Friday 24 June 2016

Turn 'Leave' vote into opportunity says London Chamber

With the UK having voted to 'leave' the EU, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said that the government should now work to maximise opportunities to boost UK trade internationally.

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "While the UK electorate has made its choice it is notable that London voted quite differently.

As ministers now contemplate the UK's future outside the EU, London's new mayor Sadiq Khan needs to be involved in that planning - to help harness the resources necessary to sustain long-term economic growth.

Government must look to maintain the capital's position as world-leading place to do business. That means having the pull factors that will attract global companies to invest and locate in London whether that is around business environment, strategic infrastructure or skilled staff. We need to turn the result of the referendum into a time of opportunity for Britain.

International trade has long been a critical component of Britain's economic well-being. Now more than ever there is a pressing need to encourage and support British businesses to engage in international commerce and help build a strong and prosperous UK economy.

In the new landscape, the government needs to develop a national strategy for exports and growth to coordinate departmental activity and ensure appropriately resourced support is delivered to UK businesses looking to trade overseas.

One element of that strategy should be to ensure London has the infrastructure to compete and that includes aviation capacity to connect to far-off key markets. Therefore it is now an absolute priority that Ministers take a decision on expanding BOTH Heathrow and Gatwick".

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@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.