From Brentford to White City: Andrew Dakers on the Growth of West London’s Business Landscape

Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business, has been a driving force behind the region’s thriving business ecosystem. A West Londoner through and through, he has witnessed the area transform over decades –  from growing up in Brentford to working today from White City’s bustling innovation hub.

Early beginnings and a lifelong connection

“I’ve been a West Londoner for a lifetime,” Andrew begins. “My first work experience, my first paid employment, was in White City – 30 years ago. Coming to Venture X about five years ago, just after the pandemic, has been like coming full circle. I cycle the same routes from Isleworth and Brentford, and it’s incredible to see how this part of West London has evolved.”

He recalls the area’s transformation over the years: “Ten years ago, the BBC had largely exited White City. The local authority put in place a planning framework, and now, with Imperial ’s investment, TV Centre’s reinvention, White City Place, and Westfield’s expansion, the area has become a world-class innovation district – a fantastic place to live, work, and play.”

West London’s changing landscape

Andrew’s perspective reaches beyond White City to seven north-west London boroughs and he reflects on broader trends across the region. “The pandemic accelerated shifts in work and lifestyle patterns. Flexible working, which was previously limited, is now far more common. But we must remember, not everyone has that flexibility – manufacturing workers, studio staff, and those in essential services still work traditional hours. And I am a strong believer that we all benefit from some time in the office to bounce ideas off colleagues.”

When asked which sectors have grown the most, he is unequivocal: “The standout has to be film, TV, and increasingly, gaming and esports. West London now rivals Hollywood in active studio space, with a critical mass of talent, infrastructure, and supply chains right here.”

The role of Venture X

Turning to Venture X, Andrew highlights the value of flexible workspaces: “The sheer flexibility is brilliant. A sole trader can access high-quality facilities just as easily as a business with 20 staff can design a bespoke space. For SMEs, the quality of the environment and the social programming provided by the Venture X team is a real differentiator – helping them hire and retain talent while creating networking opportunities in ways they couldn’t achieve alone.”

He continues, noting that even small gestures, like celebrating World Sandwich Day, foster community: “It’s those little moments, bumping into someone in the kitchen or at a hosted event, that spark conversations and collaborations. Co-working spaces are about connections and bringing joy to our working lives.”

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the opportunities, Andrew is candid about the challenges facing local businesses. “Digital transformation is relentless. Businesses need to constantly upskill and adapt to remain competitive. Many West London sectors are embedded in global supply chains, so international trends and policy changes always impact the local economy. But for those who embrace innovation, the opportunities are immense.”

Looking ahead

Ending on an optimistic note, Andrew shares his excitement for the region’s future: “In January, at our West London Business Christmas reception, we unveiled the ‘WestTech London’ brand and website – a corridor of innovation running from Paddington Life Sciences, Albertopolis, Old Oak Common by HS2, to White City Innovation District, where Venture X is perfectly placed. Over time, this corridor could rival Silicon Valley, combining the intellectual firepower of Imperial with thousands of fast-growth, high-potential businesses, finance and networks.”

For Andrew, the opportunity in West London has never been greater. “It’s an extraordinary time for businesses here. The investment, infrastructure, and talent coming together mean the next few years will define West London as a global hub of innovation – and Venture X members are right at the heart of it.”