Business
A Window into the Royal Docks' Economic Character
Once a gateway to world trade, today the Royal Docks is being reimagined as a major new destination for London. A number of exciting developments in the area are unlocking thousands of new and affordable homes and workplaces, and significant investment in transport infrastructure and the public realm, is boosting connectivity and bringing a wealth of new opportunities to the area and its communities.
The Royal Docks has long been an important economic centre for London with strategically important anchor institutions such as Tate & Lyle, Buhler, ExCeL, London City Airport, and the University of East London. However in recent years, these heavyweights have been joined by a community of new startups and SMEs (including a burgeoning creative and cultural cluster), all attracted by the area’s affordable workspace and excellent connectivity.
With the arrival of the Elizabeth Line at Custom House, the Royal Docks now links to two of the capital’s major commercial and business districts (the City and Canary Wharf, and the West End) in less than 15 minutes. This connectivity and the area’s dynamic ecosystem is helping to strengthen the Royal Docks’ future as an important centre of industry, enterprise and culture - nurturing talent, pioneering sustainable models of economic growth and unlocking inclusive opportunities for the area and its communities.
The Royal Docks’ now
The Royal Docks Team recently commissioned DK-CM to help map the needs and ambitions of the Royal Docks business community, to help inform and refine the support offered to businesses and organisations in the Royal Docks, as well as evolve our approach to attracting new enterprise and sectors to the area.
The study provides a detailed understanding of the economic character of the Royal Docks today. It unravels some of the stories of the people who shape the economy of the Royal Docks, exploring their places of work, networks, creations and aspirations. Inspired by the ideas of historian and social thinker Colin Ward, the Economic Portrait sheds light on the potential for building community wealth and social value, alongside once again repositioning the area as a hub for regional, national and global economic activity.
To download the full Economic Portrait document, sign up to our newsletter using this link.
Case Studies
The Portrait is defined by a series of case studies. They reflect the diversity of economic activity in the area and highlight the individuals and teams that contribute to its vibrancy. The selection goes beyond the prominent economic anchors of the Royal Docks, such as ExCeL and London City Airport, to uncover lesser-known business stories including a female-only gym, a restaurant and even a commercial beehive.
By analysing these case studies, we uncover recurring themes, identify clusters of interconnected activities, and reveal the networks that facilitate collaboration among organisations in the Royal Docks. These insights have led to recommendations that are designed to guide the Royal Docks Team, developers, and other local stakeholders in their efforts to develop, update, and refine the support they provide in the future.
Highlighted below are a series of short Q&As with 7 local businesses that are featured in the new Economic Portrait publication. To read more about these and other businesses that make up the unique Royal Docks economic character, please sign up to download a copy of the publication.
'I’m excited about the way that the Royal Docks is changing…it is becoming a city of its own.'
Sunday Okwuma, Director, So Large
David Kinsella (Research & Development Director), Buhler
Did you know?
There are over one thousand businesses located in the Royal Docks.
In sectors as diverse as hospitality, creative, manufacturing, digital technology and more.
Businesses like Buhler.
Company: Buhler
Industry: Industrial Equipment
Name: David Kinsella (Research & Development Director)
When did you move to the Royal Docks?
Buhler is over 75 years old; we’ve been in East London for all of our existence. Our latest move was from Pudding Mill Lane, but we’ve been in our current location since August 2007.
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
Being so close to the water! This is quite a unique experience in London, and it creates a very pleasant atmosphere to work in.
How have things changed since you moved here?
We’ve been here for more than 15 years, and we’ve seen a lot of change. The area is more developed, and the local community has grown around us, making it feel more vibrant and energising. We’ve also got lots more local amenities now and our staff enjoy having options for socialising after work.
What other changes would you like to see?
We want to see the Royal Docks bloom! More green, more wildlife, more trees and more nature. Ensure that the Royal Docks stays human and nature friendly in equal measures.
What’s your favourite business quote?
“Build for change, not stability”
Q&A: All Health Matters
Company: All Health Matters
Industry: Occupational Health
Name: Gill Monk (Managing Director)
When did you move/start your business to/at the Royal Docks?
We opened the clinic in Expressway in 2013.
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
The area around the Excel - lots of beautifully converted warehouses.
How have things changed since you moved here?
Massively! In 2013 it was very different to now. Its cleaner - more polished. Quality amenity space has been created, which softens the impact of the buildings, and offers a great place to live and work.
What other changes would you like to see?
A bridge across to the Canary Wharf peninsular to offer an alternative to driving or airway.
What is your favourite business quote?
Healthy Businesses need Healthy People.
BONUS question: What’s your favourite safety product?
Life Ring (Life Buoy).
Q&A Sculpt and Sweat Studio.
Company: Sculpt and Sweat Studio
Industry: Gym
Name: Vicky Hadley (Owner)
When did you move/start your business to/at the Royal Docks?
We launched in the Royal Docks 2 years ago and have expanded twice. We are expanding again to our next location in the Royal Docks this summer!
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
I love the Thames Barrier Park in Royal Wharf as it’s such a lovely park and walk.
How have things changed since you moved here?
I have seen the area really regenerate and look forward to seeing more growth in the future.
What other changes would you like to see?
Even more regeneration and more activities for people who live and work here, should be a priority for the Royal Docks.
