnership with businesses and other key stakeholders. The range of their involvement includes –

Park Royal Partnership
City Growth Strategy for Park Royal, Wembley and White City
Heathrow City Partnership and City Growth Strategy
Local Strategic Partnerships and Local Area Agreements
Borough Economic Development Strategies and borough economic partnerships

More information on these borough initiatives and services can be found on individual borough web sites by clicking on “business” from the front page of each site and following the links from this business page to pages on economic development and regeneration.  See the links here.

The WLA boroughs Regeneration and Planning Policy officers meet on a regular basis help co-ordinate economic development and regeneration activity, to collaborate in representing West London’s interests within London and to Government and to undertake joint initiatives where this is advantageous. More information about both of these groups can be obtained from Claire Codling, Senior Professional - Strategic Planning
Chief Executive's Department, Harrow Council - claire.codling@harrow.gov.uk

For further information about the West London Economic Development Strategy contact Ian Nichol, WLA Director, ian.nichol@westlondoalliance.org

Other Publications –

West London Economic Development Strategy
West London Economic Development Strategy Summary