A 1911 ruling by the City of London Corporation continues to prevent businesses from adorning their skyscrapers with company logos. This long-standing policy is now being reviewed, with Councillor Shravan Joshi proposing a change to allow businesses to display their branding.
Proponents of the change argue that displaying a company's logo on its headquarters signals a long-term commitment and creates a visible connection with the community. Emma Kane, CEO of London communications consultancy SEC Newgate, noted that the inability to display branding was a factor in their decision to relocate from the City to Farringdon.
Conversely, opponents suggest that distinctive architecture should provide sufficient identity for occupants, rather than relying on logos. Peter Wynne Rees, who served as the City of London’s planning officer from 1985 to 2014, argued that the City's character is expressed through the architectural quality of its buildings.