The Square Mile has a new business network in the form of the City of London Chamber, which has been launched at the Guildhall in the presence of senior business leaders from across the City.
According to the chamber’s mission statement, the network will provide a forum for companies operating in all sectors, ranging from large multinational corporations to the more than 24,000 SMEs who call the Square Mile home.
Business rates, improving footfall after the pandemic, labour and skills shortages, business crime, and the City’s future international competitiveness have all been outlined in the City of London Chamber’s agenda.
Supporting businesses as they navigate more existential challenges such as post-Brexit arrangements and the City’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic have also been identified as key functions of the network.
Richard Burge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hailed the arrival of the Square Mile’s dedicated business chamber.
Burge said: “We are delighted to launch the City of London Chamber, an initiative designed to champion and empower businesses of all sizes and across all sectors within the Square Mile.
“London is the engine room of the UK and maintaining the City’s credentials as one of the world’s leading financial and professional services centres is crucial to maintaining Global Britain’s standing on the international stage.
“Businesses are the beating heart of our financial centre and the City of London Chamber will empower firms within the Square Mile to take the City forward in its future growth.”
Alongside Burge, the launch event was attended by senior business leaders from across the City, and speeches were delivered by Alderman Prem Goyal, Founding Chair of the City of London Chamber Committee, Keith Bottomley, Head of Policy at the City of London Corporation.
Earlier in the day, a special market opening ceremony at the London Stock Exchange marked the occasion and heralded the official launch of the Chamber in the City.
Alderman Goyal said: “The City of London Chamber will provide an important forum for the Square Mile’s businesses to collaborate and speak with one voice.
“Throughout my career in the City I’ve seen how difficult it is to tackle issues such as labour and skills shortages without businesses of all sectors and sizes uniting together.
“As Founding Chair of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, I look forward to working with the business community to champion the City of London and make the case for a City that is secure, competitive and flourishing.”
The member committee comprises Cundall Johnston and Partners LLP, Fletcher Day Ltd, Giambrone & Partners LLP, GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd), Haysmacintyre, Iceni Projects, Lloyds Commercial Banking, Waterstons Limited, Sentriware, HSBC, CIBC, Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions Limited, Harod Associates, Money and Pensions Service, WPS, Nexfin, City and Islington College / Capital College Group and UK College of Business and Computing.
Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “The launch of the City of London Chamber of Commerce is an important step on the road to recovery for the Square Mile.
“The City is a key driver of growth and employment in the Square Mile increased to a record high total in 2021. This economic contribution – which supports lives and livelihoods across the length and breadth of the country – is underpinned by City’s 22,000 businesses.
“We look forward to working with the new Chamber and those it represents to support our position as a world leading business hub.”
Amy Green, Insurance Specialist at Specialist Risk Group and Founding Member of the City of London Chamber, added: “We are delighted to be founding members of the City of London Chamber, and I look forward to working alongside fellow local businesses to tackle many of the issues facing businesses like ours in the City.
“In a challenging economic environment, I look forward to working within the London Chamber community to secure a positive outlook for businesses.”
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