They are the leaders and the innovators; the powerbrokers, the tastemakers and the gatekeepers; the thinkers and the role models. They are chosen not because of their wealth or their status - many operate behind the scenes or away from the media glare. These are the 1000 people who are doing most to shape and change London.
And what a year of change 2008 has been.
There has been political drama with the election of Mayor Boris Johnson, the first Conservative to run the capital since 1981, and the defeat of Ken Livingstone, the embodiment of London government for a generation.
Just as dramatic has been the economic turmoil in the City, the property market and on high streets. London has not had to cope with such a serious downturn for 15 years. Already influence is shifting quickly as the weak struggle and new players emerge.
There is great anticipation, too, as London has now taken over from Beijing the official mantle of Olympic host city. The redevelopment of a huge swathe of the capital is underway in preparation for the 2012 Games.
All this and more you will find reflected in The 1000. Our magazine is full of surprises, demonstrating just how much is changing in every corner of London life. Some of the people who were on our 2007 list are still in this year's edition. But our panel has chosen hundreds of new entries, each of which is marked to show the scale of the changes.
The Evening Standard is proud to celebrate London. The Influentials are the people who help to make this city great.
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