Central London Alliance Summit to bring London’s business and political leaders together to debate the future of the capital
Business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and leading voices from across London’s economy will come together on 14 October for the Central London Alliance Summit 2026, to debate the opportunities and challenges shaping the capital’s future.
The Central London Alliance Summit 2026 will bring together hundreds of business leaders, policymakers, innovators and industry experts for a full day of debate examining what London needs to do to remain a world-leading destination for enterprise, investment, talent and tourism.
Taking place at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster on Wednesday 14 October, the Summit will feature a series of high-level panel discussions exploring some of the most pressing issues facing the capital – from the pressures on hospitality and the impact of AI to taxation, regulation, planning, property, tourism and London’s position on the global stage.
The event is being promoted by City A.M. and will provide a platform for informed debate around both the obstacles holding London back and the opportunities that could unlock its next phase of growth.
Opening the Summit is an in-depth debate on “London’s Hospitality: The issues keeping hospitality leaders up at night”, bringing together senior figures from across the sector and wider business community, including Andrew Sangster, journalist and founder of Hotel Analyst and the Operational Real Estate Summit; Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain; Rajesh Agrawal, former Deputy Mayor for Business; Cedric Horgnies, Area General Manager of Threadneedles and Monkey Island Estate; Sally Beck, Deputy Managing Director of The Landmark Collection and Managing Director of The Landmark London; and Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of Central London Alliance.
The programme will then turn to AI, Media and the Creative Sector, asking whether the rapid development of artificial intelligence represents an opportunity or threat to London’s economy, before examining the future of retail, entertainment and events and whether these sectors have been irreparably damaged or are entering a period of renewal.
The afternoon will focus on the wider business environment, including tax, regulation, finance and the incentives and disincentives facing businesses in London, followed by a discussion on planning for growth and the future of London’s property and development sector.
The Summit will also ask a fundamental question about London’s identity and influence in a changing political landscape: “London’s Voice – Who speaks for London?” The day will conclude with “Destination London: Shaping the future of the capital”, exploring how London can strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for visitors, investment, business, culture and events.
Among the speakers taking part are Alice Black, CEO and founder of ArtULTRA; Andrew Sangster; Annabel Singh, Founder and Director of The Inward Group; Austin Williams, Director of the Future Cities Project; Cary Rajinder Sawhney, CEO & Programming Director of the London Indian Film Festival; Dave North, Head of Hotels at Lloyds Bank; Dinesh Dhamija; Jessica Berk Ross, Managing Partner and Global Public Affairs Practice Leader at FINN Partners; Lord Leigh of Hurley; Matthew Jaffa,Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Family Business UK; Naomi Smith; Pratik Dattani; Rajesh Agrawal; Rt Hon Shailesh Vara; Tom Sleigh, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation; and Tony Matharu, alongside further speakers.
Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of Central London Alliance, said:
“London remains one of the greatest cities in the world, but we cannot take that position for granted. The capital is facing a combination of challenges – from rising costs and taxation to planning, regulation, changing consumer behaviour and increasing international competition – at precisely the time when we need to be attracting investment, talent and visitors.
“The Central London Alliance Summit is about bringing together people with different perspectives to have an open and informed conversation about where London goes next. We want to look honestly at the obstacles, but equally at the enormous opportunities in front of us.
“London has the talent, infrastructure, creativity, heritage and global connectivity to remain a world-leading city. The question is whether we are doing enough to unlock its potential.”
The Summit reflects Central London Alliance’s wider mission as a politically independent Community Interest Company supporting the sustainable economic recovery and long-term success of London’s business, hospitality, cultural, tourism and retail sectors.
The remainder of the Summit will feature a dynamic programme of panel discussions, bringing together high-profile speakers and focused workshops to explore London’s greatest opportunities for growth alongside the pressing challenges and obstacles it must overcome.
The Central London Alliance Summit 2026 takes place from 9.30am to 5.45pm on Wednesday 14 October at the Emmanuel Centre, 9–23 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3DW.
General admission tickets are available for £10, with tickets including lunch available for £20.
For more information and to register, visit the Central London Alliance Summit event page here.