Annual Report 2025–2026

We continue to act as a conduit between local businesses and investors and the local Council, residents and decision makers to help ensure that investment and change deliver benefits for the Marylebone community. Throughout the year, we have represented our members’ views in local planning discussions as well as regarding local proposals – notably regarding Oxford Street, planned cycle routes and e-bike parking locations. We have continued to keep businesses informed about new developments, supporting collaboration and working to minimise the impact of construction activity. We are delighted to see continued investment across the area and to welcome the first of several major developments planned for Baker Street, Loxton Walk.

Although Marylebone remains a comparatively low-crime area, safety and security continue to be key priorities for our members and for us. Through our collective advocacy, we called for an increased police resources in the area and continue to use evidence gathered by our Street Team to work closely with the Police and Westminster City Council in addressing local issues and targeting crime hotspots.

We succeeded in securing additional funding to support improvements across the area – for new planters, the beautification of the disused toilet blocks on Marylebone Road, additional security patrols, Great Central Street improvements feasibility studies, and art and charity displays at Marylebone Station. We were especially proud that these displays received the ‘Project of the Year’ award at the Chiltern Railways Community Awards.

In 2025, we published our first Cultural Strategy, which will guide our programmes to celebrate, enhance and activate the area’s rich cultural offer. The strategy launched alongside a programme of Art in Marylebone and Marble Arch, while Summer in the Square attracted record attendance.

Our first Social Impact Report provided member businesses the opportunity to better reflect our collective impact within their own ESG reporting. Our Smarter Giving initiative remains one of our most valued member services, and we were proud to receive the Volunteer Partner Award from the University of Westminster in recognition of our contribution to its employability and enterprise programmes.

Sustainability remains core to our project delivery. Key achievements last year included launching the area as a Refill destination and securing funding through the Westminster Climate Fund to help charities and SMEs improve the sustainability of their premises. We were also delighted to be recognised with several accreditations – Green Mark Level 1, Great Places to Work, Good Work Standard, Living Wage Employer, and Mindful Employer.