The legacy of the 2012 Olympics may have started the upswing in the fortunes of East London, but the momentum it started continues to make the area one of the most vibrant and exciting in the capital for businesses.
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Leyton
Up and coming areas such as Leyton, which came to national prominence as the “home” of the Olympics, have continued to thrive long after the athletes packed up and went home.
Based around excellent transport facilities, competitive rates and a thriving multi cultural community, the area has seen start-up businesses gravitate towards it in ever increasing numbers.
There is a huge array of office space to choose from, whether it’s in the serviced sector or a larger space in one of the area’s burgeoning business parks, those who have already relocated are singing its praises.
Mark Jackson, employs 24 staff at his Leyton-based print company:
He said:
“One of the key factors for me was the ease of access, the transport network is much better than I’d anticipated.
“We’re on the Central Line and there is a really convenient station for us right at the end of the High Road. I can also make it to Liverpool Street or Bank Monument in less than quarter of an hour.
“It’s been six months since we moved here and I’ve never regretted it for a second. I’d been told the Olympic legacy had brought a real buzz to the area and that turned out to be absolutely true but we’re two years on now and it still appears to be going from strength to strength.”
Stratford
Neighbouring Stratford has seen a similar success story.
Once based on railway engineering and heavy industry, the area has diversified into a thriving centre for technology and retail and is also served by an excellent transport network, including five stations.
The showpiece development for Stratford has been the multi-billion pound investment poured into Stratford Westfield City, one of Europe’s largest shopping complexes which has attracted names like Waitrose, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer.
A community of more than 5,000 homes and offices built nearby provides an exciting chance for any business to locate to one of London’s most sought-after and swiftly rising districts.
Barry Graham, managing director of a design company, said:
“We knew we wanted to be in East London because it’s such an up and coming vibrant area, the transport links are good, a lot of my staff live nearby and local amenities, particularly Westfield Stratford, are excellent. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.’
Just to the north of Canary Wharf, Bow is emerging as one of the East End’s modern success stories, with millions of pounds being invested in the area.
There is a range of office space to choose from, with smart new offices in business parks to contemporary spaces in one of the area’s many refurbished factories. Bow is also situated close to the M25, giving it excellent road links to the north and south.
And there are plenty green spaces for staff to stroll in during breaks or after work with Mile End Park, Victoria Park and the River Lea towpath all handily placed. It’s the perfect place to see old and new sit happily side by side as young companies with fresh ideas settle into the heart of the East End with its grand old buildings and traditions.