Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Business Reception

Mayor of London Business Reception

by Dee Miller

SEMlNAL joined leaders from across London’s business, investment and civic communities at Olympia this week for the Mayor of London’s Business Reception, an evening centred on the capital’s ability to keep attracting investment, talent and ideas.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was joined by Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth Howard Dawber OBE, Hammersmith & Fulham Council Leader Stephen Cowan, Anna Purchas, representatives from the Greater London Authority and figures from across London’s business community.

Addressing how the capital is preparing for the future of work, Khan said: “We have a London Growth Plan. That’s why we have an inclusive talent strategy. That’s why we set up the AI and Jobs Taskforce. We’re investing in small businesses so they can adapt to AI, but also investing so that every single Londoner has access to free training.”

Hosted by Yoo Capital Managing Partner Lloyd Lee and Olympia CEO Michael Volkert, the reception explored a question at the heart of London’s next chapter: how does a global city continue to grow while creating the cultural, commercial and social infrastructure needed to support that growth?

Olympia provided a fitting backdrop. The historic site is being transformed into a major new destination spanning culture, entertainment, hospitality and business. It reflects a wider shift in urban development, where the strongest regeneration projects are not simply about buildings, but creating places where people can work, meet, stay, experience culture and build communities.

That matters as competition between global cities intensifies. London retains enormous advantages across finance, creativity, education, culture and global connectivity, but maintaining that position requires continued investment in its people, places and ideas.

The evening was a strong demonstration of confidence in London and the value of bringing public leadership, private capital and placemaking together. Olympia is the type of economic development project the capital can be proud of, combining long-term investment with cultural relevance and the potential to create lasting local impact.