the think london

100 companies to watch

The Think London 100 Companies We’ve split our selection into
to Watch is a celebration of the eight ‘archetypes’ – distinct
Think London clients that we groups that we think will come to
think are most likely to grow and define London’s role in the global
flourish in the global economy. economy. You’ll find a mix of
sectors in all categories: Industry
As London’s official foreign direct Innovators, Go-ahead Globalisers,
investment agency, we have Green Pioneers, Niche and
been at the heart of international Nimble, Knowledge Champions,
business in London for nearly two Intelligent Optimisers, Flagships
decades. Since our founding in and Great Inventions.
1994, we have helped companies
from more than 40 countries set Ultimately, our list is a testament
up and thrive here, giving us a to London’s world-wide reach,
first-hand insight into how overseas receptiveness and plurality,
organisations can fast track creativity, ambition and peerless
expansion with a London base. ‘can do’ attitude. We look forward
to helping thousands more
This publication highlights some companies set up and succeed in
of London’s greatest inward this remarkable world city.
investment successes. While just a
snapshot of our work, it marshals
the 100 Think London clients Where else but London could
that we think have the greatest music impresarios and circus acts,
chance of dominating London, app marketeers and e-publishers,
European and even world markets. asset and pension fund managers,
Our list also recognises the hard medical researchers, anti-fraud
work of the Think London team, experts, carbon traders and green
demonstrating how our experts, power generators find their feet
from China to Australia, the US to with such ease?
Europe, have helped companies
access the best people, places and
opportunities in London.

3 the think london 100 companies to watch

contents 10 Flagships 60 Industry Innovators
These companies have These companies are at
set up outstanding the cutting-edge, combining
showcases of products, determination with radical
services and expertise. thinking to move their
industries forward.
18 Great Inventions
These firms are true 72 Intelligent Optimisers
revolutionaries, creating Canny consolidation and
entirely new business models clever take-overs have seen
and industry sub-sectors. these firms thrive during
challenging economic times.
30 Green Pioneers
As leaders in the low-carbon 78 Knowledge Champions
economy, these companies These organisations are
are developing the know-how developing and nurturing
and technology to help knowledge and expertise
‘green’ the planet. for broader personal,
social and business gain.
40 Go-ahead Globalisers
Having set up vital 90 Niche and Nimble
operations in London, These highly specialised
these companies are driving firms are succeeding through
rapid and successful growth opportune, targeted and
in markets and territories speedy expansion into new
across the globe. markets world-wide.

4–5 the think london 100 companies to watch

chairman’s introduction

It’s been exhilarating to be involved in making To me, Think London feels like a high-quality
London an increasingly successful city. professional services firm. It thinks and acts like a
business. Our people come from the commercial
Think London has been a friendly face and a helping world and have complete empathy with clients. They
hand for thousands of overseas businesses coming to are on the ball, engaged, knowledgeable, proactive,
London. It has played a key role in initial decisions to highly professional and above all, innovative.
expand, benchmarking London against competing cities,
and the execution of the move, plus helping overseas If an international company is coming to London,
businesses already based here to grow further. partnering with them, befriending them and helping
them set up can make them a friend for life. They
One of London’s strengths is its internationalism: a never forget it, particularly when they are expanding
quarter of London’s companies are overseas owned. and looking for a base for their European or global
I am proud to say that we have contributed to that. headquarters. In this report we describe many of
the great companies we have been proud to help.
I’ve been on Think London’s board since 2002 and We hope they will be an inspiration to many other
became Chairman in 2005. Our board members international investors of what London can do for
have brought invaluable support, connections and your business.
experience, providing professional skills in sectors
such as finance, law, human resources, ICT, healthcare
and beyond. It’s given us huge credibility, provided
clients with grass roots contacts and informed our
sector knowledge. Importantly, it’s generated excellent Ian Barlow
value for money for London. Chairman

6–7 the think london 100 companies to watch

chief executive’s review

If you’re going to do this job, what better city to do and what we do. We’ve been through two economic
it for than London? It’s a privilege and an honour. downturns, the dotcom bubble and burst and the
By banging the drum for London, we have helped recent global economic crisis. Think London has now
change the face of the city. been recognised by the World Bank as among the
world’s leading city agencies.
Since our inception in 1994, Think London has
attracted nearly 2,000 companies set up and expand Our success is largely down to a unique model: we are
here, creating over 40,000 jobs for London. And commercially run but can call upon central and local
despite a downturn in foreign direct investment flows government as well as the business community.
coming into Europe, we have helped London attract an
increasing market share. As a result, London is on an Looking ahead, we need to continue making the services
upward trajectory bucking the trend. and skills that we offer relevant to the new businesses of
the future. We need to work out what companies from
While we’ve helped thousands of companies over the these fast growing economies are going to need and
years, we think that these 100 organisations deserve how London can satisfy these needs.
particular recognition in our first ‘Think London
100 Companies to Watch’. In our opinion, they are Our team of committed, enthusiastic, knowledgeable
revolutionising the way things are done in the city and connected people look forward to continuing to help
and will help shape the capital’s economy for years to our existing and new clients, set up, succeed and grow
come. From an international perspective, they will help their businesses in London.
redefine London’s key strengths in the global economy.

When we began in 1994 we were pioneers, breaking

new ground for London. Now we are professionals and Michael Charlton
other city agencies are modelling themselves on us Chief Executive

8–9 the think london 100 companies to watch

 flagships
These companies have set
up outstanding showcases of
products, services and expertise.

Welcome to centres of
green enterprise, pioneering
retailers and shopping hubs,
a show-stopping performance
venue and the fastest electric

flagships
cars money can buy.

10–11
 flagships
AEG Worldwide Amgen
United States United States

A leading provider of live entertainment and sporting events. One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies which develops,
At east London’s O2, AEG has created one of the world’s most manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics.
advanced music, sport and entertainment venues. The centre A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen therapeutics has changed
combines a 20,000 capacity arena – which will host 2012 Olympic the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in
and Paralympic Games events – with an 11-screen multiplex the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other
cinema, exhibition centre, bars and restaurants. We’re also serious illnesses. One of the Sunday Times ‘100 Best companies to work
impressed with the company’s ‘1EARTH’ programme, designed to for’ in 2009 & 2010, and heaped with accolades from Fortune and Forbes
improve its environmental performance. magazines, this biotech company set up its £100 million International
Research & Development Centre in London in 2006. We made the case
www.aegworldwide.com
for London, highlighting its leading biopharma cluster, scientific pedigree
and transport links. Amgen has since created more than 250 jobs here.
www.amgen.co.uk

Clas Ohlson
Sweden

Scandinavia’s largest hardware and homeware chain store employing

more than 3,500 people.
We congratulate this retailer for pumping new blood into the British
high street: it has created family- and women-friendly outlets
staffed by people who really know their stuff. We persuaded the
company to open its first store outside Scandinavia in London and
it set up a flagship outlet in south London in 2008. The chain is now
growing by 10–20 stores a year and expanding across the UK.
www.clasohlson.co.uk

12–13 the think london 100 companies to watch

 flagships
Microsoft European Search Siemens
Technology Centre (STC) Germany
United States

Researches and develops online search functionality. A leading global electrical engineering and electronics company
We applaud Microsoft for entering the web search market with Bing tackling major challenges across energy, industry and healthcare.
in 2009, competing with the likes of Yahoo and Google. Working Founded in the UK in 1847, this cutting-edge firm is now helping
with UK Trade & Investment’s R&D specialists, we helped set up the London realise its eco ambitions. Its £30 million sustainability ‘pavilion’
company’s Search Technology Centre in London. The result: a search in Royal Victoria Docks is set to be the showpiece of east London’s
engine designed to help users make faster, better informed decisions Green Enterprise District. The centre, featuring photovoltaic panels,
and commanding a steadily growing market share. energy-efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting, is due to open in
time for London’s 2012 Olympic Games and will showcase new ways
“My team has been working with Think London from the
of living and working in a sustainable city. There will also be an office
very start – when we first looked into finding sites across
for around 230 Siemens employees and the potential for 50 new local
Europe for our search technology centre. We met with their
jobs. The company employs more than 16,000 people in the UK.
San Francisco team at a networking event in Silicon Valley,
California. It’s been very productive since then. Think London www.siemens.com
was obviously hungry for us to come to the UK capital...
We are excited to be in London.”
Jordi Ribas, General Manager,
Microsoft Search Technology Centre, Europe.
www.bing.com

14–15 the think london 100 companies to watch

 flagships
Tesla Motors
United States

The world’s leading manufacturer of performance electric cars.

