London Met joins Islington Anchor Institution Network as founding member

The network of employers and key organisations will work together to reduce inequalities and help build a thriving local economy in the Borough.

Date: 25 October 2022

London Met is proud to be a founding member of the Borough of Islington’s Anchor Institution Network - an association of major employers and key organisations dedicated to boosting the local economy and helping to create a more equal borough.

The Islington Anchor Institution Network members play major roles in the local economy, employing more than 22,000 people, and acting as purchasers, landlords, and strategic leaders. They will use their collective influence to help shape the borough’s future.

The nine founding members are:

  • Angel Business Improvement District
  • Arsenal Football Club
  • Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust
  • Capital City College Group
  • City, University of London
  • Islington Council
  • London Metropolitan University
  • Peabody Trust
  • Whittington Health NHS Trust

Representatives from each organisation met recently at Islington Town Hall to formally launch the network and confirm their commitment to working together. They signed up to a number of progressive pledges, including generating more opportunities and wealth for local people and businesses, and working towards shared net zero carbon objectives.

Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said: “We’re committed to supporting local jobs and businesses, as part of our response to the cost of living emergency and our work towards a more equal Islington.

“As individual members, we all have the power to make change and improve our borough. But as a collective, we can do far more. We have more employers, more purchasing power and more ability to reduce inequality across Islington.”

“By committing to spend their money as locally and sustainably as possible, and by providing jobs for Islington residents, the organisations in the Anchor Institutions Network will keep the borough bustling with economic activity.”

Professor Lynn Dobbs, Vice-Chancellor of London Met said: “I am delighted and incredibly proud that London Met will be working closely with Islington Council and other local stakeholders in the Islington Anchor Institutions Network. Harnessing the talents and skills of current and future generations across the borough is fundamental to building long lasting success for the university and beyond.

“Together we will work across Islington to develop skills in communities, invest in local business, increase access and sustainability, and champion social justice issues. As community leaders we are committed to a shared ambition for Islington and embedding these values into day to day activity ensures we make a difference."

Representatives of Islington's Anchor Institution Network standing on the Town Hall steps