Aus-bound Tyrrell tells UK government to help West End

Jace Tyrrell, the chief executive of London’s New West End company, who has just announced his departure in October to head Australia’s first Business Improvement District, has launched a not-quite-parting salvo at the UK government in a bid to boost West End retail businesses.

Tyrrell, who is to join the new Sydney Waterfront Company, has called on the UK Government to make legislative changes to benefit customers and businesses in the West End. He has requested an overhaul of the business rates property tax system, simplification of the electronic visa waiver scheme for visitors from the Gulf States, a re-examination of the abolition of tax free shopping, and extension to Sunday trading hours.

Tyrrell has made the plea ahead of Queen’s Speech next month in which the government sets out the legislative agenda for the next session.

“With the Queen’s speech ahead of us, it really is time for the Government to meet businesses and employees straining to improve London’s West End half-way and give them a competitive environment to truly succeed.”

Tyrrell said he will continue to campaign on these priorities alongside chairman Sir Peter Rogers and Dee Corsi, the New West End Company’s chief operating officer who will take the lead when Tyrrell departs.

In Australia, Tyrrell plans to replicate his West End success in Sydney’s Western Harbour Precinct, which covers a 7 km area aiming to become a world-leading waterfront destination in a pilot spearheaded by the New South Wales Government and the City of Sydney.

“After six years at the helm, it is time to turn to a new chapter with a unique and compelling offer to head back to Australia,” Tyrrell said. “Sydney’s Western Harbour is one of Australia’s most loved areas, with huge scope to re-assert itself as a leading global retail, leisure, commercial and cultural powerhouse.”