With its 2010 NASDAQ listing, $30 million investment from
Panasonic and 800-strong workforce, this company is in the fast
lane of the electric vehicle road race. At the core of Tesla Motors is
the belief that an electric car need not be a driving sacrifice. It aims
to make the best electric cars and electric powertrains in the world.
We helped set up its flagship European showroom in Knightsbridge,
central London.
www.teslamotors.com/london

The Sting Westfield Group

Netherlands Australia

A youth fashion retailer with around 80 shops and 1,800 staff across The world’s largest listed retail property group operating 119 shopping
the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK. centres in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
This store unleashes the full power of the brand. Rather than stocking Having opened Westfield London, Europe’s largest urban shopping
its own labels, the retailer purveys more than 25 established brands, centre, in west London in 2008, this ambitious developer has
running from surf- and streetwear to funky evening attire. We provided turned its attentions to regeneration in the east of the city. Its
information on London’s fashion industry, introducing it to the British 2011 venture is a 4 million sq ft mixed-use project in Stratford City,
Fashion Council, and helped with residential accommodation, telecoms situated next door to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games site,
and insurance. The Sting opened a flagship 33,000-plus sq ft store in and sure to play a key role in the revitalisation of Newham.
central London in 2010.
www.westfield.com
www.thesting.eu

16–17 the think london 100 companies to watch

 These firms are true
revolutionaries, creating
entirely new business models
and industry sub-sectors.

Inventions
Great
Our bright sparks are
helping us set up stall in
a global marketplace, use
apps to promote our brand,
experience dramatic art and
entertainment, slash our
energy use and learn how to
cook in our lunch break.

great
inventions

18–19
Alibaba.com
China

Inventions
Great
The world’s largest business-to-business online marketplace,
connecting more than 56 million small and medium size buyers
and suppliers worldwide.
This Chinese success story came to us in 2009 to set up a European
HQ, aiming to raise its profile, get closer to its UK users and
attract more members globally. We helped it set up in London and
recruit from the city’s rich talent pool. As of September 2010, the
company’s UK membership expanded by 63%, making this country
one of Alibaba’s fastest growing regions. One of the world’s best
innovators that can only thrive longer term.
“Think London has been instrumental in helping Alibaba.com
set up our office here in London from the very beginning.
Without Think London we wouldn’t be able to set up
business in London so quickly and efficiently.”
Maggie Choo, General Manager, EMEA, Alibaba.com. Apprupt
Germany
www.alibaba.com

Enables developers to market apps on a targeted, pay-per-download

basis; helps publishers offer users a tailored selection of apps and to
monetise mobile traffic.
With plaudits from publications TechCrunch and Mobile Marketer,
we knew that this innovative mobile app marketing company was
going places. Setting up in London put the company at the heart of
Europe’s most advanced and competitive mobile market as well as
firmly on the road to international growth.
www.apprupt.com

20–21 the think london 100 companies to watch

BATS Trading Cirque du Soleil
United States Canada

Inventions
Great
A global financial markets technology company; operates the BATS A performing arts circus group with some 5,000 employees and ten
1000SM Index, a US-listed securities benchmark helping investors permanent shows around the world.
gauge current market conditions. Formed in Montreal in 1984, this group has melded circus
BATS trading platforms are fast becoming a powerful force in the pageantry with cutting-edge street performance to create a global
UK and Europe, offering an alternative to AIM for companies keen brand spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and
to list. This company used aggressive price cuts to wrest business Australasia. Having worked with the group since 2002, we joined
from established US exchanges, and London-based BATS Europe forces with UK Trade & Investment in Montreal to bring its HQ to
demonstrates similar confidence with a multilateral trading facility, London, fighting off bids from Barcelona, Madrid and incumbent
executing 5–6% of the European market in 2010. city Amsterdam. A high-flyer indeed.
www.batstrading.com www.cirquedusoleil.com

Bookboon.com Costco
Denmark United States

An online publisher of free ebooks covering academia, business and Operates a global chain of membership warehouses selling
travel; the books contain relevant adverts every third page on average. merchandise at low prices to businesses and individuals.
This company is breaking the publishing mould, producing free This company combines business with a conscience. Underpinning
ebooks on everything from engineering and economics to all Costco’s no-nonsense ‘rapid inventory turnover’ model is
kinds of business disciplines from presentation techniques to time an excellent record in corporate social responsibility, equal
management. Owned by Danish company Ventus Publishing opportunities and customer satisfaction. We approached Costco in
ApS, the imprint had cracked 20 markets worldwide by 2010. We 2005, having spotted several possible London sites, and went on to
helped set up its UK sales and marketing hub in London, guiding on help secure a new location in Croydon, south London. By 2010, the
property and staff relocation and connecting it to banks, telcos and company had 21 outlets across the UK.
insurance providers.
www.costco.co.uk
www.bookboon.com

22–23 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Inventions
Great
EmSense EnerNOC
United States United States

Uses neuroscience to inform clients’ advertising, content and product Helps organisations use energy more intelligently and cost-effectively.
strategies. Its five product lines comprise advertising, in-store, video Led by the entrepreneurial CEO Tim Healy, this well-capitalised firm
games, packaging and online. looks set to replicate its rapid US growth in the UK. By the close of
Eminent neuroscientists are guiding this company, which is taking 2010 it had secured several key UK clients from its new London base,
marketing metrics to a new level by inventing the world’s first including National Grid. We introduced partners and trade bodies, as
scalable, non-invasive physiological and brainwave measurement well as advising on tax, law and commercial property.
technology specifically for market research. In 2010, we helped set
www.enernoc.com
up EmSense’s European HQ in London, on track to employ 30 staff
by June 2013.
www.emsense.com

24–25 the think london 100 companies to watch

Google L’atelier des Chefs
United States France

Inventions
Great
The world’s most powerful and successful search engine. Runs cookery classes for time-pressed professionals.
We’ve worked with this huge global success – ranked fourth in Riding the British cooking craze, this firm launched its irresistible
the 2010 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For – since it came business model in London in 2008. It offers a range of speedy cookery
to London in 2001, helping set up its first office, connecting it to classes – teaching everything from Asian to Thai cuisine – while its
government and assisting with its Survival of the Fastest business flagship ‘Eat, Cook & Run’ sessions see city workers prepare and
YouTube channel. devour a main course in just 30 minutes during their lunch break. The
company’s 12 schools in London, France, Brussels and Dubai have
www.google.com
taught more than 100,000 would-be Jamies and Nigellas. We helped
it open in London, building a bridge to planned US expansion.

“We’ve had help from Think London since the beginning

and our business is a great example of the difference
Think London can make. Think London advisors got back to
us with answers within 24 hours. That’s just priceless.”
Tom McNeile, Managing Director, L’atelier des Chefs.
www.atelierdeschefs.co.uk

26–27 the think london 100 companies to watch

LivingSocial
United States

Inventions
Great
A ‘social commerce’ company securing consumers discounts of up to
90% at restaurants, spas, sporting events, hotels and other attractions.
With a fast-growing user base – 85 million-strong in 2010 – it’s
easy to see why this firm has been named the world’s 25th most
valuable start-up by BusinessInsider.com. We helped set up its
European HQ in London in 2010, and it attracted 30,000 new
customers to British businesses in just 15 weeks. It plans to
employ 100 people in London by 2013.
www.livingsocial.com

Reply vente-privee.com
Italy France

A leading consultancy, systems integration, application management Runs membership-only internet-based sales events, retailing fashion,
and business processing outsourcing company. homeware, sports products and electronics.
This company is revolutionising communication networks and vente-privee.com buys excess inventory and sells it online,
digital media, working at the heart of telcos, media and consumer generating excitement around ‘flash’ sales and heavy discounting.
electronics convergence and pioneering cloud computing through It came to us seeking advice on UK and global expansion, and we
partnerships with Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle. We’re helped open its west London office in 2009. By the year’s close it
also impressed with its focus on key European markets such as had a UK membership of 210,000. The firm clinched number one
financial services, telco, retail, manufacturing and energy. We position among TechCrunch Europe’s Top 100 list in 2010, which
helped persuade the company that London was the ideal city in ranks Europe’s most innovative and high-potential tech companies.
which to expand and set up a UK presence and then helped it A clever formula, brilliantly executed.
establish a London office.
www.vente-privee.com
www.reply.eu

28–29 the think london 100 companies to watch

 As leaders in the low-carbon
economy, these companies
are developing the know-how
and technology to help
‘green’ the planet.

green
Creating energy from
steam, sea water and solar,

Pioneers
Green
developing clean-tech cars,

pioneers
managing waste, upcycling
and recycling and drastically
cutting our carbon emissions –
these companies are showing
us how.

