Supporting London business clusters

London Councils commissioned research to identify business clusters in London and what support boroughs and their partners could provide to help them develop and grow.

The report found that place matters – that a critical mass in skills, services, knowledge and institutions can underpin economic competitiveness.

The report identifies and maps business clusters across London and draws lessons from home and abroad about what does and does not work in developing them.

It proposes:

• London boroughs need to understand these clusters – the depth of the supply chain and linkages between firms – to effectively support them;
• Boroughs can use their planning and regulatory duties to support business clusters – creating the right conditions for business growth and innovation;
• Practical steps for boroughs to decide when and how they support business clusters in their area;
• Business clusters spread beyond borough boundaries and boroughs need to work together, with the Mayor, with higher education and other specialist institutions and with the businesses themselves to help them flourish.