What is your favourite business quote?
“Once you become fearless, you become limitless”
And
“If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed”.
Q&A General People.
Company: General People
Industry: Workspace
Name: Dan Forsythe (General Manager)
When did you start your business at the Royal Docks?
General People acquired the Expressway site in November 2018. Since then, we have made significant investment to the building producing the modern, vibrant business hub we see today.
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
My favourite area has to be the Millennium Mills site. The building is unique and iconic. We’re eagerly awaiting the redevelopment of this site and the infrastructure and opportunities this will bring to the Royal Docks.
How have things changed since you moved here?
Very little was happening in the area when we first started the Expressway project. The Royal Docks is improving year on year and becoming more of a destination. Expressway operates a successful community wealth building program to help encourage people to work, live and socialise in the Royal Docks.
What other changes would you like to see?
More leisure activities, bars, restaurants, and shops would be beneficial to encourage more people to spend time in and around the docks.
What is your favourite business quote?
Step out of your comfort zone and face your fears. Growth takes place when you are challenged, not when you are comfortable.
Q&A ReCyrcle
Company: ReCyrcle
Industry: Recycling
Names: Samreen and Sharaf (owner/founders)
When did you move/start your business to/at the Royal Docks?
In 2011 I moved to the Royal Docks and started a business in the area in 2019.
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
It’s the Floating Garden near the Good Hotel. It has the best 360 view of the Royal Victoria Dock and in 2022 we collaborated with the London Festival Architecture for the installation of a bench there made from recycled plastics milk bottles.
How have things changed since you moved here?
Since I moved here the area has changed significantly. I have seen good progress and major redevelopment projects delivered in less than 10 years. I have seen the Good Hotel, New City Hall (Crystal Building), and the Cable Car being built and I look forward to more positive changes taking place in this area.
What other changes would you like to see?
It would be great to see more water activities and improved water connectivity across the docks. I enjoy walking around the docks but it will be nice to have shorter routes across it.
What is your favourite business quote?
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”- Steve Jobs
BONUS question: what’s your favourite way to recycle plastic?
My favourite way to recycle plastic is using our ReCyrcle Pod, a smart bin that makes recycling rewarding by giving incentives likes cashbacks, vouchers, and freebies in exchange for used plastic bottle deposits.
Credit: The Royal Docks Economic Portrait was produced by DK_CM on behalf of the Royal Docks Team
Q&A WakeUp Docklands.
Company: WakeUp Docklands
Industry: Water Sports
Name: Jon Byrne (owner)
When did you start your business at the Royal Docks?
The facility was set up prior to the London Olympics in 2012. My company then took over the management of the water sports centre in late 2017 and we have continued to build on the legacy of the games, getting people active and on the water ever since.
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
My favourite spot in the docks is located on the water just in front of the London Sunborn hotel. We take paddle boarding classes there as it is naturally sheltered and has a striking view looking West towards Canary Wharf and the O2 Centre. If you are lucky, you may even see a red DLR train and a red London bus cross over the Expressway overpass just above the wake park and Oiler bar. The whole scene is so unique. It never gets old!
How have things changed since you moved here?
Property development has noticeably increased in the surrounding area and so too has the number of people finding their way to visit our little slice of "not London in London" (as we like to call it.)
What other changes would you like to see to the Docks?
Public toilets.
What is your favourite business quote?
“It’s better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way.” Alan Watts
BONUS question: what’s your favourite water based activity?
Wakeboarding obviously!!!
Q&A Goodvibes X Perky Blenders
Company: Goodvibes X Perky Blenders
Industry: Coffee Shop
Name: Roxanna Allardyce (owner)
When did you start your business at the Royal Docks?
Goodvibes launched 1st June 2020 - as a takeaway. I was allowed to trade in the midst of lockdown; I call it the fish that slipped through the net! But we soon became a life line for the local community, guaranteeing good coffee, good cakes & good vibes.
What's your favourite area of the Royal Docks, apart from where your business is?
The ability to connect with the natural habitat within the heart of London is a rarity; watching the sun rise over the dock with the swans & signets bathing is a delight. It's also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset on The Oiler bar with a cocktail & homemade pizza!
How have things changed since you moved here?
The area has started to transform in the past 3 years, with well executed commercial and residential developments encouraging more cultural activity and community building initiatives. I've noticed an exciting trend in the expansion of small businesses run by local people, which will continue to diversify & enrich the Royal Docks.
What other changes would you like to see?
I believe growth & transformation should be an organic process. Although the planning for the "bricks & mortar" are set in stone, I think we will see a gradual but steady growth in community & social development; which should be driven by investment in local people's ideas. Royal Docks is an enterprise zone, and as such I would expect to see engagement & investment from a corporate level to a local level.
What is your favourite business quote?
Haha I've got so many one liners! But if I have to choose, I'd say "have you got a tracker?" My team tease me for creating trackers for everything, from cleaning to project management.
BONUS question: What is your best selling item?
The most obvious answer is our coffee because it's unbeatable...but in terms of customer reaction it has to be the vegan banana & chocolate loaf - if it's sold out they are heartbroken!
Credit: The Royal Docks Economic Portrait was produced by DK_CM on behalf of the Royal Docks Team