30–31
altPOWER Closed Loop Recycling
United States Australia

A leading supplier of renewable energy systems for commercial and A world leader in environmental packaging and recycling.
residential buildings. This company is a shining star in the low-carbon firmament.
New legislation and government-backed incentive schemes have Within six years of its founding in 2004, it was handling around
made Europe’s renewable energy market a hot prospect. This New 15% of the plastic bottles collected for recycling in the UK. East
York-headquartered company was quick to seize the opportunity, London was chosen for the recycling site over other locations

Pioneers
Green
choosing London over Stockholm for its European hub. We helped it such as Wales, Manchester, Merseyside and Scotland. We advised
set up in 2010 and are convinced that its strong point of difference on locations, planning and grant applications, and connecting it
– its photovoltaic systems are integrated into a building’s façade or to bodies such as the Waste and Resources Action Programme.
roof – will lead to a string of high-profile deals. Closed Loop Recycling has set up its UK office, and the UK’s first
food-grade plastic recycling plant in Dagenham, east London, and
www.altpower.com
now plans to expand, starting with Wales.
“Think london continues to help us with our growth plan.
They know what they’re talking about, they know a lot of
people and they add great value to our business. They swung
the whole pendulum in favour of us sticking with London.”
Chris Dow, Managing Director, Closed Loop Recycling.
www.closedlooprecycling.co.uk

32–33 the think london 100 companies to watch

CT&T Insignia Promotions
Korea United States

Electric vehicle manufacturer with global expansion plans. Provides environmentally friendly promotional merchandise and
We think this go-ahead company will kick-start the electric car strategy to leading brands.
manufacturing industry in Europe. Critically, its European operation This is a creative company with a niche offer: it advises numerous
is tackling the ‘whole life costing’ conundrum by ensuring that Fortune 500 companies on their eco-friendly strategies, recycling
components can be recycled post-use and by sourcing materials locally PET plastic bottles to make corporate merchandise to boot. We

Pioneers
Green
from the Continent and the UK. CT&T also deserves plaudits for its piqued its interest in London during our ‘Route to 2012’ business
planned electric vehicle training and education centre in London, programme in North America, advising it on how best to tap into
designed to inform everyone from government to the layperson. opportunities around the 2012 London Games. We went on to help
Insignia Promotions set up an office here, and it’s now using London
www.ctnt.co.kr/eng
as its gateway to Europe.
“To be included in the Think London 100 list is a tremendous
honour. It is thrilling to be recognised internationally for our
leadership role in taking waste and repurposing it into useful
products that can be branded. When we decided to set up our
Environment, Energy, Forestry & Agriculture European operations Think London convinced me that London
Network (EEFA) would be the ideal place to locate our office. They have been
Japan crucial in helping us set up and develop our international
business, which has allowed us to enter the market much quicker.”
A Japanese non-profit organisation promoting sustainability and J.T. Marburger, President, Insignia Promotions.
environmental practice in Japan and across the world.
www.insigniapromo.com
London is vying to become the world’s leading low-carbon city,
making it an obvious partner for this cutting-edge Japanese research
body. We helped EEFA set up as a non-profit entity in London and
have been impressed by its ambitions so far – it hopes to build an
‘ecopark’ in east London – as well as heartened to see backing from
Japan’s universities, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and
the Ministry of Environment.
www.jetro.go.jp/uk

34–35 the think london 100 companies to watch

Internorm RecycleBank
Austria United States

Austria’s leading name for window and door production. A rewards and loyalty programme designed to motivate people to
Internorm is contributing to London’s energy efficiency drive and recycle and engage in eco-friendly activities.
helping make it a greener city. The company’s products help tackle We think that this award-winner will blaze a trail for recycling
the average 25–30% of energy that is lost through windows. We world-wide. Its innovative system measures household waste weight
highlighted London’s ambitious plans to become a greener city and using a chip and awards householders points, which can then be converted

Pioneers
Green
introduced Internorm to potential partners and suppliers to ensure into shopping vouchers. The system impressed London Mayor Boris
that its London business got off to a good start. Johnson in New York and was successfully piloted in the UK capital in
2010. We introduced RecycleBank to key contacts including the Greater
www.internorm.co.uk
London Authority, several London boroughs and London Remade – a
body dedicated to helping London re-use, recycle and cut consumption.
Contracts in south-east and north-west England are now in place and,
thanks to help from us, London is home to the company’s European HQ.
“When we decided to expand the RecycleBank business to the
UK, London was the obvious choice to base our operations. The
Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe assistance that Think London has given us has been invaluable.
Japan They have made the transition from New York to London as
seamless as possible, introducing us to the wider London business
community, helping us to source essential service providers and
A global leader in efficient and sustainable power generation. continuing to link us to interesting connections in the UK.”
This fast-growing green energy company is both multi-disciplinary and Sue Igoe, Managing Director, RecycleBank UK.
ambitious. Its services span gas and steam turbine, marine propulsion,
solar and wind. In 2010 it was exploring sites in the north-east of www.recyclebank.com
England for its proposed £100 million wind turbine research centre. We
helped set up its London base, which manages its operations in Europe,
the Middle East and Africa.
www.mhips.com

36–37 the think london 100 companies to watch

Silver Spring Networks Vattenfall
United States Sweden

A ‘smart grid’ solutions firm helping utility companies operate more One of Europe’s leading energy companies with some 40,000
efficiently, reduce carbon emissions and enable their own customers employees and operations in eight countries.
to manage energy consumption. Founded in 1909, this firm is transforming the energy production
Of all the emerging ‘smart grid’ players, this is our pick. It took sector as we know it. Although it still runs coal and gas power
the top spot in the 2010 Global Cleantech 100 and is striving to stations, it’s also investing heavily in hydro, wind, nuclear, biomass

Pioneers
Green
deliver the field’s most advanced technology through innovation, and wave power together with carbon capture and storage
operational excellence and strong relationships with utility technology. We helped Vattenfall expand, putting its UK HQ within
partners. We helped it set up its European HQ in London. A clear easy reach of utility companies and government. An acquisition
front-runner in a booming sector. spree in Germany, Poland, Finland, Denmark, the UK and beyond
make it a force to be reckoned with.
www.silverspringnet.com
www.vattenfall.co.uk

TerraCycle Veolia Environmental Services

United States France

One of the world’s fastest growing eco-friendly manufacturers. A global provider of waste management services.
This award-laden ‘up-cycling’ company has a brave ambition – to Having arrived in 1990, this company is now the UK’s leading
eliminate the concept of waste by re-using materials traditionally recycling and waste management brand, employing 13,000 people,
regarded as rubbish. And with $100 million being invested into of which almost 4,000 work inside the M25. London is a key test
London’s waste technologies, its arrival here is well timed. We bed. In conjunction with US firm RecycleBank (page 37) Veolia
found the company a London base, secured it a high-profile role is discussing the introduction of recycling award schemes with
in our North American ‘Route to 2012’ business campaign and several London boroughs. It has also helped address London’s road
introduced numerous potential partners. In 2009, it clinched a congestion by using the waterways to transport waste from the
major partnership deal with Kraft Foods UK. Olympics site during the construction phase. We’ve been helping it
network with our cleantech partners.
www.terracycle.co.uk
www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk

38–39 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Having set up vital operations
in London, these companies
are driving rapid and successful
growth in markets and
territories across the globe.

Starting from small

beginnings, our choices are
now conquering the world
in banking, television and

go-ahead newspapers, transport,

electronics, software and

globalisers

Globalisers
Go-ahead
telcos, clinical research and
organic food.

