‘West End for 2012’ Conference

New West End Company and Heart of London Business Alliance brought together 150 major retail, property and leisure businesses at the ‘West End for 2012’ conference today to plan how London can best leverage the opportunity of London 2012.

The task force, made up of public and private sector members from across the two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), will act to maximise the commercial opportunity of the Olympics and position the West End during London 2012 as the recognised location of the shopping and entertainment centrepiece of London.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: 'Even in these tough economic times London is still the place to be, with a recent report confirming that the capital has, for the seventh year in a row, retained its position as Europe’s most attractive city to invest in.

'London’s West End plays a significant role in the capital’s success story, offering the world’s greatest shopping destination and attracting millions of visitors from across the country and overseas each year.

'The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will deliver much more than just six weeks of sport and I am delighted that New West End Company and Heart of London Business Alliance are leading by example, setting up a task force which will drive forward action and investment in the area and maximise the full commercial opportunity of London 2012.’