From positive news on major London infrastructure projects, including backing for Heathrow’s own proposals for a third runway, to last week’s tax raising Budget – it is a mixed bag, which have immediate and long-term implications for businesses.

Top of mind is last week’s Budget, which featured a multitude of tax-raising measures – many of which depend on upfront spending, and delayed returns on taxation for the Treasury.

While the full detail will take time to assess, two policy changes will be of particular interest to our members – business rates reform and overnight levies.

The Government confirmed it will proceed with the introduction of a higher business rates multiplier for premises with a rateable value over £500,000 from April 2026. Despite this being set lower than previously expected, this remains a significant long-term cost for flagship districts like the West End. In the coming days, we will be conducting our own impact assessment to determine the scale of the impact for the West End, taking into account the 2026 revaluation. This will form New West End Company’s response to the Treasury’s current call for evidence, which we will be engaging with on your behalf.

Just a day before the Budget, the Government officially announced it would introduce new powers for English mayors to adopt and implement overnight levies. If properly managed, a proportionate and affordable levy could provide welcome funds to improve our tourism infrastructure. It’s essential that every pound raised is retained locally, visibly reinvested into the visitor experience and tied to a wider visitor economy strategy – things we will be calling for in our consultation response.

With the festive season truly upon us, our marketing team is focused on promoting and amplifying all there is to do in the West End this Christmas: from much-loved Christmas lights to carefully curated digital content, special West End Club offers and our Big Day of Joy in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Ensuring the West End feels safe and welcoming during this key trading period is critical. This is why we have launched, for the fourth year in a row, Operation West End – our flagship initiative and the largest single private investment into enhanced security and cleansing services in the district. As you’ll read below, this year is our biggest Operation to date, working alongside the Metropolitan Service and Westminster City Council to provide reassurance to businesses, employees and visitors. I was pleased to see the importance of this work highlighted in The Times, The Standard and City AM.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has announced Scott Parsons as the Chair of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Oxford Street. Scott brings a wealth of experience in real estate, retail and placemaking, having led major projects across London. We look forward to working closely with him to deliver on Oxford Street’s full potential. Recruitment for the CEO and Board for the MDC is ongoing and expected to be announced before Christmas.

Keeping up the momentum, Transport for London (TFL) has launched a consultation on its proposals to deliver a pedestrianised Oxford Street. This is an important step forward in the transformation of the street, covering key elements such as changes to bus routes and impacts on accessibility and business deliveries. We will be working closely with members to compile a comprehensive response, including through a bespoke workshop on 7 January, co-hosted with TfL. Find out more below.

This month, New West End Company formally entered its ballot period, a significant moment for the district. Ballot papers have now been issued, giving businesses the opportunity to secure £60 million of dedicated investment over the next five years, to shape a stronger, more resilient West End. A ‘Yes’ vote will safeguard the essential services that keep the West End competitive and welcoming, from enhanced security and cleansing to festive lighting, marketing, insights and strong advocacy.

If you have any questions regarding the ballot process or our proposed business plan, please get in touch with our Head of Partnerships, Danielle Purnell, at [email protected]

I look forward to working with all of you to secure that shared vision.

Warmest regards,

Dee Corsi, Chief Executive

SECURITY & OPERATIONS

This month we launched Operation West End – our annual flagship operations initiative, delivered in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service and Westminster City Council to provide enhanced security and cleansing services during the most important trading period for our members. Now in its fourth year, this year’s Operation is the longest to date – running for seven weeks, until the end of December.

Members and visitors can expect a significant uplift in our on-street security team throughout the festive period. This will be matched by increased, dedicated policing presence, joint-patrols, and covert operations to tackle phone theft, theft from person and retail crime.

We will also fund eight multi-agency operations which will see our security team, Westminster City Council Inspectors and police officers working together to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, nuisance begging, pedicabs, busking and illegal street trading. Fixed penalty notices and seizure of items will be enforced by the police where appropriate – delivering tangible impact for local businesses.