40–41
 Bank of China
China

China’s most international commercial bank with more than

600 operations overseas.
We first met Bank of China at one of our Chinese New Year
business receptions and were pleased to learn that London already
hosted its most important European operation. We like the bank’s
gutsy ambition: in 2009 it offered the UK’s lowest mortgage rates
and in 2010 opened new flagship offices right opposite the Bank of
England. It also supported our ‘Road to London’ business campaign
during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
www.boc.cn/en

Globalisers
Go-ahead
Abdi Ibrahim
Turkey

One of Turkey’s leading producers of pharmaceutical products.

Not content to rest on its domestic laurels – it has a healthy
7% market share in Turkey – Abdi Ibrahim now exports to
15 countries world-wide. It has chosen London for its international
headquarters, using its UK base to manage all operations outside
Turkey and drive expansion across Europe, South America and
Africa. In a joint effort with UK Trade & Investment we assisted
with the business case for London and then helped the company
find office space and contacts.
www.abdiibrahim.com

42–43 the think london 100 companies to watch

Biomnis China Central Television (CCTV)
France China

A leading medical testing company providing an international reference A leading television broadcaster in China with a domestic audience of
laboratory service across the complete range of pathology disciplines one billion people; runs international channels CCTV-4 and CCTV-9
from autoimmunity, and human genetics to virology. covering the whole world.
We applaud this medical pathology company’s global growth CCTV wanted to set up a hub to be an ‘eye-witness’ and
strategy: it has established 23 hubs to collect and transport biological ‘communicator’ between China and Europe. Against fierce
samples from the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia. We helped competition from Paris, we worked hard with UK Trade &
it expand into the UK, assisting with the set-up of its subsidiary Investment to persuade the broadcaster to come to London,
company in London. Biomnis now conducts some 40,000 tests per including meeting in Beijing to help close the deal. London is
day to improve prevention, screening, diagnosis and therapeutic now the home of CCTV Europe.
efficacy monitoring.
www.cctv.com

Globalisers
Go-ahead
www.biomnis.com

BravoSolution China Daily

Italy China

A leading provider of supply management software, technology China’s only official English language national newspaper with a
and services. world-wide circulation of 400,000; also printed and circulated in the US.
We helped set up this company in London in 2004. Within four years, We’re impressed by this newspaper’s international growth strategy.
the UK was its second largest market world-wide. Consistent growth, Having hatched plans to expand across Europe, it found that
innovation and entrepreneurialism have secured its place on our list; Touchdown London – our partnership with Avanta offering free desk
it recently won contracts with the London 2012 Games, the NHS and space in London – proved to be the perfect solution for its initial
other public sector bodies. Beyond London and Italy, BravoSolution starting point. Through meetings in Beijing and London we’ve been
has offices in China, France, Mexico, Spain and the Netherlands. helping the newspaper register its UK entity and push ahead with plans
to publish weekly in this country. London is now its European HQ.
www.bravosolution.com
www.chinadaily.com.cn

44–45 the think london 100 companies to watch

China Mobile Crystal CG
China China

Operates the world’s largest mobile network and services the world’s China’s largest computer graphics development and application
largest mobile customer base. company, creating 3D imagery and animation for the entertainment,
At the vanguard of China’s boom, this leading telco called on us culture, sport and education industries.
to help set up its London base in 2007. Today, it’s sticking to its This firm has ‘successful global player’ tattoed into its DNA thanks
founding principles of a high-quality network, competitive costs, to cutting-edge technology, first-class training and an impressive
excellent customer service and innovative products. London is now portfolio of film, TV, architecture and sports clients. It wanted to
its European HQ. use London as a springboard to global expansion and we secured
office space through our Touchdown London scheme, complete with
www.chinamobileltd.com
Mandarin-speaking on-site manager.
“When considering our move to London, Think London

Globalisers
Go-ahead
really persuaded us. They were helpful, ever present, and
consistently made a good case for making the move.”
Jason Leigh, Business Development Manager,
Crystal CG International.
China Telecom (Europe) www.crystalcg.com
China

The world’s largest fixed line carrier and broadband service provider.
This global voice, data, image and multimedia behemoth knows no
bounds. Having expanded across Asia Pacific and America, it came to
Think London for help in expanding into Europe, the Middle East and
Africa through London. We have been working with China Telecom
since 2004 and supported its initial steps into London as well as its
further growth. We advised on recruitment for its new European HQ
in London, hosted missions to London from its China head office to
present London’s business opportunities and provided information
on the London market, including around the 2012 Games. China
Telecom (Europe) has since rolled out operations to Frankfurt,
Moscow and Dubai, and now has South Africa in its sights.
www.chinatelecomeurope.com

46–47 the think london 100 companies to watch

Everis ICICI Bank
Spain India

A multi-national consulting company offering business development India’s largest private sector bank with a presence in 17 countries.
and strategy, technological applications maintenance and Think London helped set up this bank’s global HQ and UK subsidiary in
outsourcing solutions; employs 7,000 consultants. London, the latter now offering retail, direct, corporate and investment
Boasting fast growth in Spain, Latin America and the United States, banking services to British customers. We’re particularly impressed
we predict that this company will be a major UK player in three by its speedy growth in the UK – by the close of 2010 it had already
years’ time. We commend its employee-owned structure and expanded to Birmingham and Leicester – and its headline-grabbing
‘innovation ecosystem’, featuring its own corporate university. saving accounts strategy, emulated by competitors.
We’ve helped Everis find London premises, staff and service
www.icicibank.co.uk
providers and introduced it to opportunities in east London’s
burgeoning IT hub.

Globalisers
Go-ahead
www.everis.com

Ferrovial LG Electronics
Spain South Korea

The world’s largest private manager of transportation infrastructure A global leader in consumer electronics, mobile communications and
and a leading services provider with operations in 49 countries. home appliances employing more than 80,000 people world-wide.
Having led the consortium that bought BAA in 2006, Ferrovial is We think that this firm’s globalisation strategy is spot on: it has stepped
clearly committed to growing its UK operation. Full marks for getting up its investment in research and development to cater for regional
under the skin of UK commerce: it came to us for advice on training markets, developing new products based on local needs and tastes. We
and for guidance on its UK corporate social responsibility strategy. helped it set up its European design studio (formerly based in Dublin
and then Milan) in London. Opened by HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke
www.ferrovial.com
of York, it’s LG Electronics’ largest design studio outside Korea.
www.lg.com

48–49 the think london 100 companies to watch

LKK
China

A design consultancy company specialising in industrial, mechanical,

brand and user interface design.
We first met this fast-growing company in Beijing during our 2008
‘Road to London’ business campaign, designed to attract Chinese
businesses to the UK capital. Having planted the seed, we found
LKK an office, and it’s now thriving in the City of London and
expanding globally from here. We’re particularly impressed by its
client list, which features NOKIA, Samsung and Siemens (page 15),
and its brace of Red Dot design awards.
www.lkkdesign.com

Globalisers
Go-ahead
Mexicana de Aviación Millennial Media
Mexico United States

The fourth oldest airline in the world and with an extensive The US’s largest independent mobile advertising network with major
international reach flying to 50 destinations from Mexico. European expansion plans.
Mexicana de Aviación has its sights set high. The airline started direct We’re impressed with this company’s meteoric growth. In 2006 it
flights from London Gatwick to Mexico City in January 2009 with was a small Baltimore-based operation; by 2010 it had become
two flights per week and have already extended to four flights per a world-class player, ranking among AlwaysOn’s top 250 private
week. We helped set up the company’s offices extremely speedily. companies in the world. We helped Millennial Media set up its
European HQ in London, advising on locations, employment,
www.mexicana.com
PR and banking.
www.millennialmedia.com

50–51 the think london 100 companies to watch

 OpenTV
United States

Provides advanced digital television solutions to create compelling

viewing experiences worldwide.
This company’s global footprint is mind-boggling. Its advertising
solutions reach more than 45 million subscribers, while its software
has been integrated into more than 145 million devices around the
world, delivering advanced programme guides, video-on-demand,
interactive advertising and more. We helped OpenTV move from
its City offices to new premises in west London and introduced it to
our contacts at the London 2012 Olympics, the BBC and Channel 4.
www.opentv.com

