London’s Hidden Economy Is An Early Riser

> Early-morning deliveries now account for more than twice as many courier jobs as evening runs
> Courier job volumes in the capital are up 38% year-on-year
> 33% year-on-year rise in London’s early-hour activity

Data collected using Gophr’s own courier data and research)

A city’s hidden economy is its unseen pulse, the behind-the-scenes movements and workers that keep it running outside of the 9-to-5 from couriers and taxi drivers to bar staff and coffee shop owners.

LONDON’S COURIER HOTSPOTS

Which London locations have seen the largest surge in courier jobs in the past year?

NW1 (+45% YOY)

Camden / Marylebone

E1 (+33%)

Shoreditch / Whitechapel

SW11 (+31%)

Clapham / Battersea

W1 (-15% YoY)

Soho / The West End

London’s Courier Deadspot

Which London location has seen the largest drop in courier jobs in the past year?

What's driving the surge

Construction Deliveries

+59% YOY

Pharmacy Deliveries

+101% YOY

London’s 2024 Hidden Economy was...

> Evening-heavy: fueled by food deliveries (catering, wholesale, and restaurant supply) , aggregators (perishable goods – cakes, flowers) , and nightlife logistics.

> Commercial and office-centric: concentrated around city-centre workplaces and hospitality zones.

> Anchored in central locations: the heartbeat of after-hours London including Soho, Shoreditch, the Square Mile.

London’s 2025 Hidden Economy is now...

> Early-rising: Powered by trade, pharma and coffee

> Infrastructure-driven: Deliveries to sites, surgeries, and supply chains replacing office drop-offs.

> Spreading beyond the centre: From suburban high streets to hospital hubs, London has a new morning map.

"London's hidden economy has always been there, running quietly beyond the 9-to-5. What our data shows is that it's increasingly shifting in favour of mornings, despite London being known as the late-night city. .... "It's a rebalancing of London's rhythm, and couriers are at the heart of that shift."

Graham Smith, Strategic Accounts, Gophr

Insights from real couriers

“I start my day by driving to Central London. I’ll have coffee and log into the app about half past 7. I think it’s good to have a routine”.

 

Source: Reddit

Insights from real couriers

“I dont like to eat while delivering because it leads to spillage, mess, smell, or food getting cold / soggy. I usually eat sandwiches or quick bites that are easy to eat in the van or between drops”

 

Source: Reddit

Insights from real couriers

“[There’s] nothing at all one of them, and only one or two orders on the other [food delivery app], on what used to be busy nights.”

 

Source: Reddit

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