The Operation will also include the deep cleaning of station gateways, free bulky waste collection for businesses, chewing gum and graffiti removal, bin washing and the flushing of all 82 streets in the BID area. These are all to ensure our streets remain world-class and welcoming to visitors during the festive period.

• For any security related questions, please contact [email protected]
• To book your free bulky waste collection, please contact [email protected]

Our Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Mitchell, was interviewed by Neil Basu, the former Head of Counter Terrorism at the Metropolitan Police Service, and Andy Hughes, LBC’s Crime Correspondent, for The Crime Agents podcast. On the programme, Lucy discussed the retail crime challenges currently faced by West End businesses, and crucially, how New West End Company is working with partners to tackle and deter crime in the district. You can listen to the episode here.

On 18 November, Lucy Mitchell and our Head of Security & Operations, Jamie Conroy, had the pleasure of hosting Shaun Hipgrave, Director of National Security Protect & Prepare, Homeland Security Group, and Senior Sponsor for the Security Industry Authority at the Home Office. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to highlight New West End Company’s security services to a key stakeholder. As the UK’s busiest and most-renowned flagship destination, the West End presents a unique set of challenges that demand a coordinated, multi-agency approach. By strengthening collaboration with organisations such as the Home Office, we are one step closer to ensuring a truly safe and welcoming district for all.

On 20 November, we hosted our annual Major Incident Preparedness Tabletop Exercise for members. Delivered in partnership with the West End Security Group and supported by representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, the session reinforced the importance of regular testing and exercising. These activities are a vital part of our security services, helping members stay prepared for potential live incidents at such a crucial time.

New West End Company was proud to take part in the 2025 Safer Business Action (SaBA) Week – a national week of action bringing together Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (BCRPs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and the private security industry to tackle prolific offenders, share retail crime prevention advice, and deliver joint patrols.

Throughout the week, our Security Team Increased the number of reassurance visits to members, conducted joint patrols with the Metropolitan Police Service and promoted sign-ups to our Prolific Offender Management Platform, ALERT. Promoting a safe and welcoming West End for all is a key priority at New West End Company – initiatives like SaBA Week are crucial to that mission.

The Metropolitan Police Service announce the arrest of over 140 people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour in the West End. These were a direct result of Operation Baselife, a week-long crackdown on crime in early November, and part of the Met’s Autumn intensification efforts.

New West End Company played a key role in the operation, sharing intelligence and complementing the Met’s efforts on-street with our 24/7 security patrols. We will continue to work closely with Superintendent Natasha Evans and her team to keep the West End safe and welcoming during this important time for the district and beyond.

The support provided by our on-street security patrol following a shoplifting incident at one of our busiest retailers on Oxford Street resulted in the recovery of all items stolen – a total of £1.2k in recovered value. This achievement would not have been possible without the prompt and professional assistance of two of our security team members, who played a crucial role in the recovery of the stolen goods.

A pick pocketer detained by store security at one of our busiest retailers on Oxford Street was subsequently arrested by the West End Town Centre Policing Team. Thanks to thorough investigation, the Metropolitan Police Service was able to return two stolen phones and a purse within hours of the thefts taking place. The suspect was charged and sentenced to six months in custodial sentence. This positive outcome is a testament to the force’s recent step change and renewed focus in the West End, working with partners like New West End Company to promote the safety and security of our district.

On 18 November, Westminster City Council confirmed the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering Westminster, intended to regulate the use of pedicabs in the area. The new powers will allow Westminster City Council Inspectors to force pedicabs to leave an area and will treat a group of four or more pedicabs, either stationary or moving, as an obstruction to the public highway. Infringements will land drivers with a fine of £100 if they do not comply.

We have long campaigned for measures that safeguard the West End’s global reputation. Pedicabs have become a familiar feature of the district, but the lack of regulation has led to growing concerns from businesses and the public – including issues around congestion, excessive fares, and anti-social behaviour such as inappropriate parking and loud music. The introduction of a new PSPO is a welcome step forward, as it comes into effect ahead of TfL’s planned licensing scheme in 2026.