Globalisers
Go-ahead
Nakano UK Holding Paul
Japan France

A major producer of vinegars, cooking wine, mustard, dressing and France’s biggest bakery.
soup base. Nakano UK Holding is the global headquarters of Mizkan. Founded in Croix near Lille in 1889, this upmarket bakery and
This company combines family values and healthy living with patisserie now has a presence in 27 countries. Still family-owned,
international ambition. The family-run business produces low-calorie, it has remained true to its roots, turning out quality bread, pastries
zero fat and zero cholesterol products and spotted a huge market and sandwiches using the freshest ingredients. And, if you will
in London’s restaurants, supermarkets and consumers. We helped excuse the pun, the icing on the cake is reserved for London: by the
it secure office space through our partner, Avanta, and provided end of 2014, it plans to open 50 new outlets in the capital. We have
recruitment and immigration guidance. Based in London, Nakano also helped Paul with its staff training programme via introductions
UK is now the company’s global headquarters. to the National Bakery School.
www.mizkan.net www.paul-uk.com

52–53 the think london 100 companies to watch

Punjab National Bank
India

India’s third largest bank, with 39 million customers and 4,600 branches.
We worked with UK Trade & Investment and the City of London
Corporation to bring this bank to London, meeting in the UK capital
and India to provide advice on property and Indian communities and
companies here. The bank now runs its entire global operation from
London, offering tailored banking facilities and trade and loan finance
as well as specialising in remittances between the UK and India.
www.pnbint.com

Globalisers
Go-ahead
Swatch Group Symphony BPO Solutions
Switzerland Malaysia

The world’s largest manufacturer of finished watches. One of Asia’s leading business process outsourcing (BPO) companies
London fought off bids from rival cities to secure this company’s servicing more than 3,000 clients across Asia Pacific.
UK HQ, creating more than 50 jobs in Newham’s Royal Docks We worked with this firm for just three months to secure its
in east London, one of London’s priority investment areas. We European HQ for London. We admire its breadth of services, spanning
supported Swatch by advising on grants, staff relocation packages contact management, human resources, cheque processing solutions
and property. We admire the company’s ability to combine high- and wealth management. The only Malaysian company to feature in
tech elegance and affordability. The clincher is its impressive global the Global Services 100 list three years running.
footprint: it employs more than 24,000 people in more than
www.symphony.com.my
50 countries and is the Olympic official time-keeper.
www.swatchgroup.com

54–55 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Synlab
Germany

A laboratory diagnostics company with more than 50 labs in Germany

and a presence in 19 locations across Europe and the Middle East.
Other regions were strong contenders for this company, but we
helped bring this new lab to London, making a strong case for the
capital and organising tours within a stone’s throw of major NHS
clients. We also advised on regulations and introduced the company
to universities, One Nucleus (previously the London Biotechnology
Network) and specialist recruitment agencies.
www.synlab.com

Globalisers
Go-ahead
Takeda TFS
Japan Sweden

Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company. Europe’s largest non-listed clinical contract research organisation (CRO).
We commend this firm for its steady, global growth. In 1781, CEO Daniel Spasic was just 25 years old when he founded TFS.
Chobei Takeda founded a small shop in Osaka, selling traditional In 2010, Spasic landed Ernst & Young’s ‘Man Of The Year’ award
Japanese and Chinese medicines. Still headquartered in Osaka, (among 300 entrepreneurs in Sweden) and his company is now
the company now has 46 subsidiaries, 20 associated companies Europe’s biggest privately owned CRO employing 480 people with
and a world-wide sales network. With disparate research and operations in 16 countries. We helped the company set up a sales
development and commercial sites spread across London, we helped and marketing arm in north-west London to service UK clients.
it consolidate its operations, guaranteeing business continuity
www.trialformsupport.com
throughout the move. We also worked with UK Trade & Investment
to effect introductions to central government.
www.takeda.com

56–57 the think london 100 companies to watch

WholeFoods Market
United States

The world’s largest natural organic food retailer.

This plaudit-laden company – The Grocer magazine hailed it as
the ‘World’s Greatest Food Retailer’ – is setting new corporate
social responsibility standards on the high street. It won the US
Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partner of the Year
Award (2010) and the London Kensington store halved its landfill in
2010 and produces electricity with left-over vegetable trimmings. It
is now aiming to expand across the UK, so look out for new grocery
stores in Glasgow in 2011 and in Richmond, south-west London in
2012. We helped it recruit staff for its first London store in 2007,

Globalisers
Go-ahead
which now employs around 700 people in the city.
www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Wipro Technologies
India

A global IT services company.

Wipro is the first CMMi Level 5 certified software services company and
the first outside the USA to receive the IEEE Software Process Award.
The company offers a series of 24/7 solutions and services including
consulting, business process outsourcing, business technology services,
infrastructure management, product engineering and product support.
We persuaded the company to choose London for its European HQ,
helped it recruit its team and its push into Europe from here. With
more than 100,000 associates, over 72 global delivery centres in more
than 55 countries, Wipro is truly a global player.
www.wipro.com

58–59 the think london 100 companies to watch

 These companies are at the
cutting-edge, combining
determination with radical
thinking to move their
industries forward.

Our selection of companies

is changing the way we
shop, play games, save and
spend our money and fight
fraud, buy our houses and

industry park our cars.

innovators

Innovators
Industry
60–61
Best Buy Canon Europe
United States Japan

Best Buy is the world’s leading technology store. Best Buy Co Inc’s family Canon Europe is a subsidiary of Canon Inc. of Japan: a world-leading
of brands and partnerships generates more than $49 billion in annual innovator and provider of imaging solutions.
revenues and has approximately 180,000 talented employees. This company consistently develops innovative products and is
The Best Buy brand launched in the UK in spring 2010 as part of renowned for creating quality environments for employees. Its
Best Buy Europe, a joint venture with The Carphone Warehouse. support of cultural events such as London Fashion Week secures
It now has six stores nationwide – two in the Greater London additional kudos. We worked with Canon to bring its European HQ
area – and an online store. We think their customer service is to London, and the base now coordinates more than 30 sales offices
outstanding as they invest in employees for the long term. In across the Continent.
the early stages we helped it craft its ‘eco’ proposition in the UK,
www.canon-europe.com
cementing its status as a pioneer in energy products and green
technology as it sells energy generation and energy management
products as well as electric bicycles and scooters.
“Think London has been absolutely fantastic in helping us
bring great technology, including green technology, to the
UK in a new and different way. The help that Think London Changyou.com

Innovators
Industry
provided and their introductions to people in the relevant China
industries were invaluable at the start of our journey here.”
Steve Jensen, Managing Director, Best Buy UK.
A leading developer and operator of online games.
www.bestbuy.co.uk This NASDAQ-listed firm lit the touchpaper for the digital multi-
player boom with Tian Long Ba Bu, a martial arts game set in
ancient China. We helped launch the firm’s European HQ in
London, advised on the city’s business and investment environment
and guided on company registration, brand communications,
data centres, staff, housing and visa applications. Tian Long Ba Bu,
already China’s third most popular online game, is now garnering
millions of UK players. We expect even greater things.
www.changyou.com

62–63 the think london 100 companies to watch

Finsphere Metro Bank
United States United States

Creates bespoke mobile identity protection solutions designed to Britain’s first new high street bank for more than 100 years.
reduce consumer credit/debit card fraud losses through wireless We think that this bank is a real revolutionary: it’s open seven days a
location and Finsphere’s analytics engine. week (8am–8pm, Monday–Friday; 8am–6pm, Saturday; 10am–4pm,
With identity theft and fraud costing the global economy billions Sunday) and promises a return to traditional values such as proper
of pounds a year, this young company’s services are rightly customer service, support from local people 24/7 and ‘no appointment
commanding huge interest. Finsphere wanted to expand across necessary’ consultations. Metro Bank has now announced plans to
Europe, and in 2009 we helped launch its London office in the City, grow its network of four London branches to 200 across south-east
which became its European HQ. Finsphere is now working with England by the end of the decade.
wireless carriers and some of the UK’s biggest financial institutions.
www.metrobankonline.co.uk
www.finsphere.com

LA Make Up Academy Midrex

Innovators
Industry
Ireland United States

A dedicated training institute for make-up artists, fashion and hair stylists. A process engineering and technology company supplying the steel
LA Makeup may have worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alesha industry world-wide; wholly owned by Kobe Steel.
Dixon, P. Diddy, Stevie Wonder and many other famous names, but As the world leader in iron ore direct reduction, this company is
we like the fact that ordinary mortals like us can email our queries helping transform the steel industry, driving efficiencies as well as
to professional artists and find all the latest ‘must have’ products environmental good practice. We applaud its strategic thinking: it
and services in one place. With our help, London has become the wanted to target opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, North
brand’s main UK studio. Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Following our
advice, it chose London as the best central location, setting up with
www.lamakeupacademy.com
help from our partners in interior design and fit-out, technology,
accountancy, recruitment and tax.
www.midrex.com

