Key information
Decision type: Assistant Director
Directorate: Good Growth
Reference code: ADD2848
Date signed:
Date published:
Decision by: Alex Conway, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Programmes
Executive summary
London & Partners Limited (L&P) is the growth agency for London. It has produced a draft business plan for 2026-27, which includes activities funded by the Mayor to cover the Boosting London’s Growth Sectors (BLGS) programme.
This decision seeks to continue activities funded under the BLGS delivery plan (as set out at paragraph 1.15 of Mayoral Decision (MD) 3430 Delivery Plan – Boosting London’s Growth Sectors).
In line with the delegations provided to the Senior Responsible Owner in MD3430, this Assistant Director Decision (ADD) seeks approval of a further advance payment of £2,730,000, to cover L&P’s salaries and running costs for June 2026. This is ahead of the formal issue of grant-funded agreements that will follow this decision, in respect of L&P’s 2026-27 activity (to be detailed in forthcoming decision forms relating to 2026-27 spend). It should be noted that L&P received advance payments of £2,730,000 via ADD2836 in April 2026; and £2,730,000 via ADD2842 in May 2026.
Decision
That the Assistant Director for Economic Development approves an advance payment of £2,730,000 to cover London & Partners Limited’s (L&P’s) salaries and running costs for June 2026. This is ahead of the formal issue of grant-funded agreements that will follow this decision, in respect of L&P’s 2026-27 activity (to be detailed in forthcoming decision forms relating to 2026-27 spend).
Part 1: Non-confidential facts and advice
1.1. London & Partners Limited (L&P) is the growth agency for London. It has produced a draft business plan for 2026-27, which includes activities funded by the Mayor to cover the Boosting London’s Growth Sectors (BLGS) programme.
1.2. This decision seeks to continue activities funded under the BLGS delivery plan, as set out at paragraph 1.15 of Mayoral Decision (MD) 3430 Delivery Plan – Boosting London’s Growth Sectors.
1.3. In line with the delegations provided to the Senior Responsible Owner in that decision, this Assistant Director Decision (ADD) seeks approval of an advance payment of £2,730,000, to cover L&P’s salaries and running costs for June 2026. This is ahead of the formal issue of grant-funded agreements that will follow this decision shortly, in respect of L&P’s 2026-27 activity (to be detailed in forthcoming decision forms relating to 2026-27 spend).
2.1. The advance payment will support the delivery of L&P’s business plan, including L&P’s core activities:
• Strategy: L&P will help to shape London’s strategy in priority sectors by sharing data and insights, and convening stakeholders.
• Promotion: L&P will promote London’s brand, places and growth sectors internationally, to win investment, tourists and events curating London’s story; and coordinate the city’s advocates. L&P will promote London to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) via its headquarters and its network of international offices across Europe, the US, China and India. L&P will promote London via the official London visitor website, Visit London, which 17 million people used last year. L&P’s London Convention Bureau will work to attract international business conferences to the capital.
• Investment: L&P will work directly with international investors to convince them to choose London – helping them to set up or expand their businesses (FDI), or find capital investment opportunities in London through Opportunity London.
2.2. These activities will be set out, in more detail, in subsequent decisions.
3.1. Section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010 provides that, in the exercise of their functions, public authorities (including the GLA) must have due regard to the need to:
• eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010
• advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it
• foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.
3.2. The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
3.3. Due regard must be had at the time a decision is being considered. The duty is non-delegable, and must be exercised with an open mind.
Key risks and issues
4.1. There are no significant risks or issues associated with awarding L&P £2,730,000 for the purposes laid out above. L&P has maintained a very strong track record of delivery, against its core functions, since it was created in 2011.
4.2. More broadly, L&P has strong risk-management structures. Core to this is Board scrutiny, including an Audit & Finance committee that considers a register of known risks.
Links to Mayoral strategies and priorities
4.3. L&P’s business plan aligns with the Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy, the Boosting London’s Growth Sectors programme and the London Growth Plan. These focus on the importance of a thriving London economy that is open to business; and the promotion of London as a world leader in innovation, technology and creativity.
Declarations of interest
4.4. No one involved in drafting and clearing this document has any conflicts of interests to declare.
5.1. Approval is requested for an advance payment of £2,730,000 in grant funding. The proposed spending is financed by GLA resources, as agreed in the budget for this financial year for L&P.
5.2. All appropriate budget adjustments will be made.
6.1. This work will be carried out according to the following timetable:
Signed decision document
ADD2848 London & Partners June 2026-27 advance payment - SIGNED