CAMPAIGNING AND ADVOCACY

The Government has confirmed it will proceed with its new business rates proposal, including the introduction of a higher 2.8p multiplier for premises with a rateable value over £500,000 from April 2026.

Flagship districts like the West End are disproportionately exposed to this change, as rateable values here are significantly above the national average. Crucially, the Budget did not include any exemption for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses – meaning these major employers and anchor destinations will still face increased bills.

We remain concerned that the higher multiplier will have a significant economic impact on the West End, undermining competitiveness and deterring investment at a time when confidence is fragile. Therefore, we will continue to call on the Government for:

• A sector-specific exemption for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses captured by the higher multiplier.
• A fairer approach that recognises the unique role of anchor destinations in supporting jobs, growth and tax revenue.
• A business rates system that supports, rather than penalises, high street investment.

In the near-term, we will be conducting our own impact assessment to under the scale of the West End’s increased business rates liability post-revaluation – so that businesses which are paying the most, see that reflected in services on their doorstep.

New West End Company has long campaigned for the exemption of all retail, leisure and hospitality providers from an increased business rates multiplier. Our ask was amplified in an opinion piece by our Chief Executive Dee Corsi for BusinessLDN’s Budget series, in which she highlighted the unintended consequences the ‘super tax’ would have on West End businesses and our local community. You can read her thoughts in full here.

Discussions of the overnight levy arose just a week before official Budget announcements, with the Government confirming the introduction of new powers for England mayors to adopt and implement the policy the day before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech.

Dee Corsi commented about the potential future levy in London the Standard, highlighting that, if managed properly, an overnight levy could strengthen the tourism economy – but only if businesses have a say. In her statements, Dee stressed that a future tourist tax, if introduced, should be a fixed and affordable flat fee, with funds retained locally and tied to a wider visitor economy strategy which, in the absence of tax-free shopping, successfully drives international visitation and spend. A Government consultation on the levy is now live, and running until 18 February. New West End Company will be submitted a response on behalf of members. You can read more about the consultation here.

On 21 November, Transport for London (TfL), as the highway authority for Oxford Street, launched a public consultation on its traffic modelling for the street, in light of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s pedestrianisation plans. The consultation will focus on the designated area for the project’s Phase 1 – between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street – and touch on key elements, such as bus routes, impact on neighbouring roads and hours of pedestrianisation.

In parallel, TfL is running a series of drop-in sessions for businesses to share concerns or raise questions about the plans. You can find the key dates and addresses here.

On behalf of our members, last month we submitted a response to Westminster City Council’s updated City Plan. Since its first adoption in 2021, the West End has experienced significant change, from rising costs in the development sector and evolving national and regional policy frameworks. Our response was informed by these developments and by the experiences of our members as they adapt to this emerging environment.

Our key asks included the consistent adoption of a retrofit first, rather than a retrofit only, policy; for Westminster City Council to work closely with the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to ensure local business objectives align; and to secure the district’s growing reputation as a destination for business. Read our response in full on our website.

New West End Company, alongside business representatives such as BusinessLDN, Heart of London Business Alliance and Central District Alliance BID, co-signed a letter to Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, expressing concern about how the Government’s proposed local authority funding reforms will affect the ability of London councils to provide services that underpin investment and growth.

The methodology being used in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 risks exacerbating the unprecedented financial pressures that London councils. This could have a negative impact on visible services boroughs deliver and on which local businesses depend such as planning, economic development, street cleaning and refuse collection. Read the letter in full here, or as reported by The Standard.

INNOVATION & INSIGHTS

Our Insights team have commissioned a data-driven, benchmarking analysis to better understand how London compares against other global destinations like Paris, New York and Tokyo. The exercise will measure each city’s performance across a range of themes such as cost of doing business, crime levels, consumer sentiment and international appeal. This will become an annual benchmarking, designed to inform strategic decisions, spotlight emerging trends and position the West End more effectively on the global stage. The results will be shared in due course – watch this space!