64–65 the think london 100 companies to watch

Prime Focus
India

Provides post-production services for the film, broadcast, advertising,

gaming, internet and media industries.
This company’s ground-breaking business model secured our vote:
they encourage closer collaboration between artists and filmmakers
and give filmmakers access to global talent including Oscar-winning
VFX supervisor Jon Thum (The Matrix) and VFX producer Fiona
Foster (Robin Hood). We helped the company set up in London in
2006, enabling it to capitalise on London’s outstanding technical
and creative talent.
www.pflplc.com

Secure Parking Silicon Valley Bank (SVB)

Innovators
Industry
Australia United States

The largest Australian-owned car park operator; expanding in Asia Provides financial services to technology companies and life science,
and Europe. venture capital and premium wine markets worldwide.
Don’t be fooled by this company’s breezy ‘no parking worries’ This forward-thinking bank is unafraid to take on the establishment,
strapline. Beneath the Aussie bonhomie is a high-tech operation as proved through its plan to launch a UK lending arm. Already a big
with excellent customer service, rock-solid loyalty and innovative name in the US, it has built a particularly strong reputation for funding
marketing strategies encompassing promotions, iphone apps, innovative tech companies and offering affordable housing finance.
twitter and blogs. We helped it find its feet in London and it has We helped the bank set up its European HQ in London, enabling it to
already bagged Europe’s largest urban shopping centre, Westfield tap into the technology venture ecosystem across the Continent.
London. A surefire creator of local jobs too.
www.svb.com
www.secureparking.com.au

66–67 the think london 100 companies to watch

UnionPay
China

A bankcard association operating China’s unified inter-bank clearing

and settlement system together with an international acceptance
network for its cards.
This firm has created a ground-breaking bridge between East and
West: partnerships with RBS Worldpay and LINK – the UK’s only
national ATM transaction switching network – have delivered
secure payment services for Chinese tourists, students and business
people in the UK. We’ve been by the company’s side since 2007,
helping it find office space and offering support during critical
milestones: Think London’s CEO Michael Charlton gave a keynote
address at the launch of UnionPay’s UK ATM service in 2009, and
we’ve also advised on sector developments, PR and events.
“We have received detailed instructions on how to set up
an establishment in London by Think London and have been
recommended reliable options on law firms and accountants,

Innovators
Industry
as well as effective PR support for our events.”
Angela Li, Chief Representative, UnionPay UK office.
http://en.unionpay.com/

68–69 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Worldwide Retail Store
Spain

Operates National Geographic stores worldwide.

We’re tipping this brand for retail greatness. An association with the
globe-trotting National Geographic Society, this retailer is reinventing
the humble shop, combining store with café, photo gallery and events
space. By 2010 there were outlets in Singapore, Madrid, Malaga,
Kuala Lumpur and London, with new openings planned across the
world. We hosted our 2009 International Business Reception at the
London Store too.
“London is the perfect place to understand retail trends,
customer needs and to develop the right products in
the best way. Think London has done a great job helping
international companies set up business in London and
I would like to thank Think London for helping the first
National Geographic store to come to London.”
Pere Matamales, CEO, Worldwide Retail Store.

Innovators
Industry
www.worldwideretailstore.com

70–71 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Canny consolidation and clever
take-overs have seen these

intelligent
firms thrive during challenging
economic times.

optimisers
They have found perfect
partners, taken advantage of
a weak pound and London’s
depressed property prices, and
moved and merged operations
to exploit lucrative markets.

Optimisers
Intelligent
72–73
BMFBovespa
Brazil

Brazil’s only securities, commodities and futures exchange; formed

through the merger of the São Paulo Stock Exchange and the Brazilian
Mercantile & Futures Exchange in 2008 (BVMF).
BMFBovespa is currently the world’s third largest exchange by market
capitalisation. We helped BVMF set up its UK office. Pending regulatory
approval from the FSA and HM Treasury, BVMF UK will focus on
facilitating trading in its benchmark index, interest rate and commodity
derivatives, as well as attracting companies to list and invest in Brazil.
Lord Mandelson, the Lord Mayor of London, and numerous senior
diplomatic and financial markets executives attended the London office
opening in November 2009.
www.bmfbovespa.com.br

John Paul Construction

Ireland

A leading Irish building and civil engineering contractor delivering

more than 1,200 projects since its founding in 1949.

Optimisers
Intelligent
Well before Ireland’s 2010 economic crisis, this company had the
foresight to establish its UK operational base in west London. With
guidance on competitors and market opportunities from us, it now
manages all UK projects from here. The firm is particularly strong
in healthcare, helping insulate it against the worst of the downturn.
Credible, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about making its London
operation a success.
www.johnpaul.ie

74–75 the think london 100 companies to watch

Pestana Hotels and Resorts
portugal

Portugal’s largest tourism and leisure group, managing 42 hotels in

Europe, South America and Africa.
This group exploited a golden opportunity in London – created by
depressed property prices and a weak pound – to establish a new
European HQ and the landmark (and well reviewed) Pestana Chelsea
Bridge hotel. The HQ will drive the company’s European expansion
plans, speeding the set-up of new ventures in Berlin and Amsterdam.
We have worked with Pestana since 2008, advising on business
development and marketing and introducing key industry contacts.
www.pestana.com

Sentilla
United States

A leading provider of energy management solutions for data centres.

Companies worldwide are seeking to sweat their IT assets and reduce

Optimisers
Intelligent
energy consumption. Step forward enterprise IT energy tracking and
management company Sentilla, with its host of ground-breaking
solutions, strong innovative streak and partnerships with VMWare, SAP
and others. Co-founder Joe Polastre won BroadGroup’s European CTO
Award for Innovation in Data Centres in 2010. With our help, Sentilla is
using its London base to target Europe’s growing sustainability market.
www.sentilla.com

76–77 the think london 100 companies to watch

 These organisations are
developing and nurturing
knowledge and expertise for
broader personal, social and
business gain.

Thanks to these firms we

are raising money for good
causes, understanding what
makes youngsters tick,
mapping political storms,
predicting industry trends and
connecting with like-minded
people across the globe.

knowledge
champions

Champions
Knowledge
78–79
ATP
Denmark

One of Europe’s largest public pension funds.

This is one of the world’s pioneering investors, picking up a well
deserved IPE award for Best European Pension Fund in 2009. ATP
wins our plaudits for its strong returns, astute risk management,
low administration costs and innovative hybrid pension product.
Think London helped it set up a sales and marketing office, making
the case for London over competing UK regions, providing market
intelligence and advising on property, recruitment, banking,
accountancy and tax.
www.atp.dk

Decode Development Bank of Japan

Canada Japan

A global research consultancy specialising in youth, young adults DBJ Europe provides loan, equity and M&A advisory services and
and young families. trades carbon credit.
Founded in 1994, Decode are experts at understanding the We applaud this bank on two counts: firstly, for headquartering DBJ
motivations and mindsets of young people. We helped the Europe in London to coordinate operations in Europe, Middle East
company find its London premises, advising on educational and Africa. Secondly, for founding a new carbon trading company
practices and professional services to boot. We were particularly in the city. We introduced the bank to the City of London, the CBI
impressed by a commitment to making a positive impact on and the London Chamber of Commerce, in addition to marshalling

Champions
Knowledge
society, and by its breadth across health, employee retention, useful property agents, fit-out companies and recruiters.
corporate social responsibility and more.
www.dbj.jp/en
www.decode.net

80–81 the think london 100 companies to watch

Electronic Ink IBISWorld
United States Australia

An international design consultancy dedicated to improving the way The world’s largest independent publisher of industry research for the
people interact with technology, environments and one another. UK, US, China and Australia.
A user-centric methodology and heavyweight public and private sector With driven CEO Justin Ruthven and charismatic chief marketing
client list makes this design company the very definition of market officer Harvey Jones at the helm, we’re tipping this business
leader. We helped it set up in London in 2008, providing industry information service for even greater heights. They came to us
insight and advice on office space, marketing, recruitment, banking and for contacts for their new European HQ, and we introduced
UK trade bodies. The office now counts Thomson Reuters, Microsoft, professional service providers, recruitment consultants, the City of
E.ON UK, IBM and GlaxoSmithKline among its clients. London and our own commercial partners. Sophisticated research
tools and accurate forecasting now put this company in the same
www.electronicink.com
league as heavyweights Datamonitor and Euromonitor.
www.ibisworld.co.uk

