Why is London always a hot destination for corporate/business travelers?
Jul 30, 2007, 11:04 am
#1
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Why is London always a hot destination for corporate/business travelers?
Really! I know we've got heavy industries of automobiles, wineries and cosmetics for countries such as France and Germany. But for London, I really have a tough time seeing what type of industry or anything that lures people to make frequent business trips there for corporate assignment and thus causes airlines to offer a large amount of first & business class seats for that route to fit the needs of those type of travelers. 
Jul 30, 2007, 3:09 pm
#4
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Partly it is a matter of tradition. London was the centre of the British Empire, with far flung outposts, and acted as a major trading hub. It has also been a very stable country; no revolutions, no invasions, limited corruption, etc... All of which is very popular for headquarters, especially financial ones. Once you've developed into a hub for a particular industry, keeping it up can be a self-perpetuating prophecy. Top stars move to that location to make it, and once they succeed, help attract the next crop of stars. Success breeds success.
Jul 30, 2007, 3:30 pm
#6
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Two major financial centres in one city?
More money changing hands in London than any other city on earth?
..Although I say that, if the evening papers today are anything to go by, the crapness of Heathrow is going to start hurting, as more and more business travellers are feeling to avoid London just because of the thought of having to use the airport.
More money changing hands in London than any other city on earth?
..Although I say that, if the evening papers today are anything to go by, the crapness of Heathrow is going to start hurting, as more and more business travellers are feeling to avoid London just because of the thought of having to use the airport.
Jul 31, 2007, 5:48 am
#7
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I'm in the insurance business and, although my company HQ Is in Zurich, we have a major office in London and my boss is based there. London has always been a major center for insurance and reinsurance.
As for LHR, I'm glad it's hitting the evening papers. It's such an ordeal that my husband and I no longer travel to or through there on vacations.
As for LHR, I'm glad it's hitting the evening papers. It's such an ordeal that my husband and I no longer travel to or through there on vacations.
Jul 31, 2007, 6:01 am
#9
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However, it does allow you to relax, rediscover more local destinations, slow down, and remember just how pleasant train travel can be.
Jul 31, 2007, 1:41 pm
#10
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Partly it is a matter of tradition. London was the centre of the British Empire, with far flung outposts, and acted as a major trading hub. It has also been a very stable country; no revolutions, no invasions, limited corruption, etc... All of which is very popular for headquarters, especially financial ones. Once you've developed into a hub for a particular industry, keeping it up can be a self-perpetuating prophecy. Top stars move to that location to make it, and once they succeed, help attract the next crop of stars. Success breeds success.
London profits greatly from the fact that it is the main English-speaking EU city, which makes it very attractive for American companies that want to do business with Europe.
Aug 1, 2007, 10:07 am
#11
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Ummmmmm...what about the English Civil War and the American Revolution (we were revolting against Great Britain)?
London profits greatly from the fact that it is the main English-speaking EU city, which makes it very attractive for American companies that want to do business with Europe.
London profits greatly from the fact that it is the main English-speaking EU city, which makes it very attractive for American companies that want to do business with Europe.
London is home to many more companies than just American ones. Luckily, the British Empire consisted of much more than just America, or it wouldn't have been much of an empire at all. Knowing how my company operates, if it were signifacantly more strategic or profitable to have an office in, say, Paris or Berlin, they wouldn't chose London just because of ease of language. Most execs at our (and I would venture to say most) European offices speak fluent English anyway. Long story short, I think it's more than just language.
Aug 2, 2007, 10:57 am
#12
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Selling sexual services from a place where only you operate (ie a one-bed flat) is legal. Selling sexual services from a place where 2+ women work is illegal. Paying for sex is legal. Driving around the streets slowly looking for women to pick up is illegal. Visiting a woman in a Soho / Shepherd Market 'walk up' is legal. Typical UK confusion ....
Aug 3, 2007, 12:12 am
#13
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When in London I often feel I'm the only Englishman in the city on the day I'm there - it's now such a multi culutural, multi ethnic melting pot
Aug 3, 2007, 3:30 am
#15
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All supported by about 15 years continuous growth, largely outstripping the rates seen in the rest of Western Europe which have built on London's great mercantile tradition.
Plus 2 of the major oil companies have their sole or joint offices in London.
And the Uk has a very generous tax structure for high wealth non-residents making it a magnet for them...and where they go more money flows.
Plus 2 of the major oil companies have their sole or joint offices in London.
And the Uk has a very generous tax structure for high wealth non-residents making it a magnet for them...and where they go more money flows.