Over 220,000 sq. ft. of potentially new and re-developed retail space is set to open up over the next seven years. Running from Tottenham Court Road to Poland Street this will be the largest opening of retail space that this area of the West End has ever seen.

Retail property consultant David Kenningham of Kenningham Retail is advising New West End Company on a retail strategy for East Oxford Street. Working with the East Oxford Street landlords, the strategy aims to ensure that the East End of Oxford Street is the first choice for major US and global brands new to the UK to position their international flagships.

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SUNNY WEATHER & GLOBAL SHOPPERS DRIVE FOOTFALL UP 6.7 PER CENT RETAILERS REPORTING DOUBLE DIGIT SALES UPLIFT

London’s West End saw a surge in Russian and Middle Eastern nationals over half-term, fuelling a an estimated £380 million of spend and record breaking footfall figures.

Leading high street retailers reported double digit growth in menswear sales over the half-term week [25 May-2 June], and New West End Company  announced  that footfall was up 6.7 per cent.

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Today's 'Welcome China' event at the Intercontinental London Westminster stressed the need for reforms to Chinese Visa Processing to be put firmly at the heart of the Government’s tourism growth strategy.

New West End Company started the alliance, and continues to actively promote the reform, which would see the UK attracting a greater share of the 66 million outbound Chinese travellers who visit Europe each year. Currently the UK only attracts 7% of those visitors to Europe.

Speaking at today's event, was Immigration Minister, Mark Harper MP who confirmed that the Home Office is reviewing the system for biometrics data capture including implementing “touring” biometric data collection. This would provide an additional service of taking the technology directly to the traveller and group tour operators.

Mark Harper MP said:

“China is a priority market for the UK. We have already made a number of improvements to the service we offer to legitimate Chinese visitors and we will continue to work with the UK China Visa Alliance to make our offer even better.”

The UK Chinese Visa Alliance (UKCVA) represents 950 British businesses, including the retail and tourism industries.

The UKCVA is a campaign group spearheaded by key luxury and retail partners. Its aim is to encourage more Chinese visitors to the UK through streamlining the visa processing system while retaining the robustness of UK border security.

For key report findings, news and announcements, visit www.ukcva.com or follow @ukcva

To read the full press release CLICK HERE 

OVER THREE MILLION PASSENGER JOURNEYS

OVER 6,000 AFTERNOON TEAS SOLD ACROSS THE WEST END ON SATURDAY

The May Day bank holiday saw an increase of 19.2 per cent in footfall across London's West End, as droves of UK residents spent a ‘day-cation’ in the capital enjoying the extended break and record breaking temperatures.

New West End Company and Heart of London Business Alliance, representing over 1,000 businesses in London’s retail and leisure heartland, today reported that footfall surged by 19.2 per cent over Saturday, Sunday and Monday compared to 2012, resulting in over £220 million of spend over the three day break - A £20 million increase in sales due in part to UK visitors choosing not to travel abroad for the bank holiday and the hottest temperatures recorded so far this year.

The May Day bank holiday is traditionally viewed as the start of the summer, and as temperatures finally soared, domestic visitors took to the streets of the West End to stock up on spring and summer collections from over 1,000 stores. Visitors took advantage of the scorching temperatures to extend their trip beyond shopping, enjoying the world-class shows, galleries, hotels and al fresco restaurants on offer.

To read the full press release CLICK HERE

The event saw New West End Company, London’s largest retail-led Business Improvement District, confirm further strategic appointments as well as setting out the 2013/14 Key Priorities as part of the organisation’s £25m Five Year Business Plan to maintain a world class environment and create growth and drive investment in the UK’s retail heartland; Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street.

On 1 July 2013, Sir Peter Rogers will succeed Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas as the Chairman of New West End Company. Sir Peter was former Chief Executive Officer of Westminster City Council and London Development Agency and more recently Special Advisor to the Mayor of London on regeneration, growth and enterprise.

Commenting on the appointment, Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
“I’d like to thank Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas for her sterling work at the New West End Company and wish her the very best for the future. I’m delighted that Sir Peter Rogers, who has worked tirelessly for London for many years, has taken the helm. Under his stewardship I have no doubt that the West End will build on its reputation as one of London’s biggest draws for visitors to the capital and as a key driver of our economy.

“Sir Peter brings decades of valuable experience to champion this vitally important part of our city and I look forward to working with him and his team to ensure that the West End goes from strength to strength.”

Cllr Philippa Roe, Leader of Westminster City Council added:
“We have worked very closely with Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas as Chair on a string of very successful initiatives including the famous traffic free events and crucial public realm improvements. We look forward to working with Sir Peter, who brings unrivalled knowledge and experience of Westminster and the challenges and opportunities faced by the West End’s business community.”

To read the full press release, please CLICK HERE