Berkeley Group / LCCI ‘London’s Success’ Survey

Survey of Londoners conducted for Berkeley Group and LCCI published 4 March 2011

Date Published: 04 Mar 2011

Categories: Public and communities | Social | UK

Description

Survey reveals the secrets of London’s success as a world city

 

The vast array of entertainment on offer in London is what residents value most about the capital, a new survey revealed today. According to Londoners, theatre, sport and music are the factors that they rate most highly about their city. With only a few weeks to go before the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the survey also reveals that the capital’s cultural heritage such as the Monarchy is almost as highly valued by the city’s inhabitants.

 

The research carried out by ComRes for the Berkeley Group and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) asked Londoners what makes the capital a great place to live.  Also getting the thumbs up were the beauty of the capital’s buildings, the ease of access to Europe and the rest of the world and London’s position as a global business hub.  Londoners highlighted the cosmopolitan and multicultural nature of the city and the openness and diversity of its people as uniquely adding to the capital’s appeal. However tax and regulation were low down on their appreciation index. It also appears that Londoners do not think that their fellow citizens are particularly friendly ranking it bottom in the list of things that London has to offer.

 

The publication of the survey coincides with the launch of a new corporate philanthropic foundation by the Berkeley Group which aims to help improve the lives and opportunities of young Londoners, their families and communities. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson will help launch the Berkeley Foundation at a glittering charity event to be held on Horse Guards Parade on Friday evening (4 March). The Mayor’s Fund for London will be one of the charities to benefit along with Shelter, the Lord’s Taverners, Richard House Hospice, Princess Alice Hospice and the Oasis Centre.

 

 

Tony Pidgley, Chairman of Berkeley Group, said:

 

“London is a fabulous place to live and work and it is fascinating to discover how much Londoners value the vast array of culture and entertainment on offer, the city’s heritage and our leading position as a global business hub. The charity sector play a huge role in making London a city to celebrate – where community and civility are both treasured – and we hope that the Berkeley Foundation can help it reach out to the capital’s neediest people and so make this great city a great place for all its people.”

 

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said:

 

“I applaud the Berkley Group for embracing the spirit of philanthropy and investing in

disadvantaged young Londoners. Whilst we live in a truly divine city ripe with wealth and

opportunity, not everyone shares these benefits equally. We have over 630,000 young people living in poverty in London, which is why I set up the Mayor’s Fund to work at the very

heart of this issue. I’m immensely pleased that the Berkley Foundation will help boost the

Fund’s essential work allowing them to reach out to more young people and their families.”

 

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of the LCCI, said:

 

“After two years of economic doom and gloom it is too easy to forget the many and varied factors that make London one of the greatest cities in the world to live and work. This survey reminds us that at a time when I hope cynicism is going out of fashion, there is a huge amount that is valued and enjoyed by Londoners every day.  It is refreshing that companies like the Berkeley Group are investing so much time, effort and money into celebrating all London has to offer.”

 

Londoners also had their own comments recorded by the survey:

On things to see and visit in London:

 

·         “It is a complete tourist magnet, with so many historic and other standout attractions.”

·         “Fantastic green spaces and interesting walks wherever you go.”

·         “Diversity, mixture of history and modernity, never run out of things to do and see.”

 

On London’s diversity:

 

·         “It is the most exciting, trendy and cosmopolitan city.”

·         “It has quite a large mix of different cultures.”

• “ London is certainly one of the most diverse cities in the world.”

On Londoner’s open attitudes:

 

·         “Everything is acceptable!”

·         “Quick to accommodate new ideas.”

·         “The ability to be who you want. It is a very broad-minded place.”

Ends

 

NOTES TO EDITOR:

 

2)    The Berkeley Group is London’s premier residential developer, creating high quality

homes and vibrant mixed use communities in excellent locations through its brands:

Berkeley, St George, St James, St Edward and Berkeley First. The Group prides

itself on the quality of its product and customer service and launched its Vision 2020

strategy last year; the purpose of which is to drive the business and industry forward

over the next 10 years for the benefit of its customers, the environment and its

people.

 

3)    The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital’s largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.