London Claims Global Innovation Supremacy in Business

London Still Rules the Business World—Even With Brexit on the Horizon

Despite the post‑Brexit jitters, a fresh set of numbers from the City of London Corporation and the City Property Association confirms that London remains the top hang‑out for global teams and innovation legends.

Why London’s still the favoured spot for senior leaders

37 % of 450+ senior executives operating out of the globe’s flagship business districts say London’s the best place to put together worldwide squads.
New York trails at 26 %, Paris dips to 20 %, and Singapore lags at 17 %.
Half of the surveyed firms think teamwork—both across and inside departments—is the magic wand for innovation, and 94 % of them rate London as a winner for this.
More than half (54 %) describe London’s collaborative vibe as “world‑leading.”

Innovation’s Golden Goose

When asked which city is most likely to boost revenue through innovation, London once again kicks the bucket, 35 % of respondents backing it. New York follows at 31 %, Singapore at 17 %, and Paris at 15 %.

Background & Forecast

The data appear in the City Corporation’s annual research titled “Locate, Create and Innovate: London in a Changing World.” It will get a big‑room spotlight at the global property expo MIPIM (11 :00, March 14).

Fast‑paced digital shifts are shaping how firms decide who to hire, who to keep, and where to set up shop. The study digs into those motives and their impact on real estate and location choices.

Key Take‑aways for the Business Crowd

Talent is king—companies can’t beat a city that throws the best talent around.
Tech is no longer a solo act; human interaction keeps the music playing.
Consolidation isn’t purely about cutting costs—it’s about rolling out the party floor for the right people.
Top 72 % of firms in finance, insurance, and professional services view tech adoption as a hallmark of innovation.
Grow‑fast firms demand flexible leases that don’t hold them hostage.
Property hotspots are curating tenant mixes to create a “tech‑friendly” scene—think vibrant communities of innovators.

Quotes from the Big‑League Leaders

Catherine McGuinness (London City Chair):
“Within weeks, Britain will officially leave the EU, so London’s pull as a global business hub matters more than ever. The data show entrepreneurs love the city’s spicy blend of top talent and creative energy when choosing localisation. Over five years we’ve already seen a 31 % jump in London’s IT and communications roles, and international workers make up 40 % of the high‑skill tech crew. With finance, professional services and TMT sectors mingling, London must keep attracting the best brains, while offering a lively commercial scene and flexible workspaces that keep both locals and internationals hooked.”

David Ainsworth (City Property Association President):
“Across sectors, companies lean on data and new tech to grow and stay productive. A paradox emerges: the tech boom is actually driving demand for spaces that encourage real‑human interaction. London’s property industry is stepping up—building collaborative work hubs, world‑class public spaces, and buzzing cultural & retail hotspots. That dynamism ensures London stays the world’s go‑to for innovation and global business.”

How the Study Was Built

Real‑world insights came from 459 senior leaders of large multinational firms, spread across the top global business districts. The research was carried out by FTI Consulting in January 2019 and wrapped up with interviews and roundtable chats with key players from the financial, telecom, legal, insurance, and property spheres.