London’s links with the EU — the world’s biggest single market [1]  — makes it a leading logistics hub

10 key facts about London as a logistics centre.

• Outstanding access to markets: London was voted the most internationally accessible city in 2006 [2].
• Huge consumer base: London offers direct access to the European Union’s 500 million consumers [3] , the biggest single market in the world as well as access to the biggest regional market in Europe – there are over 21 million people in South-East England [4]  within 1.5 hours drive of London.
• Lower costs: London is one of Western Europe’s lower-cost locations for logistics and transport [5].  Transport costs from the UK to Europe are up to 40% cheaper than from Europe to the UK.
• World-class sea, road and rail links: London provides a gateway to Europe via the Channel Tunnel and Channel ports. The Port of London adds $6.4 billion gross value to the economies of London and the East and South East of England annually. Investment of $1.5 billion is planned in the Port of London over the next five years and $2.4 billion within the next decade [6].
• Vast air cargo capacity: London has the world’s largest international air-freight cargo hubs [7].  Some 1.7 million tonnes of freight moves through Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted each year [8] .  
• Advanced motorway network: All UK cities are connected by a network of motorways, allowing for freight delivery and return to any UK destination within 24 hours.
• Major investment: Transport for London is investing $11.7 billion in transport in and infrastructure in 2006-07 [9].
• Deep talent pool: More than 220,000 people work in transport-related services in London [10] , including management with experience of international, large-scale logistics operations.
• Sophisticated business support: London has the IT infrastructure, skills and services to support global logistics control centres.
• Diverse property options: Outer London regions offer cost competitive options starting from $11.5 per square foot per annum [11]  .  There are large areas of warehousing stock close the Port of London and the national motorway network.

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[1] Eurostat, European Commission website 2006
[2] Cushman and Wakefield Healey and Baker European Cities Monitor, 2006
[3] Eurostat, European Commission website 2006
[4] Nomis population mid year estimates 2005, data from ONS
[5] KPMG competitive alternatives 2004
[6] Port of London website
[7] Eurostat, European Commission website 2006
[8] Traffic Figures 12 months to December 2006 (Metric Tonnes), BAA website
[9] The Greater London Authority's Consolidated Budget and Component Budgets for 2006-07
[10] Annual Business Inquiry 2007, ONS
[11] Gateway to London April 2007