London Business Matters Magazine Editor, Peter Bishop, interviews LCCI Chair Julia Onslow-Cole, Partner at Fragomen LLP.
What is your role at Fragomen?
I am a partner focusing on global government strategies and compliance. I divide my time between Fragomen’s London and Dubai offices and support clients worldwide to optimise global mobility strategies, enhance compliance and leverage best practice in all critical immigration related policies including crisis management. In addition, I advise private clients on complex international migration solutions.
What is your role as chair of LCCI and what do you want to achieve in that role?
I am passionate about helping businesses succeed and attracting more companies to London. As we continue to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic, coupled with high interest rates and a somewhat wobbly economy, the LCCI plays such a crucial role in ensuring a strong business climate in our wonderful city. A strong London means a strong UK.
What was your first job in London?
I worked in the bridal department of Selfridges.
Which one business achievement over the last 12 months are you most proud of, and why?
I’m so very proud of assisting the LCCI with the launch of the Women’s Business Network. I am a strong believer in women helping other women and support the female entrepreneurs whose businesses are crucial to our economy.
If you were advising a young entrepreneur which business person would you suggest as a model?
It’s really difficult to choose just one as the UK has produced so many tremendous entrepreneurs whose contributions have changed society. Depending on one’s industry, it’s important to model yourself after someone whose ethics and goals you admire and then forge your own path using them as inspiration.
How do you think the transport system in London can be improved?
I believe we need to figure out a way to provide more money to improve its infrastructure and presentation. We are a world class city, and visitors and residents alike should have a world class public transport.
Which piece of red tape causes most problems for your company and why?
Even though we are in the ‘post-pandemic era’ its effects on consular delays still linger. These delays are a worldwide problem and are impeding the movement of people and workforces.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about London?
Waterloo Bridge is by far my favourite thing about London, but I marvel at so many sights on a regular basis and I never take its beauty and history for granted. I know it may be a cliché, but my least favourite thing is the weather, especially the rain.
If you were Mayor of London for the day which one thing would you change?
Bring together a number of organizations across sectors who are truly committed to making housing more affordable for all who want to live and work in London. As more of us work remotely, as human beings we still crave connectedness to one another, and cities provide that. For a city like London to succeed and be more accessible to all, we have to tackle the issue of how affordable it is to live here. With more choices and accessibility to housing, we can then increase the diversity of the population who can contribute further to the economy in a variety of ways. A win-win for all.
Who would you consider an appropriate person to play you in a movie of your life?
Meryl Streep.
What is your favourite quotation?
“You can’t win the game if you don’t even play it”.
This article originally featured in the May /June issue of London Business Matters Magazine.