Boris says awesome things...

Forty years ago, the Santa Clara Valley, was nicknamed ‘Silicon Valley’, referring to the high concentration of companies involved in the semiconductor and computer industries that were concentrated in the area.

Now, in 2011, London’s position as Europe’s leading digital city has been reaffirmed by figures showing the new Tech City area of the capital has attracted over 1,000 jobs since its launch a year ago. More than 600 companies are located in east London’s Tech City, which runs from the Olympic Stadium to Shoreditch and was this week championed by the Mayor.

Bozza said: ““London’s is leading the charge on Europe’s digital boom. Across the capital hundreds of new technology businesses have emerged with an exciting cluster bursting into life in Tech City. I want to see London continue to shine as a beacon for the world’s best creative minds and entrepreneurs so that this emerging sector benefits the whole of London, delivering new skills, jobs and investment.”

And, of course, as the UK becomes a world centre for digital technology it needs a catchy nickname.  So, this area of the capital is now known as ‘Silicon Roundabout’.  Really? Is that the best they could do?

A spokesman for the internet spam company voucher discount deals provider Groupon said: “A spokesman for Groupon, which now employs almost 700 people after recently moving to Tech City, said: “The UK is a hugely exciting place for digital and creative culture and we welcome this initiative which aims to create a dynamic centre to harness and nurture talent. We launched Groupon UK in 2009, our second international office outside the US, and we now operate from our offices within Tech City.”

"Fares please!"

It may seem like an unusual political pledge, but Boris’ promise to revolutionise the design of London’s buses came a step closer this week.

One of his main election pledges was to rid London of its ‘bendy buses’ and to replace them with a 21st century Routemaster. And, this week, the new bus has been launched. Bozza visited the Ballymena headquarters of the bus manufacturer, Wrightbus, and hailed the new Routemaster as “not just a bus but a visible statement of confidence in what British industry can do”.

The design features two staircases, three doors and the distinctive open platform at the back of the bus. Two crew members will be required and so the days of a conductor working on board will be resurrected. The first bus is set to go into service in December with a gradual introduction happening in the New YEer.

Much as this will re-introduce an iconic London image back into the public conscious, it is also an important political moment for the Mayor. It may be just a double decker bus, but it’s the fulfillment of a well-publicised political pledge – and that is worth it’s weight in used bus tickets.

For a man who doesn’t strike you as a sports fanatic, Boris certainly spends plenty of his Mayoral time dealing with professional sports related business.  And, this week is no exception.

According to World of Rugby League, London’s only Super League rugby league club has this week announced the rebranding of the club from Harlequins Rugby to London Broncos Rugby League. The side will also bring in a new kit, colour scheme and overall look and feel.

Now, I’d love to ask Boris whether he could name a rugby league side, player or rule (or whether he’s actually watched a game of rugby league) although this lack of knowledge didn’t stop him having a view on the rebrand. “London is one of the world’s greatest sporting cities and rugby league has an increasingly important role to play in helping to maintain this status.

“I am delighted to be working with the RFL on their community development programme in London, and I am equally pleased to see a team like the London Broncos reclaiming their original moniker and proudly displaying the London brand.”

And, this week Bozza is also off to Monaco as part of the delegation determined to win the right to host toe 2017 World Athletics Championships – the third biggest sporting event in the world after the Olympic Games (which we did win) and the World Cup (which we didn’t).

London is up against Doha, Qatar for the right to stage the competition which means that bribes paid by oil rich billionaires Lord Coe and Boris’ speeches are bound to win the day…