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Focus on what really matters says London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

 Tuesday 19 April 2016

Media contact

Katharine McGee

T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897                 

M: +44 (0)7827 241528

E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

Focus on what really matters says London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

With just two weeks to go until the new Mayor of London is elected, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is renewing its calls for the candidates to listen to what really matters to London businesses.

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.

Already candidates have taken on board some of the recommendations including establishing a Small Developers Panel and introducing London Visas and LCCI wants to encourage more of the same.

The agenda from 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: "With just two weeks to go until the election of a new Mayor on May 5 now really is the time to be focussing on what really matters.

"It's time to stop talking about peripheral matters and personalities and look at what can be done for London.

"Already candidates have taken on board some of our recommendations including establishing a Small Developers Panel and introducing a London Visa and the Chamber wants to encourage more of the same.

"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

ENDS

 

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 of LCCI is available for further comment and interview.
  3. The Small Developers Panel intended to target small sites for housing is referenced in Zac Goldsmith's Housing Manifest
  4. Lib Dem Candidate, Caroline Pidgeon has pledged to Seek government approval for a third party sponsorship route (London Visa) for established sector specific organisations to support non-EEA worker visas on behalf of recognised small businesses.
  5. The Towards a Greater London Manifesto can be found here: