Tuesday 19 March 2024

On 14 March, a pivotal luncheon took place, marking the beginning of a promising relationship between the City of London Chamber and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by the Royal Bank of Scotland, this luncheon served as the inaugural step towards fostering enduring and fruitful ties between the financial powerhouses of the UK: London and Edinburgh. With a focus on securing funding for the arts and culture, the event set the stage for future collaborations aimed at maximising the potential of both cities.

Alderman Prem Goyal OBE, the Founding Chair of the City of London Chamber, underscored the resilience of the relationship between London and Edinburgh. He reflected on the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Financial and Professional Services between the two cities, emphasising the shared vision for economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. Central to this vision is the recognition of the need for partnership between London and Edinburgh to ensure their continued prominence as global financial centers. Moreover, cultural collaboration was highlighted, with plans to celebrate events like the Edinburgh Festival in both cities, promoting cultural exchange and cooperation.

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, echoed the sentiment that collaboration between chambers in financial services and culture is needed. She emphasised the potential for fruitful cooperation and the need to bridge the gap between culture and banking.

During the discussions, several key points emerged. Collaboration across sectors was deemed essential for enhancing the arts, with representatives highlighting the need for mutual assistance and support. Addressing skills shortages was also a focal point.

The luncheon concluded with a sense of optimism and determination to build upon the foundations laid during this inaugural meeting. As London and Edinburgh embark on this collaborative journey, there is a shared commitment to realising the full potential of both cities, not only as financial powerhouses but also as vibrant cultural hubs. With continued dialogue and cooperation, the future looks bright for this budding relationship, promising mutual prosperity and success for years to come.

ENDS

About the City of London Chamber
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched the City of London Chamber, a business group within LCCI, to convene, support and champion businesses within the Square Mile as it is imperative that businesses operating in the Square Mile have targeted support to grow and prosper.

For more information visit the City of London Chamber dedicated page.

About the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is London’s key hub for the business community, we support members’ businesses through a range of services, advocate on behalf of London’s business community in the most important forums of policy debate, and promote ‘Global London’ as the best city in the world to do business – whether that’s to trade, invest, learn, or find new commercial partners.

For more information, visit LCCI's website.

Media contacts
Vittoria Zerbini- Media Assistant
E: vzerbini@londonchamber.co.uk