Tuesday 26 January 2017

100 days to go: the new Mayor can make London even better for business

With 100 days to go until voters head to the polls in the London mayoral elections, the capital's most representative business organisation has published a 20-step agenda; Towards a Greater London to secure London's future as a great place to live, setup and run a business.

The agenda from London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) identifies five priorities the new Mayor must address:

• Fix London's housing crisis
• Close the skills gap
• Boost the capital's digital capability
• Keep transport moving
• Secure more power to grow

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Colin Stanbridge said:

"The election of a new Mayor on May 5 comes as London is forecast to reach a population of 9 million by 2020 and achieve 'megacity' status by 2030 with over 10 million citizens.

The four-year period of the new mayoralty must see important decisions taken around housing, transport and infrastructure to prepare for the London of tomorrow.

We believe that by addressing these 20 steps the new Mayor can make a good start towards ensuring that London remains an attractive, productive and competitive global city."

The LCCI agenda includes recommendations for the new Mayor to:

• Become 'Owner - Landlord' of housing for 'blue light' essential workers such as Police, Firefighters and Paramedics
• Secure government support for a 'London Visa' - third party sponsorship route - for recognised sector skills shortages among specific small businesses
• Establish a new 'Online Business Panel' focused on driving more sole traders and small businesses toward developing an online presence
• Seek 'best use' of existing aviation infrastructure through airfield, airspace and terminals enhancements within the London airports system
• Engage London Boroughs to explore how 'combined authorities clusters' can harness economic cooperation and growth

The full Towards a Greater London agenda can be found here.

Follow the discussion on #TowardsAGreaterLDN or via @londonchamber

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk