Mayor and Think London increase free office space for overseas investors by 350%
18-May-2009
The Mayor
of London, Boris Johnson, today announced the significant extension of free office space to
encourage overseas investors to set up business in London.
The Mayor launched Phase 2: the expansion of Think London’s ‘ Touchdown London’ service, increasing office space to allow up to 40 new businesses to benefit from the extension of the offer, as well as the addition of a new central London location. Phase 1 of the extended service, offered in conjunction with serviced office provider Avanta, was successfully launched by the Mayor at the prestigious property conference MIPIM in March this year. This resulted in an increase in demand from overseas investors keen to take advantage of up to 12 months free office space and facilities, as well as the use of a dedicated advisor to support firms through the process of establishing a London base.
Speaking at an event hosted by Think London and sponsored by Deloitte in Korea, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Even in these tough economic times London is still the place to be. We offer magnificent opportunities for overseas business with unrivalled access to western markets, a skilled workforce and one of the most diverse social and leisure scenes in the world.
“This is an opportune
time for Korean companies to invest in this vision and the
Touchdown London service is there to
ensure you get off to a flying start. We are investing heavily in skills and training programmes to
ensure there is a deep pool of talent to help your business grow and succeed. I can guarantee that
in London you will not only receive the warmest of welcomes but we will do all we can to ensure you
are successful.”
The Mayor also endorsed the signing of a
Memorandum
of Understanding between Think London and KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) to
jointly promote London’s capital markets and specifically AIM listings.
Think London, the official foreign direct investment agency for London, received a significant increase in enquiries from international businesses following the Mayor’s announcement of Touchdown London in March. Over the last decade, Think London have assisted more than 1,200 companies from 44 countries create over 40,000 jobs in the capital.
Michael Charlton, Chief Executive
of Think London said: “We have been greatly encouraged by the number of enquiries we received from
international businesses looking to take us up on the offer of free office space. To cope with
demand, we are delighted to be able to provide more desks and another central London location,
adequately responding to the needs of businesses in this current climate.”
Jun Jeong, Branch Manager, M3 Mobile, a mobile marketing solutions company from Korea, said: “
M3 Mobile was considering potential locations for its European headquarters in London and
elsewhere. After viewings of London locations arranged by Think London, we decided the UK’s capital
was the ideal place. London’s easy access to European markets ensures we are close to all our
European clients. Think London also introduced us to the benefits of its ‘Touchdown London’ service
and we recently took up space in the West London office. ‘
Touchdown London’ has definitely put M3
Mobile a step ahead.”
Continued Charlton: “The business fundamentals for London haven’t changed; London is still
the gateway to Europe and the world, has a vast talent pool, a rich customer base and is truly open
for business.”
Seung
Woo Yang, Country Managing Partner, Deloitte Anjin, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting
such a proactive initiative. As international businesses take the time to carefully consider their
next steps in what is a difficult economic environment, having such a service available will
undoubtedly help to strengthen their growth plans and reaffirm London’s position as a major centre
for international investment.”
“We believe that Think London provides invaluable
assistance to international businesses
looking to establish a base in London and we support their activities wholeheartedly,” commented
David Alberto, Avanta’s managing director. “We’ve been supporting this scheme for more than two
years and already offer international businesses wishing to set up in London free serviced office
space for up to 12 months at our centres in Hanover Square and Hammersmith. Due to huge demand, we
are delighted to be launching Phase 2 of the scheme, by extending the Touchdown facility to our new
City of London centre.”
런던시와
런던투자진흥청, 해외 투자자 유치를 위한 무료 사무 공간 350% 확대
For more information on Think London please contact:
Seoul
Young Ho Seo
Think London Chief Representative, Seoul
Tel: (+82) 2 508 8768
London (public relations team)
Ravi Sunnak
Chantel Gohil
Tel: (+44) 20 7025 7500
About Think London
Think London is the foreign direct investment agency for London, assisting companies
moving to the UK
capital by offering
access to business networks
,
people
and
opportunities
. Think London is a not-for-profit, private-public partnership delivering expertise and advice
to international businesses. The agency’s service is completely free, comprehensive and
confidential.
Think London’s experts
work with government and the business community to help companies access the best people,
places and opportunities in the city. Think London’s principal
funding partners
are the
London Development Agency (LDA)
and our
network of commercial partners
. Other key partners are the
City of London Corporation
, which also provides funding,
UK Trade & Investment
and the business community through
London First
.
About Avanta
Avanta was formed in 2004 by David Alberto, previously with Regus and former managing director
at MWB Business Exchange. The company offers highly flexible, unbranded office space, with advanced
and competitively price technology, tailor made to meet the requirements of the occupier. In the UK
it currently manages more than 630,000 sq ft of office space in prime locations in London, the
Thames Valley, Manchester and Edinburgh. Avanta’s first international business centre in New Delhi,
India, opened in September 2008 and a further two centres are now open in Mumbai.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private
clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in 140
countries, Deloitte brings world class capabilities and deep local expertise to help clients
succeed wherever they operate. Deloitte's 150,000 professionals are committed to becoming the
standard of excellence. Deloitte's professionals are unified by a collaborative culture that
fosters integrity, outstanding value to markets and clients, commitment to each other, and strength
from diversity. They enjoy an environment of continuous learning, challenging experiences, and
enriching career opportunities. Deloitte's professionals are dedicated to strengthening corporate
responsibility, building public trust, and making a positive impact in their communities.
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