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London Chamber of Commerce and IndustryLondon Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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Mayor Khan must help London get the Skills to compete

Thursday 15 March 2018

Mayor Khan must help London get the Skills to compete

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has warned that the Mayor of London must fully grasp the challenge of London’s skills shortage and promote new trade opportunities to safeguard London’s economy

Responding to the Mayor’s draft Economic Development Strategy, LCCI backed Sadiq Khan’s calls for the Apprenticeship Levy to be devolved to London but called for real business input to help tailor the Adult Education Budget when it is devolved to London.

LCCI agrees that the Mayor correctly identified affordable workspace and a fairer system of business rates as major issues due for reform. However to mitigate the current negative mood among business the Mayor must work to limit any further cost rises in the capital.

This includes looking to soften the impact of the proposed ULEZ extension on SMEs.

The Chamber believes the Mayor has an integral role to play in supporting London businesses who have concerns about Brexit and those who want to access new business opportunities in fast growing international markets.

Chief Executive of LCCI, Colin Stanbridge said: “There are a lot of positive elements in the Mayor’s draft Economic Strategy, but LCCI also believes words should be translated into actions.

“London is an exporting success story and remains the only region in the country that runs a trade surplus.

“As the UK leaves the EU, it is essential that we build on our existing relationships whilst pursuing new opportunities.

“LCCI has been helping British businesses grow through international trade since 1881. We therefore support proposals such as the new London Trade Strategy and any further assistance that will be made available to London businesses. “

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 (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. LCCI’s response to the Mayor of London’s draft Economic Development Strategy can be found here.
  4. LCCI’s London Business 1000 survey served to re-enforce findings highlighted elsewhere that the take up of apprenticeships in London is low, with just 8% of firms polled by the survey reporting that the employ an apprentice.