In this article, I don’t cover urban air mobility or international geopolitical analysis, but focus on the economic, social, and strategic situation of London—the city where I live and work—which remains the world’s best city for the eleventh consecutive year in 2026, according to Resonance Consultancy’s “World’s Best Cities” ranking.
From a European City to a Global Hub: What Has Changed
Over the past fifteen years, I have had the privilege of living in London, observing every nuance, from cultural vibrancy to professional excellence in the City. However, over the last five years, the London I knew seems to have changed radically: from a European model of high quality of life and professionalism to a more complex and fragmented urban and social context.
Living and working in London used to mean:
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Being part of an ecosystem where competence and punctuality were shared values
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Enjoying efficient, high-quality services
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Having access to international networks and global opportunities
Today, London looks different: neighborhoods once orderly show fragmentation, and the quality of services and daily life seems often lower than just a few years ago.
What Is Really Changing
Key transformations include:
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Professionalism and services: lower average standards, less attention to detail
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Urban structure and social model: neighborhoods reflecting specific communities without integration
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Civic culture: public transport, restaurants, and public spaces are more chaotic, with less mutual respect
In other words, London is faster and more global, but less elegant, reliable, and consistent with the values of the past.
Numbers That Tell a Real Story
🔹 Migration Flows to the UK (2021‑2025)
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EU citizens leaving the UK: ~155,000
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New EU arrivals: ~85,000
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Net EU migration: negative, with more departures than arrivals (migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk)
Immigration from non-EU countries has become the main component of net migration, mostly for work and study (data.london.gov.uk).
💼 Corporate Relocations (2016‑2025)
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Jobs moved from London to the EU: over 7,000 (financial-news.co.uk)
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UK companies relocating part of their operations to the EU: over 440 (uk.finance.yahoo.com)
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Financial assets moved to EU countries: £900–1.2 trillion (londondaily.com)
Main destinations: Dublin, Paris, Luxembourg, Frankfurt.
Safety in London: Severe and Everyday Crimes Compared
For those living in London, everyday visible crimes such as pickpocketing, personal theft, shoplifting, and minor street offenses matter most. They influence the sense of security, peace of mind, and quality of life more than homicide statistics.
🔹 Severe Crimes (Homicides)
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London: 97 homicides in 2025 (~1.1 per 100,000)
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New York: ~2.8 per 100,000
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Paris: ~1.6 per 100,000
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Milan: ~1.6 per 100,000
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Berlin: ~3.2 per 100,000 (rainews.it)
🔹 Everyday Visible Crimes
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Pickpocketing, theft from person, shoplifting more common in central and crowded areas
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These crimes affect residents’ daily life and increase perceived insecurity (it.numbeo.com)
🔹 Global Comparison – Everyday Crimes
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Tokyo and Singapore: very low → high perceived safety
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New York and Paris: medium → moderate perceived insecurity
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London: high frequency of visible crimes, low frequency of severe crimes → real safety decent, perceived risk higher
📍 Practical Conclusion
London is not among the most dangerous cities in the world, but the perception of insecurity grows due to visible everyday crimes impacting quality of life.
Professional Reputation and Opportunities
Saying “I’m working in London” no longer automatically guarantees prestige or trust. The city is no longer a guarantee of quality: standing out requires demonstrating real value.
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Global connectivity: access to capital, talent, and opportunities
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Project selection: choose where to invest your time and energy
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Targeted networking: selective events and initiatives matter more than the “London brand”
Advice for Young International Professionals Considering London
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Choose your sector and network carefully
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Do not confuse physical presence with prestige
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Adapt your style to the context
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Invest in your personal reputation
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Evaluate quality of life: London is stimulating but stressful
Opening New Offices in London: Opportunities for Companies
London remains attractive for international companies seeking:
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Access to global markets and networks
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Qualified talent
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Growth and innovation opportunities
🔹 Companies Opening Offices in London (2019-2024)
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Startups & SMEs: 320 new offices
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Tech Companies: 145 new offices
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Financial & Professional Services: 85 new offices
💡 Note: I offer personalized consultancy for companies looking to open a London office, guiding them through regulations, neighborhood selection, and business opportunities.
Final Reflection: Samuel Johnson’s Famous Quote Today
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
Today, this statement is not entirely accurate.
Leaving London does not mean being tired of life; it often reflects fatigue with a city that is changing, where services, professionalism, and opportunities no longer guarantee the same standards.
Those who move elsewhere follow life where it can thrive best, without compromising personal and professional quality.
This reflection underscores that living in London today requires attentiveness, as the city remains fascinating and global, but is no longer a certainty of excellence, especially regarding finding high-quality collaborators, professional service providers, and relevant opportunities for clients.
Riccardo Cacelli
International Business & Strategy Consultant | City of London / Global
📧 r.cacelli@uam-vertiports.com
💡 Specializing in corporate expansions, professional networks, strategic market entry, and urban air mobility