The announcement was made following the conclusion of an extensive public consultation, which revealed that 7 in 10 Londoners are supportive of the street’s regeneration, and with two-thirds support pedestrianisation.

This is a key step forward in the transformation of the nation’s high street. A comprehensive and considered transformation of Oxford Street – delivered in partnership with local businesses and communities – will enhance the area, bringing significant economic benefits to the West End, London and the UK economy.

As your Business Improvement District, we will continue to work closely with the Mayor, the Government, Westminster City Council and the wider West End community to ensure the MDC takes a long-term, strategic approach to the street’s transformation – realising a vision that secures Oxford Street’s future and unlocks its full potential.

This month, we were also pleased to co-host High Streets UK’s second quarterly forum alongside our fellow London BID, Knightsbridge Partnership. The ‘Safer High Streets’ Forum was an opportunity to showcase New West End Company’s frontline experience, and to hear about how other BIDs across the country are tackling high street crime. You can read more about our policy asks here.

We were joined at the forum by London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, who brought an important voice to the meeting. Following the discussions, we took the Deputy Mayor on a district walkabout, led by our dedicated, 24/7 on-street security team. The tour ended at a brand new Metropolitan Police touchdown base in the centre of the West End, facilitated by The Crown Estate and New West End Company – a testament to our efforts in promoting a safer district.

The Chancellor’s Spending Review a few days later was a missed opportunity to fix the continued underfunding of our national policing teams. While police spending is set to rise by 2.3% in real terms each year, the reality on the ground tells a different story. We continue to urge the Government to provide targeted, ringfenced support for flagship high streets – including those in the West End – as failing to do so puts them, and the UK’s wider economic recovery, at serious risk.

Finally, it was fantastic to see so many of you at our event with the Royal Academy of Arts last Wednesday, for an exclusive private preview of the new Kiefer / Van Gogh exhibition, in celebration of the launch of Art in Mayfair. The West End is fast becoming one of London’s go-to destinations for leisure and cultural experiences, and the art on display that evening was a brilliant example of the district’s growing appeal.

Warmest regards,

Dee Corsi, Chief Executive

SECURITY & OPERATIONS

This month, our Security & Operations Coordinator, Akin Shodeinde, attended the Business Crime Reduction Partnership Conference, hosted by City St George’s, University of London, in collaboration with the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships (NABCP) and the BCRP National Standards Board.

It was a valuable opportunity to hear from key industry figures, including Lisa Maslen, Superintendent of the City of London Police and Head of the National Business Crime Centre, on the security issues that matter most to our members, from anti-social behaviour to violence against women and girls and night time economy.

Lucy Mitchell, New West End Company’s Chief Operating Officer, joined Jamie Conroy, our Head of Operations and Security, at the quarterly meeting of the West End Security Protect & Prepare Group on 19 June. They met with key stakeholders from across Westminster and representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service and other blue light agencies to discuss best practices around safety, security, and counter-terrorism awareness, helping to ensure a coordinated and informed approach across the district.

On 13 June, Jamie joined the Emergency Response Unit from Hammersmith Police Station for a full-day ride along. He accompanied, as an observer, officers responding to live incidents across the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea. The experience offered valuable first-hand insight into the operational challenges faced by frontline police. This deeper understanding will help inform our approach to partnership working – ensuring we can better advocate for the safety priorities that matter most to our members.

New West End Company played a pivotal role in the arrest of a prolific district offender linked to a string of pickpocketing incidents at one of our busiest retailers. Through effective intelligence sharing and close collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, plain clothes officers were able to identify, target, and apprehend the individual – who was also wanted by British Transport Police for indecent exposure. This significant arrest highlights the power of partnership working in tackling crime swiftly and effectively.

Congratulations to Nitu Kashap, FGH’s Contract Security Manager who oversees our Security Patrol teams in the West End, for being awarded the British Security Awards 2025 – Security Manager of the Year. Nitu and her team work tirelessly throughout the year – in close partnership with our Operations team, member businesses and local Metropolitan Police Service teams – to ensure that the West End remains a welcoming destination for all those who live, work and play here.

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched this month Met Engage – a new two-way communications tool aimed at streamlining communications between officers and specific neighbourhoods or interest groups.

Through the new platform Met Engage you can get to know your local officers, help shape how your local area is policed and have direct access to key information and advice. Sign up to Met Engage.

CAMPAIGNING AND ADVOCACY

Earlier this year, the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, launched a public consultation on his plans to transform and revitalise Oxford Street through a new Mayoral Development Corporate (MDC) that will encompass Oxford Street and the surrounding streets. The consultation also invited members of the public to share their views on the principle of pedestrianisation which is central to the Mayor’s vision.

In June, the Mayor announced the results of the public consultation and with strong support for his plans, the Mayor has confirmed that he intends to move forward with plans. Dee Corsi, Chief Executive of New West End Company joined the Mayor on the rooftop of Selfridges for the official announcement.

Speaking about the news, she said: “Today’s consultation results are an important step forward in the transformation of the nation’s high street, and an acknowledgement of the important economic, cultural and community role it plays for Londoners and the UK as a whole”. Find out more about the consultation results and what’s next here.

New West End Company had the pleasure of hosting, alongside Knightsbridge Partnership, High Streets UK’s second quarterly forum, ‘Safer High Streets’.

