As well as ensuring we achieve our policy objectives through interaction and engagement with national, regional and local policy-makers and relevant stakeholders, we undertake our own in-house research and produce regular policy briefings and reports on topical issues.
LCCI research can cover any issue of relevance to London business and is characterised by its independence and solutions-focused approach.
This report sets out 18 recommendations across skills, education, housing, starting a family and taxation to get young people into work, lower the cost of hiring, and fix the social contract for the next generation. YouGov researched more than 1,000 young people aged 24-35 and over 500 employers across the UK.
Over a summer of political change, London businesses continued to send warning signals. Expectations became less negative in Q3, but weak demand and cashflow coincided with limited recruitment and investment activity. A shift in sentiment has not yet become a shift towards growth.
This survey was conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc UK panel of 2.5 million+ individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys.
The latest survey is a flashing warning light from London’s business community, highlighting a business environment that is struggling to generate the conditions needed for growth. Cost pressures remain acute, demand is weak, confidence is subdued, and businesses continue to report negative cashflow. At the same time, investment intentions and recruitment activity remain limited.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 512 senior decision-makers in London businesses. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6 May and 3 June 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of private-sector London businesses by size and industry.
After a challenging end to 2025, London businesses entered the new year on a more stable course. However, this does not signal a return to growth. The current situation suggests that early signs of stabilisation are now under threat, as businesses continue to operate in an environment defined by high costs and ongoing uncertainty, further exacerbated by geopolitical shocks.
This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 26 January and 3 March 2026. A total of 505 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector.
The final quarter of 2025 proved to be a testing period for London businesses. The Budget was widely seen as an opportunity for the government to provide much-needed certainty, and yet the only certainty delivered was higher costs. The Employment Rights Bill compounded existing concerns, leaving the business community without the stability it has long called for in order to take risks, invest, hire and expand.
This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 17 October and 15 December 2025. A total of 504 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector.
While the World Trade Organisation has upped slightly its forecast of a drop of 0.2% in goods trade made shortly after the first big US retaliatory tariff announcement in April, to now a positive rise of 0.9%, this is still way below its original estimate of 2.7%.
This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 9 July and 4 August 2025. A total of 505 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector.
Sponsored by: HaysMac
This report explores the state of commercial retrofitting of buildings in London, revealing low uptake despite its critical role in achieving net-zero goals. It highlights barriers such as finance, regulation, and skills shortages, especially for SMEs, and offers strategic recommendations on how London businesses can scale retrofit delivery through policy alignment, workforce development, and innovative funding models.
The Q2 2025 results offer tentative evidence of recovery, but the uneven nature of this rebound raises pressing questions towards London’s long-term competitiveness.
This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 17 April and 22 May 2025. A total of 506 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector.
Sponsored by: HaysMac
