Businesses have long suspected that having a London presence helps them compete more effectively in national and international markets.
This is one of the reasons firms are required to pay more for commercial property in the capital – demand for quality office space tends to exceed supply.
But it is not just private sector operators who recognise the value of establishing a base in London – the city is home to many government and departmental buildings.
And with the opening of a new Welsh Government office on Victoria Street in Westminster, the city has one more.
Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones said he believes the new office – which replaces two old sites – can be “Wales’ gateway to the world”, reports the Press Association.
He claimed that the office will provide a permanent presence for his government and help build on its relationships with businesses, embassies and the UK government.
Welsh ministers will be able to use the office to meet potential investors from countries around the world, who may be more inclined to visit London than Cardiff.
“London is one of the world’s great commercial cities and it’s on our doorstep. We can use this to our advantage, as a gateway to access global markets and potential investors,” Mr Jones stated.
“Our new office will focus on raising Wales’ profile and make sure we pursue every opportunity out there.”
He said it is for Wales as a nation to make its own opportunities in the world and the London office will play a key role in this.
The Welsh Government expects its new London office to be fully operational by mid-July, the news provider reported.