During the forum, High Streets UK members put forward a series of recommendations to the Government aimed at tackling high street crime. These included calls for a clear plan for criminal justice reform and ringfenced policing in and around flagship high streets – recognising the vital economic and community role these locations play. You can read our four-point policy asks here.

We were delighted to welcome to the session London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer Schwartz, whose insights were invaluable to our four-point policy proposal. Following, we took Kaya on a district walkabout, led by our Security team, who showcased the important work happening on the ground.

On 11 June, Dee Corsi issued a statement in reaction to the announcements made by Rachel Reeves, as part of the Chancellor’s Spending Review: “London is an important driver of jobs, investment, and tourism, playing a vital role in achieving national growth. To remain a vibrant economic and cultural destination it needs ongoing investment for key transport and infrastructure projects – and crucially, policing must be properly funded to ensure safer streets.” Read her full statement on our website.

New West End Company is pleased to announce the appointment of 5654 & Company to provide strategic guidance on our renewed campaign to reinstate tax-free shopping.

To strengthen our case and amplify our voice, we’ve joined forces with Heathrow, Cadogan, and the Knightsbridge Partnership, forming a new high-impact consortium. Together, we’re making the strongest possible case to Government for the return of tax-free shopping –  a change that would deliver clear economic benefits across retail, hospitality and tourism throughout the United Kingdom.

On 24 June, Dee Corsi attended a private breakfast discussion with Varun Chandra, Special Adviser on Business and Investment to the Prime Minister at Number 10. Drawing on his experience at the heart of government and his work advising senior leaders across business and finance, Varun shared his insights on the current state of the UK economy, the political challenges facing the Government, and how policy decisions are shaping the business landscape. The event was hosted by 5654 & Company, and attended by fellow industry leaders including Hugh Milward, Vice President, External Affairs at Microsoft; Andrew Moys, Vice President, Impact, at McDonald’s UK and Dusan Stojankic – Vice President and General Manager, at Coca Cola GB & Ireland.

On behalf of our members, we have submitted a response to the Westminster After Dark Consultation, which looks at strategies to promote a safer, accessible, and more inclusive evening and night-time economy, from 6 pm to 6 am. Read our response here.

EVENTS

On 19 June, we had the pleasure of hosting Property members for an intimate dinner, courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. As we prepare to go into ballot this coming November, these gatherings are an excellent opportunity to gather feedback and inform our priorities for the next BID term.

Thank you to all those who attended our summer social at John Lewis Oxford Street’s rooftop bar, 1864. More than just an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, the evening was a valuable chance to hear directly from our members about their current challenges and key areas of focus.

This month Grosvenor helped local workers and residents welcome the arrival of warmer days with its Mount Street Garden Party. The event is a brilliant celebration of the West End community, bringing together local businesses, workers, and residents for an afternoon of connection and fun.

It was fantastic to welcome existing and prospective members to the Royal Academy of Arts, for an evening of drinks and canapes on 25 June. Guests were able to experience an exclusive private preview of Honorary Royal Academician Anselm Kiefer’s upcoming exhibition, Kiefer / Van Gogh.

This landmark exhibition explores the enduring influence of Vincent van Gogh on Anselm Kiefer, bringing together major works by both artists – including brand new pieces never shown before. Reflecting this theme, Kiefer’s Bond Street flags feature his recent sunflower works – a powerful reference to Van Gogh’s iconic motif – and will be displayed from June to August.

DESTINATION MARKETING

INNOVATION & INSIGHTS

In June, we started collating on-street data for our bi-annual Visitor Insights survey. The survey is designed to enhance our members’ understanding of visitor motivations, preferred activities, and average dwell time. Findings will be shared later this summer.

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].

New West End Company has partnered with edie – the UK’s leading sustainability media platform – to better understand how businesses across the West End are tackling environmental challenges and opportunities, and develop the first-ever benchmarking report of West End businesses’ sustainability performance, to be shared exclusively with New West End Company members later this year.

IN THE DISTRICT

We’re delighted to welcome Miu Miu back to its home at 150 New Bond Street. The newly refurbished store has been described as a blend of literary salon, indie cinema, and Mayfair private members’ club – a fitting tribute to the district’s growing reputation as a leisure destination.

This month, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair celebrated its first anniversary. To mark the milestone, our Destination Marketing Manager Ellie Keswick shared highlights from the celebrations on Bond Street’s Instagram.

We were thrilled to partner with Third Space, London’s leading luxury fitness club, to host a series of free outdoor classes in Hanover Square and Berkeley Square. A big thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy day to join us for a morning – or afternoon – of movement and well-being.

This month, 245 Regent Street was the home of Style Of Our Own London (SOOO), a pop-up dedicated to women’s sport. The temporary store is part of Westminster City Council’s Meanwhile On initiative, which matches innovative start-up retail concepts with vacant space in the West End.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity is inviting West End businesses to join their ‘£1 on the bill’ campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Participants will have a £1 voluntary donation added to customers’ bills, with all proceeds aimed at supporting a new, world-class Children’s Cancer Centre. If you’d like to get involved, get in touch with [email protected].

Entries for the Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Business Awards 2025 are now open. Supported by the City of Westminster and RBKC, the event celebrates and recognises the outstanding achievements of businesses within our community. Learn how to apply here.