
Foreword
HOLBA will mobilise the business community to tackle current challenges, drive future prosperity & realise its full potential as a place for culture, heritage & commerce.
While the demand for statutory services continues to rise, councils across the UK have had a 26% real terms cut in core spending power since 2010, weakening their ability to deliver services and meet new challenges. The consequences of these pressures are visible on the streets across the UK and threaten London’s world-leading reputation. We have a vital role to play in contributing to the new government’s growth agenda. In Westminster Business Improvement Districts will be investing an estimated £125M in the borough over the next five years – this will enable us to collectively affect economic growth.
In 2004, businesses in the West End took matters into their own hands and established Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA), a unique vehicle that allows property owners and occupiers to raise and spend money on improving their area. In 2022 occupiers voted by a majority of 91% yes vote, now its the property owners opportunity to do the same.
This delivery plan summarises HOLBA’s exceptional catalogue of achievements as well as its plans for the next BID term. The area has enjoyed exceptional economic growth of 34% (2017-2021), which is three times that of London as a whole. The strength of the area’s performance is testament to HOLBA’s work over the past 20 years.
In February 2025, property owners will be invited to vote on securing £9.7M for HOLBA to deliver the 2025-2030 plan. The plan sets out how it will promote the Piccadilly & Jermyn Street District’s strengths, tackle its weaknesses, capitalise on opportunities and mitigate the threats. These have been thoroughly explored and candidly set out in the HOLBA area SWOT section of the site.
This is the business community’s only chance to collectively drive the future of its district. There is a lot to be gained or lost depending on the ballot outcome. Please, take the time to read this delivery plan and meet with us to discuss your thoughts before casting your vote.
