Alexander Jan, Non-Executive Chair at Central District Alliance BID speaks with Amy Till, Programme Director at NLA about the ongoing debate surrounding the future of city centres post-pandemic and what policies should be put in place to guarantee the best outcomes for economic centres across London.

Sarah Hunter, corporate social responsibility director at Euromonitor International in Clerkenwell, talks about hyper-local initiatives that can contribute to tackling climate change. She also believes that action taken in Midtown, a home to large and influential businesses such as Google, can encourage positive change more widely - Euromonitor donates 1% of its turnover to charities each year, about £1.5 million currently, according to Hunter.

"Part of the reason for being involved in Midtown BID is to be able to share this activity with other companies to encourage them to do it as well.".

Chair of Midtwon BID and chief economist at engineering firm Arup, Alexander Jan shines a light on sustainability – and how important it is for business growth. Many businesses in the district are already sustainability champions.

"Midtown’s businesses are in a great position to use their influence to help drive changes through the supply chain and help smaller companies to deliver on the SDGs".

The built environment contributes about 40% of the UK's total carbon footprint, mostly from the energy used inside. BDP director Graham McClements looks at the role that architects and planners can play in building sustainable cities. He talks about designing buildings and urban spaces that are demonstrably sustainable, with efficient use of materials and energy, and by creating green spaces, sustainability can be achieved in different ways.

"We can also drive business growth if we can add social value, and if we can be seen to be good neighbours… Districts can sustain success if they can create an identity and a purpose".