You can access our monthly sales reports, and interactive insights dashboards, at our dedicated Insights portal here. For more information, or to find out how you can gain access to our wealth of proprietary West End data, please contact our Insights Analyst, Fergus Connor at [email protected].

DESTINATION MARKETING

To celebrate the start of the festive season, we hosted members at an exclusive event in Hanover Square, where our world-famous Oxford Street lights were switched on by Tony, Grammy and Emmy-nominated actress, and star of the West End hit musical, The Devil Wears Prada, Vanessa Williams.

For the second year in a row, we are delighted that Oxford Street has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity. Every year, GOSH brings the magic of Christmas to children with serious illnesses. You can donate to GOSH via oxfordstreet.co.uk.

As part of this year’s celebrations, Oxford Street will host the Big Day of JOY on 7 December, transforming the area into a vibrant hub of festive activity. Visitors will be able to enjoy street performances, in-store activations, and a variety of festive experiences, all in support of GOSH. Find out more here.

Regent Street’s beloved ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lights returned on 6 November, casting a golden glow over the area thanks to The Crown Estate. The street Regent Street welcomed back the Choose Love pop-up store for the second year in a row, allowing visitors to purchase meaningful gifts like winter coats, hot meals, or life-changing bundles, including emergency housing or mental health support, for refugees and displaced people worldwide.

And on 12 November, Bond Street’s much-loved festive lighting display inspired by The Crown Jewels lit up the street. Our Destination Marketing team worked alongside Bond Street members to create the ultimate festive wonderland for the switch on night – including the unveiling of Ralph Lauren’s Giving Tree, Christmas surprises from the likes of Diptyque, Penerai and Loewe, and festive feasts by The Biltmore, Il Gattopardo, and Amazónico.

A festive invitation was designed and shared by Francesca Thesen, our Campaigns & Content Manager, with the concierge teams of Claridge’s, The Connaught, Brown’s Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, The Beaumont, The Biltmore and The BoTree, along with a number of our local residents.

To help promote our members’ products and services to West End workers during the festive season, in November we ran our first-ever West End Club Advent Calendar – with special offers dropping every week until 19 December. The initiative was targeted at boosting sales during the most important trading period, through our growing local workers community.

If you would like to have a brand offer included on the app as part of our Advent Calendar, please contact Sharon Salawu, our Loyalty and Partnership Projects Manager, at [email protected].

Also part of our festive campaign, US journalists from the likes of Good Housekeeping, Inside Hook and Travel + Leisure were invited to experience the West End during the most magical time of year. From seeing our famous Christmas lights, to exploring Christmas shops and tucking into festive themed afternoon teas, they enjoyed rich and bespoke itineraries. Member experiences included festive Mad Hatters’ Afternoon Tea, Lush Spa massages, festive specials at Market Halls, and the iconic Christmas shops at Selfridges and John Lewis.

To support West End retailers during the crucial Black Friday period, the Oxford Street website had a handy guide for visitors to plan their day and get the most out of the sales, alongside an article rounding up the best deals. This has been supported by a Black Friday focused newsletter to our Oxford Street subscribers.

EVENTS

IN THE DISTRICT

North American fashion brand Garage announced its debut in the UK with a flagship store set to open on Oxford Street in spring 2026. The move marks the brand’s first entry into the UK’s retail market, with further openings expected to follow later in the year. Known for its off-duty essentials and trend-led designs, Garage has built a strong following in North America and now aims to engage with a new customer base in the West End – one of the world’s busy and most renowned destinations for retail.

From 4 November to 24 December, John Lewis has introduced a new exclusive space in our Oxford Street shop for My John Lewis members. Members are invited to take a moment for themselves and book a one-hour slot, where they can enjoy a menu of refreshments and treatments, including a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and Benugo snacks, as well as complimentary Neal’s Yard Remedies treatments and hand and arm massages.

This month, Choose Love returned to Regent Street with its annual pop-up, marking the charity’s 10th birthday. Designed as ‘the ultimate charity shop’, the store will direct every pound raised to supporting refugees and displaced people through the winter months, when that support matters most.