Driving prosperity and opportunity through partnerships

Retail is the UK’s largest private sector employer, with nearly three million people working across the industry – accounting for around 10% of the national workforce. It is not only a provider of jobs, but a launchpad for careers, skills and social mobility. For landowners like The Crown Estate, this brings both a responsibility and an opportunity to invest not just in places, but in the people and communities that power them.

Despite ongoing challenges, bricks-and-mortar retail continues to play an essential role in shaping the built environment. In the West End, retail is a core component of the offer to visitors, workers and residents. Curating a diverse retail offer creates commercial resilience by attracting footfall, creating jobs and driving inward investment that anchors a thriving economic landscape.

For landowners, the economic value and continued presence of high street retail presents a clear opportunity – and even a responsibility – to foster pathways for people and support the communities they live and work in.

The role of property owners extends beyond managing buildings; it’s about shaping vibrant, inclusive places where businesses and communities can thrive. Investing in people alongside spaces helps build the long-term resilience and vitality of the destinations we’re here to champion.

At The Crown Estate, we understand our role in driving the vibrancy and vitality of the West End as a world-class destination, be that for international and national visitors, day-trippers, commuters, shoppers or diners. Equally, we have a responsibility to ensure the benefits of the West End reach the people who work and live here. By facilitating pathways into meaningful, well-paid employment, it is entirely possible for landowners to strengthen local economies whilst ensuring the prosperity they generate is accessible to all.

Often, it is not enough for landowners to act alone. When property owners collaborate to combine expertise, resources and networks, the possibilities multiply. By working in partnership with other major landowners across the West End, we can build ecosystems of support, empower individuals and strengthen the economic and social fabric of our destinations.

Putting collaboration into action, last month The Crown Estate partnered with British Land, Grosvenor, Shaftesbury Capital, Westminster City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, to host ‘Made in Central London’, a recruitment event designed to support jobseekers and retailers across our London destinations.

Backed by 27 brands, including the likes of Jo Malone, Fortnum & Mason, Carpo, La Petite Maison and Gordon Ramsay Restaurant group, 715 applicants attended the event in Leicester Square. More than 1,600 interviews took place, resulting in 36 immediate job offers and 400 candidates progressing to the next recruitment stage. These numbers represent far more than statistics, they reflect the power of partnership to drive real progress.

Our commitment to people runs deeper than any single event. The West End is a world-renowned shopping and cultural destination with retail at its core. As one of the area’s largest property owners, we are firmly committed to investing in the people who make it thrive. At our recent recruitment event, 85% of attendees reported they were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Recruiters, too, praised its organisation and impact. Collaborative initiatives such as this can generate meaningful impact for employers and candidates alike.

As the sector continues to evolve, we’re supporting West End retailers to deliver modern, globally appealing offerings while celebrating the area’s outstanding heritage. Ultimately, a strong retail offering doesn’t only serve shoppers, it also strengthens the place it inhabits, helping to create a prosperous and economically resilient destination.

Let’s invest in training, champion clear career paths, and make sure success is something everyone can share in.  It’s time to broaden access to training, open up career pathways, and ensure that every person – regardless of background – has the chance to share in a destination’s success. Through partnership and innovation, we can unlock employment opportunities for local people, growing resilient local economies and thriving communities, building towards inclusive prosperity for all.