West London has an intriguing blend of vibrant urban centres and leafy suburbs so caters well to a good work-life balance. Over the years it has become something of a magnet for major organisations from a range of industries and sectors – consequently the West London business hubs are thriving. The area is ideal for every type of business from innovative start-ups to global giants.
Whether the purpose of your visit is a conference, attending an exhibition, relocating for a new job, or simply a meeting in the area, it can be useful to understand the key business hubs within West London. We explore some of the most prominent employers in the area.
1. Heathrow – the global gateway and employment hotspot
Heathrow Airport is the busiest international airport in the world with, on average, 1,300 departures and arrivals every day. But Heathrow is not just a transport hub, it is also a significant employer in its own right. There are thousands of people who work directly for the airport itself and many, many more employed in related industries. Heathrow drives a significant portion of West London’s economy.
Amongst the key employers at Heathrow are the airlines themselves with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic at the top of the list. Heathrow Airport Holdings and the cargo handling company Menzies Aviation are also significant employers at the airport.
Where to stay for easy access to businesses at Heathrow
There are plenty of places to stay in the West London vicinity. For ease of getting to the airport and nearby businesses consider areas such as Twickenham, Uxbridge, or Staines. All of these locations offer convenient public transport links that are frequent and inexpensive; and they have a range of accommodation options with something to suit every budget.
King’s Island Apartments, Uxbridge
2. Hammersmith for media and tech – and more
Hammersmith is well-known for its riverside location and its vibrant atmosphere. This area has attracted a diverse mix of businesses over the years and is particularly popular with businesses in the media, technology, and creative sectors. Key employers in the area include the BBC and L’Oréal (technically both in White City), Virgin Media, Sony Music, and Disney.
L’Oréal’s headquarters in White City is home to L’Oréal’s 36 international brands and accommodates over 1,000 employees from their London workforce. The office is designed as a flexible workspace including quiet library areas, collaborative pods, cafés, and an outdoor terrace. The building is powered by 100% renewable energy, with 8% coming from PV panels on the roof and solar-controlled glass. It has achieved an Outstanding BREEAM Design Stage certification for sustainability. L’Oréal’s headquarters is part of a growing business hub that includes creative, technology, and life sciences companies.
There are plenty of places to stay in the West London area for those working here or visiting on business trips. Staying in Hammersmith (W6) will put you within easy reach of most major employers in this part of London. Or for a more residential feel, nearby Chiswick is well worth considering. It has a charming high street and plenty of excellent shops and restaurants.
West London serviced accommodation
3. Brentford – a growing business hub
Brentford is an area of West London that has been undergoing a program of significant regeneration, and as such is rapidly becoming a sought-after location when it comes to businesses. The arrival of major companies nearby like Sky has really helped to transform the area into a now thriving commercial centre. Other key employers who have been drawn to Brentford include Sega, GSK, Allianz and WorleyParsons.
Sky is a major British broadcaster and telecommunications company, providing television, internet, and telephone services to UK consumers and businesses. Their West London ‘Sky Campus’ just west of Brentford in Isleworth is the company’s headquarters. This impressive 13-hectare media campus consists of several key buildings that house offices, television studios, and post-production facilities. There are 12,000 employees across the 18 different ‘neighbourhoods’ within the campus, and it has been designed to promote collaboration and innovative thinking. Extensive landscaping, including perennial gardens, meadows, woodlands, and wetlands creates a beautiful, cohesive site. Anyone visiting here on a business trip is sure to be impressed.
4. Uxbridge for those in retail and industry
Uxbridge is another thriving business area in West London, and a hub for industry, retail, and logistics. It offers excellent transport links and has a well-established infrastructure, making it an attractive location for businesses. It is conveniently located just 5 miles from Heathrow Airport, offering excellent connectivity for international businesses. Uxbridge also has great transport connections to central London via the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines.
Uxbridge Business Park is a prime example of the area’s focus on creating modern work environments. The park has amenities such as a community hub with a café, management suite, and fitness studio, designed to foster collaboration and employee well-being. The recent opening of new coworking locations, such as Spaces, demonstrates the growing demand for flexible office solutions in the area.
Uxbridge is home to several national and international organisations, contributing to its status as a business hub. Key employers within the area include Coca-Cola, Cadbury Schweppes (part of Mondelez International), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Canon, and Hasbro.
Reasons to stay in West London
Whether you’re going to be in West London for a conference, visiting a business client such as one of the major corporations we’ve mentioned – or you’re actually working for one of those companies, there is plenty to like about the area. Whilst not exactly cheap, it is a cost-effective area for a major world capital to live either permanently or temporarily.
You could choose family-friendly Chiswick with its village-like atmosphere, excellent schools, riverside pubs, and relaxed vibe. Or Ealing with its excellent transport links (including the Elizabeth Line), green spaces, diverse dining options, and cultural events.
For a more affordable area compared to neighbouring areas, Shepherd’s Bush has a vibrant cultural scene and is popular with young professionals. It’s also home to the Westfield London shopping centre for some serious retail therapy. Alternatively, Richmond with its historic charm, stunning riverside views, and the famous Richmond Park, is a more affluent and tranquil area.
Each of these areas has its unique character and advantages, making West London a dynamic and sought-after place to live. There are also good transport links to get you into central London and around the city in general. And it’s easy to get out of the city to the west as the M4 is literally on your doorstep, making trips to the beautiful countryside and coastline of the west country within reasonable travelling distance.