Journeywatch
Singapore

A Singapore-based digital travel network providing updates on

political stability and weather throughout the world.
This is a travel information service for our times: featuring global
real-time updates from eyewitnesses and rich user-to-user
networking. Organisations such as Goal Ireland, the anti-poverty
charity and reality TV shows, The Amazing Race Asia and
The Amazing Race Australia already use the services. We helped

Champions
Knowledge
set up its London-based operation, Jelawai UK Ltd, which is the
company’s first base outside Singapore.
www.journeywatch.com

82–83 the think london 100 companies to watch

LinkedIn
United States

A knowledge network enabling more than 85 million professionals in more

than 200 countries to exchange information, ideas and opportunities.
No-brainer membership perks and a sharp advertising proposition
have seen LinkedIn revolutionise business networking. It contacted
us through our San Francisco office, situated less than an hour’s
drive from its own headquarters. We helped it set up a legal entity
and find an office, accountants and lawyers in London, and it’s now
managing European operations from here. Little wonder a new
member joins LinkedIn every two seconds.
“We considered the UK capital and immediately called Think
London. It was a great relationship right from the start. I
would highly recommend Think London: they give you access
to the professionals you need to make your operation run
smoothly so you can focus on the business.”
Kevin Eyres, Managing Director Europe, LinkedIn. Mirae Asset
Korea
www.linkedin.com

Experts in emerging Asian markets, offering asset management,

investment banking, wealth management, life insurance and venture
capital services.
Born amid the stormy markets of 1997, this Seoul player has since
blossomed, bagging awards for its outstanding investment products
and performance. It’s now one of the largest equity investors in
emerging markets worldwide with a presence in Hong Kong, Brazil,

Champions
Knowledge
India, the US, Vietnam and the UK. We worked to tight deadlines
to help set it up in London, introducing accountants, banks, lawyers,
recruitment agencies and property advisors.
www.miraeasset.com

84–85 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Panasonic Design Centre Europe
Japan

Panasonic Corporation is one of the world’s largest electronic product

manufacturers, comprising more than 680 companies.
European consumers are famously idiosyncratic and diverse, but
Panasonic has stepped up to the challenge by setting up a pioneering
design centre in London. Relocated from Germany, the centre is
tailoring audiovisual products such as flat-screen TVs and digital
cameras to European tastes. We helped connect the company
to London’s world-class design community, including centres of
excellence such as the Royal College of Art and the Design Council.
www.panasonic-europe.com

Octopus Strategies
Canada

Creates brand, communication and fundraising strategies for

organisations around the world including startups, not-for-profit
bodies, international corporations, government agencies and
non-governmental organisations.
This company’s strong track record with charities and NGOs
won our vote. Clients include Everyclick and American Friends of
Sentebale – co-founded by Prince Harry. We’ve been advising the

Champions
Knowledge
company in Canada and London since 2009, providing guidance on
commercial property, lead generation and networking opportunities,
and helped it set up here in 2010.
www.octopusstrategies.com

86–87 the think london 100 companies to watch

Reality Digital The University of Chicago
United States United States

Partners with global brands and creative agencies to create social media A private, co-educational university with around 15,000 students.
campaigns, video remix contests and cross-platform communities. All credit to this university for moving its European campus to
Experts in Facebook marketing, user-generated contests, mobile London. Since it relocated from Barcelona in 2005, it’s seen
and YouTube apps and video ‘mashups’, this innovative US firm is record levels of interest in its executive MBA course and a parallel
leading the social media revolution from the front line. It already improvement in the quality of its students. We explored a huge
counts Coca Cola, Nokia, Vodafone, Lonely Planet and Barclays range of properties on its behalf, finally finding a home at the
among its clients. Our San Francisco and London teams helped Woolgate Exchange, situated next to the Bank of England. We also
bring its EMEA office to the capital, advising on payroll and advised on salaries, competitors and transport and even hosted one
recruitment, London’s advertising cluster and 2012 Games bids. of our own 2010 business events on its campus.
www.realitydigital.com www.uchicago.edu

ZTE
China

China’s largest listed telcos equipment provider.

An in-house army of 25,000 researchers proves that this telco firm
takes its R&D seriously. When we discovered that it had dipped
a toe into the UK through a joint venture, we tracked it down
at Shanghai’s 2001 CeBIT tech fair to make a powerful case for
London. We then met again at its Shenzhen HQ in 2003, where
our presentations on Europe’s telecom industry helped build the

Champions
Knowledge
proposition for London. We have continued to work with ZTE
introducing it to networks and contacts in London.
www.zte.com.cn

88–89 the think london 100 companies to watch

 These highly specialised
firms are succeeding through
opportune, targeted and
speedy expansion into new
markets world-wide.

Our list is unleashing the

power of mobile advertising,
introducing us to ‘fast-casual’
dining, creating venues
that last a few weeks and
memorabilia that endures
for a lifetime.

niche
and
nimble

Nimble
Niche and
90–91
Aspire Systems
India

A leading outsourced product development firm helping software

vendors and businesses build software products better and faster.
A triple winner of Deloitte’s Fast 500 Asia Pacific – which ranks Asia
Pac’s quickest growing tech companies – was always guaranteed
a place on our list. Aspire Systems also deserves plaudits for the
prudent nature of its move into Europe: it took advantage of our
Touchdown London scheme, which offers free and subsided serviced
office space in prime locations across the city. Think London also
guided on immigration, registration, banking and schools.
“We are already seeing signs of growth in London. I am sure
that Think London will continue to surprise me with their
range of services. We will definitely continue to use them.”
Prem Sundaravadanam, Regional Director (UK), Aspire Systems.
www.aspiresys.com Chipotle
United States

A leading ‘fast-casual’ restaurant chain with around 1,000 US outlets.

‘Fast casual’ dining – where high-quality food is served speedily – is
the restaurant industry’s quickest-growing segment. We helped
Chipotle open its first restaurant outside North America in London,
and it now plans to expand across the UK. We’re pleased to see a
commitment to sourcing local produce as well as a sound ethical
record: Chipotle won the 2010 Libby Award for Best Fast-Food Chain
from peta2, the world’s largest youth animal rights organisation.
www.chipotle.com

Nimble
Niche and
92–93 the think london 100 companies to watch
dbox Honav
United States China

A branding and creative agency founded in New York in 1996 by Designs, manufactures and retails metallic souvenirs and memorabilia.
architects, dbox collaborates with architectural firms around the This firm specialises in producing souvenirs for large-scale sporting
globe including Foster + Partners, Richard Meier & Partners, Robert and cultural events, bagging contracts for the Olympics in Beijing
A.M. Stern Architects, Studio Daniel Libeskind and Frank Gehry. in 2008, Athens in 2004, Sydney in 2000 and Atlanta in 1996. Ever
dbox works with its clients to represent their designs and ensure quick off the blocks, it was the first Chinese firm to win a contract
successful and extraordinary property developments. After initially for the 2012 London Games. We helped it set up in the UK capital
meeting with our New York office, we contacted dbox to discuss and it’s now racing to fast-track global growth.
the opening of its new European studio in London.
www.honav.com
“London is an opportunity to pursue our passion for design
collaboration with new clients, as well as with existing ones.
dbox approached Think London to help gauge what establishing
a presence in London and expanding into Europe would entail.
Their help and knowledge reinforced our initial belief that
London was the right choice, and they have made the process
of starting up in London that much easier for us. Now we are InMobi
open for business, we are simply very excited to be in London!” India
Mark Gleghorn, Partner, dbox.
www.dbox.com
The world’s largest independent advertising network serving more
than 100 billion mobile ads to date.
Speed and precision secured a place on our list for this firm, which helps
advertisers target their audiences, and publishers serve contextual ads.
It incorporated in 2007 and now has offices in Singapore, the US and
London. The canny appointment of former Google executive Rob Jonas,
who now heads its European operation, can only spell greater success.
We helped InMobi find residential property in London, network and
explore 2012 London Games opportunities.
www.inmobi.com

