London is one of the creative centres of the world. It has a long-held reputation as a centre of excellence for creative industries including theatre and performing arts, design, architecture, broadcasting, designer fashion, fine art, advertising, etc.

Information Technology (IT) includes everything from website design to advanced telecomunications. London is a major centre for all things to do with IT, and many of its key businesses rely on it.

London is the leading financial centre in Europe and one of the top three in the world. Financial services include a variety of different types of financial activity.

Hospitality, leisure and tourism are extremely important to London. The city welcomes some 25 million visitors a year, over half of which come from overseas.

Engineering and manufacturing are well represented in London, contrary to the impression that is sometimes given. Manufacturing alone represents 300,000 jobs or 8% of the capital's total workforce.