Monday 29 Jan 2018

London Businesses divided over Uber

London businesses are split in their attitude towards Uber a new survey has found.

A survey of more than 500 businesses by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) found 46% say they support TfL’s decision to reject Uber’s application for a new license, while 38% disagree.

Three in five (61%) say that new technology and providers in the taxi and private hire industry have benefited businesses and consumers while one in five (18%) disagree with this.

The survey also found that two in five (42%) prefer Uber and other private hire vehicles over taxis for business purposes, while a similar proportion (41%) say they do not.

Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Colin Stanbridge said:

“We hear from our businesses that they welcome innovation and new ways of working.

“We certainly support competition and the improvements it can often bring to industries.

“However, all businesses, in all sectors, always need to remember that they have to operate to high standards and deliver excellent customer service”.

The findings follow a previous survey by LCCI London business are overwhelmingly in support of all London taxi drivers being required to take an English test.

Both surveys come as competition in the taxi and private hire industry continues within the capital and the number of private hire vehicles on London’s roads has increased by over 75% over the previous five years.

This has raised issues on the regulation of the industry and questions on how to ensure a consistent quality of service and fair competition across the sector.

ENDS

Media contact

Katharine Barney
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kbarney@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry 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. ComRes online survey for LCCI of 577 London businesses, weighted to be representative of all London businesses by company size and broad industry sector, between 2 and 27 November 2017. Full data tables are available at www.comresglobal.com