Economic Policy > GLA Economics > Events > London and the Local Economy

London and the Local Economy

London is a world city and leading financial centre; London is a city of villages; London is a set of suburbs strung out along the railway lines; London has the worst poverty and deprivation in the country.

All of these statements are true and so trying to develop an overall understanding of what makes London tick in all its variety and glory is an uphill struggle.

This seminar brings together some of the ways in which we are undertaking this struggle. We look at how to model cities and how they grow; we look at how to describe the economic and demographic geography of our own city. We take the ‘City East’ project as a case study of thinking about locations within a part of London.

Anybody interested in London, in cities, or in economic development will find this seminar utterly engrossing as we lay out some innovative models and descriptive techniques which we are using to help us understand London.

Speakers

Bridget Rosewell, Consultant Chief Economist, GLA Economics

What does it take to create a city? Bridget chaired the seminar and set the context in which we are trying to understand the complex processes which create cities, including the idea of agglomeration and how things join together.

Understanding Local Economics by Bridget Rosewell PDF
Understanding Local Economics by Bridget Rosewell RTF

Andrew Crooks, Centre for Advance Spatial Analysis, University College London

Cities are faced with many problems such as urban sprawl, crime and congestion and are also constantly changing. Andrew explored the use of agent based modelling to simulate urban change and how this leads to a better understanding of how cities work.

Understanding how cities work by Andrew Crooks PDF
Understanding how cities work by Andrew Crooks RTF

Ellie Cooper, Senior Analyst, Volterra Consulting

Ellie presented on the economic geography of London and the South East, where the similarities and differences between wards in these areas were analysed.

The Economic Geography of London and the South East by Ellie Cooper PDF
The Economic Geography of London and the South East by Ellie Cooper RTF

Jeremy Skinner, Head of Strategic Projects and Policy Evaluation, Greater London Authority

Jeremy presented on the practical work being undertaken to develop the 'City East' region of London.

Case study: The Royal Docks by Jeremy Skinner PDF
Case study: The Royal Docks by Jeremy Skinner RTF

Baljit Bains, Senior Research & Statistical Analyst – Ethnic Demography, Greater London Authority

Baljit presented on the context and nature of London's demography, covering aspects of London's diversity, age composition and geographical characteristics. Recent patterns and possible future trends were also discussed.

London’s characteristics by Baljit Bains PDF
London’s characteristics by Baljit Bains RTF