Nimble
Niche and
94–95 the think london 100 companies to watch
Macquarie MAPFRE Assistance
Australia Spain

A global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and fund Provides innovative insurance solutions to the automotive,
management services. insurance, travel and finance sectors. Part of MAPFRE ASISTENCIA, a
Establishing its London presence with three people over 20 years multinational insurance, reinsurance and assistance services provider.
ago, Macquarie has graduated from small player to pillar of the Present in 40 countries, the company works with more than 1,300
investment establishment. We applaud its dynamism, performance corporate clients, has 68 million insured and 136 million beneficiaries.
in international financial markets and golden touch for buying Think London helped MAPFRE ASSISTANCE open a sales office in
companies that generate reliable profits. With more than 1100 people the City of London in 2009. Following the opening the company
locating to their new premises in 2011, London is important to launched a raft of new products in travel and today it is one of the
Macquarie as its EMEA hub. The Macquarie team works closely with five main travel insurers in the UK. And through its brand MAPFRE
Think London to develop key local contacts. ABRAXAS it is the country’s leading provider of GAP insurance.
www.macquarie.com www.mapfre.com

NÜSSLI
Switzerland

A leading, international supplier of temporary structures for events,

trade fairs and exhibitions.
Having worked for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Europe’s F1
Teléfonica Grand Prix, this company had the Olympics in its sights.
Think London helped NÜSSLI come to London to try to fulfil
this ambition. NÜSSLI is also supporting Events for London – a
partnership between London’s Mayor, the London Development
Agency and Visit London, vying to secure major events in the capital.
www.nussli.com

Nimble
Niche and
96–97 the think london 100 companies to watch
Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical United Brain Networks
China Japan

One of China’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Subscription-based environmental sector web broadcaster
Innovation, social responsibility and go-ahead employment practices targeting UK viewers.
are hard-wired into this company, driving a compound annual growth The Japanese NGO EEFA (page 34) has been quick to spot
rate of 39.59% between 1998 and 2010, and securing top billing on opportunities around London’s sustainability and low-carbon
the Shanghai Stock Exchange. We admire its balance of domestic ambitions. With our help, a team that was assisting EEFA’s
and international expansion and its niche expertise in hepatic disease, activities in London set up United Brain Networks, a broadcast
diabetes and gynecological medicines and clinical diagnosis products. service producing environmental industry webcasts featuring
We helped the company set up in London, finding offices and staff academics, business leaders and other luminaries. We also referred
and enabling it to target opportunities among London’s world-class several potential candidates for interview.
pharmaceutical and biotech cluster.
“We have been extremely impressed working with Think
www.fosunpharma.com London, who have helped smooth our expansion into the
London market. From providing intelligence on London, to
contacts for our broadcast service, Think London has
enabled us to quickly get set up here.”
Shanghai Haobo Kenji Nagoshi, Managing Director, United Brain Networks.
China
www.ubraintv.com

A leading manufacturer of seating for stadia, gymnasia and auditoria.

Having landed contracts for Beijing’s 2008 Games and South Africa’s
2010 World Cup, this Chinese player was quick off the blocks in the
race to win London Olympics bids. We helped set up its international
headquarters here, provided an overview of Games-related
opportunities and provided information on seating manufacturers,
designers and associations. We’re particularly impressed with the
firm’s diversification plans: it aims to manufacture aircraft seating in
partnership with UK companies.
www.haobochair.com

Nimble
Niche and
98–99 the think london 100 companies to watch
index

A E Mexicana de Aviación Shanghai Haobo Niche and Nimble: 98

Abdi Ibrahim Go-ahead Globalisers: 42 Environment, Energy, Forestry & Go-ahead Globalisers: 50 Siemens Flagships: 15
AEG Worldwide Flagships: 12 Agriculture Network (EEFA) Microsoft European Search Technology Silicon Valley Bank (SVB)
Alibaba.com Great Inventions: 20 Green Pioneers: 34 Centre (STC) Flagships: 14 Industry Innovators: 67
altPOWER Green Pioneers: 32 Electronic Ink Midrex Industry Innovators: 65 Silver Spring Networks
Amgen Flagships: 13 Knowledge Champions: 82 Millennial Media Green Pioneers: 38
Apprupt Great Inventions: 21 Emsense Great Inventions: 24 Go-ahead Globalisers: 51 Swatch Group Go-ahead Globalisers: 54
Aspire Systems Niche and Nimble: 92 EnerNoc Great Inventions: 25 Mirae Asset Symphony BPO Solutions
ATP Knowledge Champions: 80 Everis Go-ahead Globalisers: 48 Knowledge Champions: 85 Go-ahead Globalisers: 55
B F Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe Synlab Go-ahead Globalisers: 57
Bank of China Go-ahead Globalisers: 43 Ferrovial Go-ahead Globalisers: 48 Green Pioneers: 36 T
BATS Trading Great Inventions: 22 Finsphere Industry Innovators: 64 N Takeda Go-ahead Globalisers: 56
Best Buy Industry Innovators: 62 G Nakano UK Holding TerraCycle Green Pioneers: 38
Biomnis Go-ahead Globalisers: 44 Google Great Inventions: 26 Go-ahead Globalisers: 52 Tesla Motors Flagships: 16
BMFBovespa Intelligent Optimisers: 74 H NÜSSLI Niche and Nimble: 97 TFS Go-ahead Globalisers: 57
Bookboon.com Great Inventions: 22 Honav Niche and Nimble: 95 O The Sting Flagships: 16
BravoSolution Go-ahead Globalisers: 44 I Octopus Strategies The University of Chicago
C IBISWorld Knowledge Champions: 83 Knowledge Champions: 86 Knowledge Champions: 89
Canon Europe Industry Innovators: 63 ICICI Bank Go-ahead Globalisers: 49 OpenTV Go-ahead Globalisers: 53 U
Changyou.com Industry Innovators: 63 InMobi Niche and Nimble: 95 P UnionPay Industry Innovators: 68
China Central Television (CCTV) Insignia Promotions Green Pioneers: 35 Panasonic Design Centre Europe United Brain Networks
Go-ahead Globalisers: 45 Internorm Green Pioneers: 36 Knowledge Champions: 87 Niche and Nimble: 99
China Daily Go-ahead Globalisers: 45 J Paul Go-ahead Globalisers: 53 V
China Mobile Go-ahead Globalisers: 46 John Paul Construction Pestana Hotels and Resorts Vattenfall Green Pioneers: 39
China Telecom Go-ahead Globalisers: 46 Intelligent Optimisers: 74 Intelligent Optimisers: 76 vente-privee Great Inventions: 29
Chipotle Niche and Nimble: 93 Journeywatch Knowledge Champions: 83 Prime Focus Industry Innovators: 66 Veolia Environmental Services
Cirque du Soleil Great Inventions: 23 L Punjab National Bank Green Pioneers: 39
Clas Ohlson Flagships: 13 LA Make Up Academy Go-ahead Globalisers: 54 W
Closed Loop Recycling Industry Innovators: 64 R Westfield Group Flagships: 17
Green Pioneers: 33 L’atelier des Chefs Great Inventions: 27 Reality Digital WholeFoods Market
Costco Great Inventions: 23 LG Electronics Go-ahead Globalisers: 49 Knowledge Champions: 88 Go-ahead Globalisers: 58
Crystal CG Go-ahead Globalisers: 47 LinkedIn Knowledge Champions: 84 RecycleBank Green Pioneers: 37 Wipro Technologies
CT&T Green Pioneers: 34 LivingSocial Great Inventions: 28 Reply Great Inventions: 28 Go-ahead Globalisers: 59
D LKK Go-ahead Globalisers: 50 S Worldwide Retail Store
dbox Niche and Nimble: 94 M Secure Parking Industry Innovators: 66 Industry Innovators: 70
Decode Knowledge Champions: 80 Macquarie Niche and Nimble: 96 Sentilla Intelligent Optimisers: 77 Z
Development Bank of Japan Mapfre ASSISTANCE Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical ZTE Knowledge Champions: 89
Knowledge Champions: 81 Niche and Nimble: 97 Niche and Nimble: 98
Metro Bank Industry Innovators: 65

100–101 the think london 100 companies to watch

 Designed by LCD and printed by
LEFA Print and Allied Services Ltd,
102 Commercial Partners of Think London. lcd.uk.com
www.thinklondon.com