Thursday 17 August 2017

London businesses express concern over the affordability of business space in London new polling has found.

The survey of more than 500 businesses, undertaken by ComRes for London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) found 33% citing rental costs as their most common worry followed by business rates at 29%.

Chief Executive of LCCI, Colin Stanbridge said: "We need to be doing all we can to support London's local businesses at a time where there is a prevailing sense of uncertainty with Brexit.

"One way the Government can assist is by helping City Hall and London Boroughs ensure there is a good supply of affordable and accessible space for business and commerce.

"The profile of London working is changing with, for example, Tech and Co-working having grown significantly since the last London Plan Review - something we all want to see continue, but it will only do so if there is a suitable and affordable space to use in the capital".

At the forthcoming Review of the London Plan starting this autumn, LCCI will be repeating its call for the Central Activity Zone to be exempted from Permitted Development Rights.

The survey carried out by ComRes found some disparity between inner and outer London - 48% of Outer London businesses said they did not have any concerns about business space compared to 32% of Inner London businesses.

ENDS

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

NOTES TO EDITOR:
1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, is available for further comment and interview.
3. ComRes surveyed 530 London business leaders between 23rd May and 19th June 2017.
Data was weighted to be representative of all London businesses by company size and broad industry sector. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available at www.comresglobal.com